School choice for transnational parents in Tokyo

Abstract

School choice is centred on parents deciding where and how their children will be educated, and this issue is similar – to varying degrees – for parents all around the world. Parental school choice is the authority that parents exercise in making decisions about where their children will attend school, and choosing a particular educational pathway signifies their capacity to respond on behalf of their children and to address concerns about their development. Most parents have a deep commitment to their children’s education since childhood opportunities provide the basis for cognitive learning, health and happiness. Transnational parents want to support their children to the best of their ability. However, cultural, linguistic, economic and other barriers may limit their ability to choose a school in an unfamiliar context. To advance scholarship on transnational families, this article presents a review of the school choice options available to transnational parents residing in Tokyo, Japan.