Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) Schools
The Department of War (DoW) offers high quality, tuition-free education for authorized dependents of DoW personnel assigned overseas. They also provide enrollment on a space-available, tuition-paying basis for others identified and prioritized by the Secretary of War (i.e. contractors).
There are 13 DoWEA Schools on Okinawa. Among these are 8 Elementary, 3 Middle, and 2 High schools. These schools are located on Kadena Airbase and Marine Corps bases.
Off-Post Schools
Some families choose to send their children to a non-DoWEA school located off-base. Families are responsible for paying tuition fees and arranging school transportation on their own if they enroll their child at these schools.
Educational Options and Deployment Supports
Explore educational options available in your community. Find resources to help your Family through the deployment cycle.
Army Youth Sponsorship Program
Connect with the Army Youth Sponsorship Program for all transitions experienced by children and youth.
Military life presents unique challenges to students and their Families. CYS School Support Services can help. School Support Services provides a wide range of supports through the School Liaison Program. Our School Liaison Officers (SLOs) work directly with Families, educators, the installation, and community stakeholders to ensure smooth transitions for military-connected students and their Families. Services are provided at no cost to all DOW Cardholders, so reach out and meet your SLO today!
SLOs provide assistance with:
- School Transition and Deployment Support
Find the right school for your child with guidance on school options, information on local school districts, home school, and navigating School Liaisons assist families in finding the right educational setting for their children by providing detailed information on local school options and opportunities, to include homeschooling. School Liaisons help ease school transitions through youth sponsorship programs and provide deployment support via parent and educator workshops designed to build resiliency.
- Homeschool Resources
Get the support your child needs School Liaisons offer dedicated support for Homeschool Families that includes providing networking opportunities with other homeschoolers, facility access for meetings, enrichment activities, and guidance on local and state homeschool laws and policies.
- Post-Secondary Opportunities
Plan for the future with guidance on life after high school—whether that means attending college, enrolling in a vocational school, entering the workforce, or joining the military.
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Partnerships in Education
School liaisons coordinate with local and national organizations to support military students. They manage resources and establish partnerships that connect military communities with school systems globally to address the unique educational needs of military Families. -
Installation/School Communication
Each installation has a dedicated School Liaison to help Families navigate the K-12th education system. They serve as the primary point of contact to bridge the gap between military families, local schools, and Command Teams. These professionals provide support by building strong partnerships between military and civilian communities.
