Do you know the term “alternative school”?
These schools respect each child’s individuality and independence, and operate according to their own educational philosophies and curricula.
“Chikurin no Schole,” located in Tamashima, Kurashiki City, is an alternative school and free school. It opened in 2023, with a focus on learning that values what children “want to do.”
Chikurin no Schole began as a result of the natural farming activities carried out by the nonprofit organization Konosato, which operates the school.
We spoke with its representative, Kataoka Tetsuya, about the background to its founding and his thoughts on its activities.
The information presented here was current when this article was published in May 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is “Chikurin no Schole”?
Chikurin no Schole is an alternative school (free school) operated by the nonprofit organization Konosato.
It was created by developing abandoned farmland in the Hoida district of Tamashima, Kurashiki City, and began full-scale operations in April 2023.
There are currently 20 registered students: 14 elementary school students and 6 junior high school students.
The grounds include a naturally farmed field and the “Schole Park,” created by developing a waterway and a pond. Schole Park also has a handmade swing, and the children spend their days surrounded by abundant nature.
Learning That Respects What Children “Want to Do”
The curriculum at Chikurin no Schole is designed to value the children’s own desire to do what they want.
Each day begins with “Morning Wa,” a morning gathering.
Students study during “Learning Wa” and take part in activities of their choice during “Self-Exploration.” After “Time for Beauty,” when they clean as an expression of gratitude, they reflect on the day during “Closing Wa.”
“Team Exploration,” Where Children Decide What Activities to Do
One distinctive activity is “Team Exploration,” where children form groups based on their interests.
There are teams for Asia, Europe, handicrafts, smoking foods, Bravo, Japanese cuisine, and art, among others, and the children decide what they will do.
For example, the “Smoking Foods Team” boils bamboo shoots they dug up themselves and tries making smoked foods while researching the ingredients for the smoking liquid. The “Japanese Cuisine Team” has reportedly discussed not only making manju buns, but also “starting by growing azuki beans.”
Learning about food is also hands-on.
They are entirely self-sufficient in rice, with the children handling everything from planting to threshing. Cooking the rice is also the children’s responsibility: they measure out enough for the number of people that day, wash it, and put it in the rice cooker.
The children also discuss among themselves and decide who will be responsible for the “rice duty” and “cleanup duty.”
Petit Apprenticeship: Experiencing What It Means to Work
For junior high school students, the school also offers workplace experience called “Petit Apprenticeship.”
Once each term, they work at places such as hair salons, yakiniku restaurants, and sushi restaurants, learning how society works.
We spoke with Kataoka Tetsuya, representative director of the nonprofit organization Konosato, which operates Chikurin no Schole, about what inspired the school’s opening and his thoughts on running it.
Konosato Nonprofit Organization: Facts and Figures
| Organization name | Konosato Nonprofit Organization |
|---|---|
| Industry | Free school services |
| Representative | Kataoka Tetsuya |
| Year established | 2021 |
| Address | 2970 Tamashima Sue, Kurashiki City (Chikurin no Schole) |
| Contact | Email: info@konosato.org |
| Website | Chikurin no Schole |
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