Daily Life Lessons · School
Understand what kind of organization the PTA is and what it does, check the fee, activities, how officers are chosen and so on, and be able to decide for yourself whether to join and how to take part.
The PTA is an organization made up of parents (Parent) and teachers (Teacher), and many schools have one. It is separate from the school: an organization run by parents and teachers themselves (a social education organization, 社会教育関係団体), and parents can decide whether or not to join. The government has also stated that joining or leaving the PTA is up to each parent.
Examples of main activities include helping with school events, watching over children on their way to and from school, making newsletters, and holding workshops for parents. There is often a membership fee, and some PTAs choose officers and committee members every year. Activities and rules differ greatly from one school's PTA to another.
When you are invited to join, check the fee, the activities, how officers are chosen, how personal information is handled, and so on. If work, physical circumstances or worries about Japanese make it hard to take part, don't push yourself; talk to the PTA officers or the school.
PTA（ピーティーエー）は、保護者（ほごしゃ）と 先生の 会です。
- 学校とは 別の 会です。 - 入るか どうかは、保護者が 決めます。 - 会費（かいひ）が ある ことが 多いです。
PTAの 活動（かつどう）の 例： - 学校の 行事（ぎょうじ）の 手伝い - 子どもが 学校に 行く 道の 見守り（みまもり） - お知らせの 新聞を 作る
入る 前に、会費や 活動、役員（やくいん）の 決め方を 聞きましょう。 仕事や 体の ことで 活動が むずかしい ときは、相談しましょう。
What is the PTA?
The PTA is an organization made up of parents (Parent) and teachers (Teacher).
Who decides whether you join the PTA?
The PTA is a voluntary organization. The government has also stated that joining or leaving is up to each parent.
Which is a correct example of PTA activities?
Typical activities include watching over children, helping with events and making newsletters.
When you are invited to join, what is good to check?
Rules differ greatly from PTA to PTA, so check in advance.
What should you do if work or physical circumstances make it hard to take part?
Explain your situation and ask for advice. You may find a way to take part within your limits.
Q. Will my child have problems if I don't join the PTA?
A. The PTA is a voluntary organization, and parents can decide whether to join. If you have any worries about not joining, talk to the school.
Q. I was asked to be an officer. Can I say no?
A. How officers are chosen differs from PTA to PTA. If you have reasons why you cannot take the role, say so honestly and discuss it.
Q. How much is the membership fee?
A. The amount and how it is collected differ by PTA. Check the invitation to join or the PTA's rules.
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Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-09-28
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original