Basic Education System In Japan

Following World War II, the Japanese education system was reformed to model the education systems of Western nations such as the U.S. and the U.K. This includes six years of elementary school education followed by 3 years each, middle and high school. The college education system includes a four-year university education or a junior college, similar to community colleges.

The school year begins in April, although there is a long break in the summer. One school year begins in April with the first term, has a month off from school for summer break, followed by another term which is followed by a winter break. The final term ends with a spring break before the next school year begins that following April.

Preschool and kindergarten are not considered “compulsory” in the Japanese education system, but are available. Kindergartens may offer a one-, two-, or three-year program depending on the age of the child upon entry.

Elementary school and middle school (junior high) are compulsory; in other words, they are required by law for all Japanese citizens. In the U.S. grades K through 12 are considered compulsory, though high school students may withdraw from school after age 16 with the option to seek a GED (general education diploma).

High school in Japan is not compulsory. This means that not only are students not required to go to high school, but if a family wishes their child to attend high school there will be a tuition involved, like private school or college. To get into a high school, students begin early in their final year of middle school, preparing for high school entrance exams. Getting into high school is comparable to applying for colleges, and the competition is very steep. If the student applies for only one high school and fails the entrance exam, that student has to wait until the following year before able to apply and take entrance exams for other schools. For this reason, just like with college, many students take exams for several schools just in case.

Some students who attend private schools opt for a middle school that combines middle and high school education into a six-year program. Depending on the school, this can mean the students do not have to take entrance exams or compete for good high schools.

Students whose families can afford prep school may attend extra preparatory classes after their regular middle school classes to help prepare for entrance exams for high schools. In many ways, the Japanese consider entering high school more difficult than entering colleges due to the competition. Still, an estimated 90% of Japanese students graduate from high school.

Vocabulary

• Hoikuen Preschool
• Youchien Kindergarten
• Shougakkou Elementary School
• Chuugakkou Middle School
• Koukou High School
• Juku Cram School, Prep School (for entrance exams)