Schools in Japan

Schools in Japan start in April and end in March. Foreign children can go to schools in Japan. This is an introduction to the school system in Japan.

School System in Japan

6-3-3-4 System

We call the school system in Japan the 6-3-3-4 system.

Children enter elementary school at the age of 6. They learn at elementary school for six years.
After elementary school, children move on to junior high school at the age of 12. They learn at junior high school for 3 years.
After junior high school, almost all students progress on to high school. You can go to high school if you take and pass the entrance examination. High schools also last three years.
Some students who graduate from high school can progress to university. Students can move up to university after taking and passing the entrance examination. Universities last four years.
Some students who graduate from high school can elect to attend junior college or technical school. Junior colleges and technical schools usually last two years.

Compulsory Education

All Japanese children must go to elementary and junior high schools. We call this "compulsory education."
Foreign children can also attend public elementary and junior high schools that are run by districts or cities. Go to the city hall where you live and discuss enrollment with them.
Classes and textbooks are free of charge, but there are some incidental costs, including school meals.
Families in trouble with lack of money can seek assistance. We call this system Shugaku-Enjo (school expense subsidies). Parents and guardians can obtain some money for meals at school, and things their children need to study through this system. Obtain the form at the school to apply for school expense subsidies.

One Academic Year in Japan

3-Semester System

Schools in Japan start in April and end in March of the following year.
At elementary and junior high schools in Japan, there are three semesters in a year. We call this a 3-semester system.

First Semester: From April to the end of July.
Second Semester: September to the end of December.
Third Semester: From January to the end of March.

Long Holidays

There are three long holidays for elementary and junior high schools in Japan.

Summer Holiday: From the end of July to the end of August. This holiday generally lasts about 40 days.
Winter Holiday: This holiday lasts around 15 days from the end of December to the beginning of January.
Spring Holiday: From the end of March to the beginning of April. This holiday generally lasts about 10 days.

Students are given a large amount of homework to do during the summer holiday.

School Events

Schools in Japan offer a variety of events for elementary and junior high school students.
At schools in Japan, there are also events in which the student's parents or guardians can participate.

Entrance and Graduation Ceremonies: Entrance ceremonies take place in April and graduation ceremonies are held in March.
Opening Ceremony: Held at the beginning of the semester.
Closing Ceremony/Completion Ceremony: Held at the end of the semester.
Field Trips and Out-of-school Study: Students leave the school and take a tour of a factory or other places as a learning event.
Study Camps and Study Trips: Students travel together as another type of learning excursion.
Class Visits and Public Classes: Parents and guardians are invited to visit the school to attend their child's class and watch how they are being taught.
Sports Day or Sports Festival: A festival where all the students participate in various sporting and exercising events.

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