japanese high school system
High school entrance is the critical juncture at which the Japanese education system begins to reflect major differences in ability and socioeconomic background. Japanese school system consists of: 6 years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high school, 3 years of senior high school and 4 years of University. Primary Education. The United States typically (though this can differ depending on state and sc… The school year begins in April, so almost all children who have turned 6 by April 1 each year enter elementary school. My experience with the Japanese school system is from having three teenagers who attended Japanese public schools from kindergarten to the high school they’re currently attending. It describes itself as standing in the top 10 percent of Tokyo metropolitan high schools. These comprehensive reforms include a wide range of changes, such as reform of national curriculum standards, a new school evaluation system, introduction of a national academic performance test, teacher training, reforms in university entrance examinations and admission policies, and … Before attending elementary school, many children also attend preschool from the age of 3, but this is optional. The hierarchical ranking of the high school that a student attends is closely related to future employment and Many private elementary and junior high schools offer a better chance of getting into top high schools, however, and attract numerous applicants despite sometimes staggering tuition fees. Junior high is the beginning of the iconic Japanese school uniform, with dark jackets and pants for the boys and sailor shirts and skirts for the girls. Most higher educational institutions in Japan set their academic year from April to March of the following year. Check out the Student Guide to Japan, published by the Japan Student Services Organization in English and many other languages. The standardized test-based education system of Japan that starts in the junior high school years kills any kind of initiative, creativity and especially thinking outside of the box. Education is one of the most important aspects of Japan’s national identity and a source of pride for Japanese citizens. 10 Facts About Education in Japan. At most schools, summer vacation covers the 40-odd days from July 20 to August 31; winter and spring vacation both last around 10 days, from December 26 to around January 6 and March 25 to around April 5, respectively. As of 2013, 50.8% of high school graduates passed entrance examinations to continue their studies at university. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: Not much besides a difference in culture. The old 6-5-3-3 system was changed to a 6-3-3-4 system (6 years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high school, 3 years of senior high school and 4 years of University) with reference to the American system. Having a high level of education, such as a college diploma or a university degree, is critical for Japanese Students are expected to enter high school having learned the 1,945 kanji characters known as the joyo kanji. The Japanese School Year. Most students continue to get a high school education at least, … Japanese language: The focus in high school is on classical Japanese. Included here is information on juku, the private schools that many students attend in addition to public school. Kōkō(高校, High school) from 15 to 18. The school participation rate for the years of compulsory education in Japan is one of the highest in the world at 99.8%. Students should not wear makeup, paint their nails while they are in school. Another trend, which may be a sign of changing times and more parents being posted overseas, is the increasing number of schools catering to children who have completed part of their education abroad. Shōgakkō(小学, Elementary school) from 6 to 12. Universities (Undergraduate) and Junior Colleges, Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Students, Privately-Financed International Students, Graduate schools, universities and junior colleges, ASEAN COUNCIL OF JAPAN ALUMNIï¼ASCOJAï¼, Support Programs for International Students by JASSO, Outline of the Student Exchange Systemï¼Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology(MEXT), Outline of the National Universities(MEXT), Outline of the Private Universitiesï¼MEXT), Outline of the Public Universitiesï¼MEXT), Outline of the Specialized Training Colleges and Miscellaneous Schoolï¼MEXT), Outline of the Colleges of Technologyï¼MEXT). The Japanese educational system was reformed after World War II. In Japan, higher education starts upon the completion of 12 years of education: elementary education (6 years of elementary school) and secondary education (3 years of lower secondary school and 3 years of upper secondary school). Compulsory education lasts for nine years in Japan, between the ages of 6 and 15. Education through middle school is compulsory in Japan, where schools remain structured after the American model. Interested in studying in Japan? Getting to School. The hierarchical ranking of the high school that a student attends is closely related to future employment and career path. Many higher educational institutions adopt the semester system, and most start their academic year in April, although there are also some that begin in autumn. Education in Japan is compulsory at the elementary and lower secondary levels. Here are some differences between these countries’ school systems. A high schools in Japan welcomes students who reached 15 years and ends when they are 18. One look fits all. And so, Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs) focus on the grammar and vocabulary that will be on the test. Japanese schools have three semesters, separated by vacations. If she wishes to study at a Japanese university, entering via the Japanese school system will likely be the easiest route. In Japan, the school year begins in April and ends in March. Despite spending less on education than many other developed countries, Japan has one of the best education systems in the world. ), education The country’s high-quality education system has consistently won international praise. Uniforms also tend to be required in physical education as well. university A high schools in Japan welcomes students who reached 15 years and ends when they are 18. and More. School is typically divided intofive cycles: 1. There are 5 types of higher education institutions that international students can be admitted to, which are 1) Colleges of technology, 2) Professional training colleges (postsecondary course of specialized training colleges), 3) Junior colleges, 4) Universities (undergraduate) and 5) Graduate schools. Japanese Educational System In Japan, higher education starts upon the completion of 12 years of education: elementary education (6 years of elementary school) and secondary education (3 years of lower secondary school and 3 years of upper secondary school). 5. In many cases, pen and paper is still preferred over electronic devices. In Japan, a school year consists of Yōchien(幼稚園, Nursery school) from 3 to 6 years old. Especially in the case of high schools, there is a mandated set of content that appears. Foreign children who live in Japan are not legally required to attend school, but if they wish to do so, they can receive free education and textbooks at public elementary and junior high schools, just as Japanese children do. Japanese High School Class System Instructor: Christopher Muscato Show bio Chris has a master's degree in history and teaches at the University of Northern Colorado. Daigaku (大学, University) or Senmongakkō(専 門 学校, Vocational school) in general with a duration of 2 to 4 years. Even so, 97% of those high school graduates who immediately sought work were able to find jobs. The Japanese education system is one of the most influential agents molding Japanese youth. This continues into high school, though the uniforms may be more stylish to attract higher level applicants. Unfortunately, these last three are what Japan especially needs in the 21st century; perhaps Japan… Japanese schools are not as high-tech as you think. There are also 3 main formats of secondary education: full-time, part-time, or correspondence. There are no entrance examinations or tuition fees for public elementary and junior high schools, and textbooks are distributed free of charge. After completing six years of basic education at elementary school, they move on to junior high school, which they attend for three years before graduating. A look at school lunches in Japan, which provide not just nutrition but also instruction in healthy eating habits to last a lifetime. The gimukyoiku 義務教育 (compulsory education) time period is 9 years, 6 in shougakkou 小学校 (elementary school) … An examination of the "typical" high school experience illuminates the function of the education system in Japanese society. Most students continue to get a high school education at least, while there are various higher education options beyond that. It is not uncommon for people to attend senmon gakkÅ to earn specialist qualifications while also studying at university or working. For those unfamiliar with the Japanese school system, most high schools and universities have a test that prospective students must take and pass. So the first semester begins in April and ends around July 20. There are many different kinds of institutions for study from 15 to 18, including standard high schools offering general education, as well as agricultural, industrial, and commercial high schools. The Japanese school system primarily consists of six-year elementary schools, three-year junior high schools and three-year high schools, followed by a two-or-three-year junior colleges or a four-year colleges. The Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School, commonly known as Kokusai Koko, is the foremost among all public-international high schools. Kanto International School is a private, co-educational high school with three learning streams: general education, foreign studies and performing arts. jp.fotolia.com/. 2. 3. https://education.jnto.go.jp/en/school-exchanges/japanese-education-system Many Japanese corporations set a university degree as a minimum requirement for recruitment. New kinds of schools have emerged recently, such as combined junior high and high schools, which attract students with their six-year programs and thorough preparation for university entrance examinations. Ages are roughly 12-15 with increased focus on academic studies. High school entrance is the critical juncture at which the Japanese education system begins to reflect major differences in ability and socioeconomic background. (Banner photo: Children in an elementary school classroom in Kazo, Saitama Prefecture. At the higher education level, there are universities with four-year programs, two-year colleges, and senmon gakkÅ (vocational colleges) with programs lasting two or more years. Option Two: Private High Schools #7 Kanto International Senior High School. After completing compulsory education, students have a number of choices. Lower-secondary schools cover grades seven, eight, and nine. The Japanese school year begins in April and ends in March and is divided into three semesters. Depending on the founding bodies, these higher education institutions are categorized into three types: national, local public and private. It is also possible to study for a high school diploma at night school or via correspondence while working. Japan is currently undertaking reforms in school education toward twenty-first century education. Although it is possible to leave the formal education system after completing lower secondary school and find employment, fewer than 4% did so by the late 1980s. Social Studies: Geography and history are taught as one course in high school, along with a civics course. There are also 3 main formats of secondary education: full-time, part-time, or correspondence. Japanese higher education institutions include universities awarding bachelor’s, master’s, doctor’s After completing your major at a junior college or college of technology recognized by the National Institution for Academic Degrees and University Evaluation (NIAD-UE), you can obtain your "bachelor's degree" if you pass the examination set by the NIAD-UE. Dress Code. The new school year starts in April, at the end of spring vacation. To better understand how this is achieved, here are 10 facts about education in Japan. For most elementary, junior high, and high school students, summer vacation lasts … Examples include International Christian University High School, where 70% of the student body are returnees. In Japan, 98.1% of junior high school graduates continue their education in one of the above ways. In America, school grades are counted as 1 -5 for 小学校 (elementary school), 6-8 for 中学校 (junior high) and 9-12 for 高等学校 (high school). Secondary education in Japan comprises two main divisions: lower secondary (also called middle school or junior high school) and upper secondary (also called high school or senior high school). While only about 20 percent of public schools in the U.S. require uniforms, nearly all Japanese public school students suit up from junior high school on. school. One of the most distinctive features of the Japanese school system is the beginning of a school year that starts in April. The uniforms, called seifuku, differ school to school, but generally there is a requirement to adhere to the uniform. Japanese Educational System In Japan, higher education starts upon the completion of 12 years of education: elementary education (6 years of elementary school) and secondary education (3 years of lower secondary school and 3 years of upper secondary school). Equality in education: Japan ranks highly in providing equal educational opportunities for students, … Universities begin in late August, so they spend the three or four months prior to that gathering resumes and doing interviews; most make their … High school dropout rate: Japan’s high school dropout rate is at a low 1.27%. Different institutions offer a wide range of subjects including nursing, cookery, agriculture, civil engineering and construction, anime, linguistics, design, video games, film and theater, and sports. Schools in Japan for International Students Given Japan’s ever-increasing foreign population, it is now easy to find international schools in nearly every prefecture throughout the country. While going casual may fly in some high schools around the world, this is a definite … Japanese Educational System Problems Yasko Ishimaru In 1996, 46 percent of Japanese high school graduates went on to attend a two-year junior college or four-year university (“Schools and Curricula”). There are five-year kÅtÅ senmon gakkÅ (colleges of technology) too, which combine general education with specialist technical training. © Jiji. This continues into high school, though the uniforms may be more stylish to attract higher level applicants. It’s all about education … International schools also do not come with the same academic pressure or “exam hell” that is seen in the traditional Japanese education system. Given the large amount of time that Japanese students spend in schools, it is little wonder that the education system plays a tremendous role in determining the fabric of Japanese society. While only about 20 percent of public schools in the U.S. require uniforms, nearly all … In Japan, education is compulsory roughly from the age of 6 to the age of 15. Following elementary education at kindergartens and day-care centers, children move on to primary schools, where they complete 6 grades in preparation for junior high. The school year starts in April. This site is a government-approved information site for studying in Japan operated by the Japan Student Services Organization in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 1. Unfortunately, these last three are what Japan especially needs in the 21st century; perhaps Japan`s most challenging 100 … After grade 9, students in Japan are divided into two categories: vocational and university entrance. The educational approach at kindergartens varies greatly from unstructured environments that emphasize play to highly … Some have even built up an international reputation, such as Mode Gakuen, which specializes in fashion; HAL, which specializes in anime and games; and Kuwasawa Design School. For public and private schools, the school year begins in April, which makes winter a popular time for hiring. Japan may be one of the most progressive countries in the field of science and technology, but you may think twice if you get a chance to see the inside one of their schools. The standardized test-based education system of Japan that starts in the junior high school years kills any kind of initiative, creativity and especially thinking outside of the box. In some cases, companies may pay the tuition fees to boost their employees’ technical knowledge. Chūgakkō(中学, Middle School) from 12 to 15. Most students attend public schools through the lower secondary level, but private education is popular at the upper secondary and university levels. Education prior to elementary school is provided at kindergartens and day-carecenters. Many either walk or ride bicycles if the distance is not too great. Junior high is the beginning of the iconic Japanese school uniform, with dark jackets and pants for the boys and sailor shirts and skirts for the girls. For high school graduates who have particular careers in mind, senmon gakkÅ are a popular choice. Of the six schools designated for foreign students, only this one has a full English website. The programmes for those children aged 3–5 resemble those at kindergartens. 4. Foreign students are only accepted into the Japanese culture course in the general education stream. In Japan, school uniforms are far more common for public schools especially for middle and high schoolers. Compulsory education lasts for 9 years through elementary and junior high school. Compulsory education lasts for nine years in Japan, between the ages of 6 and 15. Japanese high school students do not drive cars. After grade 9, students in Japan are divided into two categories: vocational and university entrance. Parents or guardians’ main expenses are uniforms, supplementary materials, lunch fees, and charges for school trips. After graduating from university, it is also possible to spend another two years in specialist studies for a master’s degree or three or more years for a doctorate. In Japan, higher education starts upon completion of a total of 12 years of primary education (6 years in elementary school) and secondary education (three years respectively in both lower and upper secondary schools). Please check for further details from the school you are applying to.