Schools

Japanese School System

In Japan, children may be accepted into nursery schools from as early as a few months old, depending on availability and specific conditions. In general, children may attend kindergarten from the first April after they turn three years old.

Compulsory education begins in the April following a child's sixth birthday, when they enter elementary school. Elementary school lasts for six years, followed by three years of junior high school, which completes the compulsory education system. This is followed by three years of high school, which the majority of students choose to attend.

Approximately 70% of high school graduates continue their studies at higher education institution.

Basic Components of Japanese Education System

• Nursery school (0 - 6 years of age)
• Kindergarten (3 - 6 years of age)
• Kodomoen (Comprehensive day care center) (0 - 6 years of age)
• Elementary school (6 - 12 years of age) 【Compulsory education】
• Junior high school (12 - 15 years of age) 【Compulsory education】
• High school (15 - 18 years of age)

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), which determines all national education policies throughout Japan, has released a guide for foreign students that plan to enter the Japanese education system.
Guidebook for Starting School (in English, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, Chinese, Portuguese, and Spanish)
http://www.mext.go.jp/en/policy/education/elsec/title02/detail02/1373857.htm

For more information about schools, admissions and specific information and contact details, see the International Student Handbook

Some Important Characteristics of the Japanese Education System (Public Schools)

Please note: School rules and regulations may vary by school.

Walking to and from School (Elementary School)

In groups:

Many students gather at pre-arranged meeting points and walk to and from school together. Routes are often predetermined to ensure safety and to prevent students from straying into unsafe or unfamiliar areas.

Individually:

If no other children in the same grade live nearby, students may walk with older or younger students in the neighborhood. If there are no other children in the area, students may walk with their parents or guardians.

Lunch Program (Elementary and Junior High School)

The Japanese school lunch program is unique: students take turns serving, preparing, and cleaning up lunch for their classmates.
For students with allergies or dietary restrictions, bringing a lunch from home or using specially prepared meals may be possible.

Cleaning (Elementary and Junior High School)

A special feature of Japanese school is that student help keep their school clean. While some maintenance staff are present, most cleaning inside the school is done by students. Tasks are assigned to different classes and scheduled throughout the year.

Equipment, Materials and Costs

Nursery schools, kindergartens, and kodomoen may require students to have uniforms and/or exercise clothing, as well as fees for materials. Tuition for these programs is often determined based on the family's income from the previous year in Japan.

For compulsory education, elementary school students need to prepare various school supplies and equipment. In addition to stationery and other basic items, students may need school bags (randoseru), indoor shoes, exercise clothing, aprons, musical instruments sewing kits, and other materials throughout their six years of study. Requirements differ from schools to school, so parents are advised to contact the school directly to confirm what their child will need. While elementary and junior high schools do not charge tuition fees, materials and equipment costs can amount to around JPY 50,000 per year, and school lunch fees are approximately JPY 40,000.

Junior high and high school students often need to purchase uniforms and additional equipment. High school tuition and fees vary widely; private high school tuition may exceed JPY 1,000,000 per year. For families who may face financial challenges, a support program is available to help cover the costs of materials, tuition, and other school related expenses.

School Day Schedule for Elementary School (Example)

Going to school	８：００～ ８：２０
Morning greetings	８：３０～ ８：５０
1st period	８：５０～ ９：３５
2nd period	９：４５～１０：３０
20 minute break	１０：３０～１０：５０
3rd period	１０：５０～１１：３５
4th period	１１：４５～１２：３０
Lunch & break	１２：３０～１３：２５
Cleaning time	１３：２５～１３：４５
5th period	１３：４５～１４：３０
6th period	１４：３５～１５：２０
Closing gathering	１５：２０～１５：３０
Going home (When school gates close)	１６：３０
	(Winter) １６：００