Understanding the forces that shape Japanese society and culture is essential. The factors that affect them throughout their early years are particularly significant. One of the most important factors influencing how the Japanese youth and future generations are shaped is the academic process. Japanese children attend school for a considerable amount of time. It should come as no surprise that the education system has a significant impact on the organization of Japanese society. By looking at the “typical” high school experience, it becomes clear how important the educational system is to Japanese culture.
Practical, research-based teaching strategies and globally recognized curriculum standards form the foundation of some of the finest international school in Tokyo. In-depth International Baccalaureate programs place a strong emphasis on teaching strategies that foster understanding, independence, and intercultural competence.
How does the education sector work?
The schools are often split into five sections.
- Early Childhood
- Kindergarten
- Middle school
- High school
- College
Primary Education
Kids’ participation in extracurricular activities such as singing, dancing, and sketching is encouraged. All children in Japan must be accepted to elementary schools after 6 years old to complete their primary education, which lasts for six years or until they are 12 years old. The pupils are instructed in fundamental reading and writing skills, the Japanese language and literature, and subjects including science, mathematics, social science, physical education, the arts, music, moral education, and other topics throughout this phase.
Secondary Education
Three years make up the Lower Secondary education. During this time, pupils receive advanced information in various fields, including social studies, mathematics, science, fine arts, physical education, foreign languages, etc.
Scholars between the ages of 14 and 18 receive an education at the upper secondary level, sometimes known as high school. The platform offered to the students allows them to familiarise themselves with knowledge in various sectors, including business, information technology, accounting, fish farming, and many more.
University Education
The Japanese educational system does not require pupils to complete high school. However, after finishing secondary school and passing admission tests, students who pursue further education can enroll in the program of their choosing at universities. Students have a variety of possibilities to pick from in the following categories of educational institutions, with more than 700 universities providing programs across areas including engineering, business, law, humanities, education, etc.
Academic Calendar of the Japanese Education System
The academic and business calendars begin in April and finish in March, which also happens to be cherry blossom season. The tri-semester academic calendar is used by the majority of Japanese schools, where:
- April marks the start of the first semester, which lasts through August.
- September through December make up the second semester.
- Although the third semester is from January to March
Amount Spent on Education
Although public education is free in Japan, many expatriates opt to enroll their kids in international schools, at least while they are assimilating or until they are proficient in the Japanese language.
Although foreign schools’ prices vary, their services make the payments worthwhile.
Top Japanese High Schools
A list of private schools, some of which are international and some of the top high schools in Japan, may be found below.
- Tokyo International High School: This school’s curriculum emphasizes global awareness. It is incomparable to all other schools.
- The curriculum of Kanto International Senior High School is centered on globalization and languages and offers the only multilingual courses in Japan.
- Horizon Japan International School is a global institution focusing on the experience of learning that its varied student population can offer.
- The KAIS International School strongly emphasizes creating more intimate ties between teachers and students to promote more natural learning settings.
