Education

(most information provided from Japan-Guide.com)

In 1868 Japan once again opened itself up to the west after being closed off (for more history on Japan be sure to check out this website). The government wished to catch up with the west and learn all things western. They in turn changed their educational structure and based it upon the French and German's.

The educational structure stayed the same pretty much until after World War II when the Americans changed the structure to look like their own. Thus, the elementary system goes for six years with the junior and senior high schools being for three years each.

Elementary and junior high is required for all in Japan. Freshman year of junior high students wishing to go to high school are required to take the entrance exams for the schools that they wish to apply to. Many students are choosing to go to juku, or cram school, to prepare for the entrance exams. About 95% of Japanese teenagers to go high school, others choosing instead to join the work force. Of that 95%, about 90% of students end up actually graduating from school.

Like entering into high school, to get into college there is also an extrance exam for students to take. About 30% of students actually end up going to college, with about 40% of that number graduating.

The Japanese school quarter starts in April and usually goes until February/March. The school year is split into three different terms, with short little breaks/vacations between.

For more information on the school system, be sure to check out JapanGuide.com! (thanks!)