Japan is known for its high-quality education system, which consistently ranks among the top performers in international assessments. But what makes the Japanese school system so effective and successful? And which schools are the best examples of excellence in education?
In this article, we will explore the features and characteristics of the Japanese school system, and introduce 10 of the best school systems in Japan based on various criteria.
Features And Curriculum of the Japanese School System
The Japanese school system consists of six years of elementary school, three years of junior high school, and three years of high school. Compulsory education lasts for nine years, covering elementary and junior high school. Most students attend public schools, but private schools are also popular at the upper secondary and university levels.
Some of the features and characteristics that distinguish the Japanese school system are:
- High academic standards and expectations. The Japanese curriculum is rigorous and comprehensive, covering a wide range of subjects and skills. Students are expected to master the basic knowledge and competencies required for further education and life. The curriculum also emphasizes moral education, physical education, and cultural activities.
- Uniform national curriculum and examinations. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) sets the national curriculum guidelines and administers standardized examinations for elementary, junior high, and high school students. These examinations are used to evaluate student achievement and to determine admission to higher education institutions.
- Long school hours and homework. The Japanese school year consists of three semesters, starting in April and ending in March. The school day typically lasts from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with six 50-minute class periods. After school, students participate in club activities, such as sports, music, or art. Students also have homework assignments that can take several hours to complete.
- Respect for teachers and discipline. Teachers are highly respected and trusted by students, parents, and society. They are well-trained and qualified, with a minimum of four years of university education and a teacher certification exam. Teachers are also expected to be role models for their students and to foster their moral development. Discipline is strict but fair in Japanese schools, with clear rules and consequences for misbehavior.
- Collaboration and cooperation. The Japanese school system fosters a sense of collaboration and cooperation among students, teachers, parents, and the community. Students learn to work together in groups, to help each other, and to respect different opinions and perspectives. Teachers work as a team to plan lessons, share resources, and support each other. Parents are involved in their children’s education through parent-teacher associations, school events, and volunteer activities. The community also supports the schools through donations, sponsorships, and partnerships.
Top 10 Best School Systems in Japan
Based on various criteria such as academic performance, international recognition, innovation, diversity, and social contribution, here are 10 of the best school systems in Japan:
10. Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School
This public high school in Tokyo offers a bilingual program in Japanese and English, as well as courses in Chinese, French, German, Korean, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese, Italian, and Thai. The school aims to cultivate global citizens who can communicate across cultures and contribute to world peace.
09. Osaka Prefectural Kitano High School
This public high school in Osaka is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in Japan. It has a history of producing many notable alumni, including Nobel laureates, politicians, artists, writers, scientists, and entrepreneurs. The school offers a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes liberal arts, mathematics, and science.
08. Kyoto University High School
This private high school in Kyoto is affiliated with Kyoto University, one of the top universities in Japan and Asia. The school prepares students for admission to Kyoto University and other elite universities through an advanced curriculum that covers humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and foreign languages.
07. Hiroshima International School
This private international school in Hiroshima offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for students from kindergarten to grade 12. The school has a diverse student body representing over 30 nationalities and a multicultural faculty from over 10 countries. The school promotes international understanding and peace education through its curriculum and activities.
06. Fukuoka International School
This private international school in Fukuoka offers the IB program for students from kindergarten to grade 12. The school has a diverse student body representing over 30 nationalities and a multicultural faculty from over 10 countries. The school promotes international understanding and inquiry-based learning through its curriculum and activities.
05. Hokkaido International School
This private international school in Hokkaido offers an American-style education with an international perspective for students from preschool to grade 12. The school has a small student population of around 200 and a low student-teacher ratio of 7:1. The school provides a variety of academic, artistic, athletic, and service opportunities for its students.
04. International School of the Sacred Heart
This private Catholic girls’ school in Tokyo offers an international education based on Christian values for students from kindergarten to grade 12. The school follows the IB program and the American Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The school has a diverse and supportive community of over 500 students from over 50 countries.
04. K International School Tokyo
This private international school in Tokyo offers the IB program for students from preschool to grade 12. The school has a progressive and holistic approach to education that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and global citizenship. The school has a multicultural and multilingual environment with over 600 students from over 40 countries.
03. Kyoto International School
This private international school in Kyoto offers an inquiry-based education that incorporates Japanese culture and language for students from preschool to grade 8. The school follows the IB Primary Years Program (PYP) and the Cambridge International Curriculum. The school has a small and friendly community of around 150 students from over 20 countries.
02. Nagoya International Schoo
This private international school in Nagoya offers the IB program for students from preschool to grade 12. The school has a balanced and rigorous curriculum that emphasizes academic excellence, personal growth, and intercultural understanding. The school has a diverse and dynamic community of over 400 students from over 40 countries.
01. Osaka YMCA International School
This private international school in Osaka offers an inclusive and caring education that respects diversity and individuality for students from kindergarten to grade 9. The school follows the IB PYP and the Cambridge Lower Secondary Program. The school has a vibrant and active community of over 200 students from over 30 countries.
These are just some of the best school systems in Japan that provide high-quality education for their students. There are many more schools that offer different programs, approaches, and opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds.
Conclusion
The Japanese school system is one of the most successful and respected in the world, with its high standards, national curriculum, long hours, discipline, respect, collaboration, and cooperation. However, it is also diverse and dynamic, with many schools offering different options, perspectives, and experiences for their students.
If you are interested in studying or sending your child to study in Japan, you can explore the various schools available and find the one that best suits your needs, goals, and preferences.
Question and Answer Section
Q: How many hours do Japanese School students study per day?
A: According to a survey by MEXT in 2019, the average time spent on studying per day by Japanese students was 4 hours for elementary school students, 5 hours for junior high school students, and 6 hours for high school students. This includes both schoolwork and homework.
Q: What are some of the benefits of studying in Japan?
- You can learn from a high-quality education system that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
- You can experience a rich culture and history that blends tradition and modernity.
- You can improve your language skills by learning Japanese or English as a foreign language.
- You can make friends with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
Q: What are some of the challenges of studying in Japan?
A: Some of the challenges of studying in Japan are: You may face cultural differences or language barriers that can affect your communication or adaptation. You may have to adjust to a different learning style or teaching method that may be more rigid or formal than what you are used to.