School Grades and Age Structure in Japan | Guide to Japanese School System 101 - Japan Truly (2024)

Here’s a guide to school grades and age structure in Japan. Read on to find out everything about the Japanese school system.

School systems and structures vary from country to country. The age at which a child starts school may differ as the start date of every academic year differs in different countries.

In Japan, the academic year begins in April and ends in March of the following year. Children who are born between April 2nd of the current year and April 1st of the following year enter the same grade.

Children start the first grade of elementary school of the year that they have their sixth birthday on or before April 1st of that year.

Japan places a lot of importance on education during the early years of a child’s life. This is why it is not uncommon for children to start preschool by the time they are around 2.5 to 3 years.

School Grades and Age Structure in Japan | Guide to Japanese School System 101 - Japan Truly (1)

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School Grades and Age Structure in Japan

School Grades in Japan

The school year has two or three terms. Each of these terms is separated by term breaks in spring and winter and a summer break that is usually six weeks long. Classes are held Monday to Friday or Saturday. This varies for different schools.

In Japan, the twelve years of formal education that children go through are divided into elementary, junior high school or lower secondary, and high school or upper secondary education.

School Grades and Age Structure in Japan | Guide to Japanese School System 101 - Japan Truly (2)

It is compulsory for Japanese nationals to attend nine years of school- six years of elementary school and three years of junior high school.

School grades in the Japanese educational system are divided as the following:

  • Elementary school consists of grades 1 to 6
  • Junior high school consists of grades 7 to 9
  • High school consists of grades 10 to 12
School Grades and Age Structure in Japan | Guide to Japanese School System 101 - Japan Truly (3)

After nine years of compulsory education, students can choose to attend high school or a secondary school that combines lower and upper secondary education.

How does the Japanese education system work

School in Japan is divided into five cycles. They are:

  • Nursery school, also known as Yōchien for children between the ages of 3 to 6 years old.
  • Elementary school also known as Shōgakkō for children between the ages of 6 to 12 years old.
  • Middle school, also known as Chūgakkō for children between the ages of 12 to 15 years old.
  • High school, also known as Kōkō for children between the ages of 15 to 18 years old.
  • University, also known as Daigaku or Vocational school, also known as Senmongakkō ( in general with a duration of 2 to 4 years.

Difference between Japanese education system and American education system

In Japan, during elementary school there is a lot of emphasis on morals and ethics. Besides the standard subjects like Math, science, music, and physical education, there is a separate subject taught about morals. This subject comes with its own textbook and allotted time. The aim of introducing this subject is to facilitate discussion on moral dilemmas.

Another difference is that while school is compulsory until the age of fifteen, 99% of middle school graduates enroll in high school and continue their education. However, this is not the case in America, where dropout rates are high and the age for compulsory education differs.

Unlike America, Japan does not consider enrolling in schools specializing in agriculture, industrial, or technical training as taboo.

Up until middle school, students studying in public schools do not pay for registration or school aterial fees.

What do children learn in Japanese schools?

The subjects taught in schools in Japan are as follows:

  • Mathematics
  • Japanese
  • Science
  • Social studies
  • Music
  • Crafts
  • Physical education
  • Home economics

Besides these subjects, many elementary schools are now including English into their curriculum. Students are also taught Shodo and Haiku. Shodo is a traditional Japanese art of dipping brushes in ink and writing kanji and kana in an artistic style. Haiku is a traditional form of poetry that has only seventeen syllables.

Exams in Japan

Exams in Japan are some of the toughest and most stressful tests in the whole world. Students who wish to move up into junior high school, high schools, or universities, must go through a set of extremely grueling entrance exams.

Students spend many sleepless nights preparing for these exams. It is no wonder that these exams are fondly called exam hell or “shiken jigoku”. You can often find students sitting in cramped classrooms after regular classes, studying in hopes of getting a leg up on these exams.

Many students start preparing for these entrance exams two years in advance.

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University is no easy task either. It has been reported that only about 56% of students pass the selection process on their first try. Those who fail have to spend an entire year studying on their own before they can try again the following year.

What makes the Japanese education system so good?

The Japanese education system is considered to be one of the best in the whole world. This is because along with regular academics, students are also taught morals and ethics. This gives them a well rounded education that contributes to making them good human beings.

But like all good thighs, the Japanese education system also has a few drawbacks. Many believe that it revolves too much around school work and tests. This is tered as gakureki shakai.

Many believe that this competition between students to enter high schools and universities is unhealthy and unnecessary. This is causing children to spend most of their time studying and preparing for exams when they should be enjoying their time playing and having fun.

There have been many instances of children having breakdowns and burn outs. Many children have even dropped out of school because the stress has been unbearable.

Level of Education in Japan

Even by world standards, the level of education in Japan is considered to be quite high. In OECDs Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) which is aimed at fifteen year olds, students from Japan recorded some of the highest achievements. This was particularly seen in the area of science.

Many students also excel in out of school activities. Admissions to high schools and college are mostly through entrance exams that are commonly held from January to March.

Special Needs Schools in Japan

There are many schools that have been established to cater to the needs of children with special needs in Japan. These schools aim to provide these children with an education that is suited to their individual needs.

Like regular schools in Japan, these schools are also divided into four levels. They are kindergarten, elementary, lower and upper secondary.

These schools work towards supporting children with physical and mental disabilities. They also help them develop a self reliant nature and encourage social participation.

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Children with severe disabilities are enrolled full time to these special schools. For children with mildren disabilities, besides attending regular elementary and lower secondary schools, they can be enrolled in special classes that have a small number of students. They can also visit resource rooms a few times every week for supplemental instruction.

School Grades and Age Structure in Japan: FAQs

What ages are in what grades in Japan?

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For elementary school-
1st grade- 6 to 7 years
2nd grade- 7 to 8 years
3rd grade- 8 to 9 years
4th grade- 9 to 10 years
5th grade- 10 to 11 years
6th grade- 11 to 12 years
For junior high school-
7th grade- 12 to 13 years
8th grade- 13- 14 years
9th grade- 14 to 15 years
For high school-
10th grade- 15 to 16 years
11th grade- 16 to 17 years
12th grade- 17 to 18 years

How is the Japanese school year structured?

In Japan, the school year begins in April and ends in March of the following year. Each academic year is divided into two or three terms with scheduled term breaks in between and a six week summer break.

How long is a school year in Japan?

In general, school children in Japan attend six and a half hours of school each day.

At what age does high school start in Japan?

Most children begin high school at 15 to 16 years of age in Japan.

How many years of school is compulsory in Japan?

Japanese nationals are required to attend 9 years of compulsory education through elementary and junior high school.

Is education in Japan good?

Japan has a 100% enrollment in compulsory grades and zero illiteracy. This makes the Japanese educational system one of the best in the entire world and the Japanese population one of the best education populations.

What is wrong with the Japanese education system?

Some of the major problems that students in the Japanese education system face are lack of creativity, lack of freedom and lack of future vision. The Japanese education system revolves too much around tests and school work and this has led many students to burn out and eventually drop out.

Is education in Japan strict?

Yes, Japanese schools have very strict rules that all students must follow.

Also Read:

  1. Age Restrictions in Japan
  2. Easy Japanese Phrases to Use When Eating At A Restaurant
  3. Best Japanese Anki Decks
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Ava Sato

Hiya! I’m the main author of Japan Truly. I love everything Japan and love testing out Japanese products, be it skincare and makeup or gadgets! You’ll find reviews of some of the best selling Japanese products (tried and tested) right here!

School Grades and Age Structure in Japan | Guide to Japanese School System 101 - Japan Truly (2024)

FAQs

How does the school grade system work in Japan? ›

The basic school system in Japan is composed of elementary school (lasting six years), middle school (three years), high school (three years), and university (four years). Education is compulsory only for the nine years of elementary and middle school, but 98.8% of students go on to high school.

What grade would a 16 year old be in Japan? ›

School levels
AgeGradeEducational establishments
14-153 (9th)Junior high school/Lower secondary school (中学校 chūgakkō) Compulsory Education
15-161 (10th)Senior high school/Upper secondary school (高等学校 kōtōgakkō, abbr. 高校 kōkō)
16-172 (11th)
17-183 (12th)
17 more rows

Why Japan has the best education system? ›

1) Manners before knowledge. In Japanese schools, the students don't take any exams until they reach the age of 10. They just take small tests. It is believed that the goal for the first 3 years of school is not to judge the hild's knowledge or learning, but to establish good manners and to develop their character.

Is Japanese education system good? ›

Due to the fact that their educational system is so good, Japan has one of the world's best-educated populations (with 100% enrollment in compulsory grades and zero illiteracy).

How many grades are in Japan? ›

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. Compulsory education lasts for 9 years through elementary and junior high school.

How many grades are in high school in Japan? ›

Secondary education in Japan is split into junior high schools (中学校 chūgakkō), which cover the seventh through ninth grade, and senior high schools (高等学校 kōtōgakkō, abbreviated to 高校 kōkō), which mostly cover grades ten through twelve.

What grade is a 17 year old in? ›

How Old Are You in Each Grade?
Birth DateAgeUS Grade
Sept.1, 2007 - Aug. 31, 200814-15Grade 9
Sept.1, 2006 - Aug. 31, 200715-16Grade 10
Sept.1, 2005 - Aug. 31, 200616-17Grade 11
Sept.1, 2004 - Aug. 31, 200517-18Grade 12
11 more rows
Mar 10, 2022

At what age do Japanese start school? ›

Before beginning their elementary education at the age of 6, children have the option to attend kindergarten between the ages of 3 and 5. Compulsory education begins with 6 years of elementary school and ends with 3 years of lower secondary school for a total of 9 years.

What grade does high school start in Japan? ›

The year structure is summarized in the table below.
6–71Elementary school (小学校 shōgakkō) Compulsory Education
15–161 (10th)High school / Upper secondary school (高等学校 kōtōgakkō, abbr. 高校 kōkō)
16–172 (11th)
17–183 (12th)
18–19University: Undergraduate (大学 daigaku; 学士課程 gakushi-katei)
18 more rows

How old are most 1st graders? ›

Children in first grade are usually 6 or 7 years old, and the following guidelines are aimed at children in the typical age group. However, the information here is intended only as a general guide. If your child seems to be out of step in terms of physical development, you should consult your pediatrician.

How old are 5th graders? ›

In the United States, the fifth grade is the fifth and last year of elementary school in most schools. In other schools, it may be the first year of middle school. Students are usually 10–11 years old unless the child has been held back or skipped a grade.

Can you skip grades in Japan? ›

Under the current system in Japan, students can skip grades only after completing two years of high school. The only available accelerations are to skip the last year of high school to enter a university early or skip the last year of university to enter a graduate school.

Which country has best educational system? ›

  • United States. #1 in Education Rankings. No Change in Rank from 2020. ...
  • United Kingdom. #2 in Education Rankings. ...
  • Germany. #3 in Education Rankings. ...
  • Canada. #4 in Education Rankings. ...
  • France. #5 in Education Rankings. ...
  • Switzerland. #6 in Education Rankings. ...
  • Japan. #7 in Education Rankings. ...
  • Australia. #8 in Education Rankings.

What country has the hardest education system? ›

Which country has the hardest education system? South Korea, Japan, Singapore are a few countries which have one of the hardest education systems.

Is Japan education system hard? ›

But my observation is, Japan, with all the other East Asian neighbours, is very strict and good at middle school and secondary school's education, but they are not good and not hard working enough at higher education.

What is wrong with the Japanese education system? ›

Three of the major problems are student's lack of creativity, lack of freedom, and lack of future vision. First, Japanese educational system does not encourage creativity among the students. The main cause is the regulation of university entrance examination criteria.

Why is education so important in Japan? ›

These benefits include a well-educated citizenry, which strengthens national democracy; an adaptable work force capable of high productivity in a competitive world economy; the opportunity for individual social and economic mobility; and an improved general quality of life.

What grade is a 2nd year in Japan? ›

Grade 8

How long is a Japanese school year? ›

The Japanese school year begins in April and ends in March and is divided into three semesters. The school year starts in April. So the first semester begins in April and ends around July 20. For most elementary, junior high, and high school students, summer vacation lasts from July 20 through August 31.

What is Grade 11 called? ›

These same terms apply in the same way to the four years of a standard high school: 9th grade is freshman year, 10th grade sophomore year, 11th grade junior year, and 12th grade senior year.

Can 8th graders be 15? ›

There are a lot of students in the United States. The eighth graders are 15 years old.

What is 12 grade called? ›

Twelfth graders are referred to as Seniors. Many students consider the twelfth grade, also known as the senior year of high school, a year to relax and prepare for the transition out of their old lives into college/university or the workplace.

What is 10th grade called in Japan? ›

The year structure is summarized in the table below.
6–71Elementary school (小学校 shōgakkō) Compulsory Education
14–153 (9th)Junior high school / Lower secondary school (中学校 chūgakkō) Compulsory Education
15–161 (10th)High school / Upper secondary school (高等学校 kōtōgakkō, abbr. 高校 kōkō)
16–172 (11th)
17–183 (12th)
18 more rows

What is a 2nd year in Japan? ›

U.S.Japan
Grades 1-61st - 6th year of elementary school
Grade 71st year of middle school
Grade 82nd year of middle school
Grade 93rd year of middle school
3 more rows

Is 9th grade middle school in Japan? ›

Secondary education in Japan is split into junior high schools (中学校 chūgakkō), which cover the seventh through ninth grade, and senior high schools (高等学校 kōtōgakkō, abbreviated to 高校 kōkō), which mostly cover grades ten through twelve.

How old are first graders in Japan? ›

The chart below shows the Japanese education system according to age, grade, and available educational facilities. Children who have their 6th birthday on or before April 1 enter the first grade of elementary school of that year. School year starts in April and ends in March.

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