Types of High Schools
"Public," "Private," and "National"
In Japan, there are two main types of schools: "public" and "private." Public schools are established by the national or local governments, while private schools are created by private organizations or corporations. Public schools tend to be more affordable. However, in private schools, if students have good academic performance, they can receive scholarships or reduce their tuition costs. Both public and private schools, as well as national schools, offer tuition exemption programs for families with low incomes. Additionally, many private schools are known for their extracurricular activities or have a strong reputation for academic advancement.
"General Course" and "Specialized Course"
High schools offer two types of courses: the "general course," where students study standard subjects such as Japanese, math, and English, and the "specialized course," where students learn specific knowledge and skills.
"Full-Time," "Part-Time," and "Correspondence"
When choosing a high school, it's important to select one that suits you.
Types of High School Entrance Exams
High school entrance exams are generally divided into three types:
Preparing for Entrance Exams
Internal Grades
In high school entrance exams, not only are the academic test scores important, but internal grades also play a crucial role. Internal grades are calculated based on evaluations from regular test scores, reports, presentations, assignments, homework, and classroom behavior. To maintain high internal grades, it’s essential to consistently review and prepare from the first year, submit homework, and achieve good results in regular exams.
Three-Way Meeting
In the third year of junior high school, there is a "three-way meeting" to discuss the student's future path. The meeting involves the student, parents, and a school teacher. During this meeting, decisions are made about which high school to apply to, and preparations for the entrance exams are discussed.
Open Campus and School Information Sessions
High schools hold open campuses and information sessions starting around summer vacation. These events provide insight into school life, such as classes and extracurricular activities. Be sure to ask your teachers or check online for schedules and attend to learn more about the school.
Cram Schools (Juku)
In Japan, many junior high school students attend cram schools to prepare for high school entrance exams. However, attending these schools requires paying tuition fees.
