How long is middle school in Japan?
John Johnson
Updated on April 15, 2026
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 age is Japanese middle school?
Junior High School: After completing their six years of elementary school, students shift to the last three years of compulsory education—called variously junior high school, middle school, or lower secondary school—usually when they are between the ages of 12 and 15.Is Japanese middle school 3 years?
Shōgakkō (小学, Elementary school) from 6 to 12. Chūgakkō (中学, Middle School) from 12 to 15. Kōkō (高校, High school) from 15 to 18. Daigaku (大学, University) or Senmongakkō (専 門 学校, Vocational school) in general with a duration of 2 to 4 years.How long is junior high in Japan?
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. For Japanese nationals, six years at elementary school and three years at junior high school (total nine years) are compulsory.Is middle school in Japan high school?
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).10 Facts About Japanese Middle Schools | 日本の中学校について10コの事実
Is school free in Japan?
Tuition for public primary and secondary schools is free, even for foreign students. However, you will be required to cover some costs for lunches, school materials, uniforms, and contributions to the PTA. Your school should provide a detailed list of everything that your student needs.How long is a school day in Japan?
In general, kids have to be at school by 8:45 am. School finishes around 3:15 pm, so they have to be in school for about six and a half hours every day from Monday to Friday. However, most kids also attend after-school clubs, and many also go to juku (cram school) in the evening to do extra studying.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.Can you fail school in Japan?
As we mentioned before, it is impossible to fail one. Still, your mark will define if you can enter this or that school. When it comes to private junior-high schools, there are just a few of them. So generally students attend public ones.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.What is middle school like in Japan?
MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION IN JAPANThe standard curriculum includes the following required subjects: Japanese language, social studies, mathematics, science, a foreign language elective (almost always English), music, fine arts, health and physical education, and industrial arts or homemaking.