International School

You moved to Japan with kids — or you’re about to — and suddenly education is an equation with no obvious answer. Japanese public school is free, but it’s entirely in Japanese, and your 9-year-old doesn’t speak a word. International schools are available, but they cost ¥2 million or more a year per child. And you need to decide before you’ve figured out the rest of the move, before you know how long you’ll be staying, before you even know which neighborhood you’ll live in. ...

Japan’s school system is structured differently from most Western countries, and foreign parents often find themselves unprepared for how it works. From enrollment to daily routines to the exam culture, the differences are significant. Here’s a clear guide for families navigating Japanese schools. Overview of Japan’s School System Japan’s compulsory education covers grades 1 through 9 (ages 6–15), structured as follows: Level Japanese Name Ages Duration Elementary school Shōgakko 6–12 6 years Junior high school Chūgakkō 12–15 3 years High school Kōkō 15–18 3 years (not compulsory) University Daigaku 18+ 4 years The academic year begins in April and ends in March — the opposite of most Western countries. This is important to know when planning a move. ...