Educational System

The educational system consists of six years of elementary school, three years of junior high school, three years senior high school and four years of university. Elementary education begins at the age of six. There is 9 years of compulsory education. The school year@begins in April and ends the following March. Classes are held from Monday to Friday and on every second Saturday. All schools will be run on the five day schedule from 2002. There are preschools and kindergartens for children under six years.
Elementary school: Pupils usually walk to local elementary schools. The number of students in a class is 40 or less. One teacher teaches all subjects. There is a school lunch system in almost all elementary schools.
Junior High School: Some students walk to school. Others go to school by bike. Some schools have a school service lunch. Others don't. Teachers specialize in a particular area. Students learn English for the first time. After school most students do club activities.
Senior High School: There are full-time, part-time and correspondence high schools. In addition to regular courses, some schools offer more specialized studies such as industrial and agricultural sciences.
After senior high schools, 44.2% of senior high school graduates go on to a universities or junior colleges. There are a variety of national universities and private universities. Students must pass the entrance examination to enter them.