There are five stages in the Japanese education system: Kindergarten (age 3-6), Elementary School (age 6-12 ), Junior High School (age 12-15 ), Senior High School (age 15-18), College or University.

All Japanese children must attend school from ages six to fifteen, but many children begin earlier than this, starting kindergarten at the age of three or four. Almost all children stay in school until they are eighteen. After that, about a third of them go on for further education. Some students in Japan do not go to the senior high school nearest their homes. People feel that some schools and universities are much better than others. They believe that a student who goes to a good high school will be able to get into a good university, which will make it easier to get a good job. Therefore, there is intense competition for some schools.

All schools choose their students according to the results of entrance examinations. Each school makes its own examination. The examinations for the most famous schools are very difficult. In addition to day school, many students go to special private schools (juku) in the evening and on weekends to help them prepare for these exams.

The school year runs from April to March. Summer vacation lasts about six weeks. In addition to national holidays, school children also have two weeks off at New Year and a two-week break in the spring, between the old and new school years.

The school week begins on Monday and, in most schools, ends around noon on Saturday. The school day usually lasts from 8:30 a.m. until about 3:00 p.m., but many students stay until 5:00 or 6:00 to participate in sports or other activities. In elementary schools, there may be as many as 40 students in each class. Some schools have their children wear colored caps to make it easier for the teachers to keep track of them. This also helps prevent traffic accidents.

Most Junior and senior high schools require their students to wear uniforms, and dress rules are strict. Boys' uniforms have generally been black with brass buttons and standup collars; girls usually have worn navy blue uniforms with pleated skirts. Recently, though, many schools are changing the styles of their uniforms to make them more attractive and comfortable. Students and teachers are responsible for keeping their schools neat and clean. Every day, a period of time is set aside for this task. Each class is divided into groups that take turns cleaning the classroom, hallways, toilets, and other areas used by the whole school. Some schools also have flowers beds that the children plant and maintain.