EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM & PRACTICE IN JAPAN

15	“I Outline of Japanese School System”	Previous	Next	JAPANESE

	The number of lower secondary schools in Japan is about 11,000. Approximately 93% are public-municipal schools because lower secondary schools are compulsory educational organizations. The proportion of private schools is 6.2%. Almost all of the private lower secondary schools are linked to upper secondary schools and are part of an integrated system of six-year secondary educational organization. The number of students in Japan approximates 3,860,000. the number of full-time teachers is 250,000 with the current proportion of female reaches, at 40.7%, continuing to increase. Lower secondary schools are affected by the decline in birth rates no less than elementary schools. The current number of lower secondary schools is about 81.1% of the peak in 1955, while the current number of students is 64.8% of the level of the 1965 peak. Lower secondary schools comprise the highest level of compulsory education. The proportion of attendance in upper secondary schools is 97.0%. By adding the number of students who attend specialized training colleges, the this proportion continuing on with schooling after graduation from lower secondary schools rises to 97.7%.