According to andyeducation, the educational system in Japan is based on a 6-3-3-4 system, which consists of six years of elementary school, three years of junior high school, three years of senior high school, and four years of university. Education is compulsory for all Japanese citizens up to the age of 15 and is free at the primary and secondary levels. Elementary school typically begins at the age of six and lasts for six years. During this stage, students learn basic subjects such as math, science, social studies, art and physical education. At the end of elementary school students are required to take an entrance examination in order to gain admittance into junior high school. Junior high school lasts for three years and focuses on preparing students for their transition into senior high school by introducing them to more advanced subjects such as algebra, geometry and foreign languages. Students also participate in extracurricular activities such as sports or clubs during this time. Senior high schools offer a variety of courses that prepare students for university or technical college admission. Students can choose between academic courses that focus on traditional subjects such as history and literature or vocational courses that focus on practical skills such as cooking or auto mechanics. Additionally there are non-formal learning centers located throughout the country which offer courses in literacy skills and life skills such as job search techniques or money management skills. These centers are often run by NGOs or other organizations that specialize in training people living in rural areas who may not have access to traditional educational institutions. See educationvv for Japan educational systems.
