School in Japan lasts for a minimum of 9 years, with the option to continue for another 3 years. Let's break down the Japanese education system:
Compulsory Education
Compulsory education in Japan consists of 9 years, divided into:
- Elementary School: 6 years
- Lower Secondary School (Junior High School): 3 years
According to our reference, compulsory education begins with 6 years of elementary school and ends with 3 years of lower secondary school for a total of 9 years.
Upper Secondary School
After completing the 9 years of compulsory education, students can proceed to upper secondary school (high school) which typically lasts for 3 years. This is not compulsory, but many students choose to attend.
Summary
Here’s a table summarizing the typical length of schooling in Japan:
| School Level | Duration | Compulsory? |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary School | 6 years | Yes |
| Lower Secondary School | 3 years | Yes |
| Upper Secondary School | 3 years | No |
| Total Compulsory Education | 9 years | |
| Total (with High School) | 12 years |
Therefore, while compulsory education is 9 years, most students attend school for a total of 12 years.
