10th grade in Japan corresponds to the first year of senior high school, also known as kōkō (高校).
In Japan, secondary education is divided into two levels:
- Junior High School (中学校 chūgakkō): Grades 7-9
- Senior High School (高等学校 kōtōgakkō): Grades 10-12
Therefore, a student in 10th grade would be attending senior high school. Kōkō is not compulsory, unlike junior high school. Many students still choose to continue their education.
Senior high schools offer both general and specialized courses, similar to high schools in other countries. Students can pursue academic tracks focusing on university preparation or vocational tracks focusing on specific career paths.
