Japan is a nation of strict academic standards. Its educational system emphasizes strong academic performance at every level from elementary to high school, and onward to college. Japanese students are expected to study hard and be prepared for the challenges of higher education. In general, students in Japanese schools tend to work harder than their American counterparts. Academic success is valued above all else in Japan.
While there are many commonalities between America and Japan when it comes we as a nation strive toward excellence at every level. American schools, while having their fair share of stringent testing policies designed to ensure that our children get the most out of their education, have a tendency to celebrate individuality and diversity over standardization and academic rigor. Schools in Japan on the other hand embrace rigid standards and rigor above all else.
What is American School?
American School is a private school for students ages 4-18. It offers a variety of education programs to children of all backgrounds, including daycare, pre-school and preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school. American School also offers enrichment courses such as art and music. American School’s mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where every child can reach their full potential.
American School is located in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C. The school building was constructed in 1929 and has been renovated multiple times over the years. The building itself has a rich history that goes beyond its current use as a school. Originally built as the headquarters for Life Insurance of America (now GEICO), it was later used as the headquarters for the National Park Service before finally being turned over to American School in 2012.
What is a Japanese School?
Japanese schools are educational institutions where students learn the Japanese language and about Japanese culture. Many Japanese schools offer a full-time or part-time program for Japanese learners. Japanese school programs usually consist of classroom instruction, extracurricular activities, and field trips to cultural sites in Japan.
Japanese schools may be public schools or private nonprofit organizations that offer lessons in the home country or overseas. At some Japanese schools, parents can even sign their children up for after-school classes.
In addition to Japanese language instruction, Japanese schools may offer other types of classes such as cooking, art, music, and sports. Some programs may also include homestay experiences so that students can live with a local family while they learn more about local customs and culture.
Difference between American and Japanese Schools
Japanese schools are known for their emphasis on social and academic achievement. American schools, on the other hand, tend to focus on academics more so than social skills. Japanese schools encourage students to take part in extracurricular activities and help them develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. American schools, on the other hand, tend to focus more on academics and less on social skills. Japanese schools also place a greater emphasis on respect and manners while American schools place a greater emphasis on achievement.
Given these differences, it’s not surprising that Japanese students tend to perform better at school than their American counterparts. However, there are steps that all parents can take to help their children adapt better to an American school system. One is to make sure that your child attends after-school activities regularly. If your child doesn’t have friends who spend time with him or her after school, he or she may feel lonely or out of place at school. Another way is to talk to your child’s teacher about what he or she needs from the curriculum and work together to find ways to help your child succeed.
Conclusion
American students start school much later than Japanese students due to our more-even seasonal schedule. This is not the only difference between American and Japanese schools though. Japanese schools have different school hours and sometimes different school years too. Some of the other unique things about Japanese schools include a system of uniformity in the classroom, a “chore chart” for students, and many other aspects of Japanese schools. There are other differences as well, but the ones mentioned here are the most common.
The time difference between the two systems is one of the most obvious differences. Here in the US, most states follow a “Fall-Spring” calendar in which kids start school in September and end in May. There are a few exceptions, including Hawaii and Alaska, which begins their school year in June and ends in August. Meanwhile, in Japan, most of the country follows a “Spring-Fall” system, with the exception of Akita, Ishikawa, and Fukushima Prefectures, which follow a September-June calendar. March to June is considered the second year of school for students in these areas, though some also have a shorter school year in the winter months.
