Japan has some of the best schools in the world on account of the importance accorded to education in Japanese society. Discipline and hard work are the defining traits of school japan and this is reflected in the way that students turn out once they complete their education. Japan being one of the biggest economies of the world is home to a sizable number of expats who are either diplomats or work there as professionals or employees.
There are a fair number of international schools run by some of the leading school networks in the world who cater to the education needs of the children of these expats. That brings us to the question- do Japanese schools charge high tuition fees. The answer to this lies in the fact that this varies upon what you are looking for in a school. An international school offering international curricula like the International Baccalaureate programs and the most cutting edge infrastructure would likely charge a higher fee than a regular local school. In any case, Japan being a wealthy country, most people can afford to pay whatever fee is charged by the school in question, but it does make eminent sense to zero in one one that is just right for one’s requirements.
The other important factor determining the kind of fee charged by a school in Japan is the level or grade in which one’s child is studying. Take a look at what one might be expected to pay at the different levels:
Kindergarten-
$4000 for the duration of the time spent at that level.
Primary School-
One can expect to pay $17000 to $73000 for the six years a child spends at that level in school.
Middle School-
The parents can be expected to shell out $12500 to $34000 for the three years that one spends in middle school.
Secondary School-
The tuition fee in the 3 year secondary school duration is in the range of $30000 to $40000.
As one can see, the school fee charged by schools in Japan is far from exorbitant. In fact, it is quite reasonable when compared with similar schools in Europe and America. That is pretty much in keeping with Japanese culture, which is conservative at the core, even as it strives for perfection. Then there is also the fact that the Japanese government is heavily invested into the education sector, as it realizes the critical role played by it in the progress of a nation.
In fact they provide huge subsidies to the education sector enabling free education from the preschool level right to the tertiary level. That is the reason why Japan is so dominant on the world stage in terms of its industrial and economic achievements. While education in government aided schools is very low or minimal in Japan, one does have to pay a lot more in the case of private schools.
But that does not mean that everybody would opt for public schools in place of private schools. The expats for example would definitely send their children to private schools that offer them the same curricula they have back home or international ones that have worldwide acceptance. The higher fee would not really be a factor in their choice of school.
The thing about private schools is that they are more often than not in tune with the latest trends with regards to pedagogy and the use of technology. So, a lot of the Japanese parents who want their children to take advantage of the latest international trends on technology, don’t mind sending their children to the more expensive private schools to give them a very modern education.
Conclusion
All of that being stated, receiving an education in a Japanese school is always a privilege as the whole ethos of the place is very conducive to learning. Not just that one gets to imbibe the very Japanese principles of hard work, diligence, patience and above all discipline. That is what makes the Japanese system of education turn out more super achievers than most other places in the world.
As regards the cost of education, these are well within the means of most people. Besides, an investment made in one’s children’s education is well worth it, as it secures their future in the best possible manner. If sending one’s child or children to a great school in Japan ensures that they end up doing very well in their life ahead, it is something most parents would not hesitate from doing, the fees being charged notwithstanding.
When it comes to its general standards of living, Japan is right there amongst the top industrialized nations of the world. That applies to every aspect of life there, including the education system. The fees being charged even by the private schools in Japan, however, are lower than what is charged in many other first world nations of the world.
