Free compulsory education began in 1900. Today the compulsory period is nine years, beginning at age 6. Preschool, which lasts from one to three years, is not compulsory. This is followed by elementary school for six years, middle school for three years, and high school for three years. High school is not compulsory, but nearly everyone attends.
Higher education includes junior colleges, four-year colleges, and universities.
There is a system of rigorous annual examinations to determine which college or university a high school student may enter. Competition for placement in institutions of higher learning is intense. Because Japan does not have a strong tradition of local government, actual direction of the school system has devolved on the prefectures and the national Ministry of Education. The ministry drafts all laws on national educational standards and allots a great deal of financial aid to local districts. Local school boards are legally responsible for running elementary and lower secondary schools.