Q: My child is in the third year of junior high school and hopes to go on to high school. My child's junior high school has asked us to complete and submit a "Future Path Preference Survey (shinro kibo chosa)," but I do not know how to fill it out. I also do not know how to decide which high schools my child should apply to.

 

A: During the third year of junior high school, the Future Path Preference Survey is conducted about three times. In the survey, students are asked to indicate which high school they would like to attend. However, we often hear from students and parents that they find this difficult because they do not know what kinds of high schools are available. In such a case, please ask your child's teacher. You can also consult with our center.

 

There are also a few parent-teacher-student meetings. One-on-one meetings between the teacher and the student are also held. At a meeting held around December, students make a final decision about which high schools they will apply to.

 

If your child applies to a private high school through the recommendation-based admission system, the chances of being accepted are quite high. Applying through this system can be a good option. The exams are held in January. From fiscal year 2026, tuition and entrance fees for private high schools are almost fully subsidized. However, eligibility for these subsidies depends on your child's residence status, so please check in advance.

 

Public high school entrance examinations are held in February. It can be reassuring to take the entrance examination for a private high school first and secure admission to at least one school before taking the public high school entrance examination. In this case, however, you will need to pay a portion of the entrance fee (approximately 20,000 yen) to the private high school your child has been accepted to. Please note that if your child is accepted to a public high school and does not attend the private high school, the portion of the entrance fee already paid will not be refunded.

 

Choosing a high school is an important matter that will affect your child's future, so please gather enough information beforehand.