One of the reasons some parents choose to send their children to a private school is to ensure that they get into the university of their choice. Private University Prep Schools are not out of the norm, and they are excellent at preparing students for university level courses, but the new craze in Japan is prep schools for toddlers.
A growing group of preschoolers are busy working through piles of worksheets. Enrolled in courses called ojuken, these 3 and 4 year olds are studying for entrance exams to enter top-tier elementary schools. ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS! Despite Japan’s declining birth rate and the fact that schools are scrambling to fill seats, wealthy parents have become more competitive than ever, reports ABC News.
“The low birthrate does seem to be pushing parents to give all they can to the one child,” one professor said. “It’s an act of selective extravagance.” Parents hope they can avoid the public school and that their children will meet wealthy and well-connected friends.
I agree that the early years are a very important time of rapid physical and mental development. Kids are curious and energetic, and they embrace everything around them. Is this the right time to be putting so much pressure on them to do well in school? Can’t we just let kids be kids anymore.
Agnes Stawicki
Agnes is the Managing Editor, Special Projects at Our Kids Media. We invite you to subscribe to our Our Kids Newsletter for Parents.
Follow Me:
This is ridiculous. I want my kids to be successful, but come on, prep-schools to prepare kids for elementary admittance?
I think it’s a great idea.