Kagoshima Shugakukan Junior and Senior High School

The school's educational goal is for all students to discover the joy of learning and to acquire the ability to continue learning. It promotes a "learning-to-learn" mindset, encouraging students to develop their own interests, engage in inquiry-based activities, and build strong human relationships through collaborative learning. The school values the development of主体性 (subjectivity/agency) and dialogue, aiming to cultivate individuals who can contribute responsibly to their communities.

The six-year curriculum is divided into three stages: the Foundation Stage (Junior High 1-2), the Enrichment Stage (Junior High 3-Senior High 1), and the Development Stage (Senior High 2-3). The school is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) certified school, integrating inquiry-based learning across subjects. Key components include the Personal Project (PP), Community Engagement (CE) projects, and specialized career education, with no mandatory split between humanities and sciences in the second year of high school to allow for flexible subject selection.

The school focuses on fostering students who enjoy learning and possess the ability to continue learning throughout their lives. Graduates pursue diverse career paths, with the school providing support for university entrance through project-based learning and individualized academic guidance. The school's educational practices have been recognized by external organizations, including awards for its inquiry-based learning initiatives and its status as a UNESCO School.

The school emphasizes a "learning-to-learn" approach, supported by ICT integration, including tablets and projectors in classrooms. Each floor features a dedicated staff room to ensure teachers are easily accessible for student consultation. The school also provides a self-study room stocked with reference materials and offers specialized career support, including job shadowing for student teachers and various seminars to guide students toward their future paths.

The school conducts entrance examinations for both its junior and senior high school divisions. Prospective students and their families are required to pay an examination fee, which is 13,000 yen for junior high school and 12,000 yen for senior high school. The school provides various financial support options, including academic scholarship programs based on entrance examination performance, a sibling scholarship system, and an enrollment fee waiver for students entering from within the same school corporation.

The school year includes various annual events such as a sports festival and a school festival (Shugakusai), which are organized and operated by students. Throughout the year, students participate in diverse learning activities, including field trips, career-focused seminars, and international exchange programs. The academic calendar also features specific periods for research presentations, project exhibitions, and university entrance examination preparation.

The campus is located in a quiet educational district in Kagoshima City, featuring facilities designed to support diverse learning needs. Key amenities include a library with approximately 37,000 volumes, a dedicated inquiry learning room equipped with monitors and whiteboards, and an SE room for English language studies. Sports facilities include a large gymnasium, a spacious ground, and three tennis courts, while other specialized spaces include a large lecture hall, music rooms with grand pianos, and a rhythm room.

Students engage in a variety of club activities, including sports teams such as basketball and table tennis, as well as cultural groups like the broadcasting club. The school encourages student-led initiatives, including student council activities, volunteer work, and participation in external competitions such as business plan grand prix and science education programs. Additionally, students have opportunities to participate in "after-school learning" sessions, which include mathematics labs and medical school entrance seminars.