#Japan #Tokyo #Parental Support #Online Seminars #Gakken Academy

Gakken's Online Seminars to Aid Parents of High School Students

In an initiative aimed at supporting the parents of high school students, Gakken Academy, a subsidiary of Gakken Education Holdings Co., Ltd., is organizing free online seminars on August 29 and September 1, 2026. These sessions are specifically designed for parents navigating the challenges their children face with school attendance and career decisions.

Seminar Focus

On August 29, the seminar will address the rising concerns surrounding students who express reluctance to attend school, particularly after the summer break. Parents will learn effective monitoring strategies, appropriate ways to engage in conversations, and how to encourage dialogue within the family. This session is aimed at empowering parents with the knowledge needed to better understand their children's emotional and psychological states.

On September 1, the seminar will explore the increasing interest in correspondence high schools and the skills that can be developed within this educational structure. The discussion will feature insights from educational leaders, as well as firsthand experiences from current students at Gakken Academy, providing a well-rounded perspective on school life.

The goal of these seminars is not to rush parents into specific decisions regarding their children's educational paths but to provide them with resources and support to foster understanding and constructive discourse at home. By doing so, parents can equip themselves to consider the most suitable learning approaches for their children.

Background of the Seminars

According to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the number of school refusal cases among elementary and middle school students has been on the rise, with current figures showing 353,970 reported cases. This trend underscores the urgent need for early intervention and appropriate engagement from both schools and families. Additionally, as the options for different educational pathways widen, including the significant growth of correspondence high schools, parents often find it difficult to navigate the complexities of these decisions, leading to confusion and indecision.

Gakken Academy recognizes the importance of supporting parents through this process, viewing it as an integral part of helping students continue their education. The upcoming seminars will consolidate insights from Gakken Academy's educational experts and personal narratives from students about their own experiences, offering a unique viewpoint on issues such as school anxiety and the realities of daily life in alternative education settings.

Purpose of the Seminars

When a child expresses a desire to avoid school, parents often feel overwhelmed by worries about academic progress, future pathways, and potential implications. Yet, every child’s needs and the support they require are unique; seeking a quick fix often isn’t the best course of action. Through collaboration with correspondence schools and free schools, Gakken Academy has long supported students in finding the right environment and learning approaches that foster their self-esteem and motivation. These seminars will provide a platform to share experiences and information, empowering parents to make informed decisions alongside their children rather than imposing a predetermined pathway. Recognizing that this peak period for consultations coincides with the back-to-school rush and career planning phase, the seminars are designed to facilitate focused discussions over both sessions.

Seminar Details

“What to Do When Your Child Says They Don’t Want to Go to School”

• - Date: August 29, 2026
• - Time: 14:00 - 14:40
• - Format: Online (Zoom Webinar)
• - Cost: Free
• - Target Audience: Parents of middle school students struggling with school attendance
• - Registration Deadline: August 29, 2026, at 13:00
• - Registration Link: Register Here

Main Themes:
1. Understanding the hidden anxieties behind “I don’t want to go to school.”
2. Recognizing the “real issues” often overlooked by parents.
3. Alternative options such as free schools.

This seminar is ideal for parents who are unsure of how to respond when their child expresses school aversion, those seeking to improve their family interactions, and parents wishing to gather information on free school options.

“Can Students Really Grow in Correspondence High Schools?”

• - Date: September 1, 2026
• - Time: 19:00 - 19:40
• - Format: Online (Zoom Webinar)
• - Cost: Free
• - Target Audience: Parents considering correspondence schooling for their children
• - Registration Deadline: September 1, 2026, at 18:00
• - Registration Link: Register Here

Main Themes:
1. The skills nurtured over three years in high school.
2. Advantages of correspondence high schools.
3. Real-life stories from currently enrolled students.

This seminar is suitable for parents intrigued by correspondence high schools but lacking a clear vision of student growth potential, those wanting to distinguish between different types of educational institutions, and anyone interested in personal accounts from students.

Speakers

The seminars will feature experts, including:

• - Madoka Shimada, Academic Affairs Manager at Gakken Academy, who has over 13 years of experience in supporting students facing academic challenges.
• - Ken Suzuki, Business Department Manager at Gakken Academy, who has substantial experience in launching correspondence schools and focuses on creating innovative educational environments.
• - Current Students, who will share their personal journeys and experiences at Gakken Academy to provide authentic insights.

In summary, Gakken Academy’s upcoming online seminars provide vital support for parents navigating the complex landscapes of their children's education. These sessions aim to equip families with the knowledge necessary to foster positive discussions and better decision-making regarding educational paths.