#Japan #Tokyo #elementary school #Entrance Exam #Sencorp

Exploring Parental Attitudes Toward Elementary School Entrance Exams

In a recent survey conducted by Sencorp, aimed at understanding parents' views on elementary school entrance exams, intriguing results emerged regarding the barriers families face when considering private education for their children. The survey, which encompassed responses from 1,751 parents whose children attend kindergartens, daycares, or elementary schools across Japan, highlighted that financial considerations are not the primary factor influencing parents' decisions.

Background of the Survey

As Japan grapples with declining birth rates, the number of students enrolled in private elementary schools saw an unexpected decrease for the first time since the Reiwa era, totaling 79,990 students, a drop of 67 from the previous year. Despite this decline, the number of private elementary schools has increased by 12 compared to the previous year, suggesting intensified competition for student enrollment moving forward. In light of these trends, Sencorp sought to gauge parental awareness and interest regarding entrance exams for private institutions.

Key Findings from the Survey

1. The Primary Reason for Not Entering Exams: Lack of Interest
Most parents who chose not to pursue entrance exams cited a lack of interest as their foremost reason, accounting for 59.6% of respondents. In contrast, only 24.8% attributed their decision to financial constraints. This finding indicates that parental interest plays a more significant role than financial factors in the decision-making process.

2. Emerging Financial Concerns During Examination Consideration
Among families considering entrance exams, motivations included hopes for their children's growth (58.3%) and the desire for a secure environment (55.1%). Even so, 56.7% of parents expressed financial concerns when contemplating the entrance exam process, suggesting that while financial issues are not the initial barrier, they become significant anxieties as parents dive deeper into the examination planning stages.

3. Majority Do Not Consider Entrance Exams
Surveys revealed that merely 2.7% of parents either have taken or plan to take entrance exams, underscoring that a vast majority have not even considered this option for their children. This highlights the prevailing sentiment that entrance exams are not prioritized among many families.

4. Financial Anxiety vs. Interest in Exams
While financial concerns do not appear to deter examination considerations, they are a key worry for interested families. This duality demonstrates that once parents decide to contemplate entrance exams, financial implications become more pressing.

5. Understanding Parents’ Specific Concerns
Non-examining parents offered insights into their decisions, such as the lack of experienced role models within their communities, a preference for public schooling to encourage social adaptability, and logistical challenges tied to after-school care at private institutions being incompatible with their lifestyles.

As the survey results reveal, interest in private education is a critical component in determining whether families will pursue entrance exams. For many parents who have decided to consider entrance examinations, attributes such as potential growth and a safe learning environment are vital in their decision-making. In contrast, it is clear from the data that financial issues are acknowledged but not necessarily foundational in shaping initial interest in private schooling.

In closing, this investigation by Sencorp indicates a critical shift in the narrative around parental decision-making regarding elementary school entrance exams—one that suggests that nurturing a child's educational interest may be more essential than addressing potential financial implications.

About Sencorp

Sencorp, which runs the service "Hai Cheese!" (https://sencorp.co.jp/service), aims to create happiness for children through photography and food education. As a comprehensive childcare tech service, it supports parents and childcare facilities in documenting children’s milestones, enhancing their growth and well-being through various supportive educational tools, including photo services, ICT systems, album creation, and dietary initiatives.

Survey Overview

• - Survey Period: January 9-19, 2025
• - Method: Web-based questionnaire
• - Participants: 1,751 members affiliated with "Hai Cheese!"—parents of preschool-aged children or those currently enrolled in educational institutions.