On 11/26/2003 6:29 PM, Eric Takabayashi wrote:

> Scott Reynolds wrote:

>>I think the answer depends a lot on which part of the Japanese
>>educational system we are talking about. At the elementary school level
>>things seem to come pretty close to the ideal you mention.
> 
> Oh? If they go to the local or nearest public elementary school as used to be
> intended, perhaps. 

That's what I was referring to.

> And what do you see elsewhere in the system, or as people compete
> to enter the private system or alleged elite schools, even from the preschool level?

I am aware of those things. For example, there is a private elementary 
school affiliated with Keio University quite near where I live. I am 
told that the tuition there is quite high and that admission is very 
competitive. But I don't think parents who try to get their kids into 
such schools are the norm. They exist, to be sure, but they are only a 
tiny minority.

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Scott Reynolds                                      sar@gol.com