Japanese prefectures announce 2027 high school entrance exam details

Educational authorities in Okayama and Yamagata prefectures have released guidelines for the 2027 high school entrance examinations.

In Okayama, the Prefectural Private School Association announced that 23 private high schools will maintain a total enrollment capacity of 5,560 students. Despite a declining birthrate and a projected decrease in middle school graduates, private school demand remains steady. Notably, Kansai Boys' High School and Seishin Girls' High School will transition to co-educational models starting in 2027. Kansai will offer co-education for its general course, while Seishin will restructure its academic courses.

In Yamagata, the Board of Education outlined the schedule for public high school admissions. The early selection process will take place in January and February 2027, while the general late-stage selection is scheduled for March 7 and 8. The examinations will cover five subjects: Japanese, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and English. Some schools will implement weighted scoring for specific subjects, and applications will be processed through a web-based system.