Ooizumigakuen Junior High School

Gazing at Ooizumigakuen Junior High School, one might hear the faint echo of violins. This isn’t your typical Tokyo junior high. Ooizumigakuen, nestled in Nerima, offers a unique blend of rigorous academics and artistic development. Ooizumigakuen Junior High School stands as a testament to a different approach to education. Established as a girls’ secondary school in 1901 alongside Japan Women’s University, Ooizumigakuen has a rich history. It transitioned to a junior high in 1947. Then it relocated to its current Nishi-Ikuta location in 1979, now sharing space with the affiliated Senior High School. Ooizumigakuen emphasizes independent learning and small class sizes. This fosters a strong foundation in core subjects. Recognizing Japan’s growing global interconnectedness, Ooizumigakuen integrates weekly English lessons led by native speakers. This nurtures a global perspective in students. Beyond academics, Ooizumigakuen champions artistic creativity. Students are exposed to art exhibitions, classical performances, and music concerts. Uniquely, violin study is mandatory, enriching musical aptitude and sensitivity. The school recognizes the physical development of this age group. Therefore, it actively promotes sports through athletic meets, competitions, and activities like ice skating and skiing. Student government plays a vital role in school life, culminating in the annual “Jugatsu-sai Festival”. Entirely student-run, this festival showcases extracurricular achievements, including plays in both Japanese and English. Ooizumigakuen Junior High School isn’t just a place of learning, it’s a vibrant community fostering well-rounded individuals.