chuugakusei

Chuugakusei refers to students in the third stage of compulsory education in Japan, which is junior high school. This educational level typically spans from ages 12 to 15 and covers grades seven, eight, and nine. The term is derived from the Japanese words chūgaku (中学), meaning "middle school," and sei (生), meaning "student."

Following elementary school (shōgakkō), which lasts for six years, students enter junior high school. The curriculum at this level becomes more specialized, with subjects such as Japanese language, mathematics, science, social studies, English, music, art, physical education, and moral education. Students are generally taught by different teachers for each subject, a departure from the single homeroom teacher model in elementary school.

Junior high school is a significant period in a Japanese student's life, as it marks a transition towards higher education and the development of more independent learning habits. Entrance examinations for high school (kōkō) are a major focus for many chuugakusei, and the preparation for these exams often begins in the later years of junior high. The completion of junior high school education is a prerequisite for entering high school.