The educational system in Japan follows a 6-3-3-4 structure with 6 years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high school, 3 years of senior high school, and 4 years at university. Kindergarten is not part of the official education system. Elementary school is compulsory from ages 6 to 15 and focuses on small work groups. Junior high relies on lectures and large class sizes. Senior high school offers academic, technical, and vocational programs to prepare students for higher education or careers. Universities are highly competitive and provide 4-year bachelor's or 6-year professional degrees. Success on exams determines school and university placement, which leads to good lifetime jobs.