Choosing a prep school for middle school entrance exams can be really confusing, right? We also considered our child's entrance exam and did a lot of research, but with so many options from large to small schools, we were overwhelmed.

When actually comparing popular middle school entrance exam prep schools, you can see that each school has completely different characteristics. I felt that the three most important factors are success rates, tuition fees, and support systems.

Looking at the top of the rankings, Nichinoken has relatively low monthly tuition fees, about 36,000 yen for 6th grade. It’s attractive because it can accommodate a wide range of school levels. However, be aware that there are additional costs for summer and winter courses.

Yotsuya Otsuka’s “Yoshu Series” textbooks are excellent and even used by Waseda Academy. They have a strong track record of success for top-tier schools, with 123 students accepted to Kaisei Junior High School alone, which is truly impressive. However, the tuition fee is slightly higher at around 58,000 yen.

Waseda Academy offers relatively affordable monthly fees of about 50,000 yen and has many successful applicants to the most competitive private schools. They also have comprehensive courses for lower elementary grades, making it suitable for families who want to start preparing early.

SAPIX is outstanding in success rates. The number of students accepted to the “Big Three” schools is 868, which is really amazing. However, with a monthly fee of about 66,000 yen, it might be tough for families looking to keep costs down.

For the Kansai area, Hama Gakuen and Mabuchi Classroom are also options. Hama Gakuen has a strong track record in the Kansai region, and it’s convenient that you can watch web lectures when absent. Mabuchi Classroom features digital video lessons and offers thorough support.

When choosing a middle school entrance exam prep school, I think it’s important not only to look at success rates but also to find a school that matches your child's personality and your family circumstances. The monthly tuition fees vary quite a bit between schools, so it’s crucial to check this in advance.