Paper short abstract:

This paper focuses on two niche schools in Japan that aim to prepare children for adulthood while keeping in mind these children’s specific needs and potential to engage in society. Together they provide a glimpse into how alternative schooling systems and pedagogies are developing in Japan today.

Paper long abstract:

As the numbers of children who do not attend accredited school in Japan have grown, public and media attention has focused on the services provided by alternative schools. Of these, “free schools” provide a physical space for children to spend time without the pressures of a set curriculum, and in some urban areas, niche schools cater to diverse student populations. This paper focuses on two niche schools in Japan that aim to prepare children for adulthood while keeping in mind these children’s specific needs and potential to engage in society. The two schools discussed in this paper differ significantly; one specializes in educating children on the autism spectrum and another provides education for children who have dropped out of the mainstream school system for various reasons. Both schools focus on understanding and addressing students’ social, psychological, and educational needs through a well-structured curriculum. According to the different philosophical and historical models of their founders, their target markets, and the distinct features of their student populations, the two schools adopt different approaches; one uses discipline and teacher experience, and another focuses on building confidence and skills to draw children back into society. Taken together, they provide a glimpse into how alternative schooling systems and pedagogies are developing in Japan today.