Chūgakkō, or junior high school, is an educational institution in Japan for students typically aged 12 to 15. It serves as a bridge between elementary school and high school, focusing on a more advanced curriculum that includes subjects like mathematics, science, and foreign languages. In Japan, chūgakkō usually lasts for three years, and students are required to attend. The school system emphasizes not only academic learning but also social skills and extracurricular activities, helping students develop well-rounded personalities as they prepare for their future education at Kōkō (high school).