How are classes in Japan ordered?

Question:

Im writing a novel set in Japan, and I need to know. I think there are classes A- F and depending on how smart or succesful you are, you are out in each class accordingly. Like if you are an outstanding studnet, straight As and all that, you go to A and if you're a bad student, you go to F. And then depending what year you are in, thats your class. Like first years (10th grade) can be in rooms 1- A, 1- B,etc... but I'm not sure. Can someone clarify? and also, do they really have festivals at the schools, like where they make their own cafe and put on plays, and stuff, and like cherry blossom viewings? Thanks if you can answer

Answer:

Jr. High Grades 1,2,3 (ages 12,13,14 roughly)
Sr. High 1,2,3 (ages 15,16,17 roughly)

Most schools have between 2-4 classes per grade. Unlike in the West, instead of students having a locker, having their own schedule, and going to different classes for different periods, in Japan students have one home room where they have most of their classes, and stay with the same group of students the whole school year. In general, students are not classified by how good of a student they are. Each class will be mixed with students of various levels. Over the school year, it will be apparent that certain classes may be better than other classes, but that's not the intent from the start.

In Japan, there's more of a focus on learning as a group as opposed to catering to good or bad students. Good students won't have the same opportunities as in the West to leave a regular class for an advanced class. Bad students won't have the chance to do a class over again if they basically fail it the first time. They'll just get moved along with everyone else next year to the next level.

Of course you can distinguish yourself as a good student, but you'll still be in the same old class.

The only special classes I've seen have been for people with obvious mental or physical problems, but even those kids sometimes are in the regular classes.

Do schools have festivals? Yes. Sometimes the students will make stalls, and yes, some will make food and you can actually purchase some simple food at a festival.

Plays are put on in schools, just like all over the world. Sometimes they're quite major productions. Not just plays, but other entertainment too. The students put a lot of effort into these. It gets emotional sometimes.

I haven't seen any official cherry blossom viewing at school. People would do that on the weekend with their family.