Choosing a cram school for your child's middle school entrance exam can be really challenging. There are many major schools like SAPIX, Nichinoken, Yotsuya Otsuka, Waseda Academy, and more. You have to consider whether to go for group or individual lessons, how much it costs, and their track record of success... There are so many factors to consider that it can be overwhelming.

When comparing popular middle school entrance exam cram schools, four main points stand out. These are the success rates for admission to the most difficult schools, success rates for top and mid-tier schools, monthly tuition fees, and the level of support provided. Looking at these four aspects, each school has its own distinct characteristics.

In terms of cost, Nichinoken is relatively affordable at about ¥36,000 per month for sixth-grade students. However, be aware that summer and winter courses can cost an additional ¥200,000 or more. On the other hand, SAPIX has an overwhelming track record for success, with 868 students admitted to the "Three Great Schools," surpassing other schools. But their monthly fee is higher at around ¥66,000. For a balanced option, Waseda Academy charges about ¥50,000 per month and has a strong record of success with the most difficult schools.

In the Kansai region, Hamagakuen and Kigakuen are strong, especially Hamagakuen, which has excellent success rates for difficult schools in Kansai. They also offer support systems like online lectures and text explanation videos for absences. In the Tokyo metropolitan area, Eiko Seminar has over 330 campuses, making it convenient to attend, and offers small class sizes with careful instruction.

Ultimately, choosing a middle school entrance exam cram school depends on whether you prioritize success rates, costs, or support. It’s best to compare multiple schools based on your child's level and your family’s approach to find the most suitable one.