Back to School after Summer Holidays

Tonight, we go out for our annual end of summer meal as a family. A tradition we have had ever since my eldest - now a 2nd grader in high school - started preschool. However, my kids don't go back to school until Tuesday September 1st. Surprisingly, even my two senior high school aged children are off until then too. My impression is that many high schools start back earlier.

Of course, 'back to school' in Japan at this time of year, just means back to another term, not to a new school year. As is the case in many European countries. In Japan the school year starts in April. However, it is not uncommon for children repatriating from overseas to "start" school in September in Japan. So, there is a bit of excitement among kids as to whether or not they will have a surprise new classmate when they start the second term. Between my four children, it has actually happened about four or five times over the years. 

For elementary school, I think my town's second term start date is a bit later than most. Many schools around the country will start back tomorrow, Monday August 31st. And I even know a few municipalities in Saitama Prefecture that started back last week, as early as August 26th. 

When does 2nd term start in your kid's school / the school you teach in / the area you live in?