1.
cram school director; head of a private academy; juku director
The head or director of a juku (private tutoring school or cram school). Can also refer to the head of other types of private academies, such as martial arts dojos or traditional schools of learning.
Compound of 塾 ('cram school; private academy') and 長 ('head; chief'). Follows the standard 〜長 pattern for leadership titles: 校長 ('school principal'), 社長 ('company president'), 部長 ('department head').
Usage
- Most commonly refers to the owner-operator of a 学習塾 (academic cram school)
- Can also apply to the head of a 道場-style academy or a historical 私塾 (private school)
- In historical contexts, refers to the head of famous private schools like 慶應義塾 (Keio University's predecessor)
Common collocations
- 塾長を務める: to serve as cram school director
- 塾長の方針: the director's policy
- 塾長自ら: the director personally
- 塾長挨拶: greeting from the director