Private Seika Academy

A traditional, all-boarding school for young ladies, attended only by the daughters of families with significant social influence—ranging from political and financial circles to former nobility, massive conglomerates, prestigious firms, and renowned cultural figures. While it presents itself as a prestigious institution valuing etiquette, education, and dignity, the school operates under a "Family Rank" system determined by lineage, wealth, social influence, and contributions to the academy.

Officially, all students are considered equal, but the disparity in family rank is reflected in almost every aspect of life, including uniforms, shoes, dormitories, meals, facilities, and school events.

■ The Five Family Ranks

Rank 1: Imperial Class

Families of imperial or former noble lineage, or those with national-scale influence. They wear platinum ribbon ties, gold fasteners, and leather shoes with gold ornaments. They live in the palace-like Imperial Dormitory and have access to private gardens, libraries, music rooms, reception rooms, and personal chefs. They are most likely to hold major positions like Student Council President and possess the strongest voice in the academy.

Rank 2: Noble Class

Heirs to massive conglomerates, prestigious political dynasties, and long-standing prominent families. Characterized by red ribbon ties, silver fasteners, and genuine leather strap shoes. They live in the Kagetsu Dormitory and utilize high-end salons and exclusive facilities. As the upper tier second only to the Imperial Class, they support the academy's social scene.

Rank 3: Eminent Class

Children of large enterprise owners, prestigious medical or legal dynasties, and famous cultural figures. They wear blue ribbon ties and genuine leather loafers, living in the Suien Dormitory. They have access to high-quality furniture, libraries, and piano rooms. While they lack the privileges of the top two ranks, they are in a sufficiently blessed position compared to general students.

Rank 4: Upper Class

Wealthy individuals, mid-sized business families, and the newly rich. They wear green ribbon ties and synthetic leather loafers, living in the Wakaba Dormitory. There is a clear difference in lifestyle compared to the higher ranks.

Rank 5: General Class

Ladies from typically wealthy families or those on special scholarships. They wear purple ribbon ties and standard loafers, living in the Sakura Dormitory. While they are considered quite wealthy in general society, they occupy the lowest position within the academy and are made aware of the gap between them and the higher ranks in facilities, meals, and social circles.

■ Seika Academy Daily Routine

• 6:00 Wake Up

Students wake up in their respective dormitories. It is basic etiquette to prepare oneself for the day.

• 6:30 Breakfast

Breakfast in the dormitory dining halls. The Imperial Class has individual menus by personal chefs, the Noble Class has high-end Western or Japanese meals, and the Eminent Class and below have academy-designated breakfasts.

• 7:20 Commute & Morning Greetings

Moving from the dorms to the school building. It is an unspoken rule to give way to higher-ranking students and greet them politely with "Good morning."

• 8:00 Morning Assembly

All students gather in the auditorium. The principal gives a talk, school events are announced, and committee reports are made. Seating and entry/exit order reflect rank.

• 8:30–12:20 Morning Classes

In addition to general subjects like Language, Math, Foreign Languages, and History, students learn cultural subjects like etiquette, art, music, and tea ceremony. Teachers generally treat all students equally.

• 12:20 Lunch

Lunch in the school cafeteria or dormitories. A time for chatting with friends; students of different ranks can be seen interacting.

• 13:10–15:50 Afternoon Classes

Classes focus on specialized and cultural subjects. Depending on the week, special classes using the music room, tea room, or library are held.

• 16:00 After School

Time for club activities, student council, committees, or the library. Imperial and Noble class students often participate in social activities or event preparations.

• 17:30 Evening Free Time

More students return to the dorms. They spend time with friends in salons, walk in the gardens, or study. Higher-tier dorms have more luxurious facilities.

• 18:30 Dinner

Dinner in the dormitories. The Imperial Dormitory sometimes has course-style meals by personal chefs, while the Sakura Dormitory centers on academy-designated nutritional menus.

• 19:30 Study Time

A common study time for all dorms. The library and study rooms are available. In higher-tier dorms, some students receive tutoring in their private rooms.

• 21:00 Dormitory Free Time

Bathing, reading, chatting with friends. Available salons and facilities vary by dorm. Higher-tier dorms offer more quiet and private spaces.

• 22:00 Bedtime Preparation

Curfew and preparation for lights out. Moving outside the dorm is prohibited unless special permission is granted.

• 22:30 Lights Out

Lights out in all dormitories. The entire academy falls silent as students sleep to prepare for the next day.

■ Seika Academy Event List

April

• Entrance Ceremony

A formal ceremony where students enter in order of family rank. New students learn each other's rank for the first time by seeing their ribbon ties.

• Dormitory Welcome Party

A dinner party to welcome new students in each dorm. The luxury of the food and venue varies by dormitory.

May

• Fresh Verdure Garden Party

A spring social event held in the academy gardens. Students interact while enjoying tea and music performances.

June

• Seika Banquet

A formal banquet attended in evening dress. Seating is arranged by rank, and upperclassmen teach social etiquette to underclassmen.

July

• Summer Fellowship Meeting

A summer exchange event held by each dormitory. Includes light recreation and tea parties.

August

• Summer Vacation

A long break. Many students return home, but those who wish can stay in the dorms and use academy facilities.

September

• Seika Ball

The academy's largest event. A massive ball where all students participate in formal attire. Entry is by rank, and higher-ranking ladies are given more prestigious seating. A night symbolizing Seika Academy where families also interact.

October

• Academy Festival "Seika-sai"

A festival where students plan exhibits by rank and dormitory. Unlike usual, collaborative work across ranks takes place.

• Autumn Concert

An arts event showcasing piano, strings, and choir. Students of Eminent Class and above often perform.

November

• Autumn Leaf Tea Ceremony

An elegant tea ceremony held in the gardens during the autumn foliage. Upperclassmen and underclassmen share a table to learn the academy's unique etiquette.

December

• Holy Night Banquet

A year-end banquet doubling as a Christmas celebration. Each dorm is decorated, and the Imperial Dormitory uses its luxurious ballroom.

January

• New Year's Celebration Ceremony

A ceremony to celebrate the New Year. New Year's greetings are given in order of rank, and the principal announces the year's goals.

February

• Winter Dance Practice

Special classes to learn dancing, escorting, and table manners in preparation for spring social events.

March

• Graduation Banquet

The final banquet to see off graduates. Graduates are honored not just by rank, but for their relationships and achievements during school life.

• Graduation Ceremony

A formal ceremony where seating and entry order are maintained by rank until the very end. Graduates return to their respective families carrying the name of Seika Academy.