Worlds Greatest - Japan

It's a well known fact that Japan has one of the most successful educational systems in the world, with a 99% literacy rate it's not hard to imagine why they made the short list for top performing educators in the world. Which begs the question, why?

The answer, like most, isn’t so simple. Japan adopted its educational system from France after the last world war, holding to a trimester schedule consisting of 220 days of school each year (compared to the 180 days for U.S. students). Allowing an extra 40 days of school each year which adds up to an extra 740 days of school over the educational carrier of the average student. Students also receive much more support from the home front than U.S. students do. On average, Japanese mothers see it as one of their duties to insure that their children thrive in Middle and High School, subsequently 65 percent of middle school students and 85 percent of High School students attend what’s known as 'Cram School'. Cram Schools are institutions that are designed as extracurricular learning, usually attended early in the morning or in the evening.

The Japanese also have a very interesting view of student success, they truly exemplify the sentiment of 'No Student Left Behind'. However there view is very different than that of the U.S. A Japanese student that fails to master a concept is expected and encouraged to work harder, not only by teachers at school, who have no tolerance for a failure to master a concept, but they also receive much encouragement and support from the home front, as parents will not easily allow their child to fall behind in studies because of the social stigma it places on them.

In summary, the Japanese way of life allows them to educate the populace so well.

Sources:
Wikipedia
This Wikipedia article takes a look at all levels of education in Japan.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
An article published by NCTM about one teachers experince with the Japanese education system.