Classroom of the Elite Season 4: April 2026 Release, Trailer & What’s New

The fourth season of Classroom of the Elite—officially titled 2nd Year—is confirmed for April 2026. We cover the latest trailer, key visual, new first‑year cast, streaming platform (Crunchyroll), and what this means for fans heading into the Year 2 arc.

If you’ve been eagerly waiting for the next chapter of Classroom of the Elite, your patience is about to pay off. The upcoming Classroom of the Elite season 4 (also billed as 2nd Year) brings fresh stakes, new faces, and a confirmed premiere window of April 2026. Let’s dive into what we know so far — and what to keep an eye on.

What exactly is Classroom of the Elite season 4?

In short: it’s the anime adaptation of the Year 2 arc from the light novel series by Shōgo Kinugasa & Shunsaku Tomose. The previous three seasons covered Year 1; this new season transitions the story into the second year of the prestigious Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School.

Here’s what is now official:

• Announcement made at MF Bunko J Summer School Festival (Sept 1, 2024) that the fourth season is in production.
• The new season’s official title: Classroom of the Elite: 2nd Year.
• A new key visual and trailer have been released (see below).
• Global streaming via Crunchyroll confirmed.

When is the Classroom of the Elite season 4 release date?

Answer: April 2026 in Japan is the confirmed premiere window for Classroom of the Elite season 4. (The precise date – day/month – may still be pending.)

Details:

• Though earlier reports estimated late 2025 or early 2026, recent sources indicate April 2026 more strongly.
• With the global streaming partner confirmed (Crunchyroll), fans outside Japan can expect a simulcast.
• If you’re asking, “When is Classroom of the Elite season 4 coming out?”, the answer is April 2026 — mark your calendar.

What does the season 4 trailer & visual show?

The trailer and key visual offer tantalising hints:

• The key visual features protagonist Kiyotaka Ayanokōji in his second‑year uniform, alongside a group of new first‑year students.
• The trailer emphasises “Second‑Year Arc, First Semester” and introduces the voice cast for the new freshmen.
• Six new first‑year voices were announced, e.g., Tsubasa Nanase (voiced by Minako Sato), Kazuomi Hosen (Hiroya Egashira), Ichika Amasawa (Momoko Seto), and others.

These fresh characters signal that Classroom of the Elite season 4 will not just continue the story — it will shift into new dynamics (new students + new threats).

What to expect plot‑wise in Classroom of the Elite season 4?

Mini summary: Ayanokōji and his classmates are now second‑years, confronted with new exams, enhanced rivalries, a new batch of first‑years, and possibly darker secrets from the “White Room” returning to haunt the story.

Details:

• The season covers the “Year 2, First Semester” arc from the light novel series.
• Expect heightened psychological warfare: second‑years under pressure, first‑years stirring the pot, class system shifting.
• According to the light‑novel synopsis, the second‑year class faces an exam where only the second‑years risk expulsion if their team of first‑years fails. (Source material context)
• With the production taking extra time, many fans hope for a more faithful, better‑paced adaptation than prior seasons.

Why the buzz — and why the wait?

• Previous seasons earned huge fan bases; the Year 2 arc is considered a milestone in the franchise.
• Anime production requires time — adapting dense material, ensuring animation quality, and global streaming logistics all factor in.
• With confirmation of April 2026, the long wait becomes bearable: we now have a clear window rather than vague year guesses.
• The shift into the second year means fresh stakes, fresh faces, and a reset in the competitive structure of the story — exactly what longtime fans crave.

Pro Tips / Action Steps

1. Re‑watch or refresh yourself on seasons 1‑3 of Classroom of the Elite on Crunchyroll (or your region’s platform) so you’re mentally ready for season 4.
2. If you’re comfortable with light‑novel spoilers, skim ahead to Year 2 volumes to familiarise yourself with upcoming events.
3. Set an alert (calendar/reminder) for April 2026 so you don’t miss the premiere.
4. Follow official social channels for Classroom of the Elite season 4 announcement updates — new trailers, cast reveals, and episode schedules.
5. Engage with the community: contribute to forums, discussion pre‑watch, and form watch‑party plans with friends.

Quick Facts Table

Title	Classroom of the Elite season 4 (aka 2nd Year)
Adaptation	Year 2, First Semester of the light‑novel sequel series
Premiere Window	April 2026 in Japan
Streaming Platform	Crunchyroll (global simulcast confirmed)
New Voice Cast	Six new first‑year students announced (e.g., Minako Sato as Tsubasa Nanase)
Studio / Format	Studio Lerche (returning) — longer production time suggests higher animation quality expected

Frequently Asked Questions