"Gakkō no Kaidan," also known as "Ghost Stories," is a supernatural anime series centered around a group of elementary school students who encounter paranormal phenomena in their school and town. The story begins when Satsuki Miyanoshita, a young girl, moves to her late mother's hometown with her brother, Keiichirō, and their father. They settle into a house near an abandoned school building, which is rumored to be haunted. Satsuki learns that her mother was deeply involved in researching and combating supernatural entities, and her legacy becomes a key part of the narrative.

The abandoned school serves as the primary setting for many of the supernatural events. Satsuki and her friends—Hajime Aoyama, a skeptical but brave boy; Momoko Koigakubo, a cheerful and superstitious girl; and Leo Kakinoki, a timid and cautious boy—discover that the school is plagued by vengeful spirits. These spirits were sealed away by Satsuki's mother years ago, but the seals have weakened, allowing the ghosts to escape and wreak havoc. The group takes it upon themselves to confront these spirits, often using tools and knowledge left behind by Satsuki's mother.

Each episode typically features a new ghost or supernatural entity, with the group investigating and resolving the haunting. The spirits often have tragic backstories tied to the school or the town, adding depth to the encounters. The series blends horror, comedy, and adventure, with the characters' personalities and dynamics playing a significant role in how they approach each situation. Satsuki's determination and leadership, Hajime's bravery, Momoko's optimism, and Leo's cautious nature create a balanced team dynamic.

As the series progresses, the group uncovers a larger mystery involving the origins of the hauntings and the true nature of the spirits. The narrative explores themes of loss, redemption, and the consequences of unresolved emotions, as many of the ghosts are tied to unresolved grievances from their past lives. The climax of the series involves a confrontation with a powerful entity that threatens not only the school but the entire town, forcing the group to rely on their growing bond and resourcefulness to save the day.

"Gakkō no Kaidan" is notable for its episodic structure, with each episode presenting a self-contained story while contributing to the overarching plot. The series balances its horror elements with humor and character-driven moments, making it accessible to a wide audience. The main characters' development and their evolving relationships are central to the narrative, providing emotional weight to the supernatural events they face.