Fact Friday #10- Educational System I

Organization-

In Chile, everyone goes to the same school from preschool to the end of high school. Primary education is from ages 6 to 13, and secondary education is from ages 14 to 17, and they are usually both in the same building. The schools are fairly small, with one or two class rooms per grade. There are no public schools, instead there are 4 kinds: Municipal: State-subsidized schools run by municipalities, which may also contribute monetarily to the schools. The majority of the population studies at these schools (64% at the primary level), Particular Subvencionado: Private with a government subsidy. At the primary level, 29% of the population attends this kind of school, Particular: Private. At the primary level, 7% of the population attends this kind of school, Corporate Schools: Schools run by corporations and which receive the same state subsidy that the municipal schools receive.

Differences from Here-

One main difference that I have found is the above. For example, my school here, Adams has 1,800 people and I do not even know half the people in my grade. My school in Chile, St. Patrick's, has one class for everyone in my grade. Schools also have the right to refuse admittance to students for whatever reason.

Another key difference is that college is a far less common choice, and degrees are far more prestigious in Chile. College tuition in is equal to 2% GDP, which was larger than anywhere else in the world, except South Korea.

Requirements to Graduate-

To graduate from secondary school, students must get passing grades in Language and communication, Mathematics, Science (physics, chemistry and biology), History, Geography, Social science, English, Physical education, Visual or musical arts, Technology, the first two years, and Philosophy and psychology (the last two years). If they do, they are awarded the Licenciado en Enseñanza Media certificate which allows them to pursue further education, or vocational training. To attend college, students must take the national exam, Prueba Selección Universitaria (PSU) in their last year of high school.

(also view Chilean School)