The quality of education in Peru
Education in Peru has been improving in recent years, but there are still significant disparities in quality and access, particularly in rural areas and among disadvantaged populations. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) rankings, Peru ranks in the lower half of countries in the world for education quality.
Age of compulsory education in Peru
Education is compulsory in Peru for children between the ages of 6 and 16. However, most children start school at the age of 5, and many continue their education until the age of 18 to complete secondary education.
Types of schools in Peru
There are several types of schools in Peru, each with its own educational philosophy and focus. The breakdown of schools by age is as follows:
Preschool Education
Preschool education in Peru is for children between the ages of 3 and 5. There are several types of preschool programs available, including public preschools, private preschools, and community preschools.
Primary Education
Primary education in Peru is for children between the ages of 6 and 11. There are several types of primary schools available, including public schools, private schools, and community schools.
Secondary Education
Secondary education in Peru is for students between the ages of 12 and 18. There are several types of secondary schools available, including:
- Academic high schools: These schools offer a broad range of academic subjects and prepare students for higher education.
- Technical high schools: These schools provide vocational training in a variety of fields, such as electronics, mechanics, and agriculture.
- Commercial high schools: These schools offer specialized training in business and finance.
Syllabus and qualifications
Schools in Peru follow a national curriculum that is set by the Ministry of Education. The curriculum includes several core subjects, such as Spanish, mathematics, science, and social studies, as well as optional subjects, such as foreign languages and physical education.
At the end of secondary school, students take a national exam called the Prueba Única Nacional (PUN), which assesses their knowledge and skills in various subjects. The PUN qualifications are widely recognized and accepted by universities and employers in Peru and other Latin American countries.
School hours and holidays
School hours in Peru typically run from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm for primary schools and 7:30 am to 2:30 pm for secondary schools, although they may vary depending on the school. There are two-week breaks in July and December, as well as a three-month summer vacation from mid-December to mid-March.
Enrollment and competition
To enroll in a school in Peru, parents must provide proof of residency, such as a passport or ID card, as well as a birth certificate or passport for their child. There may be some competition for enrollment in popular schools or schools in areas with high demand, particularly in urban areas.
International schools
There are several international schools in Peru that cater to expats and international students. These schools offer education in English or other languages and follow international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate or the American Curriculum. Some notable international schools in Peru include:
- Colegio Roosevelt: An American school in Lima that offers education from preschool to secondary school, following the American Curriculum.
- San Silvestre School: A British-Peruvian school in Lima that offers education from preschool to secondary school, following the British National Curriculum.
- Markham College: A British-Peruvian school in Lima that offers education from preschool to secondary school, following the International Baccalaureate programme.
Higher education options
Peru has several universities and institutes of higher education that offer undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including business, law, medicine, and engineering. Some of the top universities in Peru include the National University of San Marcos, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, and the University of Lima.
To enroll in higher education in Peru, students must have a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. Some programs may have additional requirements, such as language proficiency tests or entrance exams.
In addition to universities, Peru also has several technical institutes and vocational schools that offer training in trades such as carpentry, welding, and culinary arts.
Education in Peru has been improving in recent years, but there are still significant disparities in quality and access, particularly in rural areas and among disadvantaged populations. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16, and there are several types of schools available for different age groups and educational goals. The national curriculum provides a framework for teaching and learning, and students take national exams at the end of secondary school to qualify for higher education. Peru also has several international schools and universities for expats and international students.