The education system of Ecuador consists of primary, secondary and tertiary education. The constitution of Ecuador mandates all children to receive primary education. The constitution makes it compulsory for all children in Ecuador to attend basic schooling for nine years. Primary and secondary education is free in Ecuador. 95 per cent of all children in Ecuador enroll into primary schools at the age of six. However, 25 per cent of them drop out of school by the end of fifth grade. There are more than 1,000 primary schools and 35 secondary schools in Ecuador. The teacher to student ratio is 1: 23. The Ministry of Education regulates primary and secondary education in Ecuador.
In order to improve the quality of primary education, Ecuador has plans to invest in various resources. This would help the number of students who have completed secondary school to enroll into higher education programs.
Primary schools in Ecuador
Children in Ecuador can start attending preprimary school at the age of four. However, only the primary education from the age of six to fourteen is compulsory. There are not many schools in the country for preschool education. Most of the primary schools in Ecuador use Spanish as the medium of instruction. Some schools use both English and Spanish. Bilingual education system is a challenge for children in rural areas. Spanish, Math and English are the main subjects taught to primary school kids. They learn basic reading and writing along with some other subjects like science, history, natural science and geography. Art and music are also taught in all primary schools.
20 per cent of primary schools in Ecuador are run privately. Some private, nonprofit primary schools offer US based education system. Although instruction is given in English in these schools, students also learn Spanish. ‘English-as-a-Second-Language’ classes are offered to students, whose level of English proficiency is low. In addition, art, music and physical education are also offered at these schools.
Secondary Schools in Ecuador
Secondary education in Ecuador is free till Grade nine. The starting age of secondary education is 12. Secondary education is divided into two three year cycles- grades 6 7, 8 and grades 9, 10 and 11. The secondary schools in Ecuador prepare students for higher education. Students learn English, Spanish, physics, chemistry, history of Ecuador, Geography of Ecuador, world history, mathematics and natural sciences. After ninth grade, parents need to pay certain school fees. In the last three year cycle, the students can choose major subjects, such as computer science, mathematics, social studies or science.
The enrollment of students in private schools for secondary education in Ecuador is on the rise. Some secondary schools or college preparatory schools in Ecuador offer International Baccalaureate programs, middle year and diploma. Private schools are mainly based in urban areas.
The students can choose the program, according to their interest. The secondary school programs differ with institutions, and the curriculum comprises various subjects.
Secondary schools in Ecuador face a variety of issues, including inadequately trained teachers, restrictive teaching methods, emphasis upon university preparation and shortage of libraries and laboratories and so on. The Government is taking initiatives to reduce these issues.
FAQs
Primary Education
Information is scanty, however there are believed to be approximately 1,088 primary schools where an average of 1.5 teachers per school educate an average of 63 pupils through 6 grades.
What is the school system like in Ecuador? ›
The system is structured so that the primary school cycle lasts 6 years, lower secondary lasts 3 years, and upper secondary lasts 3 years. Ecuador has a total of 3,881,000 pupils enrolled in primary and secondary education. Of these pupils, about 1,951,000 (50%) are enrolled in primary education.
How long is a school day in Ecuador? ›
The typical Ecuadorian school year runs from September to July. Classes are usually held from 7 am to 2 pm from Monday to Friday. There are about two and a half months of vacation in the summer (July–September), one week of vacation over Christmas/New Year, and one week at the end of the semester.
How many years of school in Ecuador? ›
The Ecuadorian Constitution requires that all children attend school until they achieve a “basic level of education,” which is estimated at nine school years.
Can girls go to school in Ecuador? ›
Primary education is free and compulsory for six years beginning at age six. Ecuador has made progress in making education available to disadvantaged classes and ethnic groups and to women.
What time does school end in Ecuador? ›
The Ecuadorian school year differs from that in the U.S. and can even differ from region to region! Depending on where you're hosted, the school year will likely begin in early September and run through late June or July. The school day typically runs from 7:15 a.m. to 2:15 p. m.
Is Ecuador good for kids? ›
Mostly known as a travel destination for adventure-seeking enthusiasts, Ecuador is often overlooked as a family friendly destination. The country's diversity and geographical distribution, however, make it the ideal place for families to experience the best of South America in one place.
What do kids do after school in Ecuador? ›
After School Activities
In such schools, students can participate in musicals, band, choir, dance, handicrafts, chess, swimming, basketball, soccer, and many other activities.
How much does Ecuador spend on education? ›
General government usually refers to local, regional and central governments. Ecuador education spending for 2022 was 14.34%, a 3.94% increase from 2021. Ecuador education spending for 2021 was 10.40%, a 1.12% decline from 2020. Ecuador education spending for 2020 was 11.51%, a 0.09% decline from 2019.
Is school free in Ecuador? ›
While education is free in Ecuador, there are many barriers in our partner communities to children accessing education.
There are only two seasons that Ecuador experiences – Summer extends from June to September and is the dry season; Winter goes from October through May and usually brings with it warmer temperatures, rain showers, and higher humidity.
Is college free in Ecuador? ›
Ecuadorian Higher Education
Public universities in Ecuador are tuition-free, but enrollment is based on an aptitude test; in order to qualify to attend higher-ranking schools, students must score high on the standardized test they take before they graduate from secondary school.
Is homeschooling allowed in Ecuador? ›
Legal Status
Homeschooling is legal under certain conditions as explained in the Acuerdo Ministerial 0067-13, including when a family lives far from an educational institution and/or because of illness.
What do Ecuadorian children put in an old shoe? ›
Children leave lists of what presents they want in old shoes for Papa Noel on Christmas Eve and find new shoes with presents from their list on Christmas morning.
What classes do kids take in Ecuador? ›
An Overview of Our Teaching and Academics
Our comprehensive liberal arts education is our foundation: our students take classes in English and Spanish language arts, art, music, theater, science, mathematics, physical education, STEAM/technology and social studies, and a wide variety of electives.
How many primary students are there in the world? ›
Number of pupils in primary education worldwide from 2000 to 2020 (in millions)
| Characteristic | Number of pupils in millions |
|---|
| 2020 | 738 |
| 2019 | 731 |
| 2018 | 742 |
| 2017 | 736 |
9 more rowsOct 26, 2023
Classrooms range in size. In Guayaquil, classrooms may have up to 60 students per classroom. In Quito, the average classroom size is 45 kids. Nationally, Ecuador has a high primary school enrollment rate (95%), according to UNICEF.
How many primary school students are there in the US? ›
In 2021, school enrollment included 4.1 million preschool students, 4.0 million kindergartners, 32.9 million students in first through eighth grades, 17.3 million high schoolers, 16.6 million undergraduate students, and 4.6 million graduate students.
