Education in Nicaragua

Education in Nicaragua is free for all Nicaraguans. Elementary education is free and compulsory although this is not strictly enforced and many children are not able to attend due to their families need to have them work. Communities located on the Atlantic Coast have access to education in their native languages in both Spanish and the languages of the native indigenous tribes that live in the more rural areas of Nicaragua. Higher education has financial, organic and administrative autonomy, according to the law. Also, freedom of subjects is recognized. The school year runs from February through November

PreSchool
This includes the levels 1-3 when the students age is 3 to 6 years old. It education step is volunteer, but is important to develop basics skills and teaching children the schooling world in their first time.

Primary School
Comprising grades 1-6, when the student's age is 6 to 12 years old. It starts the basic compulsory education system. In Spanish, the general term for "school" is escuela.

High School
Comprising grades 7-9, when the student's age is 12 to 18 years old. It is part of the basic compulsory education system, it follows primary school. At this level, more specialized subjects may be taught such as Physics and Chemistry, and World History.

Vocational Education (Preparatory)

Traditionally consists of three years of education, divided into six semesters, with the first semesters having a common curriculum, and the later ones allowing some degree of specialization, either in physical sciences (electricity, chemistry, biology, etc.) or social sciences (commerce, philosophy, law, etc.).

The Higher Education System

Admission to higher education is on the basis of the Bachillerato. Students are also subject to an entrance examination. The Licenciado, the main undergraduate degree, is a four or five year course of study.