An Expat Guide To Schools In The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has plenty to offer expats who come to live and work within its shores. It has some of the best natural scenery in the world, a pleasant tropical climate, and an affordable cost of living. Its expansive coastline is home to beautiful beaches, and there is great diversity in the interiors, in the form of mountains, deserts, and lush rainforests. The Dominican Republic is especially popular among expat retirees, who find that real estate in the country is inexpensive and the healthcare system adheres to a high standard. Expats with families also have much to look forward to when moving to the Dominican Republic. There are several educational options and opportunities available for children, and although the local language is Spanish, there are a number of multinational schools that adopt other languages of instruction. However, before moving to the Dominican Republic with children, it is important to be more fully informed about the education system in the country, and take stock of its pros and cons.
The Dominican Republic’s public education system does not have a great reputation. In fact, it is known to be among the world’s most underperforming education systems. The good news is that there are measures being taken to improve the situation. The main challenges faced by the education system are overcrowding in classrooms, a lack of proper facilities, and outdated curricula. National law makes it necessary to spend at least four percent of the country’s GDP on education. In reality, only two percent actually reach the education system.
Teachers earn meager salaries and find it hard to make a living. This is why not many local people choose to become teachers in the Dominican Republic. This also leads to the problem of a skewed student-to-teacher ratio, meaning students don’t receive adequate individual attention. Many of the teachers who are working in the Dominican Republic have not sufficiently acquainted themselves with the material they are required to teach. Statistics have shown a 40 percent dropout rate among students, even before they reach the eighth grade.
Other societal issues that exist in the country, such as a high rate of teenage pregnancy, also contribute to this high drop-out rate. The Dominican Republic’s literacy rate stands at a fairly impressive 92 percent, but studies have revealed that many high school students attain only a sixth-grade reading level, even upon entering university.
In recent years, teachers in the Dominican Republic have exerted pressure on the government to pay more attention to education, and there have in fact been some improvements, such as establishing more schools and lengthening teaching hours. However, teacher training and the scarcity of teachers still remain problems. This led to the World Bank’s 2015 announcement of the intention to invest $50 million to aid the national education reforms over the course of five years.
Education in the Dominican Republic is divided into three stages.
Preschool Or Pre-Primary Education
The initial level or the preschool stage enrolls students below the age of six. The first cycle of the pre-primary stage includes children up to the age of two; the second cycle is for children from age two to four; and the third cycle is for children between the ages of four and six. Legally, only the final year of preschool is compulsory. This year is funded by the government.
Primary Education
Primary schooling is mandatory and includes students between the ages of six and 14. This stage of education is divided into two cycles. The first cycle is for children aged six to ten and consists of grades one to four. The second cycle enrolls children aged 10 to 14 and consists of grades five to eight. Each grade is made up of ten months of education.
Secondary Education
Secondary school, which enrolls students from 14 to 18 years, is not mandatory. It consists of four years of education, divided into two cycles. In the first cycle, education in general. The second cycle permits students the flexibility to focus on art, technical or vocational education. With technical or vocational schooling, students may find it easier to access certain professions in the fields of agriculture and industry. An arts education aims at honing creativity in students and enables them to enter the fields of visual, performing, and applied arts or music. National exams are held at the end of secondary education, in which students must obtain a passing grade in order to graduate. They must also have participated in a community service program. Students who successfully complete secondary schooling receive a high school diploma, after which they can enroll in the university.
Expats who want their children to study at universities in the United States should have them educated at schools that have accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. For those looking at a university education in Europe, it is advisable to enroll your children in a school that teaches the International Baccalaureate, such as the Saint George School in Santo Domingo.
Source: Expat Focus
Category: DR Living |