The Educational System in Latvia

Education in Latvia is composed of levels: nine years compulsory, secondary and higher education. Vacational schools, art schools,business schools, schools for special types of children, and kindergartens also form part of the programme.
There are private schools and universities, where fees are charged. But majority of students go to state schools which are free.
The main purpose of the nine year school is the general intellectual and social development of the child from 7 to 15 years of age. Promotion from one grade to the next is based on the pupils’ skills in all school subjects and on the results of tests.
In secondary schools most pupils follow a course that includes Latvian, science, social studies, mathematics, physical education, foreign languages. Elective subjects may be chosen according to the student’s interests. A student is graded from 10 (outstanding) to 1 (failing) in each subject he takes. Students receive report cards twice a year.…