Education in Argentina: From Preschool to University
Preschool Study in Argentina: An Overview
We are going to talk about education in Argentina starting from kindergarten to University. Public education in Argentina is free. Only private academic education is paid.
Now let’s start. Maternity leave is relatively short compared to some other countries. Paid leave for child care consists of just 45 days before and 45 days after childbirth. However, mothers have the option to reduce their prenatal leave by 15 days and extend their postnatal leave by the same amount. By immigrating to Argentina, you children get access to free and quality education.
Once this period ends, mothers return to work, and their children start attending Jardin Maternal, which is similar to nurseries in other countries. This institution accepts children from 45 days to 3 years old, offering a structured developmental and educational program tailored for each age group.
At the age of 3, children transition to Jardin de Infantes, which serves as preschool until they turn 6. In Argentina, attendance at preschool is mandatory from age 4 to prepare for primary school. This requirement aims to help children adapt to social interactions and group work. Preschools in Argentina use a letter grading system: E (excelente) for “excellent,” MB (muy bueno) for “very good,” B (bien) for “good,” A (aprobado) for “passed,” and NA (no aprobado) for “not passed.”
Preschools can be either public (free of charge) or private. The fees for private institutions depend on the duration of the child’s attendance.
Primary and Secondary Education in Argentina
Academic Studies in Argentina is divided into two main stages: primary and secondary. Primary education lasts for 6-7 years, depending on the province, and secondary education for 5 years. Children begin primary school at age 6. The relationship between students and teachers is typically warm and supportive.
The Argentine school year starts in March and concludes in December. It is divided into three trimesters, with a two-week winter break in July. Grading is based on a 10-point scale, where a score of 10 represents the highest achievement. Grades below 7 indicate insufficient understanding of the material. If a student’s final grade for the year is below 7, they must take a comprehensive exam for the entire year’s content. In some regions, a percentage system is used instead, with 100% indicating an excellent performance.
Upon completing primary education and passing necessary tests, students move on to “secundaria,” which includes both middle and high school. This often involves transferring to a different school, possibly located in another neighborhood. Secondary education is divided into two stages: basic (basico), covering a general curriculum from age 13, and advanced (orientado), where students can select courses based on their interests.
Let me share with you the names of the top schools in Argentina. Belgrano Day School is a highly prestigious bilingual school in Buenos Aires. It’s a day school, not a boarding school, although it also offers remote education. They used to cooperate with a U.S. school, which enables them to provide 100% remote education as well. With a history spanning more than a century, this school has seen generations of families—grandparents, parents, and grandchildren—all studying there. Your children will be surrounded by the children of affluent families.
Another school is Colegio Bayard, located in Palermo, not far from Alto Palermo Shopping Mall. In Palermo Soho, there is a school named Colegio Palermo Chico and the Colegio International New Model School.
In Palermo, I want to highlight an amazing kindergarten named Florence Nightingale Kindergarten. They also have primary and secondary schools in Buenos Aires, located not far from Palermo, but I want to especially emphasize the kindergarten, which is located near Alto Palermo or Parque Las Heras. This kindergarten is very cozy and nice. The staff here are super professional and take special care of your child. The environment is super clean and welcoming. The education curriculum is designed to emphasize English, and teachers make an effort to speak in English all the time. The principal of this kindergarten, Florencia, is a very nice lady with many years of experience. I would give this kindergarten 5 stars.
School Types and Traditions
In Argentina, schools can be public, private, or subsidized by the government. Private schools range from affordable religious institutions to expensive multilingual ones. Parents sometimes reserve places for their children in desired schools well in advance. Although some public schools collect funds from parents for various needs, these contributions are not compulsory.
Interesting Facts About Argentine Schools
1. Children in Buenos Aires wearing white coats are likely from free public schools. These coats are part of the school uniform and are worn over regular clothes.
2. A tradition for high school graduates is to embark on a trip to a city within Argentina. Even families with limited resources save for this journey, often discussing it years before graduation.
3. Instead of traditional notebooks, Argentine students use removable sheets in graph or lined pads that are placed in ring binders.
4. Class sizes in Argentina can be large, with up to 50 students per class in public schools, compared to the 30-student norm in some other countries.
5. Bilingual schools in Argentina often operate in two shifts: one in Spanish and another in a foreign language.
Higher Education in Argentina
Study in Argentina is tiered, including classical universities, institutes with university status, and technical institutes similar to technical schools. Graduates from these institutes do not receive a degree but can pursue further studies at universities, representing an incomplete higher education.
Most public universities in Argentina offer free education for bachelor’s degrees, including for international students. However, only about 20% of students complete their studies within the standard time frame. The system allows for indefinite postponement of exams, and there is no age restriction, leading to extended study periods beyond the typical 4 to 6 years.
Master’s and doctoral programs are considered postgraduate education and require payment, regardless of whether the institution is public or private.
In summary, Argentina’s educational system offers a structured and engaging pathway from early childhood through higher education. Starting with Jardin Maternal for infants and progressing through a tiered schooling system, children receive a broad foundation of learning and socialization. With mandatory attendance from the age of four and a variety of schooling options, including public, private, and subsidized institutions, the Argentine education system is designed to cater to diverse needs and preferences. The system emphasizes a strong academic curriculum complemented by extracurricular activities and character development. As students advance to secondary and higher education levels, they benefit from a mix of rigorous academic training and practical experiences, preparing them for a range of professional and personal pursuits. Overall, Argentina’s commitment to education reflects a dedication to fostering well-rounded and capable individuals ready to contribute to society.
Immi Legal serves people worldwide on their journey of immigrating to Argentina. For more information about our prices, please visit https://www.immi.legal/prices
References:
Dreamstime. (n.d.). Mature women teacher working in high school tells pupils history of Argentina. Retrieved from https://www.dreamstime.com/mature-women-teacher-working-high-school-tells-pupils-history-argentina-class-holds-national-flag-image315945924
ArgBlueberry. (n.d.). Centros de cuidado infantil: Un servicio a la comunidad que crece en la producción de arándanos argentinos. Retrieved from https://www.argblueberry.com/home/en/centros-de-cuidado-infantil-un-servicio-a-la-comunidad-que-crece-en-la-produccion-de-arandanos-argentinos/
PEPE Network. (2023). Inclusion of autist children in PEPEs in Argentina. Retrieved from https://pepeglobal.org/en/inclusion-of-autist-children-in-pepes-in-argentina/