Spanish Language and Culture 10-3Y


2.5 Schools in Different Spanish Countries


Spain and Latin American countries have different school systems. Let's take a look at four countries: Spain, Argentina, Colombia, and Cuba. Read the following information about schools in Spain, Colombia, Cuba, and Argentina.

School System
  • Primary education is six years.
  • Secondary education is four years. These four years are divided into two two-year programs: 12-14 and 14-16. Students receive a certificate after completing all four years. Students then choose a two-year program, either a Bachillerato studies or vocational training (16-18).
  • School runs from September to June.
School Hours for High School Students
Spanish schools have one of these school hours:
  • 8:30 AM to 2:20 PM with 30 minutes break or lunch
    Or
  • 9 AM to 5 PM with a two-hour lunch
School System
  • Primary school is five years.
  • Secondary school is four years of basic education, and after that, two more years of second level education. Secondary schools in Colombia are either academic or technical.
School Hours for High School Students
There are three shifts. Students either go to school in the morning or in the afternoon. The night shift is for students who work during the day.
  • Morning shift is from 7 AM to 12 PM.
  • Afternoon shift is from 1 PM to 6 PM.
  • Night shift is from 6:30 PM to 10 PM.
School Year
Schools follow either an A or B school year.
  • A is from February to November.
  • B is from September to June.

School System
  • Primary school is 6 years.
  • Secondary is divided into basic or pre-university/technical. After basic secondary education students can choose between pre-university or technical education.
  • School is from August to June.
School Hours for High School Students
  • 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

School System
  • Primary education is six years (1-6).
  • Students have three more years of general education before they can start secondary education (7-9).
  • Secondary school is two to three years.
  • School is from March to December.
School Hours for High School Students
There are two shifts. Students either go to school in the morning or in the afternoon.
  • Morning shift is from 8 AM to 12 PM.
    OR
  • Afternoon shift is from 1 PM to 5 PM.