K-12 Education System in Russia
Russia possesses a centralised education system where the compulsory education guidelines for all public schools are established and carried out by the "Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Social Development.
Education begins at the age of six with pre-school. Kids go to kindergartens or other pre-schools which concentrate on both intellectual and physical activities. The next stage is primary Education. Primary Education is a part of the general education program.
General Education in Russia consists of three levels:- Primary education lasts for four years
- Basic general education lasts for five years
- Secondary education lasts for two to three years
General education is compulsory and includes diverse fields of study such as the Russian language, foreign languages, math, social sciences, natural sciences, politics, etc. Russian general education is aimed at the rational, emotional, moral and physical growth of the individual. General education takes 11years to complete.
Kids enter the schools at the age of six and finish school by the age of 17. After completing primary and basic general education, the students take their final examinations. After the successfully clearing of final exams, they are rewarded with a Certificate of Basic General Education (Attestat ob Osnovom Obshchem Obrazovani), which makes them eligible for higher studies to either secondary general education, or to vocational system or to non-university level higher education.
Pre-School & Primary Education
Pre-School education includes kindergartens. Kindergartens are regulated by regional and local authorities. The Primary Education lasts four years and focuses on building general and basic skills in the students.
Secondary Education
Eleven-year secondary education in Russian is compulsory. The eleven-year school term is split into:
- Elementary- grades 1-4
- Middle- grades 5-9
- Senior- grades 10-11 classes
Children are accepted into first grade at the age of 6 or 7.
Vocational Training
Upon completion of a nine-year program the student has a choice of either completing the remaining two years at normal school or of a transfer to a specialized professional training school. Vocational training provides students with a working skill qualification and a high school certificate.
Academic Year
September 1 is the official beginning of the academic year in Russia. This day is also a state official celebration of Knowledge Day. The academic year lasts until May 25 which is also known as The Last School Bell Day.
The structure of educational year is separated into an autumn and spring semester with a study period of 16 weeks in the autumn term and 15-16 weeks in spring term. Each semester ends with one assessment week during which students take course tests and present assignment work.
Structure of K-12 Education in Russia
Pre-Higher Education Entry Age: 6
Exit Age: 15
Primary Education Primary Education includes Primary General School
Duration: 4 years
Age level: 6 to 10
Secondary EducationSecondary Education includes Basic General Secondary School
Duration: 5 years
Age level: 10 to: 15
Secondary (Complete) General School & Upper-Secondary School
Duration: 2 years
Age level: 15 to 17
Certificate awarded: Certificate of Secondary Complete General Education and a School Leaving Certificate.
Vocational Training Vocational Training was imparted at Non-university level higher education
Duration: 4 years
Age level: 15 to 19
Certificate awarded: Diploma