The education system in Panama is divided into four levels: early childhood education, primary education, secondary education, and higher education.
Early childhood education covers children from 0 to 5 years old and is divided into two stages: maternal and pre-primary. This level of education is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged for children to attend to ensure that they receive a good foundation for their education.
Primary education is mandatory for children aged 6 to 12 and lasts for six years. During this stage, students receive a general education in subjects such as mathematics, social studies, science, language, and physical education.
Secondary education is divided into two stages: lower secondary and upper secondary. Lower secondary education lasts for three years and focuses on the development of core competencies and vocational training. Upper secondary education lasts for three years and prepares students for higher education or the workforce.
Higher education includes universities, polytechnic institutes, and teacher training institutions. The government and private sector both provide higher education in Panama. Some universities offer programs in medicine, law, engineering, and business, among others.
In general, the education system in Panama is free and accessible to all citizens. However, the quality of education could vary between public and private institutions, and there is still room for improvement in terms of the overall quality of education and access to resources for students.
In Panama, universities use a 0–100 point grading scale. A passing grade is typically 71 or above, and roughly equivalent to a C. Schools use the 1–5 point system, meaning if a student has a 4.5 that is the equivalent of an A− or somewhere around the 95-point range.
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