Independent Schools in Belize
- Overview
- Independent Schools
Primary female–male ratio: 0.91:1 (2010)
Primary pupil–teacher ratio: 22:1 (2010)
Secondary pupil–teacher ratio: 17:1 (2010)
There are ten years of compulsory education starting at age five. Primary school, which is free of charge, comprises eight years and secondary four. Some 95% of pupils complete primary school (2008). The school year starts in September. The Caribbean Examinations Council, established in 1972 by an agreement among 15 English-speaking Commonwealth Caribbean countries and territories, provides examinations and certification at secondary and post-secondary levels. Qualifications offered by the Council include the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (in 33 subjects, for students at the end of the secondary education cycle); Caribbean Advanced Proficiency (for post-secondary students entering the world of work and for those candidates who wish to continue their further education at the tertiary level); Caribbean Vocational Qualification; and, since 2005, Associate Degrees.
Private education is an ambiguous term in the context of the Belizean education system. This is because public schools funded by the Catholic Church are often called private schools. In addition to this, there are also semi-private schools, which are partly subsidised by the government of Belize. Private schools catering for middle to upper-income families are confined to Belize City and the few urban areas in the country. Monthly tuition can be as high as USD $250. Major examples include The Island Academy on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize Elementary School, and Saint Catherine Academy for girls and St. John’s High School for boys, both in Belize City.
Independent Schools organisations in Belize | |
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Belize Christian Academy |
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Bethel Primary School |
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Canaan S D A High School |
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Hummingbird Elementary School |
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Punta Gorda Methodist School |
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