Independent Schools in Guyana

Gross enrolment overall: 69.2% (2010)

Primary female–male ratio: 1.04:1 (2010)

Secondary female–male ratio: 1.11:1 (2010)

Primary pupil–teacher ratio: 25:1 (2010)

Secondary pupil–teacher ratio: 21:1 (2010)

There are 11 years of compulsory education starting at age five. Primary school comprises six years and secondary seven, with cycles of five and two years. Some 83% 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. The government provides study programmes for children and adults with special needs. Some of these children are also taught job-related skills and helped to find suitable employment.

The number of private or independent schools in Guyana is relatively small. One of the most prominent is the Georgetown International Academy (GIA). The GIA was founded as the Georgetown American School in 1971 to provide education to the dependents of United States citizens residing in Guyana. It has since developed into an international school attended by a mix of expatriate and Guyanese students. The GIA is an accredited American Overseas School and offers a curriculum based on the US system.