Schools in Saint Lucia

Gross enrolment overall: 70.6% (2012)

Primary female–male ratio: 0.97:1 (2012)

Secondary female–male ratio: 0.99:1 (2012)

Primary pupil–teacher ratio: 17.2:1 (2012)

Secondary pupil–teacher ratio: 14.3:1 (2012)

There are ten years of compulsory education starting at the age of five. Primary school comprises seven years and secondary five, with cycles of three and two years. Some 89.6 per cent of pupils complete primary school (2011). The school year starts in September.

There are a small number of independent or private schools in St Lucia, around seven at the primary level and two at the secondary level. The best known independent secondary school on the island is the St Lucia International School. This co-educational school, which is located in Rodney Bay, follows a Canadian syllabus and offers an examination qualification system recognized at an international level. Bonne Terre Primary school is located close to Rodney Bay and offers a Montessori education aimed at child development in a holistic manner. Tapion Private School in Castries is popular with both expats and local parents who wish to educate their children privately at primary age.