2. Consist of preschool, primary school, lower secondary, upper secondary and higher education. Students required to attend through upper secondary (15 or 16 years old) School year is from Sept. til June 30 th, with vacations in December and April. Classes meet 5 days a week, 5 hours a day (8:00 til 1:00 or 2:00 til 7:00) Students tested monthly and must make passing grade to continue to next level,.

3. Must complete a special program in addition to secondary level in order to go to higher education (college or university. Grading scale is as follows: 0-5 F 6-7 C 8 B 9-10 A Must pass an exam to gain entrance to a university. If not planning on attending a university, may attend a non- academic program after secondary called “nivel medio básico” which is vocational, commercial or artistic training

4. System includes preschool (Ages 3-5), primary (6-11), compulsory (required) secondary education (12-15 yrs. old) Graduation certificate is called the Bachillerato and must be obtained to get into University or Vocational training. Primary school hours are from 9:00 -2:00 and then 3:00- 5:00, depending on the school. Secondary schools go from 8:30-3:00. At this level they have ½ hour break for lunch. School year runs from Sept. 1- June 22 nd but have shorter Christmas holiday then one in Mexico.

5. In Mexico, a typical secondary schedule might include: Spanish, Math, World History, Geography of Mexico, Civics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, English, Art, P.E. and technical education In Spain, you might see this schedule: Spanish language and literature, co-official language (Catalan, Basque,etc.), Foreign language, Philosophy, P.E., Spanish history, 2 nd foreign language or psychology or technology. Religion and/or Catholic studies.

6. Only those students who have an average of 87% in their secondary education can sit for special entrance exams to get into college or university. If not, they must attend vocational training instead.