School System in the Bahamas

The education ministry (Ministry of Education, Science & Technology) and the education department (Department of Education) organize and oversee schooling in the Bahamas. The practical structure generally follows a K–12 model: six years of primary school in grades 1 to 6, three years of junior secondary school in grades 7 to 9 and three years of senior secondary school in grades 10 to 12. The school year runs from September 1 to August 31. The ministry serves more than 50,000 learners in approximately 170 institutions and 14 districts on New Providence and the Family Islands. The responsible school therefore also depends on the place of residence and the relevant district. Primary schools admit children from age five and provide full-time education; parents must ensure suitable education and regular attendance. Violations of compulsory education requirements may result in a school-attendance order (School Attendance Order). Secondary school typically serves students from age 12 to under 19. Compulsory education ends at age 16, but remaining in school after that age is possible; leaving school solely because of age is not mandatory. In addition to separate primary and secondary schools, there are also all-age or combined schools. Preschools and day-care centres care for children under five but are not part of compulsory education; facilities require registration and are inspected, among other things, for premises, staff, care, health and safety. Independent schools must be registered before operating and set their own fees, admission requirements and internal rules. Children with disabilities may receive free state primary and secondary education; depending on their needs, inclusive support, special schools, screening, counselling, Braille, alternative communication or assistive devices may be available. The specific provision should be checked with the responsible district or school. Home schooling is a recognized alternative educational pathway: parents or legal guardians teach and supervise the child, register the child with the ministry annually and provide, among other things, a birth certificate, a national insurance card (NIB card) and vaccination status. At least 25 teaching hours per week for at least 36 weeks per year are required, along with core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, civics, Bahamian history and computer studies. Registered children may, under certain conditions, take the primary assessment (GLAT), the junior secondary examination (BJC), the senior secondary examination (BGCSE) or the designated examination (BHSD). The primary assessment is typically used in grades 3 and 6, the BJC usually in grade 9 and the BGCSE usually in grade 12; examination dates generally fall in May and June.