The aim of the pre-school education programme is to promote the development of human and responsible individual personality, to encourage the formation of inquisitiveness towards individuals, environment and society and its diversity and unity. Pre-school education programmes are acquired by children from the age of 1,5 up to the age of 7. Preparation of five and six-year-old children for the acquisition of basic education is compulsory.
The basic education programme is acquired in grades 1-9. The acquisition of the basic education is compulsory. Partial acquisition of basic education is implemented in primary schools.
General secondary education programmes are implemented in secondary schools, state gymnasiums, distance learning and extramural secondary schools. The study year consists of 35 weeks in general secondary education institutions. The general secondary education program includes 3 types of courses – basic courses (at a general or optimal level), advanced courses (at a high level), and specialized courses. Upon completion the mandatory demands of general secondary education students receive a certificate on general secondary education thus entitling the graduate to continue studies in any higher educational establish mentor college.
The policy of inclusive education in Latvia helps every pupil, regardless of the school type or educational programme chosen, in preserving their ethnic identity and origin, in perfecting and developing their language and culture, and in treating the cultures, traditions and languages of other nationalities with respect.
The higher pedagogical education and corresponding professional qualification is mandatory for teachers working in any general secondary education institution.
Contacts and Information Sources:
Ministry of Education and Science, Phone: +371 67226209, pasts@izm.gov.lv
Education Quality State Service, Phone: +371 67222504, ikvd@ikvd.gov.lv, www.ikvd.gov.lv
State Education Development Agency, Phone: +371 67814322, info@viaa.gov.lv, www.viaa.gov.lv