Educational Opportunities
Primary Education
Education in the Micronesian island nation of Palau still follows the American system of Grades K to 12. It is mandatory until either the age of 16 is reached, or graduation from high school is achieved. There are approximately 20 elementary state schools dispersed through villages and islands, where pupils study for 6 years. So the education of primary school is very similar to the United States.
Secondary Education
Approximately 2/3 of students attend one of the two public high schools - with the balance attending several private ones. There are three educational streams that lead to a high school diploma, a vocational diploma, or an individualized one. The system is based on credits achieved, as opposed to years spent at school. The difference here between the U.S and Palau is that students can take different diplomas but the country of Palau has been greatly influenced by the U.S.
Vocational Education
Vocational education is available through the Palau Community College which has evolved from a trade school in the years since 1926. It is independent, has its own governing board and provides a wide range of opportunities. Palau only has this one community college were as America has hundreds and hundreds of further education schools.
Tertiary Education
There are no opportunities for university education in Palau except for distance learning through the University of South Pacific and San Diego State University. In simple terms, the tiny nation is too small to support a university, although the talent is undoubtedly there.
Education in the Micronesian island nation of Palau still follows the American system of Grades K to 12. It is mandatory until either the age of 16 is reached, or graduation from high school is achieved. There are approximately 20 elementary state schools dispersed through villages and islands, where pupils study for 6 years. So the education of primary school is very similar to the United States.
Secondary Education
Approximately 2/3 of students attend one of the two public high schools - with the balance attending several private ones. There are three educational streams that lead to a high school diploma, a vocational diploma, or an individualized one. The system is based on credits achieved, as opposed to years spent at school. The difference here between the U.S and Palau is that students can take different diplomas but the country of Palau has been greatly influenced by the U.S.
Vocational Education
Vocational education is available through the Palau Community College which has evolved from a trade school in the years since 1926. It is independent, has its own governing board and provides a wide range of opportunities. Palau only has this one community college were as America has hundreds and hundreds of further education schools.
Tertiary Education
There are no opportunities for university education in Palau except for distance learning through the University of South Pacific and San Diego State University. In simple terms, the tiny nation is too small to support a university, although the talent is undoubtedly there.