Education is free in Haiti, but students require paying for books, uniforms and other expenditures. Since the income of most Haitian families is limited, and hence found education beyond reach. State rule is not very appropriate when education services matters, private and parochial schools account for about 90% of primary schools.

The enrolment in primary schools is approximately 65% and at secondary schools it is around 20%. Approximately, 35% pupil completes primary school. Primary education takes 6 years to complete. The duration of secondary education is 7 years. Two streams end either in the Baccalaureat I after three years or the Baccalaureat II after four years. Now, under education reforms, primary education takes 9 years to complete followed by 3 years of secondary education.

Following is given a simple flow chart to explain education structure in Haiti.

Education Structure in Haiti

Pre-higher education:

Duration of compulsory education:
Age of entry: 6
Age of exit: 18

Academic Year:
Classes from October to June

Structure of school system:

• Primary
• Type of school providing this education: Ecole Premiere (Traditional System)
• Length of Program: 6 years
• Age Level: 6-12
• Certificate/Diploma awarded: Certificate of Beginning Studies
• Basic
• Type of school providing this education: Ecole Fondamentale (Reform System)
• Length of Program: 9 years
• Age Level: 6-15
• Certificate/Diploma awarded: Brevet d’Enseignment Fondamental
• Secondary
• Type of school providing this education: Secondary (Reform System)
• Length of Program: 3 years
• Age Level: 15-18
• Certificate/Diploma awarded: Baccalaureat; Diplome d’Enseignement Secondaire
• Lower Secondary
• Type of school providing this education: Secondary School (Traditional System)
• Length of Program: 3 years
• Age Level: 12-15
• Certificate/Diploma awarded: Brevet Elementaire du Premier Cycle
• Upper Secondary
• Type of school providing this education: Secondary School (Traditional System)
• Length of Program: 4 years
• Age Level: 15-19
• Certificate/Diploma awarded: Baccalaureat II
• Technical
• Type of school providing this education: Technical Secondary School
• Length of Program: 3 years
• Age Level: 15-18
• Certificate/Diploma awarded: Technical Certificate

Higher education is provided by universities and other public and private institutions and is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education. Lets’ see what UNESCO says about education and literacy scenario in Haiti, Click Here.