One thing that makes Andorra such a tempting place to live is that the standard of education is very high. Small countries often get a bad reputation when it comes to schooling but Andorra has made great strides to ensure they do not fall into that trap. As a parent, you can expect to choose between three different public school systems:
Spanish,
French, and
Andorran.
Keep in mind, all public schools are free in Andorra.
Once you choose an education system, attendance is mandatory until your child is 16. Home-schooling is not currently permitted in Andorra. Regardless of which school system you choose, students will be heavily exposed to English, French, Spanish, and of course, the official language of Catalan. Basically, all local languages are covered.
Additionally, you can expect the following subjects to be taught in all schooling systems in Andorra. They include:
Science
Math
Arts
Languages
Social Studies
History
IT
The goal is to create well-rounded students who are diverse in language and culture. In our experience, Andorra does a great job of educating its students. No wonder the Andorra literacy rate is 100%. This is a claim few other countries in the world can boast. You can rest assured as a parent that your kids are getting the very best education available.
The French System
As mentioned above, you can choose between three key school systems in Andorra. French is one of the most popular options. Around half of all Andorran children attend a school that is part of the French education system. Students officially enter the system at 6 years old, though there is a maternal system starting at age 3. There is a focus on literature, music, mathematics, the French language, and art.
In the French system, each year will bring an additional subject. That means one more class will be added to the curriculum with each passing year. Upon finishing upper secondary school, children receive a diploma. After that, many take the next step to further their education. It is worth noting that children who complete their studies in the French system can later attend university in France for free.
The Spanish System
Spanish used to be one of the more common education systems in Andorra but as time continues it’s become much less common. This system is managed by the Spanish government and is a less common option for ex-pat children. The school consists of three disparate levels:
Primary Education: ages 3 through 6
Basic General Education: ages 6 through 12
Baccalaureate program: ages 12 through 18
Upon completion of the Spanish schooling system, students can pursue higher education in Spain. This is often appealing to both students and parents. It opens up the opportunity for students to take flight in a larger country as Spain also has some rather renowned universities. Job opportunities can be plentiful in this region, especially when compared directly to Andorra.
The Andorran System
Finally, you have the Andorran schooling system. Given the number of expats in Andorra who are not from Spain or France, this is a popular option. Most expats do place their kids in the Andorran system. Schools in Andorra are committed to teaching French from a very early age. With that said, Catalan is the main language in Andorran schools and this language is not commonly spoken abroad.
Once students complete secondary school, they receive a certificate. This certificate allows them to continue on with their studies in Andorra. However, students are not limited to staying within the principality. Instead, the certificate will allow them to pursue an education in another European country. This includes colleges and universities.