Overview of Education System
The education system in Latvia is administered at the national, municipal, and institutional levels. The Parliament (Saeima), the Cabinet of Ministers, and the Ministry of Education and Science are the main decision making bodies at the national level. As the leading public administration institution in the field of education and science, the Ministry implements a single national policy and development strategy in education; develops education, science, sport, youth, and state language policies; organizes and coordinates their implementation; develops draft legislation regulating the sector; and develops draft policy planning documents. Every municipality supervises the preschool, basic, and general upper secondary schools in its administrative territory and participates in funding the maintenance expenses of those educational institutions. A Board of Education is established by each municipality to perform its educational functions.3 In addition, educational policy is shaped by regulations issued by the Cabinet of Ministers; decrees, instruction, and methodology guidelines are issued by the Ministry of Education and Science.
The major levels of education are preprimary education, including compulsory education for children ages 5 to 6; compulsory general basic education (Grades 1 to 9); general secondary education (Grades 10 to 12); and higher education. General basic education in Latvia can be acquired in primary schools, elementary schools, vocational schools, special education institutions, evening (shift) schools, boarding schools, social or pedagogical adjustment educational institutions or classes, or any other educational institutions implementing basic educational programs.4 General secondary education can take place in secondary schools, evening secondary schools, and gymnasiums.5 During the 2015–2016 school year, Latvia had 53 private general education schools, 54 primary schools, 318 basic education schools, 300 secondary education schools, 21 evening secondary schools, 23 gymnasiums, and 60 special education schools.6