Schools in Dominica

Gross enrolment overall: 74.5% (2007)

Primary female–male ratio: 0.99:1 (2009)

Secondary female–male ratio: 1.06:1 (2009)

Primary pupil–teacher ratio: 16:1 (2009)

Secondary pupil–teacher ratio: 14:1 (2009)

There are 10 years of compulsory education starting at age five. Primary school comprises seven years and secondary five. Some 89% of pupils complete primary school (2007). The school year starts in September. The Caribbean Examinations Council, established in 1972 by an agreement among 15 English-speaking Commonwealth Caribbean countries and territories, provides examinations and certification at secondary and post-secondary levels. Qualifications offered by the Council include the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (in 33 subjects, for students at the end of the secondary education cycle); Caribbean Advanced Proficiency (for post-secondary students entering the world of work and for those candidates who wish to continue their further education at the tertiary level); Caribbean Vocational Qualification; and, since 2005, Associate Degrees. Children with special needs are catered for by institutions such as the School for the Hearing Impaired and Alpha Centre.

Gross enrolment overall: 73.2% (2008)

Primary female–male ratio: 0.98:1 (2010)

Secondary female–male ratio: 1.09:1 (2010)

Primary pupil–teacher ratio: 16:1 (2010)

Secondary pupil–teacher ratio: 13:1 (2010)

Dominica’s private schools are either funded by private donors, or by the government through public-private partnership schemes (also known as publicly-assisted schools). In many ways pre-school education is entirely private, with NGOs and donors funding these due to them not being compulsory in Dominica. Dominica’s Education Ordinance does not prohibit the establishment of private schools, but gives a discretionary power to the Cabinet to determine whether a private school should be the beneficiary of public funds. Examples include the Orion Academy, which is operated by a private company;bthe Kairi School of Music and Pioneer Prep School.