| Schooling is compulsory for Slovaks between the
ages of 6 and 15. Some children attend preschool before the age of 6. Primary
school lasts five years. Children continue their schooling at one of several
types of secondary schools.
Gymnasiums prepare students for further
study at universities. Specialized secondary schools train students in
applied arts and sciences. Secondary vocational schools combine apprenticeships
and academic study. Conservatories offer courses in music, dance or dramatic
arts. Apprentice training centres prepare students for skilled trades and
other occupations. |
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| In addition to state schools, there are private
schools and church-run primary and secondary schools. The government is
currently trying to encourage the establishment of additional good-quality
private schools. |
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Did you know? |
| The
first mining school in the world, the Mining Academy in Banská Štiavnica,
was founded in 1762. |
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| The language of instruction is Slovak. Students
must also study two foreign languages. English is the most popular second
language, followed by German, French, Spanish and Italian. Children of
Hungarian, Ukrainian, Ruthenian, Polish and German families may also take
classes in their mother tongues.
Currently there are 14 institutions of higher
education in the Slovak Republic. At the end of secondary school, students
write an entrance exam to gain admission to university. Slovak universities
and colleges are renowned for their programs in forestry, sciences, wood
technology and environmental studies. |
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Slovaks believe in lifelong education. The City
University in Bratislava provides distance education in cooperation with
Great Britain's Open University. Three universities also offer the University
of the Third Age, where older people can study.
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Did you know? |
| Maximilián
Hell (1720-92) was a Slovak mathematician and astronomer. He was the first
to calculate the distance between the earth and the sun. |
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