Education and Schools in Santiago

Families with kids have plenty to consider when moving to Santiago, and taking the time to explore schooling options is high on the list. Although the idea of exposing their children to Spanish teaching in the public sector may seem appealing at first, most parents ultimately opt for the assurance of quality education that comes with one of the city's many international schools.

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Public schools in Santiago

Chilean schooling covers preschool up to age five, primary school from age six to 14 and secondary school from age 15 to 18. When starting high school, students must decide whether they want to take an academic pathway, preparing for university and further education, or if they would rather attend a technical school based around practical courses aimed at preparing the student for the working world.

The standards of public education in Chile are generally adequate but, accompanied by the fact that classes are taught in Spanish, most expats living in the capital send their children to an international school in Santiago.

Most local children attend public schools in Santiago and there are also several private schooling options, some of which receive a state subsidy.

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Private schools in Santiago

Private schools in Santiago generally have a religious foundation. In some cases, families applying to the school will need to practise the relevant faith for their children to be considered for admission.

Like public schools, private schools follow the local government curriculum, although they have more freedom to make adjustments and additions to the curriculum. Unlike public schools, they are more likely to teach in a combination of Spanish and other languages up until secondary school where the preparation for school-leaving exams is done in Spanish. That said, the quality of non-Spanish teaching can vary greatly.

Costs in Chilean private schools can quickly add up. In addition to soaring school fees, parents may also have to budget for other expenses such as enrolment fees, books, transport, uniforms, field trips and more. 

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International schools in Santiago

There is a wide array of international schools in Santiago catering to expats. The standard of education is generally high and there are schools for various curricula and languages, including the International Baccalaureate and American, British and German curricula.

Space at international schools is usually limited and parents are advised to plan well in advance. Parents must prepare the necessary documents, academic reports and birth certificates, while children may be required to take a short test and sit for an interview.

Fees are high at these schools, but expats moving to Chile as part of a corporate relocation may be able to negotiate for tuition expenses.

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Special-needs education in Santiago

Inclusivity in special-needs education is being pushed in both public and private education sectors. Many schools provide support for learning disabilities as well as psychological and behavioural problems. Headteachers hire specialists to give the necessary assistance with the help of government subsidies when needed. That said, finding certain services in English is not always possible and expat families may have to turn to more expensive international school options. 

International schools in Chile provide varying levels of learning support to children with disabilities. Parents should contact the school directly to find out about what kind of support is available.

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Homeschooling in Santiago

Although fewer parents choose homeschooling over mainstream schools, it is a viable option in Chile. The negative aspects of mainstream schooling like longer school days, not enough specialised attention and the hefty price tag of international schools means that many families look for alternatives. 

Homeschooling one’s children is not a decision to take lightly as parents must be up for the challenge. It requires a great degree of empathy and understanding, and expats should research the curriculum they choose to follow. They can be guided by Chile’s national curriculum and textbooks, online resources or international curricula.

There are no specific laws for homeschooling, although parents may need to take a validation test to prove they can educate their children. Parents can find more information on this process through Chile’s Ministry of Education and from homeschooling families that network on social media platforms like Facebook.

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Nurseries in Santiago

Parents with young children in Santiago have many nurseries to choose from. There are bilingual daycares in Santiago and several international schools also provide preschool opportunities. When choosing a nursery, expats should consider the teaching- and caring style and activities available, whether it’s flexible and fun or gives special attention to kids’ early development. Parents must also consider their accommodation and find a nursery in the same area or suburb that they live in.

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Tutors in Santiago

Expat families looking for a tutor in Santiago are unlikely to have many problems. Online portals such as Apprentus and networking with other families and on social media are great ways to find a tutor. 

Tutors are useful for students of all ages, including children preparing for a test or even adults interested in learning Spanish. This may be part of a language exchange or on a more formal tutoring basis. Tutoring can be flexible, allowing for face-to-face or online classes on a schedule that suits the tutors and the tutees.