Education in Samoa

Samoan education has been competent inspired by the New Zealand educational system. The government through the Department of Education assumes the State’s responsibility to educate its people. Also, there are nongovernment educational institutions for greater learning opportunities for students.

In July 2000, literacy rate was recorded at 97% reflective of the efficiency of educational programs implemented in the country. The framework is sustained by the department director, four assistant directors, and 23 field administrators. Educational establishments have been adequately provided for primary (139 elementary schools), secondary (25 high schools), and tertiary (one school university) instruction.

Private primary and secondary schools provided more educational options for the learning public. More often than not, these are independently financed by village sponsors. In fact, there are 38 nongovernment institutions in the country managed by independent school boards. Each academy is supervised by a principal along with the faculty, pastors, and villagers.

The Sate promotes free and mandatory basic education. Educational scheme is characterized by primary education (eight years); junior (five years) and senior (two years) secondary education; and college education (varies on the course program). Entry on each school level is dependent on the results of national aptitude tests given to students at the end of every school level program.

Bilingual mode of instruction is utilized along the teaching process. In elementary level, Samoan vernacular is employed on the first six years while English is employed on the next two years. In high school and college levels, English is the exclusive language used in teaching with Samoan taken as a separate academic course.