10 Facts to know about the Belgian education sytem

Language Diversity: The Belgian education system is known for its language diversity. The country has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. This linguistic diversity is reflected in the structure of the education system, with separate communities for each language.
Regional Division: The education system is divided along regional lines, with separate regions for the Dutch-speaking community (Flanders), the French-speaking community (Wallonia), and the German-speaking community (a small area in the eastern part of the country).
Compulsory Education: Education is compulsory for children from 6 to 18 years old. However, there may be variations in the structure and content of education in different communities and regions.
Preschool Education: Preschool education is available for children from 2.5 to 6 years old. This education is not mandatory. It focuses on the early development of children, socialization, and preparing them for primary school.
Primary Education: Primary education lasts for six years and is taught in either Dutch or French, depending on the language region.
Secondary Education: Secondary education follows primary education and typically lasts for six years. It offers different tracks, including general, technical, and vocational education, catering to various student interests and career goals. Variety of Education Forms: Secondary education includes General Secondary Education (ASO), Technical Secondary Education (TSO), Vocational Secondary Education (BSO), and Artistic Secondary Education (KSO).
Higher Education: Belgium has a wide range of higher education institutions, including universities, colleges, and art academies. Higher education is managed by the communities and regions.
Bilingual Education in Brussels: In Brussels, an officially bilingual region (Dutch and French), there are bilingual education options available to students, reflecting the city's linguistic diversity.
Autonomy of Communities: Each language community (Dutch-speaking, French-speaking, and German-speaking) has a significant degree of autonomy over its education system. This includes control over curriculum development, teacher training, and education policies.
International Schools: Belgium hosts several international schools catering to expatriate communities. They offer education in languages other than the official Belgian languages.

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