 |
First European Ministry of Education
A complete system of formal education in Lithuania was created back at the end of the 16th century: the primary education (stage 1), the pre-higher education (stage 2) and higher/university education. The year 1773 saw the establishment of the Education Commission - the first education institution of the Lithuanian-Polish state, which served as the very first European Ministry of Education. It created a new education management system. The school network was headed by Vilnius University (major school of the Grand Duchy as of 1781).
Educational system today
The system of education in Lithuania is based on European cultural values. It has been undergoing a gradual overhaul ever since 1992, when the education reform was launched.
Pre-school education follows pre-school curriculum and is provided for the children from one to five (or six) years of age. Preparatory education is provided from six years of age, or even earlier at parents’ request (and where the child is sufficiently mature for this level of education), but not before the child is five. The duration is one year.
