Belize's School Calendar: A Yearly Overview

In Belize, education is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 14. The school year runs from September to June, with a calendar of events and holidays outlined by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology. While primary education is free in some schools, there are additional costs for uniforms, books and annual school fees. The Belizean school system is based on British education and is divided into three levels: primary, secondary and tertiary education.

School terms and holidays

In Belize, education is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 14. The school year is divided into terms, with the academic calendar varying slightly between primary and secondary schools, as well as across different years.

For the 2023-2024 academic year, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology has released an approved calendar outlining the school terms and holidays. While specific dates are not publicly available, the calendar provides a general overview of the school year.

The school year typically begins in early September, marking the start of the first term. This term continues until the end of November or the beginning of December, when schools close for the year-end holidays. The new year commences in early January, with students returning to school for the second term. This term usually concludes in late March or early April, marking the start of the Easter holidays.

The third term begins shortly after Easter, usually in mid-April, and continues until the summer break, which often commences in late June or early July. The summer break signifies the end of the academic year, and the fourth term starts in September with the new academic year.

It is important to note that these dates may vary slightly between different schools and districts. Additionally, Belize observes several public and national holidays throughout the year, which may result in occasional school closures. These holidays include Labour Day and the Celebration of the Arts.

Primary education

The Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) assesses that Belize is fulfilling 92.5% of what should be possible based on its resources for primary education. This is in contrast to secondary education, where only 76.4% is being achieved. Primary education in Belize has its roots in the British education system, but it has been influenced by the U.S. academic syllabus, particularly through the Jesuits.

Secondary education

In the 1990s, approximately 8,900 students attended secondary schools in Belize. However, it is estimated that 50% of secondary school students drop out before completing their studies. This is due to a number of factors, including a lack of funds, poor discipline, and teenage pregnancy.

The Belizean government directly manages nine secondary schools, all of which offer a curriculum oriented towards technical-vocational subjects. The remaining schools are either privately run or administered by community-based boards of governors. Most private and denominational schools emphasise academic and commercial studies, although some also offer technical-vocational programmes.

The University College of Belize is the largest institution of higher education in the country. However, overall, only a small percentage of Belizeans receive any form of post-secondary education.

Tertiary education

The official age for tertiary programs is 17-21 years. Tertiary programs are designed to provide instruction and training suited to the ages, abilities, and aptitudes of adult learners. A secondary school diploma is required for entry into tertiary-level programs, although alternative criteria, such as prior learning assessments and placement examinations, may also be required. There are no mandated national assessments at the tertiary level, however, nursing students must sit a regional nursing exam to become certified, and some students also sit the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exams (CAPE).

Promotion and completion of tertiary programs are based on meeting the requirements outlined in institutional policies. Students who complete the program are awarded a degree. There are no licensing requirements for teaching at the tertiary level in Belize.

Examples of tertiary institutions in Belize include the University of Belize, Galen University, Wesley Junior College, the University College of Belize, and St. John’s Junior Coed College.

School fees

The cost of education in Belize varies significantly depending on the type of school. While primary education is free and compulsory through age 14 in Belize, there are costs associated with uniforms and books at public schools. The fees for private schools, on the other hand, can be much higher.

Public schools in Belize are often run by the Catholic Church, with some schools operated by other denominations such as Anglicans and Methodists. These schools typically have lower fees, usually only a few hundred dollars a year. For instance, St. Joseph Primary School charges around US$35 per semester. However, the quality of education can vary across these schools, with some villages in the south facing challenges such as untrained teachers and a lack of resources.

Private schools in Belize can be significantly more expensive. The Island Academy, a private primary school on Ambergris Caye, charges US$3,000 or more per year. Belize Elementary School, a private fee-paying school in Belize City, costs around US$1,300 per year and is considered expensive. Saint Catherine's Academy for Girls, also in Belize City, charges US$500 per year for tuition and fees. Mount Carmel High School in Benque Viejo has slightly lower fees at US$300 per year for tuition.

For higher education, the University of Belize offers a more affordable option with tuition fees of US$675 per semester (approximately 15 credit hours) for Belizean citizens and permanent residents. The cost increases to US$1,350 for students from developing countries and US$2,025 for students from developed countries, with additional fees of US$210 per semester.

Overall, the cost of education in Belize ranges from free public primary education to expensive private school options, with varying quality depending on the location and type of school.

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