Overview of the General Education System

Settled in the vast expanse of the North Pacific Ocean, the Republic of the Marshall Islands boasts an educational framework that mirrors that of the United States. This distinctive system has its roots in a rich history, shaped by American administration in the years following World War II.

The country, after its independence in 1986, has since pursued autonomy in education governance through initiatives like Public Law 2013-23. The law established the Public School System (PSS) as an autonomous authority under the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Training. This decree made education compulsory for children aged 5 to 18 and transferred hiring powers to the PSS.

The education system of Marshall Islands is structured into four levels such as pre-primary, primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Pre-primary education encompasses Early Childhood Development (ECD) services, which have received significant funding boosts through the World Bank's ECD II project. Primary education begins at the age of six and spans six years, followed by lower secondary education of four years and upper secondary education for two years.

The academic calendar runs from August to July. English is the primary language of instruction, while Marshallese and English are both official languages. Public and private institutions coexist, though most schools are public.

Special education is governed by the 2015 Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and the Marshall Islands Public School System Act, which mandate inclusive education. These define special education broadly, ensuring equal access to and development opportunities for all learners, regardless of their disability.

Enrollment in primary education reached 8,000 pupils in 2018, accounting for 59% of the total 13,000 enrolled students. Secondary school enrollment stood at 116% in 2022, which indicates a high intake possibly due to repeaters or overage students, while pre-primary enrollment was 67.77% in 2021. The literacy rate is revealed at 93.6%.

Compulsory education in the Marshall Islands was formally established under Public Law 2013-23, which mandates schooling for children aged 5 to 18. This encompasses the entire span of primary and secondary education, including provisions for early childhood learning.

Early childhood education (ECE) is not yet universally mandatory but is increasingly emphasized through initiatives such as the World Bank-supported Early Childhood Development Project (ECD II). In 2021, pre-primary enrollment rate was reported at 67.77%. This signals growing participation but highlights gaps in full coverage as ECD is gaining power as a foundation for future learning outcomes.

The primary education stage begins at age six and lasts for six years, after which students transition to lower secondary education for four years. This structure ensures that students receive at least 10 years of formal education by around age 16. The transition to upper secondary school (an additional two years) is not compulsory and often depends on a student's performance and the availability of space in the limited number of secondary institutions.

To progress from middle school to secondary school, students must pass a high school entrance exam at the end of 8th grade. Although secondary schooling is optional, it remains accessible to those who meet the qualifications.

The Marshall Islands maintains a structured higher education system centered around two key institutions, the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) and the University of the South Pacific (USP) - RMI Campus.

The CMI, established through the 1992 College of the Marshall Islands Act, is the nation's designated national post-secondary institution. It operates as a public, nonprofit corporation under the coordination of the Ministry of Education and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Moreover, CMI offers two-year associate degree programs in fields such as nursing, education, liberal arts, business, architecture, and engineering, as well as short-term certificate courses. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Most students go on to continue their studies abroad, particularly in the United States.

The USP campus in Majuro is part of a regional public research university serving twelve Pacific Island countries. It offers programs in various disciplines, often supported by remote or blended learning approaches. Additionally, partnerships with institutions like Brigham Young University Hawaii and Park University help train local educators through off-island programs.

Although the country lacks a specific higher education act, the U.S. 1965 Higher Education Act provides limited oversight to private institutions in the Marshall Islands. Public funding supports both existing tertiary institutions.