Education in Brazil

Primary Education 

The compulsory first nine years of education are known as Fundamental Education (Ensino Fundamental) and are divided into two levels: Ensino Fundamental I and Ensino Fundamental II.

The core curriculum is set by the Education Council.
 
During the Ensino Fundamental I, children study mathematics, Portuguese, science, arts, history, geography and physical education. During Ensino Fundamental II, pupils also study at least one other compulsory language.

Secondary Education

Upper secondary education is for students ages 15 to 17. On top of the core curriculum subjects studied during Ensino Fundamental, students will also study philosophy and sociology.
 
The courses provided during this period are essentially designed to allow a young person to enter into a university. The courses can be conducted either at the private school the child has been attending up until this point, or at specific colleges which prepare the teenagers  to take the specific entrance exam set by the university. Students can also choose to take professional training courses at the same time.
 

Higher education (Ensino superior)

Once students have successfully completed secondary education, they may continue their studies at a public or private university. To enter a public university, students must sit an entrance exam, known as vestibular.