Raising children in Chile

Prenatal care and childbirth

Prenatal care in Chile is excellent. Mothers receive medical supervision throughout the pregnancy, including prenatal supplements. Almost all deliveries are conducted at the hospital, even when a midwife is requested. C-section rates being pretty high, but a mother can have a natural birth if requested. The infant mortality rate in Chile as of 2019 is 6.553 deaths per every 1,000 live births. This is a bit higher than the US and the UK, though it has been in decline since 1967. Vaccinations are mandatory unless you opt-out by signing a waiver.

The education system in Chile

Chile's education system is decentralised; in other words, the municipality is in charge of each school's administration though they are ultimately responsible to the Chilean Ministry of Education. Education is compulsory from ages 6-18.

The system is made up of subsidised establishments, municipal and private establishments with four levels of education: pre-school or early education, elementary or primary, secondary or high school, and higher education.

The school year runs from March through to December with a winter break during the month of July. All schools have uniforms, but the exact style varies from school to school. You will need a birth certificate to enrol your child in school.

Coverage of Chile's education system is practically universal. 99.7% of all children between the ages of 6 and 14 are enrolled in primary school. 87.7% of all children between the ages of 15 and 18 are enrolled in high school. Literacy rates in Chile are the highest in South America at 96%, which is higher than many other developed countries in the world. Chile invests 7.5% of its gross domestic product in education, a considerable amount which surpasses even some more developed countries like Finland or the United States.

Preschool in Chile

Pre-school or nursery school is widely available throughout the country. Children from 3 months to 4 years old may attend, although it is mainly childcare rather than school. At the age of 4-5, children get a more formalised pre-school, which helps prepare them to enter primary school. 90% of children are enrolled in pre-school. Most pre-schools are free, but private pre-schools and daycares that charge tuition can be found in the larger cities.

Primary schools in Chile

Primary schools, or básico, are from 1st to 8th grade. Children are taught the basics. Additional course offerings include foreign languages such as English, technology and religion. The Mapuche language and customs are commonly taught as well in areas with indigenous populations. All primary schools are free, but secondary schools are not. Secondary schools have fees of no more than USD 6-8 per month.

Secondary schools in Chile

Secondary schools, or medio,  are from 9-12th grades. Students can choose the path they would like to follow in secondary school: science & humanities (regular), technical-professional (vocational) or artistic. 

Chilean students can also go to a Liceo in which they receive technical education and are prepared for the PSU (Prueba de Selección Universitaria), the test they have to pass to enter university.

Today, 7% of children attend private schools. Private schools are in most major cities, and annual fees and tuition can range from USD200-4,000.

Below is a short list of the most popular schools for expat families in Santiago. There are also some International schools in Valparaiso, Concepcion, Puerto Montt, and Punta Arenas.

 Useful links:

Santiago College
Nido - A large international US-style school
The Grange
Ministry of Education