Schooling is required until a child reaches secondary school or the age of 18. The majority of 4-year-olds and 5-year-olds are placed in kindergarten or preschool programs. They are then enrolled in the required elementary programs as they come of age. Elementary education normally begins at age 6 and is completed by the age of 16. Grades one through four consist of a standard curriculum. Beginning in the 5th grade, students are allowed more variety in their course work, and can choose to learn a trade, study a foreign language or to explore subjects of personal interest.

In the 9th grade, students begin their secondary education after taking an entrance exam. Required to take a least two years of classes beyond the eighth grade, students are presented with three options. They can choose to take classes that will prepare them for college coursework or classes that will provide them with technical training. But the most common path taken is the third option: a two to three year vocational program that will train them in a specific trade.

The following English speaking schools are located in Bucharest. These are private institutions and the fees vary. For your money, you'll be educated in English, while usually learning the Romanian language and culture.

NOTE: We understand that some of these schools are accepting mainly Romanian children now, due to the recession, so please check the current position with individual schools.

Kindergarten

The Cherry Tree School

The International British School of Bucharest
Str. Agricultori Nr. 21
Tel: 791-1180

The INternational School for Primary Education (INS)
Str. Petre Aurelian 72
Green Lake Residences
Sector 1 Bucharest
0213803535
This school was set up for and continues to be for expats:
www.insb.ro

The International Kindergarten of Bucharest
Blvd. Energieticienilor Nr. 9-11
Tel: 320-9824, 327-5506

The Mark Twain International School
Constantin Bosianu 19
Tel: 092-708-048, 093-200-702, 335-9761

Lauder Reut Kindergarten
Barsch Iuliu 15
094-507-68
www.lauder-reut.ro

Primary

The American International School of Bucharest
Main Office
Calea Dorobantilor 65, Apt. 4+5
Tel: 40 1 2110102 or 2110103

The British School of Bucharest
Str. Elerfterie 23
Tel: 781-3641

Bucharest Christian Academy
Str. Vasile Voiculescu Nr. 26
Tel: 323-5408

The International British School of Bucharest
Str. Agricultori Nr. 21
Tel: 791-1180

The International School of Bucharest
Str. Mihai Bravo Nr. 428
Tel/Fax: 327-5432/3, 327-5058

Secondary

American International School of Bucharest
Main Office
Calea Dorobantilor 65, Apt. 4+5
Tel: 40 1 2110102 or 2110103

Bucharest Christian Academy
Str. Vasile Voiculescu Nr. 26
Tel: 323-5408

The International School of Bucharest
Str. Mihai Bravo Nr. 428
Tel/Fax: 327-5432/3, 327-5058

Romania has 112 post secondary schools of which 54 are state universities. All together, over half a million students pursue higher education each year.

Undergraduate and graduate programs are offered in a variety of disciplines and sciences. Undergraduate students can expect to attend college for approximately four years in pursuit of their degree, though some institutions offer fast track programs. Those desiring to earn a graduate degree will spend 1-2 years in coursework to earn a Masters degree and 3-5 years for a Doctorate degree.

Additional facts:

- The academic year runs from October through June.
- Semesters are 14 weeks long, with approximately 25 hours spent in class each week.
- Nearly one-third of all public university students and over one-half of private university students attend classes in Bucharest, traveling from other towns and communities to attend classes.
- Financial aid is available for academic achievers and also for those who demonstrate financial need.