CHAPTER 3 EDUCATION, ECONOMIC AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

education. The Compulsory Education Law, introduced in 1986, stipulates that each child shall have nine years of formal education. The Law also pronounces that “the state shall not charge tuition for students receiving compulsory education. The state shall establish grants-in-aid to support the school attendance of poor students.”28 Basic Education Basic education in China includes pre-school education, primary education and regular secondary education. Preschool, or kindergarten, covers three years, with children entering as early as age three, until age six, when they typically enter elementary school. The academic year is divided into two semesters. Primary and secondary education in China is composed of three stages: primary school, junior middle school and senior middle school, with duration of 12 years altogether. Primary school is six years; junior middle school, three years; and senior middle school, three years. The primary and junior middle school education makes up the 9-year compulsory education. Junior middle school graduates may proceed to senior middle schools after passing examinations set by the local education authorities. Those who pass the exam have the option to continue to senior middle schoo