Introduction
Hello.
I have been living in Chile for three years.
I currently have two children attending elementary school in Chile, and I have been experiencing the Chilean education system firsthand from the perspective of a Korean parent.
When I first arrived in Chile, I had many questions. I wondered how to enroll my children in school, what school life would be like, and how the Chilean school system differed from the Korean system.
However, it was not easy to find helpful information in Korean.
For this reason, I would like to share what I have learned through my own experience with elementary school life and the enrollment process in Chile.
I hope this article will be helpful to families preparing to move to Chile, as well as parents who are already raising children here.
1. The Chilean School System
The Chilean education system is generally divided into three main stages: preschool education, elementary education, and secondary education.
Preschool Education
Pre-Kínder and Kínder
Preschool education consists of Pre-Kínder and Kínder.
During this stage, children develop social skills through play and various hands-on activities. They also begin learning basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills in preparation for elementary school.
Elementary Education
Educación Básica
Elementary education is called Educación Básica.
It consists of eight grade levels, from 1° Básico, or first grade, to 8° Básico, or eighth grade.
One major difference from Korea is that elementary education in Korea ends after sixth grade, while Chilean elementary education continues through eighth grade.
Secondary Education
Educación Media
After completing elementary education, students continue to Educación Media.
Secondary education consists of four grade levels, from 1° Medio to 4° Medio.
It can be understood as a stage similar to the combined middle school and high school system in Korea.
Academic Calendar
The school year in Chile generally begins in early March and ends in December.
- March: Beginning of the new school year
- July: Winter vacation
- December to February or early March: Summer vacation
Because the seasons in Chile are opposite to those in Korea, the vacation periods are also reversed.
2. Types of Schools in Chile
Public, Government-Subsidized Private, and Private Schools
In Chile, parents can choose a school according to their child’s educational needs and the family’s circumstances.
Schools are generally divided into three main categories:
- Public schools — Escuela Pública
- Government-subsidized private schools — Colegio Particular Subvencionado
- Tuition-based private schools — Colegio Particular Pagado
Each type of school may differ in tuition fees, educational approach, facilities, student population, and available programs. It is therefore important to understand the characteristics of each type before making a decision.
① Public Schools
Escuela Pública
Public schools are operated by the government or local education authorities.
Because tuition is free or very low, many families choose this type of school.
Various efforts have also been made to improve school facilities and educational conditions. However, the quality of facilities, programs, and learning environments may vary depending on the school and the region.
Advantages
- Tuition costs are low.
- It may be easier to find a school close to home.
- Children can study alongside students from a wide range of backgrounds.
Points to Consider
- Educational environments and facilities may differ considerably between schools.
- Admission may be difficult if a preferred school has no available places.
② Government-Subsidized Private Schools
Colegio Particular Subvencionado
Government-subsidized private schools are privately operated but receive financial support from the Chilean government.
Many students in Chile attend this type of school. Some schools are free, while others may charge a small fee.
Educational programs and school environments can differ greatly, so it is important to research each school carefully.
Advantages
- Many schools offer a variety of educational programs.
- Families may have more school options than with public schools alone.
Points to Consider
- Tuition fees and operating systems vary by school.
- Some schools may have strong competition for admission.
③ Tuition-Based Private Schools
Colegio Particular Pagado
Tuition-based private schools are funded primarily through fees paid by parents.
Many of these schools offer a wide range of educational programs and extracurricular activities. Some also provide English-language education or international programs.
However, not all private schools offer the same quality of education. Parents should carefully review each school’s curriculum, educational philosophy, and school culture.
Advantages
- Many schools offer a wide variety of educational programs.
- Some schools invest heavily in facilities and educational resources.
- English-language education or international programs may be available.
Points to Consider
- Tuition fees can be expensive.
- Educational philosophies and school environments may differ significantly.
How Did Our Family Choose a School?
When we first arrived in Chile, we also spent a great deal of time deciding which school would be best for our children.
We considered not only tuition fees, but also the distance from our home, the atmosphere of the school, its educational philosophy, communication with teachers, and whether our children would be able to adapt well to the new environment.
After researching and consulting with several schools, we chose the government-subsidized private school that our children currently attend.
They have adjusted well and enjoy their school life.
However, one aspect that I find disappointing is that very little English education is provided at their school.
3. The School Enrollment Process
When and How Should You Apply?
Most public schools and government-subsidized private schools in Chile accept students through the Sistema de Admisión Escolar, commonly known as the SAE, or School Admission System.
The application is completed online by a parent or legal guardian, who can select and apply to preferred schools.
Children entering the Chilean education system for the first time from another country may also apply.
The general enrollment process is as follows.
① Research Schools in Advance
First, research schools based on factors such as location, commuting distance, educational approach, and overall atmosphere.
It is also helpful to review the school’s Proyecto Educativo, or educational project, as well as its class schedule and extracurricular programs.
② Submit the Application
Most public schools and government-subsidized private schools use the SAE system.
Parents can select several schools and list them in order of preference.
Because application procedures and priority rules may vary depending on the school or admission process, it is important to check the latest information provided by the school.
Private schools have their own admission procedures. Therefore, parents should visit the school’s website or contact the administrative office directly.
Our Family’s Experience
When I enrolled my child, the registration process was completed online.
In the case of the school I applied to, students who completed their registration earlier were placed higher on the waiting list.
For this reason, I remember submitting the application immediately when online registration opened.
In addition, if one child was already enrolled at the school, a sibling applying to the same school could receive priority.
However, admission procedures and selection standards may differ depending on the type of school, the admission process, and changes in regulations.
For this reason, I recommend checking the latest information directly with the school or the relevant educational authority.
③ Check the Results and Complete Registration
Once the results are announced, parents must check the assigned school and complete the final registration within the designated period.
4. Documents Required for Foreign Students
The required documents may vary depending on the school and the child’s individual situation.
In general, families may need to prepare the following documents:
- The child’s passport or identity document
- Birth certificate
- The parent’s or guardian’s passport or identity document
- Certificate of enrollment or school transcripts from the previous school
- Vaccination records
- Proof of residence
Vaccination records and proof of residence may not be required by every school, so it is best to confirm the requirements in advance.
Foreign students who do not yet have a Chilean RUN, or national identification number, may receive an IPE — Identificador Provisorio Escolar, or Temporary School Identification Number.
The IPE allows students to complete the school enrollment process and access educational services such as textbooks and student insurance.
Students who previously attended school in another country may also need to complete a grade-recognition or academic-validation process.
In some cases, the child may first receive a Matrícula Provisoria, or provisional enrollment, before completing the formal academic-recognition procedure.
5. School Life
Arrival, School Supplies, WhatsApp, and Homework
On the day I first sent my children to school in Chile, I felt more worried and nervous than excited.
The language and culture were different, and I was concerned about whether they would be able to adjust well.
However, the atmosphere on the first day was completely different from what I had expected.
The teachers stood in two lines to welcome the students. They smiled brightly and greeted the children with applause.
Their effort to help the new students feel less nervous was very impressive, and I was deeply moved as a parent.
It also became a wonderful first-school memory for my children.
① School Arrival and Dismissal
School starting and dismissal times vary depending on the school.
At my children’s school, the morning session runs from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., while the afternoon session runs from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
However, many schools generally begin around 8:00 a.m. and finish at approximately 3:00 p.m.
Dismissal times may also vary by grade level, so parents should check the school schedule carefully before enrollment.
Parents or guardians usually come to school to pick up younger students.
If a guardian does not arrive, or if an unauthorized person attempts to collect a child, the school will not release the student.
There was once an incident in my child’s class when an unregistered person came to pick up a student.
When the school asked the person to show an identity card, the person left immediately.
After that incident, the school made its dismissal procedures even stricter.
This experience showed me that the school places a strong priority on student safety.
In the area where we live, families rarely allow young children to go outside alone because of safety concerns.
Schools take guardian verification very seriously, and parents are also highly concerned about their children’s safety.
② School Supplies
In Korea, families often purchase most school supplies at the beginning of the semester.
In Chile, however, I found that it was very important to check my child’s pencil case and supplies every day.
Students frequently use the following items during class:
- Pencils
- Erasers
- Colored pencils
- Scissors
- Glue
- Rulers
Because art projects and hands-on activities are common, students need to develop the habit of checking that they have all the necessary materials each day.
③ WhatsApp Is Essential
In Korea, schools often communicate through school notices or official school applications.
At the Chilean school I experienced, however, WhatsApp was one of the most important forms of communication.
Parents receive frequent messages about:
- Required school supplies
- Exam schedules
- School events
- Urgent announcements
The school also uses its own application, so parents need to check both WhatsApp and the school app regularly.
At our school, the schedule for the following week is uploaded every Friday.
It includes information about required supplies, materials for art or craft activities, exam dates, and upcoming school events.
This gives families time to prepare everything over the weekend.
At first, I found it difficult to understand the Spanish messages, so I used a translation app and read them one by one.
Over time, I became familiar with the expressions that appeared frequently.
Checking WhatsApp has now become part of my daily routine.
What Happens If a Child Forgets a School Supply?
In Korea, forgetting a school supply may not always be treated as a serious problem.
At the school I experienced, however, bringing the required materials was considered very important.
Once, my child forgot to bring an item needed for a classroom activity.
The teacher deducted points from the activity grade.
My child became very upset and even cried in front of the teacher, but the teacher still did not give full marks.
At first, I was surprised.
However, I later understood that some teachers consider learning to prepare and manage school supplies to be part of a child’s education.
After that experience, my child and I developed the habit of checking the next day’s supplies together every evening.
As a result, we were able to avoid repeating the same mistake.
④ Homework
Homework requirements differ by school, but at the school I experienced, homework was assigned quite frequently.
The assignments included:
- Reading practice
- Dictation practice
- Mathematics exercises
- Poster projects
- Presentation preparation
Younger children often need a significant amount of help from their parents.
Poster projects and presentation assignments, in particular, may require parental assistance.
However, as time passed, my children gradually became more familiar with school life.
They began completing assignments they could manage independently without always asking for my help.
Seeing them plan and complete their homework on their own made me realize that they were gradually developing greater independence and responsibility.
6. Differences Between Schools in Chile and Korea
While experiencing school life in Chile, I noticed many differences from Korea.
The following points were especially memorable.
① Communication Between Parents and Schools Is Very Active
Announcements are posted on WhatsApp almost every day.
Parents may also communicate directly with teachers when necessary.
② There Are Many Art and Craft Activities
Chilean schools often include a large number of creative and hands-on activities.
As a result, students frequently use items such as scissors, glue, colored paper, and other craft supplies.
③ Families Participate in Many School Events
Parents visit the school more often than I expected.
There are events such as Family Day, Independence Day celebrations, class activities, and school performances.
By attending performances and participating in events with the children, I felt that families and schools worked together as part of the educational process.
④ Schools Value Activities in Addition to Exams
Schools do have examinations, but students also learn through presentations, projects, crafts, and teamwork.
I was impressed by the variety of activities designed to help children enjoy school while learning.
7. What I Learned From My Own Experience
When we first arrived in Chile, I was very concerned about whether my children would be able to adjust to a new school environment with a different language and culture.
However, their teachers and classmates helped them kindly, and they adapted more quickly than I had expected.
At first, I also struggled to understand announcements written in Spanish.
I used translation tools and gradually learned the language one message at a time.
By participating in school events and speaking with other parents, I slowly began to understand Chilean school culture.
Children adapt to new environments much better than adults often expect.
I was amazed to watch my children naturally learn Spanish while playing and spending time with their friends.
Now, when I see them laughing, playing, and speaking Spanish as naturally as local children, I sometimes feel that my early worries were unnecessary.
Rather than worrying too much, I believe it is most important for parents to communicate consistently with the school, trust their children, and continue encouraging them.
8. Conclusion
Sending a child to school in another country is never easy.
I also began this journey with many fears and concerns.
However, when I look back now, I realize that we were able to solve each problem one step at a time.
I hope this article will be helpful to parents preparing to move to Chile, as well as families who are already raising children here.
I plan to continue sharing my firsthand experiences with Chilean schools, education, and parenting.
Thank you for reading.
* Please note: This article is based on my personal experience of sending two children to elementary school in Chile. School policies, operating procedures, and admission requirements may vary. Please check the latest information directly with the school or the Chilean Ministry of Education.