Forum on Public Policy
11
The public educational system in El Salvador is severely lacking in educational-related
resources. There are too few schools and teachers available in the rural areas of the country.
Moreover, it is common for class sizes in the public schools to reach more than forty students per
one classroom teacher. Those families who can afford an education often choose the option of
private education for their children. Families from a lower socio-economic status are relegated to
send their children to public schools. On “…average, children complete 5.5 grade levels. Many
students in rural areas are denied nine years of compulsory education due to a lack of schools.
Often students are withdrawn from school to work to increase their family’s income.”