Evaluating Foreign Transcripts PDF

Evaluating Foreign
Transcripts:
The A-Z Manual
THE NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
J O E L I . K L E I N , Chancellor
Michele Cahill
Senior Counselor to the Chancellor for Education Policy
Office of Youth Development and School-Community Services
52 Chambers Street, Room 320, New York, NY 10007
Dear Principals and Counselors,
The New York City public schools in many ways embody the new, truly global city.
Young people and their families come here from over 175 countries and speak more
than 140 languages.
Newly arriving families face many difficult challenges in adapting to the demands of their
new environment, and teenagers are no exception. Engaging these students, helping
them overcome obstacles and participate fully in earning a high school diploma in a
timely manner are all important objectives of the New York City Department of
Education. School staff face challenges as well in providing a smooth transition
between the student’s native country and their new environment here in the United
States. Therefore, school officials must be provided with the proper tools to understand
and translate the knowledge and skills acquired in students’ home countries in order to
be able to properly place students in the appropriate grade and courses in their new
school. Given the various differences between the systems used around the world,
assessing educational credentials can be a daunting process. Evaluating Foreign
Transcripts: The A-Z Manual provides guidelines specifically to support staff in
completing this process.
We all share the goal of high academic achievement for young people in this city –
whether they were born here or arrived yesterday. I would like to thank everyone
involved in this process for their hard work and contributions in reaching this goal.
Michele Cahill
Senior Counselor to the Chancellor for Education Policy
2
Foreword
The Office of Youth Development and School-Community Services (OYDSCS) of the

New York City Department of Education (DOE) intend this document, Evaluating
Foreign Transcripts: The A-Z Manual, as a reference tool for High School Principals and
counselors. This manual includes guidelines and additional resources for assisting
school staff members with evaluation of foreign transcripts.
When using this manual it is important to keep in mind that several school systems and
grading policies might exist within each country, as in the United States. Careful
judgment and discretion are advised when utilizing the information presented in this
manual. The information provides a general picture of the most commonly used
systems in other countries and grading scales, recommended courses, and the
equivalent credit within the U.S. Public School System.
Evaluators are advised to:
Carefully examine all official documents for authenticity.

Ensure that translations are provided by a qualified source.
Interview entering students and their parents/guardians.
Contact the sending school, embassy, Ministry of Education or other authorized
agencies when necessary.
Consult with available resources provided by Central OYDSCS and your
Regional Office of Student Placement, Youth, & Family Support Services
(SPYFSS).
Participate in professional development sessions arranged by Central OYDSCS
and Regional SPYFSS of the New York City Department of Education.
3
4
Table of Contents
Page
I. General Information 7
x Roles and Responsibilities ii
x Regional Directors of Student Placement Youth and iii
Family Services
x Guidelines for Evaluating Transcripts iv
x Transfer Credit: NYS Commissioners Regulation 100.5 v
x Testing Exemptions for Transfer Students: NYS vi
Commissioner’s Regulation 100.5
II. Country Index viii
III. References and Resources 120

x Embassies and/or Consulates Located in Washington 122
D.C. and New York City
x Foreign Language Assistance/Immigrant Services 134
IV. Addendum 140

Request to Translate Transcripts 142
V. Bibliography 144
5
6
SECTION I
General Information
x Roles and Responsibilities

x Guidelines for Evaluating Transcripts
x Transfer Credit: NYS Commissioner’s Regulation 100.5
x Testing Exemptions for Transfer Students: NYS Commissioner’s
Regulation 100.5
7
i
School Responsibility and Support Services
School
Schools are responsible for doing the evaluation of the transcript. As indicated in NYS
Commissioner’s Regulation 100.5 (see page iv), the principal, in consultation with
relevant faculty, is responsible for the evaluation of transcripts from non-NYS registered
schools and the awarding of appropriate credit.
Each school must have a well-defined procedure, including the roles and responsibilities
of staff members involved, for timely evaluation of transcripts according to guidelines set
forth in this manual.
Support Provided by Regional and Central Offices

In each region, a staff member of the Office of Student Placement, Youth and Family
Support Services (SPYFSS) will be designated as the contact person for issues and
concerns relating to the evaluation of foreign transcripts. (Please refer to the contact list
for Regional SPYFSS on the following page of this manual. You may also access the
most recent contact information through the NYC Department of Education website.)
Responsibilities of Regional SPYFSS and Central OYDSCS will include, but not be
limited to, the following:
x Provide resources and assistance to schools experiencing difficulty with

transcript evaluations.
x Compile and maintain a list of personnel within each Region who can translate
foreign transcripts from indicated languages into English.
x Provide information for contacting the Central Translation Unit when the
resources for translating are not available at the school or regional level.
x Make available training and ongoing professional development.
x Ensure that the most current information on regulations, procedures and
resources are made available to all schools and will revise this manual and/or
distribute addendums as needed.
ii
Regional Directors of Student Placement Youth and
Family Services
Region CSD Contact Information
1 9, 10 1 Fordham Plaza
Bronx, NY 10458
718-741-2805
2 8,11,12 1230 Zerega Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
718-828-3182
3 25,26, 30-48 Linden Place
28,29 Queens, NY 11364
718-281-3470
4 24,30,32 28-11 Queens Plaza No.
Long Island City, NY 11101
718-391-8393
5 19,23,27 82-01 Rockaway Boulevard
Ozone Park, NY 11416
718-642-5736
6 17,18,22 5619 Flatlands Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11234
718-968-6234
7 20,21,31 129A Ocean Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301
718-420-5633
8 13,14, 131 Livingston Street
15,16 Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-935-4140
9 1,2, 333 7th Ave (28th St)
4,7 New York, NY 10001
917-339-1714
10 3,5,6 4360 Broadway
New York NY 10033
917-521-3619
D75 400 First Avenue
New York, NY 10010
212-802-1502
D79 90-27 Sutphin Blvd.
Jamaica, NY
718-557-2681
iii
Guidelines for Evaluating Transcripts
The following are recommended procedures for the Principal or designee:

1. Examine official documents for authenticity.
2. Ensure transcripts in a language other than English are translated by a
competent translator available within the school or region. In the event there is
no available translator, the following options exist:
x Department of Education Translation & Interpretation Unit (see Section IV

of this manual);
x A recognized community agency or certified private service, embassy or
consulate (see Section III of this manual).
Documents translated by family members may not be accepted as official

documents. All translations must be verbatim without interpretation or evaluation
of information.
3. Interview the student and parent/guardian to review the transcript and prior
studies in order to obtain clarification on curriculum, amount of time spent in each
course, grading policies and other pertinent information helpful to the evaluation
process.
4. Consult with the Assistant Principal of Supervision or Department Head if further
clarification or placement testing is deemed necessary.
5. Consult with Regional SPYFSS personnel when further clarification is needed.
6. Refer to the Country Index (Section II of this manual) to assist with the
conversion of grades to award appropriate course and grade credit.
7. Determine eligibility for course and/or exam waivers (refer to Testing Exemptions
excerpt from NYS Commissioner’s Regulation 100.5 found on page vi of the
manual).
8. Follow established school procedures for ensuring that transfer credit is updated
on the student’s official transcript.
9. Establish a procedure for informing student and parent of the results of the
evaluation.
10. Maintain all documentation in the student’s official cumulative file.
11. Notify and consult with receiving teachers and Department Supervisors or
Heads.
iv
12. Ensure the evaluation process is completed in a timely manner.
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit to a high school student transferring from another state or
another country is awarded by the principal of the receiving school, as indicated
in NYS Commissioner’s Regulation 100.5 below:
Excerpt: New York State Commissioner’s Regulation* 100.5 (d)(5)(i)(a

and b)
(5) Transfer Credit. Transfer Credit is awarded for work done outside the
registered New York State high school awarding the credit.
(i) The principal shall evaluate the transcript or other records of a transfer
student enrolling in a New York State high school. Based on the student’s
transcript or other records, the principal shall award the appropriate units
of transfer credit towards a high school diploma.
(a) The principal shall grant transfer credit for all credit awarded by
any NYS registered public or nonpublic high schools.
(b) The principal, after consultation with relevant faculty, may award
credit for work done at other educational and cultural institutions
and for work done through independent study. The decision as to
whether or not to award transfer credit for work done at educational
institutions other than New York State registered high schools shall
be based on whether the record indicates that the work is
consistent with New York State commencement learning standards
and is of comparable scope and quality to that which would have
been done in the school awarding the credit.
*You may access NYS Commissioner’s Regulation 100.5 at:

http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/part100/pages/pt100index.html
v
Testing Exemptions for Transfer Students
To receive a Local or Regents Diploma, transfer students from another
state or another country who are entering a New York State public school for the
first time in the 11th and 12th grades may be waived for certain tests by the
principal of the receiving school, only as indicated in NYS Commissioner’s
Regulation 100.5 below:
Excerpt: New York State Commissioner’s Regulation*100.5 (d)(5)(iii – v)
(iii) (a) Students who enter a registered New York State high school for the first
time in grade eleven in the 2000-2001 school year but prior to the 2002-2003
school year, other than those students who have received home instruction
pursuant to section 100.10 of this Part in New York State or who have been
enrolled in a registered or non-registered public or nonpublic New York State
high school, in order to receive a local high school diploma must pass the
Regents comprehensive examination in English, a Regents examination in
mathematics, a Regents examination in United States history and government,
and a Regents examination in science, or approved alternatives. The principal
may exempt a student from the requirement for the Regents examination in
global history and geography ordinarily taken and passed before the date of the
student's entry.
(b) Students who enter a registered New York State high school for the first time
in grade eleven in the 2002-2003 school year and thereafter, other than those
students who have received home instruction pursuant to 100.10 of this Part in
New York State or who have been enrolled in a registered or non-registered
public or nonpublic New York State high school, in order to receive a high school
diploma must pass the Regents Comprehensive Examination in English, a
Regents examination in mathematics, a Regents examination in United States
history and government, and a Regents examination in science, or approved
alternatives. The principal may exempt a student from the requirement for the
Regents examination in global history and geography ordinarily taken and
passed before the date of the student's entry.
(iv) (a) Students who enter a registered New York State high school for the first
time in grade twelve in the 2002-2003 school year but prior to the 2004-2005
school year, other than those students who have received home instruction
pursuant to section 100.10 of this Part in New York State or who have been
enrolled in a registered or non-registered public or nonpublic New York State
high school, in order to receive a local high school diploma must pass the
Regents Comprehensive Examination in English, a Regents examination in
vi
mathematics, and a Regents examination in United States history and
government, or approved alternatives. The principal may exempt a student from
the requirement for the Regents examination in science and the Regents
examination in global history and geography ordinarily taken and passed before
the date of the student's entry.
(b) Students who enter a registered New York State high school for the first time
in grade twelve in the 2004-2005 school year and thereafter, other than those
students who have received home instruction pursuant to section 100.10 of this
part in New York State or who have been enrolled in a registered or non-
registered public or nonpublic New York State high school, in order to receive a
high school diploma must pass the Regents Comprehensive Examination in
English, a Regents examination in mathematics, and a Regents examination in
United States history and government, or approved alternatives. The principal
may exempt a student from the requirement for the Regents examination in
science and the Regents examination in global history and geography ordinarily
taken and passed before the date of the student's entry.
(v) Transfer students who are exempted from taking specific State assessments
shall have their transcript and permanent records so annotated.
*You may access NYS Commissioner’s Regulation 100.5 at:

http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/part100/pages/pt100index.html
vii
SECTION II
Country Index
Afghanistan India
Albania Indonesia
Antigua & Barbuda Israel
Argentina Italy
Bangladesh Ivory Coast
Barbados Jamaica
Belarus Japan
Belize Korea, Republic of South
Bolivia Liberia
Bosnia-Herzegovina Macedonia
Brazil Mexico
Bulgaria Nepal
Cambodia Nicaragua
Cameroon Nigeria
Canada Norway
Chile Pakistan
China Panama
Colombia Peru
Costa Rica Philippines
Croatia Poland
Cuba Romania
Dominica Russian Federation
Dominican Republic Sierra-Leone
Ecuador Slovenia
Egypt Spain
El Salvador Sri Lanka
France St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Gambia St. Lucia
Georgia Taiwan
Germany Trinidad and Tobago
Ghana Ukraine
Greece United Kingdom
Grenada Uzbekistan
Guatemala Venezuela
Guinea-Bissau Vietnam
Guyana Yemen
Haiti Zimbabwe
Honduras
Hong Kong
viii
1
AFGHANISTAN
Compulsory Education: Ages 6 to 13

Grades 1 through 9
Adult Literacy Rate: 29%
School Year
The academic year runs from April through November. Schools are closed for the
winter due to the lack of heating facilities.
AFGHANISTAN EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Years of Approximate Years of Approximate
School Ages School Ages
1-6 6-12 1-5 6-11
Elementary
Entrance exam (academic or 6-8 11-13 (14)
Middle School / Lower
vocational)
Secondary
7-9 12-14
End of compulsory education
10-12 15-17 9-12 14-18
High School / Upper
Secondary Certificate of upper-secondary Diploma after 12th grade
completion
Tracking
After completing 6th grade, students take an exam allowing them to enter either middle
school or a vocational school for 3 years. The 9th grade completes their compulsory
education. After the 9th grade, students may take an examination to enter 3 years of
either an academic or vocational upper school.
Grading System (Varies by School)

Afghanistan Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
9-10 A Excellent 4 90%
7-8 B Good 3 80%
5-6 C Fair 2 70%
3.5-4 D Poor 0 55%
0-3 F Failure 0 50%
2
ALBANIA

Grades 1 through 8
School Year
There are six half-days of school per week. Elementary (primary) runs from 8:00 AM to
noon; Secondary runs from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
ALBANIA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Pre-school 5-6 1-8 6-14
Primary
1-8 7-14 Elementary & Middle
Exam*
9-12 15-18 9-12 14-18
Secondary
Diploma after 12th grade
*Students continue to vocational or academic comprehensive secondary high school
based on primary completion exam.
Tracking
There is no tracking in the elementary school level. Classes are intentionally mixed so
that students will benefit from the presence of higher academically-advantaged
students. There is voluntary tracking on the secondary school level.

Albania Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Excellent 5 90%
Good 4 80%
Fair 3 70%
Failure 2 F
Failure 1 F
Passing is a grade of 3 or higher.
3
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

11 years
Adult Literacy Rate: 88% (lowest in the Commonwealth Caribbean)
School Year
The school year is divided into trimesters and runs from mid-September to mid-July, 5
days a week. Primary school hours are 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Secondary school hours
are 8:00 AM -1:30 PM.
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA US EQUIVALENT

EQUIVALENT
INFANT SCHOOL: 1-5 6-11
Primary/Elementary
1 year 4-5
PRIMARY:
6 years 5-11
Pass national exam at end
3 years 12-15 6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate/Post-Primary
Must pass a national certificate
exam
2 years 16-17 9-12 14-18
Secondary High School
To receive diploma must pass Diploma after 12th grade
the Caribbean Examination
Council (CXC) Secondary
school exam
Tracking
Students who do not meet the standards based on the post-primary national exam will
be placed on a vocational educational track which may include cooperative work study
programs.
(Continued)
4
Antigua and Barbuda Recommended US Equivalent
Equivalent
A+ 10 95%
A 8-9 90%
B 7 80%
C 6 70%
D 4-5 65%
E 3 55%
F 1-2 50%
Additional Resources
Ministry of Education, Human Development and Culture
E-mail: [email protected]
5
ARGENTINA

Grades 1 through 10
School Year
The school year begins in the first week of March and ends in the first week of
December. The winter vacation consists of two weeks in July. Summer vacation is for
the two months of December and January. Five hours of school per day is mandated.
There are five periods per day. In much of the country each school has two or three
shifts due to the large population of school-age youngsters.
ARGENTINA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Pre-primary 5 1-5 6-11
Primary
1-9 6-14/15
6-8 11-13 (14)
Intermediate
Polimodal 15-17(18) 9-12 14-18
Secondary*
High School
1 year: Commercial diploma
2 years: General academic
diploma Diploma after 12th grade
3 years: Technical studies
diploma
Tracking
There is no tracking in primary school. On the secondary level, the main classes are
the same for all the students but there is voluntary tracking. Each student can choose
between:
Bachillerato Mercantil (Commercial diploma)

Bachillerato Nacional (General studies diploma)
Bachillerato Technico (Technical studies diploma)
(Continued)
6
Argentina Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Sobresaliente 9-10 A 95%
Distinguido 7-8 B 85%
Bueno 5-6 C 75%
Aprobado 4-4.9 D 65%
Insuficiente 0-3.9 F 55%
Aplazado 0-3.9 F 50%
Reprobado 0-3.9 F 45%
7
BANGLADESH

Grades 1 through 5
School Year
The academic year runs from January through December for schools up to 10th grade,
and July to June for higher grades. School is generally in session for 220 days, with 5.5
days per week.
BANGLADESH EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

1-5 6-11 1-5 6-11
Primary
6-10 11-16 6-8 11-13 (14)
Secondary
11-12 16-18 9-12 14-18
Compulsory Exam
Higher Secondary
Tracking
There is no tracking system up to 10th grade. In some high schools there are
arrangements for arts, science, business, agriculture, and industrial arts divisions for 9th
and 10th grades. Passing the secondary certificate examination is a prerequisite for
advancing to higher secondary school.

Bangladesh Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
A 4.0 60%-100% 90%
B 3.0 45%-59% 80%
C 2.0 33%-44% 70%
F 0 0%-32% Below 65%
Passing is a grade of C (33%) or higher.
8
9
BARBADOS

Grades 1 through11
School Year
The school year is divided into trimesters and runs from mid-September to mid-July.
Primary school hours are 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM and secondary school hours are 8:00 AM
-1:30 PM, 5 days per week.
BARBADOS SYSTEM US EQUIVALENT

Infant school 1-5 6-11
Primary/Elementary
1 yr 5
Primary
6 years 6-11
3 years 12-15 6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate/Lower Secondary
3 years 16-18 9-12 14-18
Upper Secondary/High School
Student must pass CXC
(Caribbean Examination Council
secondary school exam) in
order to receive diploma.
Tracking
The curriculum for all of the schools follows the British model. Students may choose an
academic or vocational program during the last two years of secondary school.
Compulsory education is free in all government-run schools and scholarships are
provided for study in the United Kingdom upon the passing of specialized examinations.
They also have specialized schools for the deaf, blind and mentally disabled.
(Continued)
10
Barbados Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
A+ 76-100 90%
A
B+ 61-75 80%
B
C+ 45-64 70%
C
D 35-44 65%
F 0-34 Below 65%
Passing is a grade of D (35%) or higher.
Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports
www.edutech2000.gov.bb
11
BELARUS

Grades 1 through 9
Adult Literacy Rate: 99.8%
School Year
The school year is 39 weeks long. The school day is divided into 6 or 7 academic
periods, 45 minutes each, a lunch break of 20 minutes, and other breaks between
periods of 10 minutes each. School runs five days a week.
BELARUS EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

1-5 6-10 1-5 6-11
Primary
6-9 11-14 6-8 11-13 (14)

Middle School /
Intermediate Certificate after 9th grade
10-11 15-16 9-12 14-18

High School /
Secondary*
Diploma after 11th grade Diploma after 12th grade
*Vocational or Academic Comprehensive
Tracking
No tracking system exists. There are specialized high schools providing advanced
education in mathematics, art, music, economics, etc. There are no final exams in
elementary schools. Middle and high school students in Russia and Belarus have final
exams after senior grade only, but in Ukraine, at the end of each school year.
Grading System
Belarus Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
5 Excellent A 95%
4 Good B 85%
3 Satisfactory C 75%
Pass Poor D 65%
2 Failure F 55%
12
BELIZE

Grades 1 through 9
Adult Literacy Rate: 80% (UNESCO)

93% (Belize Government)
School Year
The school year is divided into trimesters and runs from mid-September to mid-July.
Primary school hours are from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and secondary school hours are
from 8:00 AM -1:30 PM for 5 days a week.
BELIZE EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

8 years 5-13 1-5 6-11
Primary/Elementary
*exam
6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
4 years 14-18 9-12 14-18
(Forms I-IV) Diploma after 12th grade
Tracking
Students must pass the Belize National Examination* after the Primary Level is
completed in order to advance to the Secondary Level. Students must pay a nominal
tuition fee for Secondary Level education. There are two special schools for children
with mental and physical disabilities.

Belize Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
81-100 A 90%
71-80 B 80%
61-70 C 70%
50-60 D 65%
35-49 E (fail) 55%
0-34 F (fail) 50%
Passing is a grade of 50 (D) or higher.
Ministry of Human Development
13
BOLIVIA

Grades K through 5
School Year
The school year lasts nine months. It begins in February and ends in October.
Secondary school lasts for six years, at which point a high school diploma is issued.
Night school and special sessions are offered to older students who are unable to
attend the normal session, i.e., adults who want to study. There is no age limit for a
public education.
BOLIVIA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Primary K-5 5-11 1-5 6-11
Middle School 6-8 11-13 (14)
Secondary High 1-6 years 12-no age limit 9-12 14-18
School Full time
and/or Diploma after 12th grade
part time
Tracking
Most public schools do not use tracking. Students are grouped by grade level in a
classroom, similar to a homeroom. Teachers rotate according to subject area. In more
remote areas, several grades are housed together in a classroom.

Bolivia Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Excelente 5 A 90%
Bueno 4 B 80%
Regular 3 C 70%
Deficiente 2 D 55%
Malo 1 F 50%
14
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

Grades 1 through 8
School Year
School begins each year at the beginning of September and ends in the third week of
June. Each school has its own curriculum. Many schools have two separate sessions:
morning, 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM; afternoon, 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
BOSNIA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Pre-primary 5-6 1-5 6-11
Primary
1-8 7-14
Compulsory exam
6-8 11-13 (14)
Lower Secondary
9-10 Voc. 14-16 9-12 14-18
High School
9-11 Voc. 14-16
9-12 Aca. 14(15)-18 Diploma after 12th grade
Tracking
Students take a compulsory exam at the end of the 8th grade, dividing students into
three groups: two-year vocational; three-year vocational; four-year academic secondary
school.

Bosnia Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Odlican 5 A+ Excellent
Vrlo Doba 4 A Very Good
Dobar 3 B Good
Dovoljan 2 C Fair
Nedovoljan 1 F Failure
http://www.fbihvlada.gov.ba
15
BRAZIL

Grades 1 through 8
School Year
The school year is from March to December and is divided into two semesters. School
is conducted five days a week, from 7:00 AM to noon. High school students have some
special classes and tests on Saturday.
BRAZIL EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Primary Pre-primary 5-6 1-5 6-11
1-6 7-12
Middle School / 7-8 13-15 6-8 11-13 (14)
Lower Secondary
High School / 3 years full 15-17 9-12 14-18
Secondary* time
4 or 5 years 15-19
part time
Tracking
There is no tracking in Brazilian schools. All classes have the same curriculum and
programs.

Brazil Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Excelente 9-10 A
Muito bom 7-8.9 B
Regular 5-6.9 C
Insuficiente 3-4.9 D
Deficiente 0-2.9 F
Passing is a grade of 5.0 or higher.
The student must have an overall average of 5 for promotion.
16
17
BULGARIA

Grades 1 through 8
Bulgaria has undergone major changes since 1990. One significant change is the
introduction of the privatization of education.
School Year
Primary and secondary schools are in session from mid-September to the first week of
June. The high school semester extends into the first week of July. Each school has
two sessions, or shifts, per day: morning and afternoon. The morning session goes
from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The afternoon session goes from 1 PM to 6:30 PM. Each
class lasts 45 minutes. There is a break between classes. Schools operate five days
per week.
BULGARIA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Elementary K 5 1-5 6-11
1-8 6-12
Secondary Vocational* 12-14 6-8 11-13 (14)
9-10
Academic** 12-15
9-12
High School / 4 14(15)-17 9-12 14-18
Gymnasium
*Secondary diploma
**High School diploma
Tracking
There is no tracking during elementary and secondary school. There is voluntary
tracking during the Gymnasium. Students can choose schools offering the career they
want.
(Continued)
18
Grading System (U.S. Characters)
Bulgaria Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Otnneyet 6 Excellent A
Mhoro Ao6bp 5 Very Good A
Ao6bp 4 Good B
CpeAeH 3 Average C
Cna6 2 Fail F
Now Fail F
3a4ntace Pass Pass
19
CAMBODIA

Grades 1 through 10
School Year
The school year runs from the first week of September to the second or third week of
June. School is held five days per week. The year is divided into trimesters: September
to December, December to March, and March to June. Summer vacation is from mid-
June until the end of August. There are two weeks of vacation in October. Due to the
large school-age population, there are two sessions per day: 7:00 AM to noon and noon
to 5:00 PM. There are fifteen-minute breaks between classes.
CAMBODIA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Primary
1-6 7-12
7-10 13-16 6-8 11-13 (14)
Middle School /
Intermediate
11-13 17-19 9-12 14-18
High School /
Secondary*
Tracking
There is no tracking system.
Grading System
Cambodia Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Tres Bien 17-20 95% A
Bien 14-16 85% B
Assez Bien 12-13 75% C
Passable 10-11 65% D
Nul-mediocre 0-9 55% F
20
21
CAMEROON

Grades 1 through 7
School Year
The school year is 200 days, five days a week, Monday through Friday. English and
French educational systems operate in the country. There are three terms in the
academic year: September to December; January to April; and, April to June.
Elementary and secondary schools run from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Form 5 students
return to classes from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Form 5 students are expected to live in
boarding houses or live close to the school. Catholic schools operate a boarding system
for all their students.
CAMEROON EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

1-7 6-12 1-5 6-11
Elementary/
Compulsory
Primary
Exams
6-8 11-13 (14)
Middle School
Forms I-V 12(13)-16 9-12 14-18
High School /
Secondary*
Compulsory Diploma after 12th grade
Exams
Tracking
A tracking system is in effect. Elementary school ranges from grades 1 to 7, at the end
of which pupils take the entrance examination to the secondary school. Those students
above 12 years of age who are not admitted to the government secondary schools may
go to private school. Class 7 pupils in the elementary schools, as well as Form 5
students in the secondary schools, have extension classes in the evenings to prepare
them for terminal exams and entrance exams to the next level of the educational system.
(Continued)
22
Cameroon Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
A+ 95-100 95% Excellent
A 80-94 90% Excellent
B 75-79 85% Very Good
C+ 65-74 80% Good
C 60-64 75% Fairly Good
D 50-59 65% Credit
E 40-49 65% Pass
F 0-48 55% Failure
Passing is a grade of E (40) or higher.
23
CANADA
Compulsory Education: Ages 5-6 to 15-17
School Year
The school year is from September to June. Annualization, semesters, and trimesters
all exist depending on the province and school. The education policy is a provincial
responsibility and the period of compulsory education varies.
CANADA EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

ages 5 or 6 1-9 6-14
Primary
to 13-14
Intermediate
3 to 5 years Grades 10-12
Secondary
Tracking
Canada does not have a federal educational system. The responsibility for education is
vested in the provinces; therefore, there are many different sets of standards. In
general, high school programs consist of two streams. The first prepares the student for
university; the second prepares the student for post-secondary education at community
college or for the workplace. There are also special programs for students unable to
complete the conventional courses of study. In some schools these decisions are
based on examinations.
(Continued)
24
GRADING SCALES
U.S. Equivalence Alberta Brit.Columbia Brunswick
95% 80-100 86-100 80-100
85% 65-79 73-85 70-79
75% 50-64 60-72 60-69
65% 40-49 50-59 50-59
55%(failing) 0-39 0-49 0-49
Manitoba Newfoundland Nova Scotia Ontario

4 80-100 80-100 75-100
3 70-79 70-79 66-74
2 60-69 60-69 60-65
1 50-59 50-59 50-59
0 0-49 0-49 0-49
Prince Ed Island Quebec Saskatchewan U.S. Equivalence

80-100 80-100 90-100 95%
70-79 70-79 70-89 85%
60-69 60-69 60-69 75%
50-59 50-59 50-59 65%
0-49 0-49 0-49 55%(failing)
Ministry of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
www.hrsdc.gc.ca
Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation

www.osstf.on.ca
Alberta Teachers’ Association

www.teachers.ab.ca
25
CHILE

Grades 1 through 9
School Year
The school year runs for 38 weeks, from the beginning of March to December 21.
Schools operate on semesters or trimesters. Summer vacation is from the third week of
December to March 1. The school day consists of five classes a day, each class 40
minutes long. They also operate on two or three shifts a day, depending on the school.
School meets five days a week, 25 classes a week.
CHILE EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Elementary/ Pre-primary 5 1-5 6-11
Primary 1-5 6-11
Middle School / 2 years 11-13 6-8 11-13 (14)
Basic Secondary Basic
Secondary
Exam
High School / 2 years 13-15 9-12 14-18
Higher Secondary* Higher
Secondary Diploma after 12th grade
Exam
Tracking
In the first two years of secondary school the basic classes are the same for everyone.
In the latter two years of secondary school there is voluntary tracking. Each student can
choose an area of interest to pursue.
(Continued)
26
Chile Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Sobresaliente 7 A+ 95%
Muy Bueno 6 A 90%
Bueno 5 B 85%
Mas que regular 4 B- 75%
Regular (suficiente) 3 C 70%
Menos que regular 2 F 55%
Deficiente 1 F 50%
27
CHINA
Compulsory Education: Ages 7 to 15/16

Grades 1 through 9
School Year
The length of the school year is roughly the same in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The
fall term runs from September to January; the spring term runs from March to July.
Winter recess is in February; summer vacation is in July and August. Elementary
school students usually stay in the same room with the same teacher(s) all day long.
Students in junior and senior high schools have to report to their homeroom for 30
minutes to one hour to study while the teacher takes attendance. Students attend school
from Monday through Saturday. Seniors must return to school on Sunday morning to
study. In elementary school the school day runs from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by
a lunch break, and then schools run from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. In junior and senior high
schools the school day runs from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by a lunch break, and
then school run from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
CHINA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Elementary/ 6 6-12 1-5 6-11
Primary
Middle School/ 3 13-15 6-8 11-13 (14)
Lower Secondary
often called Normal
School
3 15-17 9-12 14-18
High School / Upper
Secondary often
called Normal Diploma after 12th grade
College
Tracking
High school students will be programmed into two groups according to their marks,
grades and test results at the beginning of the sophomore year. One group will prepare
the students to major in literature, history, library science and law. Another group will
prepare the students to major in science, mathematics and technology.
(Continued)
28
China Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Excellent 9-10 A 4.0
Good 8-8.9 B 3.0
Fair 7-7.9 C 2.0
Poor 6-6.9 D 1.0
Failure 0-5.9 F 0
Ministry of Education
http://www.moe.edu.cn
29
COLOMBIA

Grades 1 through 5
School Year
There are 200 days of school per year over 40 weeks, but there are many school
holidays. There are two school calendars used in Colombia: Calendar A is used in most
of the country. School runs from February 1 to June 15. Vacation is from June 15 to
July 15. School continues from July 16 to November 30, and there is another vacation in
December and January. Calendar B is used in the southwest part of the country.
School runs from September 1 to December 15. There is a vacation from December 16
to January 15, and school resumes on January 16, continuing through June 30. There is
vacation in July and August. School runs five days a week, Monday through Friday. The
school day consists of a mandated six hours. There are two sessions, each of three
periods (45 minutes in duration) with a lunch period in between. In much of the country
there are two shifts due to the large school-age population: morning shift runs from 6:50
AM to 12:40 PM and an afternoon shift from 12:50 PM to 6:40 PM.
COLOMBIA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Pre-Primary 5-6 1-5 6-11
Elementary/
5 years 7-11
Primary
Lower 12-15 6-9 11-14
Middle School /
Secondary-
Lower Secondary
Basic
4 years
Upper 16-17 10-12 14-18
High School / Upper
Secondary-
Secondary*
Diversified Diploma after 12th grade
2 years
(Continued)
30
Tracking
On the secondary level, the first four years are spent in the Basic Common Cycle, after
which comes the choice between Arts and Sciences, Vocational, Commercial or
Technical studies. These tracks are chosen according to students’ aptitudes and
abilities.

Colombia Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Excelente 9.5-10 A+ 4.0 95%
Muy Bueno 8.5-9.4 A 4.0 90%
Bueno 7.5-8.4 B 3.0 85%
Regular 6.5-7.4 C 2.0 75%
Deficiente 6.0 passing D 1.0 65%
No Aceptado 1-5.9 F 0 55%
If a student receives a grade of below 6 in three subjects, the entire school year must be
repeated.
Colombian Institute for Higher Education
http://www.icfes.gov.co
31
COSTA RICA

Grades K through 6
School Year
The school year lasts nine months. It begins in March and ends in November. The
school day starts at 7:00 AM and ends at 1:30 PM, lasting approximately 6-1/2 hours,
five days a week.
COSTA RICA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

K-8 4.5-13 1-5 6-11
Elementary
6-8 11-14
Intermediate
Liberal Arts 13-17 9-12 14-18
High School / Upper
1-5
or 13-18
Vocational
Technical
1-6
Tracking
Students are tracked by career area for high school. Students can either enter five years
of liberal arts in high school or enter six years of vocational training. Either track can
apply to attend university upon completion.

Costa Rica Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Sobresaliente 95% Excellent 9-10 A 4.0
Muy Bueno 85% Good 8-8.9 B 3.0
Bueno 75% Fair 7.5-7.9 C 2.0
Suficiente 65% Poor 6.0-7.4 D 1.0
Insuficiente 55% Failure 0-5.9 F 0
32
CROATIA

Grades 1 through 8
School Year
The school year is from the beginning of September to mid-June, divided into two
semesters. Students attend five days per week. Elementary school runs from 8:00 AM
to noon; secondary school runs from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Each class is 45 minutes in
duration. These are approximate times depending on the grade and on the differing
programs in 9th and 12th grades.
CROATIA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Pre-Primary 5 1-5 6-11
Elementary
1-8 6-13(14)
6-8 11-13
Intermediate
1-4 14-17 9-12 14-18
High School /
Secondary*
Examination to University Diploma after 12th grade
Tracking
There is no tracking system on the elementary level. Voluntary tracking does exist in
secondary school; students may choose between academic or trade programs.

Croatia Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Odlican 5 Excellent A+ 4.0 95%
Vrlo Doba 4 Very Good A 3.0 85%
Dobar 3 Good B 2.0 75%
Dovoljan 2 Fair/Passing C 0 65%
Nedovoljan 1 Failure F 0 55%
33
CUBA

Grades 1 through 9
School Year
The school year commences early in September and ends in the first half of July. On the
secondary level there are 34 weeks of study with an additional 6 to 9 weeks of non-
academic work. The year is divided into two semesters. Vacation is for six weeks in
July and August. The school day is 51/2 hours per day, five days per week, Monday to
Friday.
CUBA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Elementary/
1-6 7-11
Primary
6-8 11-13 (14)
Intermediate
Secondary 12-15 9-12 14-18

High School /
7-9
Secondary
Pre-University 16-18 Diploma after 12th grade
10-12
Tracking
Tracking exists in the secondary upper level (grades 10-12) where polytechnic and
professional (trade) schools offer courses to under-schooled youngsters and dropouts.
Here, study is usually combined with work.

Cuba Equivalent Recommended US
Equivalent
Sobresaliente Excellent 90-100% A 4.0 95%
Notable Good 80-89% B 3.0 85%
Aprovechado Fair 70-79% C 2.0 75%
Aprobado Poor 60-69% D 1.0 65%
Suspenso y Desaprobado Failure Below 60% F 0 55%
A grade of 60% or higher is passing.
34
DOMINICA
School Year
The school year consists of trimesters starting in mid-September to mid-July. The days
are from 8 AM to 1:30 PM, five days per week.
DOMINICA EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

Primary 7 years 5-12 1-5 6-11
Intermediate 5 years 13-17 6-8 11-13(14)
Secondary High School* 2 years 17-19 9-12 14-18
Student must pass the GCE Diploma after 12th grade

advanced exam in order to
graduate from high school and
enter college.
*Vocational or Academic Comprehensive.
Tracking
Education is free and provided by both government and religious schools, although
enrollment of eligible children in the primary age group is approximately 70%. There are
also a number of schools for the mentally and physically handicapped.

Dominica Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
A 9-10 90-95%
B 8 85%
C 7 75%
D 5-6 65%
E 4 55%
F 1-3 50%
35
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Seventy percent of all students are over-aged for their grade in the Dominican Republic.
Forty-seven percent enrolled in primary schools finish the sixth grade and only nineteen
percent of these finish in six years.
School Year
The school year is 196 days long. School begins on the 15th of September and ends on
the 30th of June. It is divided into trimesters. Students attend school five days a week in
shifts. There are three shifts each day:
Morning: four hours–from 8:00 AM to noon
Afternoon: four hours–from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Evening: four hours–from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
All students completing each semester by attending one of these shifts receive the same
certificate or diploma.
DOMINICAN EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Elementary Pre-Primary 5-6 1-5 6-11
1-7 7-13(14)
Intermediate 8 14(15) 6-8 11-13 (14)
High School / Upper 1-4 15-18 9-12 14-18
Secondary*
Tracking
On the secondary school level (grades 9-12), tracking occurs in the last year. Students
may choose courses related to the professional interests that they plan to pursue in the
university.
(Continued)
36
Dominican Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Sobresaliente Excellent 90-100% A 4.0 95%
Muy Bueno Good 80-89% B 3.0 85%
Bueno Fair 70-79% C 2.0 75%
Suficiente Poor 60-69% D 0 65%
Insuficiente Failure 0-59% F 0 55%
Passing is a grade of 60% or higher.
37
ECUADOR

Grades 1 through 9
School Year
There are ten months of school in a year. In the coastal regions, school begins in the
first week of May and runs until February, with vacation in March and April. In the
mountainous regions, school runs from September to June with vacation in July and
August. The school year is divided into trimesters. Between each trimester there are
four days of vacation. School runs five days per week, Monday through Friday. On the
secondary level there are seven periods, each 45 minutes long. There are also three
sessions: morning, afternoon and evening (only four hours).
ECUADOR EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Elementary/ Pre-Primary 5 1-5 6-11
Primary 1-6 6-11
Intermediate Middle School 12-14(15) 6-8 11-13 (14)
Basic 1-3
High School / Secondary Voc 15-17 9-12 14-18
Secondary* (2 to 3 years
Advance Voc. Diploma after 12th grade
Diploma)
or
Secondary
Academic 3
years
Tracking
On the upper secondary level (9th-12th grades) tracking exists according to the student’s
career choice and abilities.
(Continued)
38
Please note that there are a variety of systems so it is imperative to check with the
individual school for the passing grade.
School Classwork and Trimester examinations:

Ecuador Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Excelente Excellent 20 A+ 4.0 95%
Muy Bueno Very Good 18-19 A 4.0 90%
Bastante Bueno Good 16-17 B 3.0 85%
Bueno Good 13-15 C 2.0 75%
Regular Passing 10-12 C- 1.0 65%
Malo Failure 0-9 F 0 55%
Final Examinations including Bachillerato examination

Ecuador Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Excelente Excellent 10 A 4.0 90%
Muy Bueno Very Good 9 A 4.0 90%
Bastante Bueno Good 7-8 B 3.0 85%
Bueno Good 5-6 C 2.0 75%
Regular Passing 3-4 C-/D 1.0 65%
Malo Failure Below 3 F 0.0 55%
A grade of 5 or above is required for promotion.
National Council of Higher Education
http://www.conesup.net
39
EGYPT

Grades 1 through 9
School Year
The school year runs from September to June for a total of 225 school days. Students
are required to attend 90 percent of the school days. There is a two-week midyear break
in addition to the holidays. School runs from Saturday to Thursday; Friday is a holiday
and there is no school. In elementary school the day goes from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM and
in preparatory school from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM or from noon to 4:00 PM. High school
runs from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. During the month of Ramadan the school day is
shortened by two hours; schools start one hour later and end one hour earlier.
EGYPT EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Elementary/ 6 years. 6-12 1-5 6-11
Primary
Lower 12-14 (15) 6-8 11-13 (14)
Intermediate
secondary
3 years.
Upper 15-17 (18) 9-12 14-18
High School / Upper
Secondary* 3 years
Tracking
Students are grouped homogeneously according to their grades and national test results.
Classes are programmed from class A (highest achieving students) to class B, C, D or E
respectively. From elementary school on, students will be separated into schools by
gender. In the first year of high school, students will choose between liberal arts or
science majors. In the senior year, the science majors will have another choice between
a math and biology minor. Students have a fixed program and are assigned to one
classroom with the same group of students for the whole year; teachers move to
classrooms.
(Continued)
40
Egypt Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
80-100% Excellent A 4.0 95%
70-79% Good B 3.0 85%
60-69% Fair C 2.0 75%
50-59% Poor D 0 55%
0- 9% Failure F 0 50%
41
EL SALVADOR

Grades 1 through 6
School Year
The school year begins in January and ends in October, lasting approximately nine
months. School is conducted five days a week, Monday through Friday; the school day
lasts six hours.
EL SALVADOR EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Early Primary 6-8 1-5 6-11
Elementary
Primary 9-11
Upper Primary 12-14 6-8 11-13 (14)
Intermediate
7-9
Secondary 15-17 9-12 14-18
High School /
3 Years
Secondary*
Tracking
Most schools do not have tracking. In some rural areas children of different ages will be
grouped together, similar to a one-room schoolhouse. For the most part, students stay
in their classroom and the teachers of each subject move from class to class.

El Salvador Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Excelente Excellent 10 A+ 4.0 95%
Muy Bueno Very Good 9 A 4.0 90%
Bastante Bueno Good 8 B 3.0 80%
Bueno Good 6-7 C 2.0 75%
Regular Passing 5 C-/D 1.0 65%
Malo Failure Below 1-4 F 0.0 55%
Variations in grading practices exist from school to school. However, 5 is required for
promotion.
42
43
FRANCE
Compulsory Education: Ages: 6 to 16
School Year
The school year is from September to June from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM for 5½ days per
week.
FRANCE EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

2 Pre-
Nursery/Pre-School
school
Grades: 6-7 1-5 6-11
Primary/Elementary
1-2
Grades: 7-10
3-5
4 years 10-14 6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
Lycee: 9-12 14-18
Secondary High School*
Second generate 1 year
Premier and terminale 2 years
*The high school diploma is called the Baccalaureat General or the Baccalaureat Technologique
Tracking
Teachers meet in a council for the purpose of determining the students’ abilities and
interests. They then guide the students into the courses of study that are best suited for
them. Often the council recommends repeating a year which is called redoublement.
This ensures that all students master their studies at a very high level of achievement.
(Continued)
44
France Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
16.0-20.0 Tres Bien 95%
14.0-15.9 Bien 85%
12.0-13.9 Assez Bien 75%
10.0-11.9 Passable 65%
8.0-9.9 *failing* 55%
In individual subjects, grades within the range of 8.0-9.9 are passing; therefore, care
must be taken when awarding credit and grade equivalents.
Agence France
www.expatica.com
45
GAMBIA

Grades 1 through 9
School Year
The school year is divided into trimesters and runs from September to July. School is
conducted five days a week, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Each class is 40 minutes.
Evening schools are established for adults and run from 7:00 AM -10:00 PM.
GAMBIA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Elementary/ 1-6 8-14 1-5 6-11
Primary
Junior 14-16 6-8 11-13 (14)
Intermediate
Secondary
School 7-9
Senior 16-18(19) 9-12 14-18
High School / Upper
Secondary
Secondary*
School 10-12 Diploma after 12th grade
GCE Diploma
Tracking
No tracking exists, even though there are technical schools. Regular courses are offered
in the grammar schools.

Gambia Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
A = 80-100 A+ 4.0 95%
B = 75-79 B+ 3.0 85%
C = 60-74 C+ 2.5 75%
D = 50-59 C 2.0 70%
E = 40-49 D 1.0 65%
F = 0-48 F 0 55%
Passing is a grade of E (40) or above.
46
GEORGIA

Through Grade 8
School Year
The system is presently undergoing reform. Some schools still follow the Russian
system (refer to Russian Federation in this manual).
GEORGIA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

4 years 6-10 1-5 6-11
Primary/Elementary
4 years 10-14 6-8 11-13 (14)
Intermediate/Lower
End of
Secondary
compulsory
education
3 years 15-17 9-12 14-18
Upper Secondary*/High
Completion of Diploma after
School
high school** 12th grade
*Academic or Specialized Secondary Schools need 3 years

**Vocational/Technical Secondary Schools need 4 years
Tracking
Diversification occurs at the upper secondary school level where students may opt for a
3 year program of academic studies or a 4 year program of technical studies.

Georgia Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
5 Priadi Excellent 90%
4 Kargi Good 80%
3 Damakmakopilebeli Satisfactory 70%
2 aradamakmakopilebeli Unsatisfactory 60%
Passing is a grade of 3 or higher. The grade of 2 is rarely shown on transcripts. A grade
of Chatvla indicates credit is given but failed to pass required exam. This would equate
to our CR (credit).
www.euroeducation.net
47
GERMANY
Compulsory Education: Varies from grades 1 to 9 or 1 to10, depending on the state
School Year
The school year is usually 180 days in length, depending on the state. The school year
is divided into three terms: April-July; September-December; January-March. There is a
one month summer vacation, usually between July and August. There are also two
weeks off for the New Year. Spring vacation comes after the annual examination. At the
end of the school year there is a two-week break before the next year begins. Primary
schools usually run classes only in the morning. Secondary schools, mostly grades 11-
13, have classes both in the morning and afternoon. Students attend classes five days a
week and two Saturdays a month.
GERMANY EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Years of Approximate. Years of Approximate
Primary/ 4 years 4-8 1-5 6-11
Elementary
5 or 6 years 8-13(14) 6-8 11-13 (14)
Lower Secondary
(also called
Intermediate or
Grammar School)/
Intermediate
4 or 2 years 15-16(18) 9-12 14-18
High School / Upper
Secondary
(Gymnasium) Diploma after 12th grade
Exams are given at the end of intermediate/grammar school for admission into
specialized schools. Comprehensive exams are given throughout the secondary school.
Tracking
There is tracking during primary school and/or junior high school. There is also voluntary
tracking for high schools. Students can choose between general education or vocational
high schools.
(Continued)
48
Germany Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
1 13-15 Sehr Gut Very Good A 95%
2 10-12 Gut Good B 85%
3 7-9 Befriedigend Satisfactory B-/C+ 75%
4 4-6 Ausreichend Sufficient C 70%
5 1-3 Mangelhaft Deficient D 55%
6 0 Ungenugend Failure F 50%
Passing is a C/65% with a 4 or better
Accreditation Council of Germany
http://www.akkreditierungsrat.de
Federal Ministry of Education

http://www.bmbf.de
49
GHANA

Grades 1 through 10
School Year
The school year is ten months, five days per week, with trimesters from September-
December; January-April; April-June. Most schools are boarding schools. School days
usually begin at 7:30 AM and end at 2:30 PM. Evening classes start at 3:30 PM and end
at 5:00 PM.
GHANA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Primary/ 6 years 6-11 1-5 6-11

Elementary
Junior Secondary/ 7-9(10) 12-15(16) 6-8 11-13 (14)
Intermediate 3 or 4
years*
2,3,4 years 15-19 9-12 14-18
High School / Senior
Secondary
2 years are Forms II and III Diploma after 12th grade
3 years are Forms I,II,III
4 years are Forms I, II, III, IV
Diploma granted after exams at
Form 3 (SS3)
*A student who takes 4 years of junior secondary school begins senior secondary school
at Form II
Tracking
There is no tracking up to the tenth grade, after which students select an area of
specialty.
(Continued)
50
Ghana Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
A 80-100 Distinction 95%
B 70-79 Very Good 85%
C 60-69 Good 80%
D 50-59 Credit 70%
E 40-49 Pass 65%
F 0-39 Fail 55%
Passing is a grade of E (40) or higher.
51
GREECE

Grades 1 through 9
School Year
The school year is 164 days. There are two months of summer vacation and one month
between the winter and spring semesters. School runs five days a week with six
academic periods. Each period is 45 minutes, with a five minute break between
periods.
GREECE EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Elementary/ K-6 5½ -12 1-5 6-11

Primary
Intermediate 7-9 13-14 6-8 11-13 (14)
Secondary*/ 10-12 15-18 9-12 14-18

High School
Diploma after 12th grade Diploma after 12th grade
Tracking
There is no tracking up to the tenth grade. Eleventh and twelfth grade students may
elect a major: Humanities, Sciences or Vocational. The Lyceum Academic Certificate
(Apolitirion), as well as the general level of grades in all three grades (10th, 11th and
12th), are requirements for entry, along with the successful passing of examinations into
the country’s establishment of Higher Education. Those who have failed their entrance
exams are entitled to try an infinite number of times to improve their grades in order to
be accepted by the school of their choice.
(Continued)
52
Greece Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Excellent 18-20 A 95%
Good 14-17 B 85%
Fair 12-13 C 75%
Poor 10-11 C-/D 65%
Failure 0-9 F 55%
Passing is a grade of 10 or above.
http://www.icfes.gov.co
53
GRENADA
Compulsory Education: Ages 5 to15

Attendance is not enforced
School Year
The school year is from September to August for 5 days a week.
Primary school runs from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM and Secondary school runs from
8:00 AM - 1:30 PM.
GRENADA EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

Primary/Elementary 7 years 5-12 1-5 6-11

Junior Secondary/ 5 years 12-17 6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
Senior Secondary/ 2 years 17-19 9-12 14-18
High School
Tracking
Students must pass an examination in order to be eligible for senior secondary school.
The government provides the students with scholarships that allow them to attend for
free.

Grenada Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
70-100 A 90%
50-69 B 80%
40-49 C 70%
30-39 D 65%
20-29 E 55%
0-19 F 50%
Passing is a grade of 30 (D) or higher.
Ministry of Education and Labor
54
GUATEMALA
Compulsory Education: Age 7 to 14

Grades 1 through 6
School Year
The school year begins the first or second week of January and finishes in the third week
of October. There are 180 school days per year. School runs five days per week,
Monday through Friday. There are five hours of class per day. Each period is 40-45
minutes. There are 35 periods per week.
GUATEMALA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Primary/
1-6 7-11
Elementary
end of
compulsory
education
3 years 12-15 6-8 11-13 (14)
Intermediate
2 to 3 years 14-18 9-12 14-18

High School /
depending on
Secondary*
course of study Diploma after 12th grade
Tracking
The diversified cycle of secondary school (equivalent to 10th-12th grades) offers the
student the choice between academic courses or a more vocational/technical course of
study.

Guatemala Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Sobresaliente Excellent 81-100 A 4.0 95%
Muy bueno Good 71-80 B 3.0 85%
Bueno Fair 61-70 C 2.0 75%
Suficiente Poor 51-60 D 0 65%
Aplazado Failure 0-50 F 0 0%
Passing is 51% or higher.
55
GUINEA-BISSAU
School Year
The educational systems in Guinea-Bissau are patterned on the system in France.
French is the language of instruction. Although curriculum and structure is French,
since the country’s independence, African History and Geography are now stressed.
GUINEA-BISSAU US EQUIVALENT
EQUIVALENT
6 years 7-13 1-5 6-11

Primary/Elementary
6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
7 years 13-19 9-12 14-18

Secondary/
High School
Tracking
Although education by law is compulsory until the age of 13, in practice few children
complete their schooling. According to UNESCO reports, approximately 40% attend
primary school and enrollment in secondary school is approximately 12%.

Guinea-Bissau Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
19-20 95%
16-18 90%
14-17 85%
12-13 75%
10-11 65%
8-9 Credit in some schools, failing in others
56
GUYANA

8 years
Adult Literacy Rate: 98.6% (highest in South America)
School Year
The school year is from September to August, 5 days per week.
GUYANA EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

Infant 5 1-5 6-11

Primary/Elementary
school:
1 year
Primary: 6-12
6 years
4 years 12-15 6-8 11-13(14)
Lower Secondary/
Intermediate
1 to 2 years 16-17 9-12 14-18
Upper Secondary/
High School
Tracking
Education is free and compulsory between the ages six and fourteen. Entrance into
secondary school is based upon the results of the Secondary School Entrance
Examination (SSEE). Students take this test at the age of eleven.

Guyana Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
A+ 90-100 95%
A 76-89 90%
B 70-75 80%
C 60-69 70%
D 59-50 65%
F 0-49 55%
57
HAITI
Compulsory Education: Grade 6 in Traditional System

Grade 9 in Reform System
Primary: 6 years (Traditional), 9 years (Reform)

Secondary: 5-7 years (Traditional), 3 years (Reform)
School Year
The school year runs from October to mid-July when promotional examinations are
given. Primary school lasts for six years. Students stay with the same teachers five
days a week, Monday through Friday. There are two parallel systems of education in
Haiti. In the Traditional system the secondary program is offered in four streams: A–
Latin and Greek; B–Latin, languages and literature; C–mathematics and physical
sciences; D–mathematics and natural sciences. The Reform system, which is now being
implemented in large cities, is similar to the United States’ system. At present, both
systems are in operation. It is also important to note that in rural areas many students
do not have opportunities for secondary education.
REFORM SYSTEM
HAITI EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT
9 years 1-5 6-11
Elementary/
Primary end of compulsory education
6-8 11-13 (14)
Intermediate
3 years (Form III, II, I) 9-12 14-18
High School /
then exams for University
Tracking
High school students, beginning the seventh year of study, immediately following the
completion of the primary school sequence, have an option of either entering pre-
vocational school or following an academic track. After the ninth year of school those
students who chose the academic track have another opportunity to enter vocational
training, called Second Degree Vocational Training. Young girls make up 90% of the
enrollment in the pre-vocational programs.
(Continued)
58
Haiti Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
19-20 10 Excellent 91-100% A 4.0 95%
17-18 9 Tres Bien 80-90% B 3.0 85%
15-16 8 Bien 60-79% C 2.0 75%
13-14 7 Moyen 50-59 C 2.0 70%
11-12 6 Passable 40-49% D 1.0 65%
Below 40 F 0 55%
Passing is a grade of 40% (11-12 or 6) or higher.
59
HONDURAS

Grades 1 through 6
School Year
The school year consists of 200 class days and runs from February to November, six
days per week, Monday through Saturday. The school year is divided into five cycles:
February-March; April-May; June-July; August-September; October-November.
Vacation takes place in December and January. On the secondary level students
normally receive 36 hours of instruction, but there are schools where the class load is up
to 44 hours per week, according to the course of study.
HONDURAS EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Elementary/
1-6 7-12
Primary
1-3 13-15 6-8 11-13 (14)
Intermediate
1-2 or 3 16-17 9-12 14-18
High School /
Secondary*
Tracking
Students in grades 10 through 12 may choose from among 10 tracks offered in
academic studies, business, commercial studies, science, social sciences, etc.
Grading System (Secondary Only)

Honduras Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Sobresaliente 91-100% Excellent 1 A 4.0 95%
Muy Bueno 80-90% Good 2 B 3.0 85%
Bueno 60-79% Fair 3 C 2.0 75%
Aplazado 40-59% Poor 4 F 0 55%
Insuficiente 1-39% Failure 5 F 0 50%
60
61
HONG KONG

Grades 1 through 9
School Year
The length of the school year is roughly the same in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The
school year is broken up into two terms. The fall term runs from September to January;
the spring term runs from March to July. School runs six days per week, Monday
through Saturday. Seniors must return to school on Sunday morning to study. In
elementary school the school day runs from 7:30 AM -11:30 AM, followed by a lunch
break, and then more school from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Junior high school and senior
high school days run from 7:00 AM -11:30 AM, followed by a lunch break, and then more
school from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
HONG KONG EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Elementary/ 1-9 6-15 1-5 6-11
Primary
3 (being 6-8 11-13 (14)
Intermediate/
phased in)
Lower Secondary
2 9-12 14-18
High School / Upper
Secondary
Exams Receive Certificate of
Education
1 or 2 years Advance Placement=US
Advanced
Secondary/Pre- exams College Credit
University
Note: Some schools still use the British system of six years of primary school, five years
of secondary Form IV. After the high school diploma is awarded, students may opt for
Form VI in preparation for the university entrance examination.
(Continued)
62
Tracking
High school students will be programmed into two groups according to their marks,
grades and test results at the beginning of the 10th year. One group will major in
literature, history, library science, law, etc. Another group will major in science,
mathematics and technology.
Grading System (Many grading systems are used; several are listed below.)
System 1 System 2 Recommended US Equivalent
Pass with Distinction A 90%
Pass with Credit B,C 80%
Pass D,E 70%
Fail F,G,H 55%
System 3 System 4 System 5

A 1 75-100%
B 2 65-74%
C 3 50-64%
D 4 40-49% (Pass)
E* 5*
F 6 failure
*Fail or Pass, depending on school
Institute of International education
http://www.iiehongkong.org/hked/hkeducation.htm
63
INDIA

Grades 1 through 8
School Year
The academic years vary from state to state. Usually the school year starts in June and
ends nine months later in March or April. The year is divided into three terms of 15
weeks each, six days a week. The number of weeks varies widely, but the standard is
39 weeks in many regions. External exams are given at the end of class 10 and 12.
There are 220 days of school; 48 periods a week, each period being 30-40 minutes in
length. School is conducted for 5-1/2 days per week. The school day is approximately
five hours long for primary school (grades 1-5) and six hours long for higher primary (6-8
grades) and secondary (9-10 grades).
INDIA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Elementary/ 5 6-11 1-5 6-11
Primary
3 11-14 6-8 11-13 (14)
Intermediate
2 15-16 9-12 14-18
High School / Lower
Secondary exam Diploma after 12th grade
exam 1 to 2 18-19
Upper Secondary
years
completes H.S.
1 (college 18-19
Pre-Professional
level work)
Certificate
Note: Students may receive their High School diploma after the 11th grade depending on
their successful completion of their compulsory examinations.
Tracking
Curriculum at the lower secondary stage seeks to give all students the “competence to
enter life.” At the upper secondary stage the national plan calls for providing
introductory courses for college education.
(Continued)
64
India Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
First Division, Class I 60% or higher A 85%-95%
Second Division, Class II 45%-59% B 75%-84%
Pass, Class III 33%-44% C 65%-74%
Directory of Indian Government Websites, Educational
http://goidirectory.nic.in/education.htm
65
INDONESIA
Compulsory Education: Ages 6 to 15.

9 years
School Year
The school year is from July to June.
INDONESIA US EQUIVALENT
EQUIVALENT
6 years 7-12 1-5 6-11
Primary
6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
6 years 12-18 9-12 14-18

* Secondary High School is comprised of two cycles of 3 years each with compulsory exams.
Tracking
Education is mainly under the control of the Ministry of National Education, but the
Ministry of Religious Affairs is in charge of Islamic religious schools at the primary level.
At the end of the first 3-year cycle of (general junior) secondary school, the exams
indicate the senior secondary school program students will be given.

Indonesia Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
10 90%
9 80%
8 75%
7 70%
6 65%
1-5
Generally the passing grade is 6; however, in a few private schools, 5 is passing.
Ministry of National Education:
www.depdiknas.go.id
66
ISRAEL
School Year
The school year runs from September to June and is generally annualized.
ISRAEL EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

1-6 6-11 1-5 6-11
Primary/Elementary
3 12-14 6-8 11-13(14)

Lower Secondary/
Intermediate
3 15-17 9-12 14-18
Upper Secondary/
Diploma
High School
after 12th
grade
Tracking
Many students take college level courses in the 3rd year of upper secondary school,
which is similar to our advanced placement program.

Israel Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
10 90-100% Excellent 95%
9 85-94% Very Good 85%
8 75-84% Good 80%
7 65-74% Almost Good 75%
6 55-64% Satisfactory 70%
5 45-54% Almost Satisfactory 65%
0-4 0-44% Fail 55%
Passing is a grade of 5 (45%) or higher.
67
ITALY

Grade 1 through 9
School Year
The school year is from September to June.
ITALY EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

8 or 5 1-5 6-11
Primary/Elementary
years
6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
1 to 5 years 9-12 14-18
Upper Secondary* and Lycees/
a)1 yr compulsory (equiv. to
High School Diploma after 12th grade
grade 9)
a)2-3 years vocational
b)3 years teacher training for
pre-school
c)4 years diploma de maturito
d)5 years diploma de maturito
with state examinations
*One year of upper secondary school is compulsory.
Tracking
After the 8th grade, students may opt for 2 to 3 vocational programs to complete their
education; however, these programs do not make them eligible to attend university.
Students who opt for a 4 or 5 year secondary program receive the equivalent of the U.S.
high school diploma. Upon completion, they are eligible for university. The 5 year
diploma is generally for students studying the classics, science, linguistics, technical
studies and business.

Italy Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
10 A+ 95%
9 A 90%
8 B 85%
7 C 80%
6 D 75%
0-5 F 50-55%
(Continued)
68
Ministry of Education, University and Scientific Research
www.istruzione.it
69
IVORY COAST
School Year
The school year is divided into trimesters, September to June, 5½ days per week. Since
the Civil War in 2002 many students have had interrupted schooling, particularly in rural
areas.
IVORY COAST US EQUIVALENT

EQUIVALENT
6 years 7-12 1-5 6-11

Primary/Elementary
A) Preparatory 7-9
B) Elementary 9-10
C) Intermediate 11-12
CEPE exam
6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
Lower 12-16 9-12 14-18
Secondary/
secondary
High School*
4 years
College BEPC EXAM
2-3 years 16-19
Baccalaureate
Degree
Tracking
The Ivorian education system is an adaptation of the French system; however, most
instruction encourages mental discipline of memorization and oral recitation rather than
analytical thinking or creativity. Performance on the primary school-leaving examination
determines entrance into secondary institutions. After 4 years of study in a secondary
school, students are required to pass an examination for further study in the Lycee or
college (further secondary school), after which they earn a Baccalaureate Degree.
(Continued)
70
Ivory Coast Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
17-20 14-20 95%
14-16 12-13 85%
12-13 10-11 75%
10-11 9 65%
9 0-8 55%
Check the legends; in some schools 9 is passing while in other schools it is failing.
71
JAMAICA
School Year
The school year is divided into trimesters from September to July for 5 days per week.
In primary school pupils are in large classes of 60 students, sit in long neat orderly rows
and may not speak unless called upon.
JAMAICA EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

infant school: 1-5 6-11
Primary
1 year 4-5
6 6-11
6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
Lower:3 years (Forms 1-3) then 9-12 14-18
Secondary/
exam (GNAT)
High School
Upper: 2 years (Forms 4-5, Diploma after 12th grade
after form 5 , completion of HS
with the passing of CXC or GCE
exam)
Post sec: 1 or 2 years (Form 6,
for students who have passed
the CXC exam and are
preparing for college)
Tracking
Entrance into the Lower secondary school is on the basis of the performance on the
common entrance (CE) examination. Students will be tracked according to vocational or
academic indications. At the end of the 9th grade (Form 3) all students must take the
Grade Nine Assessment Test (GNAT). Promotion to the next grade (Form 4) is based
on the test results. At the end of the 10th grade (Form 4) all students must take the
Jamaica School Certification Examination (JSC). Promotion to the next grade is based
on the test results. At the end of the 11th grade (Form 5) students must take the
Caribbean Examination Council Examination (CXC). The exam is used for entry into
Form 6 in preparation for college.
(Continued)
72
Jamaica Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
A+ 10 95%
1 A 8.0-9.9 90%
2 B 6.9-7.9 80%
3 C 5.0-5.9 70%
4 D 4.0-4.9 65%
5/6 E/F 1-3.9 (failing) 55/50%
Note: Many different grading scales are used; always check the report card legend or
whenever possible contact the individual school.
Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture
www.moec.gov.jm
73
JAPAN
Compulsory Education: Ages 6 through 15

Grades1 through 9
School Year
School year is from April to March in an annualized system. Classes are 5 and a half to
6 days per week, generally from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
JAPAN EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

Yochien/Primary/ Kindergarten 3-5 1-5 6-11

Elementary 1-6 6-11
Intermediate 6-8 11-13(14)
Secondary High School* Lower: 3 years 12-14 9-12 14-18
End of
compulsory ed. Diploma after 12th grade
Entrance exam
Upper: 3 years
completion of
HS
University Prep:
1 year
*Vocational and Academic
Tracking
Students take examinations to get into schools of their choice, beginning in pre-school
and continuing throughout the educational levels. Entrance into upper secondary, the
stage following compulsory levels, is by exam only and most charge tuition.

Japan Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
5 95%
4 85%
3 75%
2 65%
1 55%
(Continued)
74
www.europaworld.com
www.mext.go.jp
75
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF SOUTH

Grades 1 through 9
School Year
The school year consists of 220 school days. The first semester runs from March
through June, followed by summer vacation in July and August. The second semester
runs from September through December, followed by a winter vacation in January and
February. School is conducted 5 and a half days a week, Saturday being a half-day.
SOUTH KOREA U.S. EQUIVALENT

EQUIVALENT
Elementary/ 1-6 6-12 1-5 6-11
Primary
7-9 12-15 6-8 11-13 (14)
Intermediate
10-12 15-18 9-12 14-18
High School / Upper
Secondary* Diploma after 12th grade Diploma after 12th grade
Tracking
There is no tracking system up to the tenth grade. For 11th and 12th grades, students
select a major: humanities, science or vocational. There is no grouping according to
ability, only preference of study.

South Korea Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
90-100 A Excellent 9-10 A 4.0 95%
80-89 B Good 7-8 B 3.0 85%
70-79 C Fair 5-6 C 2.0 75%
60-69 D Poor 3.5-4 D 0 70%
0-59 E Failure 0-3 F 0 65%
There are no failures in the grading system. E is the lowest grade a student can
achieve. Students never repeat a course. In rare cases, students are compelled to
repeat the entire school year.
76
LIBERIA

Grades 1 through 6
School Year
The school year runs from March to December and consists of two semesters. The first
semester is from March to July, with a two-week break; the second semester is from July
to December. School is conducted five days a week, Monday through Friday. Day
schools run from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM with a 30-minute break. Night session with full
programs run from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The night schools are designed to
accommodate adults and workers.
LIBERIA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Elementary/ 1-6 7(8)-12 1-5 6-11
Primary
7-9 13-15 6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
10-12 15-18 9-12 14-18
High School / Upper
Secondary*
GCE diploma Diploma after 12th grade
Tracking
There is no tracking system. Every child takes general courses in the primary schools.
Secondary schools are organized into two phases: junior secondary school (grades 7-9)
and senior secondary school (grades 10-12).

Liberia Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
90-100% Excellent 9-10 A 4.0 95%
80-89% Good 7-8 B 3.0 85%
73-79% Fair 5-6 C 2.0 75%
70-72% Sufficient 3.5-4 D 0 65%
0-69% Poor 0-3 F 0 55%
77
MACEDONIA

Grades 1 through 8
School Year
The school year begins in September and lasts to mid-June; it is divided into two
semesters. Students attend five days a week. In elementary school the day runs from
7:30 AM to 1:00 PM; the secondary school day runs from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
MACEDONIA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Elementary/
1-8 7-14
Primary
Completion of Compulsory
education
6-8 11-13 (14)
Intermediate
1-3 15-18 9-12 14-18
High School /
Vocational
Secondary*
Diploma Diploma after 12th grade
1-4
(entrance exam, academic
diploma)
*Vocational or Academic Comprehensive. Students must pass an entrance exam in
order to attend the academic secondary school.
Tracking
No tracking system exists on the primary level. There is voluntary tracking during
secondary school–students may choose between an academic or trade program. Those
choosing academic tracks must pass entrance examinations.
(Continued)
78
Macedonia Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
5 OtnNyho Excellent 95%
4 MhoroAobpe Very Good 85%
3 Aobpe Good 75%
2 3aAoBonNtenHo Fair 65%
1 be3ycnewHo Insufficient 55%
Euroeducation
http://www.euroeducation.net/prof/macenco.htm
University of Skopje
http://www.ukim.edu.mk
79
MEXICO

Grades 1 through 9
School Year
The school year runs from September to mid-June. School is Monday through Friday.
Saturday classes are optional for both secondary school students and prep students.
MEXICO EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

Elementary/Primary 6 years 6-12 1-5 6-11
Lower Secondary/ 3 years 12-15 6-8 11-13(14)

Intermediate
Upper Secondary/ 2 to 3 years 15-18 9-12 14-18
High School
High School Degree after
obtaining an avg. of 8 (80%) or Diploma after 12th grade
better
4 years 15-19
(HS plus
teaching
degree)
Tracking
Tracking does not normally occur until the first year of preparatory school, where a
student may select a course of study, e.g., medicine, science, humanities. Selection of
a career field of study does take place during the first year of preparatory school. After
two years, the student is ready for admission to the university. A third optional year is
for those students whose grades are below an 8 (or B in U.S. terms).
(Continued)
80
Grading System (Varies by Schools)
Mexico Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Two types generally used:
Six Point Scale

10 Excelente 95%
9-9.9 Muy Bien 90%
8-8.9 Bien 80%
7-7.9 Regular 75%
6-6.9 Suficiente/pass 65%
0-5.9 No Suficiente 50%
Five Point Scale

10 Excelente 95%
9-9.9 Muy Bien 90%
8-8.9 Bien 80%
7-7.9 Suficiente 70%
0-6.9 No Suficiente 50%
Secretary of Public Education
http://www.sep.gob.mx
81
NEPAL
School Year
The school year is year-round.
NEPAL EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

5 years 6-10 1-5 6-11

Elementary/Primary
3 years 11-13 6-8 11-13(14)
Lower Secondary/
Intermediate
Upper 14-15 9-12 14-18
2 years
Higher 16-17
2 years
Tracking
Free primary education is available for ages 6 to 11 with approximately only 80% of
eligible students attending, mostly boys. Traditional schools (pathshalas) provide a
classical education emphasizing languages. A national curriculum is slowly expanding
into all schools and replacing the traditional school. Gompas along the northern border
train boys and men to become Buddhist religious leaders. Less than 50% of students
attend school past the primary level.

Nepal Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Division I 85-100 90%
Division II 75-84 80%
Division III 60-74 70%
Failing 45-59 65%
Below 45 failing
Note: Two types of grading systems seem to exist. Check the legends for individual
school differences.
Ministry of Education and Sports
www.moe.gov.np
82
NICARAGUA

Grades 1 to 11
School Year
The school year is 187 days, consisting of two semesters and running from mid-
February to July and August to November, with a vacation of 15 days at the end of July.
NICARAGUA US EQUIVALENT
EQUIVALENT
Primary
1-6 7-12
Secondary 13-15 6-8 11-13(14)

Intermediate
Basic:
1-3
Secondary 16-17 9-12 14-18
Diversified: Diploma
1-2 after 12th
grade
Tracking
In the last two years of secondary school, students move into the diversified cycle. The
three tracks available are Academic (general studies), Normal (teacher education) and
Technical. Each track enables a student to enter the university.
Grading Systems (Varies by Schools)

Nicaragua Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Sobresaliente 9.51-10 A 95%
Muy Bueno 8.51-9.50 B 85%
Bueno 7.51-8.50 C 75%
Regular 6.51-7.50 D 65%
Deficiente Below 6.51 F 55%
83
NIGERIA
Compulsory Education: None
School Year
The length of the school year is about 220 days divided into trimesters. Each term ends
with an exam while an additional final exam is given at the end of the third term. The
school day is about 6½ hours with a recess period of about one hour. School generally
starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 2:30 PM. There are usually extension periods for the
seniors for the preparation of their final National Exam.
NIGERIA EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

Primary
Primary 6-11
1-6(7)
Junior School 12-14 6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
3 years
Senior School 15-17(18) 9-12 14-18
3 years
GCE diploma with an average of Diploma after 12th grade
6 or better on the National
Exams
Tracking
The junior secondary school is both pre-vocational and academic in nature. The senior
secondary schools are comprehensive with a core curriculum which every pupil must
take in addition to his or her specialties.

West African School Certificate Recommended US Equivalent
1 A+ 95%
2 A 90%
3 B 85%
4-6 C 75%
7-8 D (Failure for GCE) 65%
9 F 55%
*GCE=General Certificate of Education (Continued)
84
Council for Nigerian Higher Education
http://www.cnhe.org
85
NORWAY
School Year
The school year runs from September to June.
NORWAY EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

Elementary/ Kindergarten 5 years old Kindergarten 5 years old
Lower (barnetrinnet) 1-4 6-10 1-6 6-11
Intermediate 3 0-13 6-8 11-13(14)
(Mellontrinnet)
3 13-16
(Ungdomstrinnet)
Gymnasium/High School 1-3 years 9-12 14-18
th
Diploma after 12 grade
Tracking
After 10 years of compulsory education, students may choose from a variety of options
for secondary school:
a) vocational 1 year- completes high school education
b) academic 3 years- completes high school education and grants access to
university
c) vocational 3 years- completes high school education and qualifies for
vocational trades and university.
In addition to the regular educational system, there also exist Folk High Schools to
provide students with personal growth and development rather than academic. These
are associated with the Scandinavian tradition of public enlightenment.
(Continued)
Norway Equivalent Recommended US
Beginning in 2002-2003 Equivalent
A A
B B
C B-
D C+
E C
F (failing) F
Prior to 2002-2003
1.0-1.5 A+
1.6-2.5 A
2.6-3.2 B+
3.3-4.0 C+
Passing is a grade of 4.0 or higher.
Ministry of Education of Norway
http://www.odin.dep.no
National Academic Info of Norway

http://www.internationalcomparisons.org.uk/html/Norway/countryfile.htm
87
PAKISTAN
School Year
The length of the school year is 220 days: January to December up to the 10th grade,
July to June beyond the 10th grade. Education is not compulsory, though it is free,
recommended and encouraged. A new law will soon make it compulsory. The length of
the school day is 5 to 6 hours long.
PAKISTAN EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

K-5 5-10(12) K-5 5-11
Primary
Lower 11-15(17) 6-8 11-13(14)

Intermediate
Secondary
6-10
Completion certificate
Higher 16-17(19) 9-12 14-18
High School*
secondary
1 year for certificate. Diploma after 12th grade
Highest
Secondary
2 years
Secondary school certificate.
Tracking
Grouping in Humanities, Science and Business starts from the ninth grade in some
schools only. However, there’s no tracking in general up to 10th grade. Tracking starts
from 11th grade. Students choose their preference rather than being placed in school.
(Continued)
88
Pakistan Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
School Grading
Excellent 79-100 A+
Very Good 60-79% A
Good 50-59% B
Average 40-49% C
Passable 33-39% C-
Failure 0-32% F
External Examination and Post Secondary (grades 11 and 12)

First Division 60-100% A 95%
Second Division 45-59% B 85%
Third Division 33-44% C 75%
A grade of 33 is passing
89
PANAMA

Grades 1 through 9
School Year
The school year runs from April until mid-December. In some schools the year is
divided into four semesters, in others into trimesters. There has been a move to unify
the system between the public and private schools. The vacation period is from mid-
December to the end of March (the dry season) with an additional two weeks of
vacation in August. The school day normally runs from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Each
class is 45 minutes long with 7 class periods per day.
PANAMA EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

Pre-primary 5 1-5 6-11
Primary
1-6 6-11
Secondary 12-14 6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
(1st cycle)
1-3
Secondary 15-17 9-12 14-18
(2nd cycle)
4-6 Diploma after 12th grade
(3 years)
Tracking
During the last three years of secondary school (grades 10-12) students are in the
diversified cycle. They can choose between six tracks: academic, commercial,
industrial, agricultural, normal and vocational.

Panama Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Sobresaliente 5 1 10 91-100% A 95%
Bueno 4 1 8-9 81-90% B 85%
Regular 3 3 6-7 71-80% C 75%
61-70% D 65%
Malo or Fracasado 1,2 4,5 0-5 0-60% F 55%
90
PERU

Grades K through 11
School Year
The school year goes from early April to mid-December with 4 terms each year. There
are two sessions each day: mornings run from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and afternoons run
from 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
PERU EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

K-6 5-12 1-5 6-11
Primary
6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
1-5 12-17 9-12 14-18
Exam Diploma after 12th grade
(see tracking info below)
Tracking
The public schools are becoming co-educational. Students who have been left back are
placed in a special class apart from the main track. There is an evening track for
students over 15 years of age. On the upper secondary level (last two years of
secondary school) there are separate tracks for students who take general education
and are university-bound and those who are looking to attain marketable skills and
intend to enter the work force after high school.

Peru Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Excelente 16-20 90%
Muy Bueno 14-15 80%
Bueno 13-13.5 70%
Aprobado 11-12 55%
Aplazado,Malo or Reprobado 0-10 50%
91
PHILIPPINES

Grades 1 through 10
School Year
The school year lasts ten months, starting the second or third week of June, and ending
the last week of March or first week of April. The school day is from 7:30 AM to 4:30
PM. Each class lasts 45 minutes. During the lunch break most of the students go
home. There are five school days per week.
PHILIPPINES US EQUIVALENT
EQUIVALENT
Elementary/Primary
Primary 1-6 7-12
6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
4 13-16 9-12 14-18
Secondary /
High School* Diploma after 12th grade
High school diploma awarded at
completion of compulsory
education.
Tracking
There is no tracking on the elementary school level. Students with higher grades in
elementary school have the option to go to a specialized Science and Arts high school.
The majority of high school students follow the regular academic track. There are also
specialized trade schools available. Diplomas are awarded at the end of secondary
school and students can then enter the university level.

Philippines Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
1.0-1.5 91-100% 95%
1.75-2.25 82-90% 85%
2.5-3.0 75-81% 75%
3.25-5.0(failing) Below 75% 55%
1 is the highest grade, 3.0 is passing. Below 75% is failing.
92
POLAND
Compulsory Education: Ages 6 through 14

Grades 1 through 8
School Year
There are 180 school days in two semesters from September to January and February
to June. Due to overcrowding, students attend either morning or afternoon sessions,
five days per week.
POLAND EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

1-8 6-14 1-5 6-11
Elementary/Primary
6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
9-12 14-18(19) 9-12 14-18
or
9-13
for
advanced
diploma
*diploma after 12(13) grade*
Tracking
There is a selection done by exams and grades for students entering high schools and
colleges. There is no grouping according to ability, only preference of study. In
academic high schools students select a major: Humanities, Science or Vocational.

Poland System Recommended US Equivalent
Bardso Dobry Very Good A 95%
Dobry Good B 85%
Dostateisny Satisfactory C 75%
Nie Dostateisny Unsatisfactory F 55%
93
ROMANIA

Grades 1 through 8
School Year
The school year runs from October thru July, in trimesters. Primary schools are 4 hours
a day, lower secondary schools are 5 to 6 hours a day and high schools are 6 to 7
hours a day, for 5 days a week.
ROMANIA EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

Primary
1-4 7-10
Lower 11-15 6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
secondary
gymnasium
5-8
Upper 15-18 9-12 14-18
secondary Diploma after 12th grade
1-4
Diploma of Bacalaureat or
Certificate of Absolvire a Liceuli
Tracking
Tracking is only available to gifted students on the elementary level. Voluntary tracking
is available to high school students who choose academic, vocational or trade curricula.
Both high school completion diplomas (Bacalaureat or Absolvire a Liceuli) are
equivalent to the United States high school diploma.

Romania Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Excellent 9-10 A 95%
Good 7-8 B 85%
Satisfactory 5-6 C 75%
Failing below 5 F 55%
Http://www.naric.org.uk/home.html
94
RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Grades 1 through 9
School Year
The school year runs from September through June
RUSSIAN EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

1-6 6-12 1-5 6-11
Elementary/Primary
3 years 12-15 6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
th
Certificate after 9 grade
2 to 3 years 15-17 9-12 14-18
2nd yr of incomplete secondary Diploma after 12th grade
education. Year is equivalent to
1 year of college in US.
Tracking
No tracking system exists. There are high schools providing advanced education in
Math, Art, Music, Economics, etc. There are no final exams in Elementary schools.
Middle and high school students in Russia and Belarus have final exams after senior
grade only, but in Ukraine at the end of each school year.

Russian Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
otnNuho Excellent 5 A 95%
Xopowo Good 4 B 85%
YaoBnetBopntenbHo Satisfactory 3 C 75%
3auet/3auteHo Pass 65%
nnoxo/heyaoBnetBopNtenHo Unsatisfactory 2 F 55%
Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation
http://www.ed.gov.ru
Russian Ed Institutions database
http://db.informika.ru/aie
95
SIERRA-LEONE
School Year
The length of school year is 200 school days. There are three terms in the school year:
September - December; January - April; and May - June. School starts at 8:00 AM and
ends at 2:00 PM. Evening classes are also held between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
SIERRA-LEONE US EQUIVALENT
EQUIVALENT
1-6 6-12 1-5 6-11
Elementary
Forms 1,2,3 13-15 6-8 11-13(14)
Junior Secondary/
Intermediate
Forms 4,5,6, 16-18 9-12 14-18
Senior Secondary/
High School* Diploma after 12th grade
Tracking
There is no tracking system but there are special vocational schools.

Sierra-Leone Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
A 80-100 Distinction 95%
B 70-79 Very Good 85%
C 60-69 Good 75%
D 50-59 Credit 70%
E 40-49 Pass 65%
F 0-39 Fail 55%
96
SLOVENIA

Grades 1 through 8/9
Laws are attempting to raise the compulsory education age to 15 and to grade 9. The
Slovenian educational system is continuing to evolve.
School Year
The school year runs from October to June. The year consists of two semesters.
SLOVENIA EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

Elementary/Primary
1-8 7-14
6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
1-4 15-18 9-12 14-18

Some specialized programs Diploma after 12th grade
require five years
Exam
Tracking
There is no tracking on the primary level except for gifted students. There is voluntary
tracking on the secondary level for vocational studies, trades, and the 5-year advanced
high school program.

Slovenia Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Odiicno/Zelo uspesno 5 A
Pravdobro/upesno 4 A
Dobro/upesno 3 B
Zadostno/manjuspesno 2 C
Nezadostno 1 F
97
SPAIN
School Year
Usually the academic year runs from the 1st of September to the end of June. The daily
schedule runs for five hours, usually three hours in the morning and two hours in the
afternoon. Each class lasts anywhere from 50 minutes to one hour, five days per week.
SPAIN EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

6 6-12 1-5 6-11
Primary
4 12-15 6-8 11-13(14)
Lower Secondary/
Intermediate Bachellerato de Grado Diploma
Pre-Univ 1 15 9-12 14-18
Upper Secondary/
High School* Bachellerato de Grado Superior Diploma after 12th grade
(U.S. 11th grade--equals high
school diploma)
Colegio 2 16-17
Bachellerato Unificado
(U.S. 11 & 12 grade or grade 12
& 13–also equals U.S. high
school diploma)
Tracking
Tracking may take place at the upper secondary level. Students may opt for a 1, 2, or 3
year upper secondary option, depending on their post-secondary plans. These studies
are very rigorous in their specific fields of study. The curriculum does not equate well to
the United States’ system.

Spain Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Sobresaliente 8.5-10 A 90%
Notable 7.0-8.49 B 80%
Aprobado 5.0-6.99 C 70%
Suspenso Below 5.0 F 55%
98
99
SRI LANKA

Grades 1 through 10
School Year
Schools are open 190 days a year, 5 days per week. The school year is divided into
trimesters from October-December, January-March and April-July. In some urban
schools there are morning and afternoon sessions, reducing the time spent on
instruction.
SRI LANKA US EQUIVALENT

EQUIVALENT
1-5 5-10 1-5 6-11
Elementary/Primary
6-10 11-15 6-8 11-13(14)
Secondary/Intermediate
Exam
2 years entry by exam 9-12 14-18
Advanced Secondary/
High School Exam to receive general Diploma after 12th grade
certificate of advanced
education
Tracking
At the primary stage (1-5) and at the secondary stage (grades 6-10) students’ progress
is monitored by the school. At the end of the compulsory cycle (usually at the age of
15), qualified students may take the General Certificate of Education-Ordinary-Level
(GCEO Level) examination and may study for two more years and take the General
Certificate of Advanced Education Level (GCEA-level) examination prepared and
administered by the Commissioner of Examinations under the Ministry of Education.
(Continued)
100
Sri Lanka Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
4 95%
3 85%
2 75%
1 (fail) 55%(fail)
0 (fail) 50%(fail)
101
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
Compulsory Education: 7 years

Ages 5 to12 (not enforced and low attendance is reported)
School Year
The school year is in trimesters, from mid-September to mid-July. Primary school hours
are from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Secondary school hours are from 8:00 AM to 1:30
PM; both are for 5 days per week. 76% of eligible students attend primary school and
24% attend secondary schools. Many of the students receive interrupted education.
ST. VINCENT AND THE US EQUIVALENT

GRENADINES
EQUIVALENT
7 years 5-12 1-5 6-11
Primary
Exam
6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
Stage I: 12-16 9-12 14-18
5 years Diploma after 12th grade
Stage II: 6-18
2 years
Tracking
At the end of primary school, all students must pass the Primary-School Learning
Certificate Examination and/or the Common Entrance Examination before moving to the
next level of schooling. Most secondary schools are run by religious organizations.
Government schools for children with special needs serve handicapped students
(Continued)
102
St. Vincent and the Recommended US Equivalent
Grenadines Equivalent
A+ 9.5-10 95%
A 7.5-9.4 90%
B 6-7.4 80%
C 5-5.9 70%
D 4-4.9 65%
E/F (failing) 0-3.9 55/50%
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
103
ST. LUCIA

10 years
School Year
The school year runs in trimesters, which are from mid-September to mid-July. Primary
school hours are from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM and secondary school hours are from 8:00
AM to 2:00 PM, all for 5 days per week.
ST. LUCIA EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

7 5-12 1-5 6-11
Elementary/
Primary Infant School
Exam
3 12-15 6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate/Junior Secondary
Exam
2 15-17 9-12 14-18
Senior Secondary/
High School Diploma after 12th grade
Tracking
Promotion from one grade to the next is automatic if students meet minimum
requirements. After 7 years of school, the student must take the common entrance
exam in order to determine placement in secondary school. After the completion of the
last year of junior secondary school, the student must take the common Middle School
Examination. For some, this is the end of their formal education. Others are allowed to
continue their education for two more years, thus earning a diploma of completion.

St. Lucia Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
A 8-10 95%
B 6.6-7.9 85%
C 4.5-6.5 75%
D 3.5-4.4 65%
E/F (failing) 0-3.5 55%
Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development, Youth and Sports
104
105
TAIWAN

Grades 1 through 9
School Year
The length of the school year is roughly the same in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
The fall term is from September to January and the spring term is from March to July.
Students attend school from Monday through Saturday. Seniors must return to school
on Sunday morning to study. In elementary school, the length of the school day is from
7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. In junior high school and high school the length of the day is from
7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. There are 6 days per week of school.
TAIWAN EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

6 6-12 1-5 6-11
Primary/Elementary
3 12-14 6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate/Junior High/Lower
Lower high school certificate
Secondary
Upper high school (upper
secondary) entrance exams
3 14-17 9-12 14-18
Upper Secondary/
High School* Exam Diploma after 12th grade
Senior High School graduation
certificate
Tracking
Upper secondary school students will be programmed into two groups according to their
marks, grades and test results at the beginning of the 10th year. One group will prepare
the students majoring in the Humanities. Another group will prepare the students
majoring in Sciences.
(Continued)
106
Taiwan Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
80-100% A 95%
70-79% B 85%
60-69% C 75%
50-59% D fail 55%
below 50% F fail 50%
Passing is a grade of 60% (C) or higher. Some private schools differ; always check
secondary school transcripts legends.
Ministry of Education of Taiwan
http://www.moe.gov.tw
107
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Grades 1 through 6.
School Year
The school year is divided into trimesters, from August to May, 5 days per week. Many
schools are administered jointly by the state and religious bodies so schools are closed
for many holidays. There are two types of secondary education. The traditional system
consists of 5 years of secondary school while the new system provides 3 years of junior
secondary school and 2 years of senior secondary school. Five years of study in either
system qualifies the student to sit for the National Exam or the CXC exam. Students
must pass one of these exams to be awarded their high school diploma. The passing of
the CXC is needed to enter pre-university level.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO US EQUIVALENT

EQUIVALENT
7 years 1-5 6-11

Elementary/Primary
6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate
a)junior: 3 years 9-12 14-18
Forms 1,2,3
b)senior:2 years Diploma after 12th grade
Forms 4,5
National exam or CXC*
Pre-University
2 years
Form 6
*A national examination, The Caribbean Examinations Council of Secondary Education
Certificate (CXC), administered by the British Examining Board, is given at the end of
secondary school and is needed to obtain a diploma and move into the pre-university
level.
Tracking
At the end of each stage of schooling there is an examination required for promotion to
the next level. Many students, therefore, end their education after 6th grade, which is
the end of compulsory education.
(Continued)
108
Trinidad and Tobago Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
1 90%
2 85%
3 80%
4 75%
5 70%
6-fail
7-fail
Note: In some schools a grade of 40% or lower is failing.
109
UKRAINE

Grades 1 to 9
School Year
The school year is 39 weeks, from September to June.
UKRAINE EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

1-6 6-11 1-5 6-11
Elementary/Primary
7-9 11-14 6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate/Lower Secondary
Certificate after 9th grade
2 to 3 15-16(17) 9-12 14-18
Upper Secondary/High School*
Diploma after 2 years. Diploma after 12th grade
Advanced academic diploma
after 3 years.
Tracking
No tracking system exists. There are high schools providing advanced education in
Math, Art, Music and Economics. There are no final exams in elementary schools.
Middle and high school students in Russia and Belarus have final exams after senior
grade only, but in Ukraine, at the end of each school year.

Ukraine Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
Excellent 5 10-12 95%
Good 4 7-9 85%
Satisfactory 3 4-6 75%
Unsatisfactory 2 1-3 55%
3apaxoBaho= Pass
110
111
UNITED KINGDOM

Through grade 11
School Year
The school year runs from October to July.
UNITED KINGDOM US EQUIVALENT

EQUIVALENT
Nursery 1 5 K-5 5-11
Primary 6 years
Secondary High School Lower:3 years, Forms 1,2,3 9-12 14-18

Upper:2 years, Forms 4,5
Completion of HS after
attendance of 11 years
Certificate of Secondary
Education
May be admitted to pre-
university level based on
passing the National
Examinations
Pre-University
Pre-univ: 2 years, Form 6
Note: There is no official method of equating the British and American systems.
However, it is generally accepted that completion of Form 5, or 5GCSE exam, is
equivalent to a United States high school diploma.
Tracking
Officially, no tracking system exists. However, based upon student interests and teacher
evaluation, students may select academic or vocational training programs.
(Continued)
112
United Kingdom Recommended US Equivalent
Equivalent
A 95% A+
B 90% A
C 80% B
D 75% C+
E 70% C
F 55% F
G 50% F
Note: The American concept of school reports or transcripts is not used. Schools in the
United Kingdom base promotion and achievement on standardized national
examinations.
Department for Education and Skills
www.dfes.gov.uk
113
UZBEKISTAN

Grades 1 through 9
School Year
The school year runs from September to June. Uzbekistan is in the process of
educational reform. Some schools still use the Russian system (refer to Russian
Federation in this manual). In addition, Uzbekistan is changing its alphabet from Cyrillic
into Latin.
UZBEKISTAN US EQUIVALENT
EQUIVALENT
A) 5 years 5-9 9-12 14-18
A) general secondary B) 2 years Diploma after 12th grade
B) specialized secondary vocational
OR 3 years
academic
Tracking
Students may enter either a vocational (2 years) or academic (3 years) upper secondary
program. Both lead to a high school completion certificate.

Uzbekistan Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
5 Excellent 90%
4 Good 80%
3 Satisfactory 70%
2 Unsatisfactory 55%
1 Unsatisfactory 50%
Passing is a grade of 3 or higher. Grades of 2 or 1 are rarely shown on transcripts. A
pass mark is issued when an exam was not taken but all course requisites were met.
This can be equated to a CR (credit) in our system.
Education Level in Uzbekistan
http://www.bibl.u-szeged.hu/oseas/uzbek.html
114
VENEZUELA

Grades 1 through 6
School Year
Some schools are year-round, others are from 6 to 10 months. Usually schools operate
on semesters or trimesters, ending each one with an exam. About 50% of the schools
are private and can pick their own schedule. Classes are from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
Each class lasts about 45 minutes.
VENEZUELA EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

Elementary/Primary
1-6 6(7)-12
3 years 13-15 6-8 11-13(14)

Lower or Basic Secondary/
Certificado de educacion primaria
Intermediate
Upper-2years 16-17 9-12 14-18
Certificado de educacion
secundaria (Equivalent to US HS
diploma)
diversified Secondary
1 year
Bachiller ciclo diversificado.
Tracking
All public schools in Venezuela are co-educational. On the secondary level there are
three voluntary tracks: general (grades 10-11), professional (grades 10-12) and
technical (grades 10-11).

Venezuela Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
16-20 Sobresaliente A 90-95%
14-15 Distinguido B 80-85%
10-13 Bueno C 70-75%
1-9 Aplazado F(fail) 50%
Passing is a grade of 10 (C) or higher.
115
VIETNAM

Completion of grade 9
School Year
The school year runs for nine months, from September through May, six days a week,
Monday through Saturday. The overall attendance in all schools is excellent, hovering
consistently around 98%. Absenteeism and truancy are practically nonexistent.
VIETNAM EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

5 years 6-12 1-5 6-11
Elementary/Primary/ Certificate of Lower Level
Level I Completion
4 years 12-15 6-8 11-13(14)
Intermediate/Level II
Diploma of Completion of
Lower/Pre Secondary School
3 years 15-18(19) 9-12 14-18
Secondary High School/
Specialized Secondary Upper Diploma after 12th grade
Level III*
School Diploma
*Technical or Academic Comprehensive
Tracking
Schools provide a high achievement class in the sciences and math at the third level
(10th to 12th grade).

Vietnam Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
8-10 Excellent A
7-7.5 Very good B
6-6.5 Good B-
5-5.5 Average C
below 5 Below Avg. Failure
116
YEMEN

Compulsory education is not enforced
School Year
The school year is year-round with numerous holidays, dependant upon the Islamic
Lunar calendar.
YEMEN EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

Secondary High School 3 years 16-18 9-12 14-18
2 years 18
Military Diploma after 12th grade
Compulsory for males
The education system is based on Islamic Law.

Yemen Equivalent Recommended US Equivalent
90-100 1 A 95%
80-89% 2 B 85%
65-79% 3 C 75%
50-64% 4/5 D/fail 65%
117
ZIMBABWE
Compulsory Education: Grades 1 to 5
Adult Literacy Rate: 76% (UNESCO)

90% (Zimbabwe government estimates)
School Year
The school year runs from January to December, with three-month terms broken up by
one-month vacations after each term. Due to a lack of funding, many primary schools
are on double sessions, with students attending 4 hours per day.
ZIMBABWE US EQUIVALENT
EQUIVALENT
Primary 7 6-12 1-5 6-11
Junior Certification 2 13-14 6-8 11-13(14)
Forms I and II Lower high school certificate
Upper high school (upper
secondary) entrance exams
O Level (Forms III and IV) 2 15-16 9-10 14-16
A Level (Forms V and VI) 2 17-19 11-12 17-18

Tracking
Huge discrepancies exist between rural and urban, private, boarding and public schools.
“Group A” schools are more rigorous academically and have greater resources. In
Group A schools, students study English beginning in the first grade; in other schools,
the study of English begins in the 4th grade. Placement into primary schools is based
upon ability to pay.
Placement into secondary schools is based on the grades earned on the four required
primary school national examinations, as well as the ability to pay. Based on the Form I
and Form II reports, students are assigned to courses and tracked classes for their O
Level programs. Only students who receive sufficient scores on their CSE (Forms III and
IV) exams are accepted into A Level programs to study science, business or the arts.
Most students end their formal education at the end of Form IV.
(Continued)
118
Grading System
Zimbabwe National Recommended US Equivalent
Exam Grades
A 90%
B 80%
C 70%
Below C is failing 55%
Passing is a grade of 60% (C) or higher. Some private schools differ; always check
secondary school transcripts legends.
It is important to note that secondary schools do not usually produce transcripts for their
students. Students receive informal, handwritten school reports twice a year. Also,
teachers often downgrade all student reports the term before exams as a motivator for
them to work harder. The O and A Level certificates are considered the official academic
qualifications, as opposed to a school-generated report. The exam results are certified
and stamped by the Head Master, the Minister of Education or the United States
Embassy.
119
SECTION III
References and Resources
x Embassies and/or Consulates located in Washington D.C. and

New York City
x Foreign Language Assistance/Immigrant Services
The references and resource lists contained in this section may assist
you if you require further information on a particular country.
References included throughout this manual are intended to be those

which are readily available. Internet and agency references were all
available at the time of publications; however, these references may
change.
120
121
Consulates and Embassies Located in
New York City and/or Washington D.C.
Afghanistan Australia
Embassy of the Republic of Afghanistan Australian Embassy
2341 Wyoming Ave., NW 1601 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington DC 20008 Washington, DC 20036-2273
Telephone: (202) 234-3770 202-797-3000
Fax: 202-797-3168
Consulate General of the Republic of
Afghanistan Australian Consulate General
360 Lexington Avenue, 11th floor 150 East 42nd St., 34th floor
New York, NY 10017 New York, NY 10017
212-972-2276 212-351-6500
Albania Austria
The Republic of Albania Embassy Austrian Embassy
2100 S. Street, NW 3524 International Court
Washington, D.C. 20008 Washington D.C. 20008-3035
202-223-4942 202-895-6750
Antigua & Barbuda Austrian Consulate General

Antigua and Barbuda Embassy 31 East 69th St.
3216 New Mexico Avenue, NW New York, NY 10021
Washington, D.C. 20016 212-737-6400
202-362-5122
Austrian National Tourist Office
P.O.Box 1142
Argentina New York, NY 10018-1142
Embassy of the Argentine Republic 212-944-6880
1600 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Fax: 212-730-4568
Washington DC 20009
202-238-6400
Bahamas
Consulate General of Argentina The Commonwealth of the Bahamas Embassy
12 West 56th Street 2220 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
New York, NY 10019 Washington, D.C. 20008
212-603-0400 202-319-2660
122
Bangladesh Belize
The People’s Republic of Bangladesh Embassy Embassy of Belize
3510 International Drive, NW 2535 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20007 Washington DC 20008
202-244-2745 202-332-9636
Consulate General of Bangladesh Bolivia

211 East 43rd St.
Embassy of Bolivia
New York, NY 10017
3014 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
212-599-6767
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-483-4410
Barbados Consulate General of Bolivia
Barbados Embassy 211 East 43rd St.
2144 Wyoming Avenue, NW New York, NY 10017
Washington, D.C. 20008 212-687-0530
202-939-9200
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Consulate General of Barbados
Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina
800 Second Avenue, 2nd floor
2109 E Street NW
New York, NY 10017
212-867-8435
202-337-1500
Belarus (Republic of) Brazil

Embassy of Belarus
Brazilian Embassy
1619 New Hampshire Avenue., N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
Washington, DC 20008-3634
202-986-1606
202-238-2700
Consulate General of the Republic of Belarus
Brazilian Consulate General
708 Third Avenue #21
1185 Avenue of the Americas (Sixth Avenue),
New York, NY 10017
21st Floor
212-682-5392
New York, NY 10036
917-777-7777
Belgium
Embassy of Belgium Bulgaria
3330 Garfield Street, NW
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria
1621 22nd Street, NW
(202) 333-3079
Washington D.C. 20008
202-387-0174
Belgium Consulate General
330 Avenue of the Americas
Bulgarian Consulate General
New York, NY 10014
121 East 62nd Street,
212-586-5110
New York, NY 10021
212-935-4646
Belgian National Tourist Office
220 East 42nd Street, Suite 3402
New York, NY 10017 Burma
(212) 758-8130 The U.N. Permanent Mission of Myanmar
10 East 77th St.
New York, NY 10021
212-535-1310
123
Cambodia Colombia
The Royal Embassy of Cambodia Embassy of Colombia
4530 16th Street NW 2118 Leroy Place
Washington D.C. 20011 Washington D.C. 20008
202-726-7742 202-387-8338
Cameroon Consulate General of Colombia

10 East 46th St.
Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon
New York, NY 10017
212-949-9898
202-265-8790
Costa Rica
Canada Embassy of Costa Rica
Canadian Embassy 2114 “S” Street, NW
501 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008
Washington, DC 20001 202-234-2945
202-682-1740
Consulate of Costa Rica
Canadian Consulate General 80 Wall St., Suite 718
1251 Avenue of the Americas (50th St.) New York, NY 10005
New York, NY 10020-1175 212-509-3066
212-596-1783
Croatia
Chile Embassy of Croatia
Embassy of Chile 2343 Massachusetts Ave., NW
1732 Massachusetts Ave. N.W. Washington DC, 20008-2803
Washington, D.C. 20036 202-588-5899
202-785-1746
Consulate General of Croatia
Consulate General of Chile 369 Lexington Avenue, 11th floor
866 U.N. Plaza, Suite 601 New York, NY 10017
New York, NY 10017 212-599-3066
212-980-3366
Cuba
China Permanent Mission to the UN
315 Lexington Avenue
Embassy of the People's Republic of China
New York, NY 10016
2300 Connecticut Ave., NW,
212-689-7215
202-328-2500
Czech Republic
Consulate General of the People’s Republic of Embassy of the Czech Republic
China 3900 Spring of Freedom Street, N.W., Suite 705
520 12th Avenue Washington, D.C. 20008
New York, NY 10036 202-274-9100
212-244-1467
124
Denmark El Salvador
Royal Danish Embassy Embassy of El Salvador
3200 Whitehaven Street, NW 2308 California Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008-3683 Washington DC 20008
(202) 234-4300 202-265-9671
Royal Danish Consulate General Consulate General of El Salvador

1 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza 46 Park Avenue
212-223-4545 212-889-3608
Dominica Estonia
The Commonwealth of Dominica Embassy of Estonia
3216 New Mexico Avenue, NW 1730 M Street, Suite 503, NW
Washington, D.C. 20016 Washington, DC 20036
202-364-6781/2 202-588-0101
Dominican Republic Consulate General of the Republic of Estonia

600 Third Avenue, 26th floor
Embassy of the Dominican Republic
New York, NY 10016
1715 22nd Street NW
212-883-0636
Washington DC 20008
202-332-6280
Ethiopia
Dominican Consulate Ethiopia Embassy
1501 Broadway 3506 International Drive, NW
212-768-2480 202-364-1200
Ecuador Ethiopian Consulate General

866 Second Ave. 3rd floor
Ecuador Embassy
New York, NY 10017
2535 15th Street, NW
212-421-1830
202-234-7200
Finland
Consulate General of Ecuador Embassy of Finland
800 Second Avenue #600 3301 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
New York, NY 10017 Washington, DC 20008
212-808-0170 (202) 298-5800
Egypt Consulate General of Finland

866 U.N. Plaza
Arab Republic of Egypt Embassy
New York, NY 10017
3521 International Court, NW
212-750-4400
202-895-5400
Consulate of the Arab Republic of Egypt

1110 2nd Ave., 2nd Fl., Room 201
New York, NY 10022
212-759-7120
125
France Great Britain
Embassy of France Embassy of the United Kingdom
4101 Reservoir Road, N.W. 3100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20007 Washington, DC 20008
202-944-6000 202-588-6500
Consulate General of France British Consulate General

10 E 74th Street 845 Third Avenue
212-606-3600 212-745-0202
Fiji Greece
Embassy of Fiji Embassy of Greece
2233 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. 2221 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
202-337-8320 202-939-1300
Gambia Consulate General of Greece

69 East 79th Street
The Gambia Embassy
New York, NY 10021
1155 15th Street, NW, Suite 1000
212-988-5500
202-785-1399
Georgia Grenada
Consulate General of Grenada
Embassy of the Republic of Georgia
800 Second Avenue #400K
1615 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Suite 300
New York, NY 10017
212-599-0301
202-387-2390
Germany Guatemala
Embassy of Germany Embassy of Guatemala
4645 Reservoir Road, N.W. 2200 “R” Street, NW
202-298-4000 202-745-4952
Consulate General of Germany Consulate General of Guatemala

871 United Nations Plaza 57 Park Avenue
212-610-9700 212-686-3837
Ghana Guinea-Bissau
Embassy of Ghana The Republic of Guinea-Bissau Embassy
3512 International Drive, NW 15929 Yukon Lane
Washington, DC 20008 Rockville, MD 20855
202-686-4520 301-947-3958
Gibraltar
Gibraltar Information Bureau
1155 15th St., N.W., Suite 1100
202-452-1108
126
Guyana India
Embassy of Guyana Embassy of India
2490 Tracy Place, NW 2107 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
202-265-6900 202-939-7000
Consulate General of Guyana Consulate General of India

370 Seventh Avenue, 7th Floor 3 East 64th St.
212-947-5110 212-774-0600
Haiti Indonesia
Embassy of the Republic of Haiti Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
2311 Massachusetts Avenue, NW 2020 Massachusetts Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20008 Washington, D.C. 20036
202-332-4090 202-775-5200
Consulate General of Haiti Consulate General of Indonesia

271 Madison Ave #5 5 East 68th St.
212-697-9767 212-879-0600
Honduras Ireland
Consulate General of Honduras Embassy of Ireland
80 Wall St. 2234 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
212-269-3611 202-462-3939
Consulate of Ireland
Hong Kong 345 Park Avenue, 17th floor
Hong Kong Tourist Association New York, NY 10154
115 E 54th Street 212-319-2555
New York, NY 10022
212-421-3382
Israel
Embassy of Israel
Hungary 3514 International Dr. N.W.
Embassy of the Republic of Hungary Washington DC 20008
3910 Shoemaker St., N.W. 202-364-5500
202-362-6730 Consulate General of Israel
800 Second Avenue
Consulate of Hungary New York, NY 10017
223 East 52nd St. 212-449-5400
New York, NY 10022
212-752-0662
Iceland
Consulate General of Iceland
800 Third Ave
New York, NY 10022
212-593-2700
127
Italy Korea
Embassy of Italy Embassy of the Republic of Korea
3000 Whitehaven Street, NW 2450 Massachusetts Ave. NW
202-612-4400 202-939-5600
Consulate General of Italy Consulate General of Korea

690 Park Avenue 335 E 45th Street
212-737-9100 646-674-6000
Ivory Coast Lebanon

The Republic of Cote d’Ivoire Embassy 9 East 76th St.
2424 Massachusetts Avenue, NW New York, NY 10021
Washington, D.C. 20008 212-744-7905
202-797-0300
Liberia
Jamaica The Republic of Liberia Embassy
Jamaica Embassy 5201 16th Street, NW
1520 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20011
Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 723-0437
202-452-0660
Lithuania (Republic of)
Japan Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania
Embassy of Japan 2622 16th Street, NW
2520 Massachusetts Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20009-4202
Washington, DC 20008 202-234-5860
202-238-6700
Consulate General of Lithuania
Consulate of Japan 420 Fifth Avenue
299 Park Avenue New York, NY 10018
New York, NY 10171 212-354-7840
212-371-8222
Luxembourg
Kenya Embassy of Luxembourg
Embassy of Kenya 2200 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
2249 R St., N.W. Washington, DC 20008
Washington, DC 20008 202-265-4171
202-387-6101
Fax: 202-462-3829 Consulate General of Luxembourg
17 Beekman Place
Consulate of Kenya New York, NY 10022
424 Madison Avenue 212-888-6664
New York, NY 10017
212-486-1300 Macedonia
Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia
1101 30th Street, NW, Suite 302
202-337-3063
128
Malaysia New Zealand
Consulate General of Malaysia Embassy of New Zealand
313 E 43rd Street #1 37 Observatory Circle, N.W.
212-490-2722 202-328-4800
Mexico Nicaragua (Republic of)

Embassy of Mexico Consulate General of Nicaragua
1911 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. 820 Second Avenue
Washington, DC 20006 New York, NY 10017
202-728-1600 212-986-6562
Consulate General of Mexico Nigeria

27 East 39th St.
Consulate General of Nigeria
New York, NY 10016
828 Second Avenue
212-217-6400
New York, NY 10017
212-850-2200
Monaco
Consulate General of Monaco Norway
565 Fifth Ave #23
Royal Norwegian Embassy
New York, NY 10017
2720 34th St, NW
212-286-0500
202-333-6600
Morocco
Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco Royal Norwegian Consulate General
1601 21st St., N.W. 825 Third Avenue
202-462-7979 212-421-7333
Consulate General of Morocco Pakistan

10 East 40th St., 23rd Floor
Embassy of Pakistan
New York, NY 10016
3517 International Court, NW
212-758-2625
Washington DC 20008
202-243-6500
Nepal
Nepal Mission to the U.N. Consulate General of Pakistan
820 Second Avenue 12 East 65th St.
212-370-3988 212-879-5800
Netherlands Panama
Embassy of the Netherlands Consulate General of Panama
4200 Linnean Avene, N.W. 1212 Avenue of the Americas
212-244-5300 212-840-2450
Consulate General of Netherlands

1 Rockefeller Plaza, 11th floor
New York, NY 10020
212-246-1429
129
Paraguay Romania
Consulate of Paraguay Embassy of Romania
211 E 43rd Street #2101 1607 23rd Street, NW
212-682-9441 202-332-4848
Peru Consulate General of Romania

200 East 38th St. #3
Consulate General of Peru
New York, NY 10016
215 Lexington Avenue
212-682-9120
New York, NY 10016
212-481-7410
Russia
Philippines Embassy of the Russian Federation
2650 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines
202-298-5700
202-467-9300
Sierra Leone
Philippine Consulate General Sierra Leone Embassy
556 Fifth Avenue 1701 19th Street, NW
212-764-1330 202-939-9261
Poland (Republic of) Saudi Arabia

Embassy of Poland Consulate General of Saudi Arabia
2640 16th Street, NW 866 UN Plaza
202-234-3800 212-752-2740
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland Scandinavia

233 Madison Avenue
Scandinavian Tourist Board
New York, NY 10016
655 Third Avenue
212-561-8169
New York, NY 10017
212-855-9700
Portugal
Embassy of Portugal Slovenia
2125 Kalorama Road, N.W.
Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia
1525 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
202-328-8610
(202) 667-5363
Consulate General of Portugal
590 Fifth Avenue
Consulate General of the Republic of Slovenia
New York, NY 10036
600 Third Avenue
212-221-3165
New York, NY 10016
212-370-3006
130
South Africa St. Lucia
Embassy of South Africa Saint Lucia Embassy
3051 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. 3216 New Mexico Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008 Washington, D.C. 20016
202-232-4400 202-364-6792/93/94/95
South African Consulate-General Sweden

333 E. 38th St., 9th Floor
Embassy of Sweden
New York, NY 10016
1501 M Street, NW, Suite 900
212-213-4880
202-467-2600
Spain
Embassy of Spain Consulate General of Sweden
2375 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. 885 Second Avenue
202-452-0100 212-583-2550
Consulate General of Spain Switzerland

150 East 58th St.
Embassy of Switzerland
New York, NY 10155
2900 Cathedral Avenue, N.W.
212-355-4080
202-745-7900
Sri Lanka
Embassy of Sri Lanka Consulate of Switzerland
2148 Wyoming Avenue NW 633 Third Ave
Washington DC 20008 New York, NY 10017
202-483-4025 to 28 212-599-5700
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka Taiwan

630 Third Avenue, 20th Floor
The Republic of China on Taiwan Embassy
New York, NY 10017
4201 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
212-490-3690
202-895-1800
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad & Tobago
3216 New Mexico Avenue, NW
Consulate of Trinidad and Tobago
733 Third Avenue
202-364-6730
New York, NY 10017
212-682-7272
Consulate General of Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines
801 Second Avenue, 21st floor Turkey
New York, NY 10017 Embassy of the Republic of Turkey
212-687-4490 2525 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
202-612-6700
Consulate General of Turkey

821 U.N. Plaza
New York, NY 10017
212-949-0160
131
Ukraine Venezuela (Republic of)
Ukraine Embassy Embassy of Venezuela
3350 M Street, N.W. 1099 30th St., N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20007 Washington D.C. 20007
202-333-0606 202-342-2214
Consulate General of Ukraine Consulate General of Venezuela

240 East 49th St. 7 East 51st St.
212-371-5690 212-826-1660
Uruguay Vietnam
Consulate General of Uruguay Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
747 Third Avenue 1233 20th St, NW, Suite 400
212-753-8581 202-861-0737
Uzbekistan (Republic of) Yemen

Embassy of Uzbekistan Embassy of the Republic of Yemen
1746 Massachusetts Avenue, NW 2319 Wyoming Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20036-1903 Washington DC 20008
202-887-5300 202-965-4760
Consulate of Uzbekistan
801 Second Avenue, 20th Floor Zimbabwe
New York, NY 10017 The Republic of Zimbabwe Embassy
212-754-7403 1608 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
132
133
Foreign Language Assistance/Immigrant Services
The following organizations provide services (e.g. counseling, legal, health, or
translation services) for immigrants from other countries.
AFRICAN RESOURCES
African Business Community The Gambian Society in New York

P.O. Box 8614 1230 Jerome Ave., P.O.Box 297
New York, NY 10116-8614 Bronx, NY 10452
Tel: (212) 439-8047 Tel: (718) 861-2389
African People’s Council Nah We Yone, Inc.

6 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor 103 W. 136th Street, #2
Tel: (212) 346-9750 Tel: (212) 862-9703
www.nahweyone.org
African Services Committee
429 W. 127th St., 2nd Floor Nigerian Community Help Center
New York, Ny 10027 5 W. 46th Street
Tel: (212) 222-3882 New York, NY 10036
www.africanservices.org Tel: (212) 921-5563
www.geocities.com/kerrynchc
The Coalition of Ethiopian Women E-mail: [email protected]
for Mutual Support
17 Battery Place, Suite 966-N United African Congress (UAC)
New York, NY 10004 44 East 32nd St., 11th Floor
Tel: (212) 968-0749 New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 685-2848
www.unitedafricancongress.org
ASIAN RESOURCES
American-Nepal Friendship Society Asian Americans for Equality

www.nepalcouncil.org 108 Norfolk Street
NAC New York, NY 10002
3077 N. Foxridge Ct. Phone: (212) 979-8381
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 AAFE.org
(734) 663-7225
Asian American Legal Defense and
American Bangladeshi Education Fund (AALDEF)
Friendship Association 99 Hudson Street, 12th floor
169-08 Grand Central Parkway New York, NY 10013
Jamaica Estates, NY 11432 Tel: (212) 966-5932
Tel: (718) 526-7698 www.aaldef.org
(718) 206-9496
Asian-American Mental
134
Health Services Community Center
National Asian American Pacific Islander 170 Forsyth St., 2nd Floor
Mental New York, NY 10002
Health Association (NAAPIMHA) Tel: (212) 226-0317
1215 19th Street. Suite A
Denver, Colorado 80202 Japanese American Social
Tel: (303) 298-7910 Services (JASSI)
http://www.naapimha.org 275 7th Ave., 12th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Asian & Pacific Islander Coalition Tel: (212) 442-1541
on HIV/AIDS, Inc. http://www.jassi.org
150 Lafayette St., 6th Floor
New York, NY 10013 Korean Community Services of
(212) 334-7940 Metropolitan New York, Inc.
http://www.apicha.org/apicha/main.html 134-23 Northern Blvd., 2nd Floor
Flushing, NY ,11354
Brooklyn Chinese-American Association Tel: (718) 939-6137
5000 8th Avenue www.kcsny.org
Brooklyn, NY 11220
Tel: (718) 438-0008 Phillippine American Center
185-14 Hillside Avenue
Chinese-American Planning Council Jamiaca, NY 11432
150 Elizabeth St. Tel: (718) 883-1295
New York, NY 10012 http://www.fahsi.org
Tel: (212) 941-0920
http://www.cpc-nyc.org Pragati., Inc.
119-45 Union Turnpike, Lower Level Forest
Coalition for Asian American Children Hills, NY 11375
and Families Tel: (718) 459-0914
50 Broad St., Suite 1701
New York, NY 10004 Sakhi for South Asian Women
Tel: (212) 809-4675 P.O. Box 20208
http://www.cacf.org Greeley Square Station
New York, NY 10001
Council of Peoples Organization Tel: (212) 714-9153
(South Asians) http://www.sakhi.com
1081 Coney Island Ave,
Brooklyn, NY 11230
Tel: (718) 434-3266
http://copousa.org
Hamilton Madison House

50 Madison St.
New York, NY 10038
Tel: (212) 349-3274
www.hmh100.com
Indochina Sino-American
135
CARIBBEAN RESOURCES
Caribbean American Center of NY Haitian Centers Council

195 Cadman Plaza W 50 Court St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201 Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tel: (718) 625-1515 Tel: (718) 855-7275
www.Haitiancenterscouncil.org
Caribbean Women’s
Health Association National Coalition for Haitian Rights
100 Parkside Ave., 4th Floor 275 7th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11226 New York, NY 10001
Tel: (718) 826-2942 Tel: (212) 337-0005
http://www.cwha.org http://www.nchr.orgl
Flatbush Haitian Center
2211 Church Ave. Suite 306
Brooklyn, NY 11226
Tel: (718) 693-5700
LATIN-AMERICAN RESOURCES
Alianza Dominicana, Inc.

2410 Amsterdam Avenue, 4th Floor Manhattan
New York, NY 10033 213 W. 35th St., 12th Floor
Tel: (212) 740-1960 New York, NY 10001
www.alianzadom.org Tel: (212) 563-4500
Central American Refugee Center Queens

(CARECEN-NY) 62-07 Woodside Ave. 3rd Floor
91 N. Franklin St. Suite 211 Woodside, NY 11377
Hempstead, NY 11550 Tel: (718) 803-2766
Centro Comunitario Bronx

8422 Roosevelt Ave., 2nd Floor 886 Westchester Ave.
Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Bronx, NY 10459
Tel: (718) 651-1118 Tel: (718) 328-4188
http://www.hafnyc.org
Circulo de la Hispanidad
62 West Park Avenue Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville
Long Beach, NY 11561 Centre, Inc.
Tel: (516) 889-3869 59 Clinton Ave.
http://www.cdlh.org Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Tel: (516) 766-6610
Concerned Citizens of Queens http://www.hispanicbrotherhood.org
40-18 Junction Blvd., 2nd Floor
Corona, NY 11368
Tel: (718) 478-1600
Hispanic Federation, Inc.

Hispanic AIDS Forum 130 William St., 9th Floor Room 925
136
New York, NY 10038
Tel: (212) 233-8955 Queens Center
http://www.hispanicfederation.org 49-06 Skillman Ave.
Woodside, New York 11377
Jacob Riis Settlement Tel: (718) 565-8500
Immigration and Refugee Program
10-25 41st Ave. Staten Island Center
Long Island City, New York 11101 463 Port Richmond Ave.
Tel: (718) 784-7447 Staten Island, NY 10302
http://www.riissettlement.org/ Tel: (718) 727-1222
http://www.laicnyc.org
Mercy Center
377 E. 145th St.
Bronx, NY 10454
Tel: (718) 993-2789
Latin America Integration Center http://www.mercycenterbronx.org/
EUROPEAN SOURCES
American Committee on Committee (HANAC)

Italian Migration 31-14 30th Ave.
25 Carmine St. Astoria, NY 11102
New York, NY 10014 Tel: (718) 728-3586
Tel: (212) 247-7373 (212) 840-8005
http://www.acimimmigra.org/home 2.html www.hanac.org
Armenia Center Jewish Community House (JCH)

6923 47th Ave. Department of Immigrant Services
Woodside, NY 11377-6034 Russian Service Center
Tel: (718) 651-4687 7802 Bay Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11214
The Diocese of the Armenian Tel: (718) 331-6800
Church of America
630 2nd Ave.
New York, NY 10016 Polish American Immigration
Tel: (212) 686-0710 and Relief Committee
http://www.armenianchurch.org 180 2nd Ave., #1003
New York, NY 10003
German Society of City of NY Tel: (212) 254-2240
6 E. 87th Street
New York, NY 10128
Tel: (212) 360-6022
Polish and Slavic Center

Helenic American Neighborhood Action Immigration/Legal Services Program
137
176 Java St. Referral Center (RIRC)
Brooklyn, New York 11222 47-01 Queens Blvd., Suite 203
Tel: (718) 349-1143 Long Island City, NY 11104
(718) 349-7078 Tel: (718) 472-2246
http://www.pscenter.org/english.htm www.nyrirc.org
Swiss Benevolent Society of New York

500 Fifth Avenue, Room 1800
New York, NY 10110
Tel: (212) 246-0655
http://www.swissbenevolentny.com
Romanian Information &
MIDDLE EASTERN RESOURCE
Arab American Family

Support Center
150 Court St., 3rd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tel: (718) 643-8000
http://www.aafscny.org
MULTILINGUAL RESOURCES
Cabrini Immigrant Services Committee for Humanitarian

St. Teresa Parish Assistance to Iranian
141 Henry St. Refugees (CHAIR)
New York, NY 10002 17 Battery Pl., Room 605N
Tel: (212) 791-4590 New York, NY 10004
http://www.catholicworld.info/cabrini/menu.h Tel: (212) 747-1046
tml www.Farsinet.com/chair/
CAMBA Immigration and City University of New York
Refugee Services (CUNY) & Immigration Program
1720 Church Avenue 2nd Fl. Queensborough Immigrant Center
Brooklyn, NY 11226 39-07 Prince St., 2nd Floor
Tel: (718) 287-2600 Flushing, NY 11354
http://www.camba.org Tel: (718) 762-5580
Catholic Charities Community Services, Emerald Isle Immigration Center

Archdiocese of New York Queens Office
Immigrant Services Program 59-26 Woodside Ave.
1011 First Avenue Woodside, NY 11377
New York, NY 10022 Tel: (718) 478-5502
Tel: (212) 419-3700 (legal services) http://www.eiic.org/
Tel: (212) 371-1011 x2800 (education) Hebrew Immigrant Aid
Society (HIAS)
138
333 Seventh Ave., 16th Floor
New York, NY 10001 Chinatown Office
Tel: (212) 967-4100 195 Worth St.
http://www.hias.org/splash.html New York, NY 10013
Tel: (212) 748-1754
Imani House, Inc.
76-A 5th Ave. Midtown Office
Brooklyn, NY 11217 308 W. 46th St.
Tel: (718) 638-2059 New York, NY 10036
www.imanihouse.org Tel: (212) 399-0899
Lutheran immigration and refugee service
Immigration Advocacy Services http://www.lirs.org/index.htm
24-40 Steinway St.
Astoria, NY 11103 New York Association for
Tel: (718) 956-8218 or New Americans
Tel: (718) 956-6800 17 Battery Pl.
http://immigrantadvocacy.com New York, NY 10004
Tel: (212) 425-2900
Betances Health Center www.nyana.org
280 Henry St.
New York, NY 10002 Queens Child Guidance Center
Tel: (212) 227-8401 60-02 Queens Blvd., Lower Level
www.betances.org Woodside, NY 11377
Tel: (718) 651-7770
The International Center in NY http://www.qcgc.org/index.cfm?nodeID=36
50 W. 23rd St., 7th Fl.
New York, NY 10010-5025
Tel: (212) 255-9555
www.inticenter.org
International Immigrants Foundation

Immigrants Building
7 West 44 Street Floor #2
New York, NY 10036
Tel: (212) 302-2222
www.10.org
Liberty Center for Immigrants

125-09 Jamaica Ave.
Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Tel: (718) 847-3757
Lutheran Family and

Community Services
139
SECTION IV
Addendum
Request to Translate Transcripts*

The following Request to Translate Transcripts form may be used to
request translation of a foreign transcript into English if the school does not
have the internal resource to do so.
* Form may be accessed at: http://www.nycenet.edu/Offices/Translation
140
141
REQUEST TO TRANSLATE TRANSCRIPTS
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION • TRANSLATION & INTERPRETATION UNIT • 45-18 COURT SQUARE FLOOR 2 • LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101
TEL: 718-752-7373 • FAX: 718-752-7390 • E-MAIL: [email protected]
www.nycenet.edu/offices/translation
Please Read Before Completing this Form
Foreign-language transcripts in languages that cannot be translated with internal school resources may
be submitted to the Translation and Interpretation Unit for translation. When doing so, a legible copy of
the transcript, along with this request form, must be submitted electronically or via school mail. Fax copies
will not be accepted.
Please note, however, that the Translation and Interpretation Unit only provides the translation of the
submitted transcript, not the interpretation or evaluation of scores, grades or test results. Also, keep in
mind that turnaround time is dependent on several factors (i.e., amount of text to be translated, language
involved, legibility of text and current backlog). Please plan ahead.
Date of Request: Total No. of pages to be translated:
Contact: Req. Office/School:

First Name Last Name
Tel: Fax:
Translation requested into ENGLISH from:
Arabic Haitian Creole Spanish

Bengali Korean Urdu
Chinese Russian Other:
You may attach up to 3 transcripts per request as long as they are all the same foreign language.
Student First Name Student Last Name No. of

Pages
Transcript No. 1
Transcript No. 2
Transcript No. 3
Translations are returned via e-mail as

Word files. Please provide your e-mail
address:
Additional Instructions:
142
143
SECTION V
Bibliography
144
145
Bibliography
In addition to the numerous websites referenced throughout the manual, the
publications below were consulted.
Alkin, Marvin C., ed. Encyclopedia of Education Research. 4 vols., 6th edition. New
York, NY: Macmillan, 1992.
Feagles, Shelley. A Guide to Education Systems around the World. Washington:

National Association of Foreign Student Affairs (NAFSA), 1999.
Husen, Torsten and T. Neville Postlethwaite, eds. The International Encyclopedia of

Education. 12 vols., 2nd edition. Oxford, England: Pergamon, 1994.
International Education Research Foundation, The New Country Index (Volume 1).
Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press, 2004.
Routledge Taylor and Francis Group. The Europa World Year Book 2005. 2 vols., 46th
edition. New York, NY: Routledge, 2005.
International Association of Universities (UNESCO), ed. World Higher Education

Database. London, England: Palgrave MacMillan: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004.
World Almanac and Book of Facts. 2005 ed.
Worldmark Encyclopedia of Nations. 2004 ed.
146

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Evaluating Foreign

Dear Principals and Counselors,

The Office of Youth Development and School-Community Services (OYDSCS) of the

Evaluators are advised to:

 Carefully examine all official documents for authenticity.

II. Country Index viii

III. References and Resources 120

IV. Addendum 140

x Roles and Responsibilities

Support Provided by Regional and Central Offices

x Provide resources and assistance to schools experiencing difficulty with

The following are recommended procedures for the Principal or designee:

x Department of Education Translation & Interpretation Unit (see Section IV

Documents translated by family members may not be accepted as official

Excerpt: New York State Commissioner’s Regulation* 100.5 (d)(5)(i)(a

*You may access NYS Commissioner’s Regulation 100.5 at:

Excerpt: New York State Commissioner’s Regulation*100.5 (d)(5)(iii – v)

*You may access NYS Commissioner’s Regulation 100.5 at:

Compulsory Education: Ages 6 to 13

Adult Literacy Rate: 29%

AFGHANISTAN EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Grading System (Varies by School)

Compulsory Education: Ages 7 to 15

Adult Literacy Rate: 100%

ALBANIA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Grading System (Varies by School)

Compulsory Education: Ages 5 to 15

Adult Literacy Rate: 88% (lowest in the Commonwealth Caribbean)

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA US EQUIVALENT

Compulsory Education: Ages 6 to 15

Adult Literacy Rate: 95%

ARGENTINA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Bachillerato Mercantil (Commercial diploma)

Compulsory Education: Ages 6 to 11

Adult Literacy Rate: 35%

BANGLADESH EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Grading System (Varies by School)

Compulsory Education: Ages 5 to 16

Adult Literacy Rate: 99%

BARBADOS SYSTEM US EQUIVALENT

Compulsory Education: Ages 6 to 15

Adult Literacy Rate: 99.8%

BELARUS EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

6-9 11-14 6-8 11-13 (14)

10-11 15-16 9-12 14-18

*Vocational or Academic Comprehensive

Compulsory Education: Ages 5 to 14

Adult Literacy Rate: 80% (UNESCO)

BELIZE EQUIVALENT US EQUIVALENT

Grading System (Varies by School)

Compulsory Education: Ages 5 to 12

Adult Literacy Rate: 78%

BOLIVIA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Grading System (Varies by School)

Compulsory Education: Ages 7 to 15

Adult Literacy Rate: 90%

BOSNIA EQUIVALENT U.S. EQUIVALENT

Grading System (Varies by School)

Compulsory Education: Ages 7 to 14

Carefully examine all official documents for authenticity.