Chilean School Curriculum: What Children Learn (Primary & Secondary)

Chile's education system (mandatory, free, ages 6–18) follows a national curriculum (Bases Curriculares) set by the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC). Here's the subject breakdown:

Primary Education (Enseñanza Básica) — 8 Years (Grades 1–8)

1st Cycle (Grades 1–4): Foundations

• Language & Communication (Lenguaje y Comunicación): Reading, writing, oral expression, literature.
• Mathematics: Number sense, operations, geometry, measurement, data.
• Natural Sciences (Ciencias Naturales): Biology, physics, chemistry basics — inquiry-based.
• History, Geography & Social Sciences: Chilean identity, indigenous peoples, local history, maps, citizenship.
• Visual Arts & Music: Expression, appreciation, techniques, cultural heritage.
• Physical Education: Motor skills, games, health, body awareness.
• Technology (optional): Digital literacy, computational thinking.

2nd Cycle (Grades 5–8): Deepening

• Same subjects, increased complexity.
• English (Inglés): Compulsory from Grade 5 (A1–A2 CEFR target).
• Orientation (Orientación): Socioemotional learning, life skills, vocational exploration.

Secondary Education (Enseñanza Media) — 4 Years (Grades 9–12)

General Cycle (Grades 9–10): Common Core

• Language, Math, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), History/Geography/Social Sciences, English, Arts, PE, Orientation, Philosophy (Grade 10), Technology.

Differentiated Cycle (Grades 11–12): Two Tracks

• Humanistic-Scientific (Científico-Humanista): University prep. Electives: Advanced Math, Sciences, Humanities, Languages.
• Technical-Professional (Técnico-Profesional): 35+ specialties (nursing, tourism, agriculture, programming, automotive, admin). Includes internships (prácticas).

Cross-Cutting & Mandatory

• Religion (Catholic default, opt-out allowed): Or alternative ethics/values.
• Citizenship Education: Constitution, human rights, democracy, sustainability.
• Indigenous Language & Culture: Mapudungun, Aymara, Rapa Nui — in relevant regions.

Assessment

• SIMCE: Standardized tests (Grades 4, 6, 8, 10) — Reading, Math, Science, English.
• PAES (Prueba de Acceso a la Educación Superior): University entrance exam (replaced PSU 2022).

Chile's curriculum aims for equity, quality, and relevance — but implementation varies widely by school type (municipal, subsidized private, paid private) and socioeconomic context.