Education System in North Korea

The general school system (GSS) has kindergarten through Grade 10 schools. Kindergarten has two levels for two years. The lower class begins at age 4 and the upper class begins at age 5 when free compulsory education begins. The elementary school, also called people's school, starts at age 6. Duration of elementary schooling is 4 years. The secondary school in North Korea is higher middle school, and it offers 6 years of education. The higher middle school has two levels. The lower-level middle school takes 4 years and the higher-level high school takes 2 years for completion.

The continuing education system teaches curriculum related to factories, farms, and fishery cooperatives. The Air and Correspondence University operates a five-year curriculum. The special purpose schools are for talented children and children from the elite class. It consists of the revolutionary school also called elite school. 

Higher education system of North Korea has two systems for academic purposes and continuing education. Academic higher education of GSS is composed of universities (four to six years), College of Education for secondary school teachers (four years), Teachers' College for primary school teachers (three years), and junior colleges (three years). After university studies, graduate school for master and doctoral study is continued at post-Doctoral schools. The university or continuing higher education is attached to factories, farms, and fishery cooperatives. The Air and Correspondence University operates a five-year curriculum.