Following a fifteen year civil war Lebanon was finally rebuilding itself and putting substantial emphasis on the development and improvement of education in Lebanon before Israel began bombing the country in July 2006.  Naturally enough this renewed assault on Lebanon has caused a complete budgetary rethink and once again schools and the educational establishments in Lebanon have to lose out on essential financial assistance.

Despite this fact, the standard of education in Lebanon is high and a number of international schools exist for the teaching of children through the medium of English for example, for teaching children different curricula and also for teaching children based on different religious beliefs.  This is a general guide to education in Lebanon for those considering relocating to the region.

The Ministry of Education in Lebanon sets the curriculum standards that public schools have to follow.  There are public schools available across the country with the larger urban centres generally able to offer the highest standard of institute as well as the best teachers and facilities.  Private, mid-private and international schools may offer subjects in addition to or as an alternative to those laid down by the Ministry of Education’s guidelines, but they will still be subject to the Ministry’s approval.

In 1998 Lebanon began structural reforms of its education system which is influenced by many of the major countries in the world.  For example there are American, British and European influences present in the way schools are run and managed and in terms of the examinations children are required to sit.  Currently state education is compulsory in Lebanon for children from the ages of six to twelve at primary level, from twelve to fifteen at preparatory level and then children move on to elementary or secondary school where they remain until at least sixteen with many staying on until the age of eighteen.

Secondary education in Lebanon is currently divided into scientific, literary or technical and vocational with a change over happening to allow all students to study a broader curriculum before being streamed into separate tracks.  Final exams are in the form of a Baccalaureate Certificate and those who do well can go on to university.

For expatriates thinking about living and working in Lebanon in the future there are a number of international schools in Beirut such as the Sagesse Catholic High School, the American Community School at Beirut, American Community School and Beirut International College.  Another alternative is the Eastwood College which has campuses in Mansourieh and Kafarshima.  Each school is very unique in the way it is run, the ethos it abides by, the subjects taught and the examinations pupils and students take.  An expatriate parent should apply to each school that seems applicable well in advance of their relocation to Lebanon to ensure their child has the best chance of a place in their preferred school.