USAID’s education investments support sustainable, quality learning and education outcomes. Traditionally it was an agricultural country, heavily dependent upon coffee exports, but by the end of the 20th century its service sector had come to dominate the economy.

6% of Salvadoran children never attend any school. The adult literacy is 79% for men and 73% for women. The oldest and famous public university in the country is the University of El Salvador, with enrollments average of 30,000. Education in El Salvador is made up of public, private and religious schools. Education Statistics: Education is free through the ninth grade (up to age 14), but only 82% of children make it this far). The education system is made up of one year of kindergarten called Preschool, 9 years of basic education, three years of secondary education and higher education is at two universities … Geographical and historical treatment of El Salvador, the smallest and most densely populated of the seven Central American countries. While education has slowly grown more accessible for El Salvador children since the end of the country’s civil war in 1992, poverty continues to keep children away from classrooms – particularly when reaching secondary school.. Primary is compulsory education and lasts for 9 years, next is the 3 years of secondary education, which students can achieve the "Bachillerato," counterpart to a high school diploma. El Salvador Table of Contents Public education was a higher priority than health care for government spending, and statistics reflected this disparity. Programs focus on education and workforce development to increase economic productivity in high crime areas, identified under El Salvador’s national security plan. Primary Education Although not completely free (parents who can afford to pay do so) education is a high priority in El Salvador where so many poor families are still fighting to escape poverty. In 2013, elementary schools had a 91 percent enrollment. Following optional kindergarten children enroll in primary school at age 7. However, only 50 to 60 percent attend secondary school (grades seven through nine). 33% of the children old enough for secondary school actually attend. Youth gain the skills they need to lead productive lives, gain employment, and positively contribute to society.
To make their lot worse, standards in rural areas are low compared to cities.