Finland had the highest quality of primary education in the world in 2017, with an index score of 6.7. The index runs on scale of one (low quality) to seven (very good). Switzerland, Singapore, the Netherlands, and Estonia rounded out the top five for countries with the highest quality of primary education.
A solid foundation
Primary school age children are generally between the ages of six and eleven years old. Primary school is the first stage of formal education and consists of general knowledge and fundamental skills in areas like mathematics, reading, writing, and science, with student enrollment rates being particularly high in advanced economies. This helps young students to form a solid base for further study as they get older.
Primary education in the United States
Primary schools in the United States, where they are called elementary schools, can be either private or public institutions with enrollment in public schools generally higher than in private schools. Education from the age of five is mandatory in the U.S., whether that be through the state-funded public school system, private schooling, or through an approved home school program. Depending on state law, students can leave school between the ages of 16 and 18 years.
Quality of primary education across countries index 2017-2018
(1 = low quality, 7 = very good)
Countries and placement
Index (1 = low quality, 7 = very good)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Exclusive Premium Statistic
To access all Premium Statistics, you need a paid Statista Account
In the source this question is preceded by the following explanation: "Primary schools in your country are (1 = of poor quality, 7 = among the best in the world)." The statistics only depicts a selection of countries. The number in parentheses indicates the international placement according to the source.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
World Economic Forum. (September 26, 2017). Quality of primary education across countries index 2017-2018 (1 = low quality, 7 = very good) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved August 24, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/264663/quality-of-primary-education-in-selected-countries/
World Economic Forum. "Quality of primary education across countries index 2017-2018 (1 = low quality, 7 = very good)." Chart. September 26, 2017. Statista. Accessed August 24, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/264663/quality-of-primary-education-in-selected-countries/
World Economic Forum. (2017). Quality of primary education across countries index 2017-2018 (1 = low quality, 7 = very good). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: August 24, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/264663/quality-of-primary-education-in-selected-countries/
World Economic Forum. "Quality of Primary Education across Countries Index 2017-2018 (1 = Low Quality, 7 = Very Good)." Statista, Statista Inc., 26 Sep 2017, https://www.statista.com/statistics/264663/quality-of-primary-education-in-selected-countries/
World Economic Forum, Quality of primary education across countries index 2017-2018 (1 = low quality, 7 = very good) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/264663/quality-of-primary-education-in-selected-countries/ (last visited August 24, 2024)
Quality of primary education across countries index 2017-2018 (1 = low quality, 7 = very good) [Graph], World Economic Forum, September 26, 2017. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/264663/quality-of-primary-education-in-selected-countries/