The school system in China is structured to provide education to all students, ensuring that basic education is both compulsory and free for Chinese citizens from ages 6 to 15. However, parents are responsible for covering small fees for books and uniforms.
Chinese children receive a public education that includes both primary and middle school, which typically consists of six years of primary education followed by three years of middle school. Classes usually contain around 35 students.
After completing middle school, parents are required to pay for public high school, although the majority of families can afford the modest fees associated with it. Additionally, there are private schools available for wealthy families and a variety of international fee-paying schools catering to expatriates and those seeking a different educational approach.