Mokyklos

Mokyklos (the Lithuanian term for schools) are educational institutions that provide formal instruction to children and young people within a structured curriculum. In Lithuania, mokyklos may be public or private and operate across municipalities, towns, and villages. They form the core of the country’s education system, supporting universal access to basic education and opportunities for lifelong learning. The term can refer to a single school or to the category of schools as a whole.

Types and levels: In most contexts, mokyklos cover primary education (pradinė mokykla) and secondary education, which can be delivered in different forms, such as pagrindinė mokykla (lower secondary), vidurinė mokykla (upper secondary), or gimnazija (general secondary). Vocational and specialized schools (profesinė mokykla, specialiosios mokyklos) also operate under the same system. Schools may be financed by the state, municipalities, or private entities, and they can be secular or faith-based.

Curriculum and governance: The national curriculum is set by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, and is implemented locally by municipalities and schools. Instruction emphasizes reading, mathematics, science, language and social studies, along with arts, physical education, and opportunities for citizenship and critical thinking. Assessment typically combines exams, tests, and continuous evaluation, with graduation or diploma awarded upon completion of a level.

Contemporary context: Modern mokyklos emphasize inclusive education, digital learning, and support for students with special educational needs. They prepare learners for higher education, vocational pathways, or entry into the labor market, and operate within a broader system that includes pre-school, after-school programs, and adult education.