közoktatást

Közoktatás refers to public education in Hungary. It encompasses the system of primary and secondary schooling available to all children and young people, free of charge. This system is overseen and funded by the state, ensuring a standardized curriculum and educational standards across the country. The aim of közoktatás is to provide a foundational education for all citizens, preparing them for further studies, vocational training, or entry into the workforce.

The structure of közoktatás typically includes primary education (általános iskola), usually for ages 6 to 14, followed by secondary education. Secondary education can take various forms, including grammar schools (gimnázium) preparing students for university, vocational schools (szakközépiskola) offering specialized skills, and apprenticeships. Religious and minority schools also exist within the public education framework, often receiving state funding while adhering to specific educational philosophies or cultural needs.

The Ministry of Human Resources (Emmi) is the primary governmental body responsible for the strategic direction and regulation of közoktatás. Educational institutions are managed by local governments and, in some cases, by specific ministries. Recent reforms have aimed to modernize the curriculum, improve teacher training, and enhance the efficiency of the public education system. Enrollment in közoktatás is compulsory for children up to a certain age, generally until the completion of secondary school.