EDUCATION IN PUERTO RICO

Free public education is provided by the government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for elementary, intermediate and high-school students. The school terms in Puerto Rico public schools begin in August through mid-December and January through late May. Education in the public school system is conducted in Spanish. English is taught as a second language.

Education in English is offered by many private institutions, both religious and non-sectarian. Some offer a choice between all-Spanish and double-language courses.

There are several Universities throughout Puerto Rico. The government-sponsored institution is the University of Puerto Rico, with main campus at Rio Piedras (a part of the Metropolitan Area) and several regional campuses throughout the rest of the island. Other major universities include the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Universidad del Sagrado Corazón and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Ponce. English-only courses are available at some universities.

There are a few vocational and specialized institutions operating throughout Puerto Rico. They are listed in local telephone directories under Escuelas (schools). Some high schools offer some vocational courses.

Many Federal Aid benefits for college education are available in Puerto Rico. The schools themselves are usually a convenient source of information about what is available.

The Department of Education also operates six "Escuelas Libre de Música", Liberal Music Schools where students are taught to play musical instruments. Schools are located at Hato Rey, Caguas, Humacao, Ponce, Mayagüez and Arecibo.

Universidad Adventista de las Antillas also has a Music Academy for adults and kids.

Universities with a BA or BM in Music: Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico, Universidad de Puerto Rico,Pontificia Universidad Católica de Ponce, Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico (Metro & San German) and Universidad Adventista de las Antillas. There is a need and demand for music master and doctoral studies.