What country do you think has the best public education system and why?

Reviews
1

I’m curious about how the US might learn from other countries that are doing better in education.

2

In terms of early childhood education, Scandinavian countries are leading. They focus on child-led learning and beautiful forest schools which are dreamy.

3

lmason said:
In terms of early childhood education, Scandinavian countries are leading. They focus on child-led learning and beautiful forest schools which are dreamy.

Japan also ranks highly in early childhood and elementary education, similar to Scandinavia. However, the quality drops when students move to middle and high school.

4

@KarenHarris
I agree, especially about Korea. It starts off well with many childcare options, but becomes overly focused on testing from middle school onwards.

5

@KarenHarris
Yes, I had similar thoughts about Scandinavia too. It’s interesting to note.

6

Britain tried to emulate the French education system during Tony Blair’s government. French education is free through to university level. However, it’s hard to replicate the success of another country’s education system due to underlying economic and cultural differences. Germany values merit over nepotism, contrasting with the elitism in British and Swiss education systems. Finland, on the other hand, supports parents with longer maternity and paternity leaves, fostering better early child development at home. Despite being an equal society with strong social welfare, this wouldn’t work as well in places like Britain where industrial towns suffer from unemployment, mental health issues, and poverty. In Finland, teachers are highly respected, attracting talented individuals, unlike the common belief in some Anglo countries that ‘those who can’t, teach.’ The mentality towards education and realistic expectations also play a crucial role.

7

@EdwardGenesis
Great response. You’ve really shown how complex the issue is.

8

@EdwardGenesis
One of the most informative responses I’ve read. Thank you.

9

@EdwardGenesis
Scotland offers free higher education. For this discussion, Britain mainly refers to England and Wales.

10

EducatorEthan said:
@EdwardGenesis
Scotland offers free higher education. For this discussion, Britain mainly refers to England and Wales.

You actually read through all that? That was quite a detailed write-up!

11

@Jason
Yes, I did! :slight_smile:

12

Wherever it’s homogenous and privileged.

13

Brown1 said:
Wherever it’s homogenous and privileged.

So basically, my affluent American suburban neighborhood.

14

Brown1 said:
Wherever it’s homogenous and privileged.

This should be the top response.

15

Brown1 said:
Wherever it’s homogenous and privileged.

Then why do countries like Canada and Australia perform so well?

16

irmah said:

Brown1 said:
Wherever it’s homogenous and privileged.

Then why do countries like Canada and Australia perform so well?

What about Canada’s and Australia’s indigenous schools? Aren’t there ongoing issues like mass graves being discovered around Catholic boarding schools in Canada?

17

Upper class US suburbs.

18

Samuel said:
Upper class US suburbs.

Exactly. If Scandinavia and Japan faced the same income inequality issues as the US, their education scores might not be as high.

19

Finland, Sweden, and similar countries offer little homework and plenty of outdoor activities, creating a very different education system.

20

Tracy said:
Finland, Sweden, and similar countries offer little homework and plenty of outdoor activities, creating a very different education system.

Indeed, these countries often appear at the top of various education system rankings.