Before 1868, there were only a few primary schools in Montenegro. However, between 1868 and 1875, 72 new schools were opened, serving approximately 3,000 students. Primary education became compulsory and was provided free of charge. In 1869, a teacher's seminary and a women's institute were opened in Cetinje. The women's institute was a school specifically established for primary school teachers.
In 1875, an agricultural school was opened in the newly developed town of Danilovgrad, but it closed two years later due to the war with Turkey. Subsequently, a similar school was opened in Podgorica. By 1893, an increasing number of young, educated Montenegrins were holding important positions in the growing government administration. In 1880, the first "lower classical gymnasium" (grades 5-8) opened. In 1902, it developed into a "higher classical gymnasium" (grades 9-12). In 1899, there were a total of 75 public schools and 26 private schools in Montenegro.
The Education System of Montenegro
The education system is unified. School curricula include the history and culture of all ethnic groups. All students below the secondary level are enrolled in public schools, which are funded by the republic's budget. In December 2008, Montenegrin Minister of Education Sreten Škuletić stated that in 2009, all school textbooks would be printed in the Montenegrin language as part of an education reform that also includes dictionaries and grammar books.
Primary Education
Primary education in Montenegro is free and compulsory for all children aged 6 to 14, at which time children attend a nine-year school (the eight-year curriculum is no longer in use).
Secondary Education
Secondary schools are divided into three types, which children attend based on their own choices and primary school grades:
Gymnasium (Gimnazija), which lasts four years and provides a general and broad education. It is considered a preparatory school for university and is therefore the most prestigious.
Professional school (Stručna škola) lasts three to four years, focusing on students in certain fields while still providing a relatively broad education.
Vocational school (Zanatska škola) lasts three years, has no option for continuing education, and specializes in narrow trades.
Higher Education
Higher education institutions are divided into higher education (Više obrazovanje) and university-level higher education (Visoko obrazovanje) tiers.
Faculties (Fakultet) and art academies (akademija umjetnosti) last 4 to 6 years (one year consists of two semesters) and award diplomas equivalent to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.