During Spanish rule, teaching was limited to Christian subjects. Prior
to 1840 there were very few books on the island. First free primary school
was founded in the early 19th century in San Juan. In 1937 it was determined
that students learn English. To this day, both Spanish and English are required
subjects. Education is mandatory between the ages of 6 and 17 and most attend
for 12 years (six years of elementary school, three of junior high, and three
of senior high school). Literacy is 90%. With over 1500 public schools, over
500 private schools, and over 50 colleges, PR rank 6th in the world for students
continuing to college.
The University of Puerto Rico System was founded in 1903. It is the oldest
institution of higher education in Puerto Rico, with a number of branches
including those in Arecibo, Bayamón, Cayey, Humacao, Mayagüez,
Ponce, and San Juan.
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The first University of Puerto
Rico graduating class in june of 1907. Left to right
and standing: Jose M. Caraballo, America Puig, Loaiza Cordero, Selenia Boneta,
Concepcion Orcasitas y Luis Cintron. Sitting: Alejo Guevara, Isabel Andreu,
Carlota Matienzo, Adelaida Lopez, Agustina Mussa and Juan N. Herrero. |
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In 1993 Puerto Rico declared both Spanish and English the island’s official
languages.
Puerto Rico has many libraries, including the Carnegie Public Library, the
library of the Ateneo Puertorriqueño (a privately run Puerto Rican
cultural organization), and the Volunteer Library League, all in San Juan.
Several of the other larger cities and towns also have municipal libraries.
Many universities have libraries as well. See our
Research Tools & Reference
Materials section for additional information and listings of libraries
and archives. |
portal
to Puerto Rico Genealogy!
