redrikki:

writebetterstarwars:

Not a whole lot is known about the specifics of the schooling systems in Star Wars, so some of this is going to be my inferences. Undoubtedly, schooling will change from planet to planet, and I can think of a few examples off the top of my head of unusual education systems, but I expect you would find the generic answer most useful.

Essentially, schooling on well-populated and advanced planets such as Coruscant, Mandalore and Alderaan follows the same basic structure as in the real world. Whether they use the same classifications (preschool, elementary, junior high/middle school, high school), I don’t know. I doubt it would be considered out of line to call them that. Either way, that kind of basic education generally includes relevant history, sciences, maths, and often arts. Private schools exist and some include subjects like etiquette and hospitality.

As for higher education, it also works much the same way as in the real world, the difference being that with a massive range of cultures, new technologies, and different job opportunities from our world comes many many more options for schooling. Universities as we know them exist, as well as institutions such as schools of law, technology and engineering, humanities, economics, trade, science and agriculture. Generally, these types of specialized schools are found on worlds that are known for that field (e.g., Garqi Agricultural University). Tuitions exist and can get quite expensive for the acclaimed universities, although presumably they don’t quite work the same because I’ve never heard of a character with massive debt from going to school.

In addition, plenty of people go to flight schools, medical schools, military schools, and other schools that are not universities. Going straight for these specialized academy-type schools is pretty common, as is going straight into the workforce (especially on industrially-focused worlds and for people who can’t afford higher education).

That’s more or less everything I could dig up. Like I said, there aren’t a lot of specifics available. I hope this helps!

~ Jacen

The sense I get of education under the PT-era Republic is that it is neither mandatory nor universally available. Wealthier planets like Alderaan or Naboo may offer free schooling for everyone, but for most education is a privilege. Even on prosperous worlds, there are legislative youth programs and elite academies aimed at fast-tracking aristocratic youth so they can become queen at 14 and have some clue what they’re doing. In fact, given the high rates of youth employment throughout the galaxy, most schools probably both begin and end a lot sooner than they do in ours. Most scientists, engineers, professors, etc. are from prosperous planets and families.

Under the Empire, all schooling is geared towards making productive and patriotic citizens. Basic schooling is compulsory in Core worlds where the infrastructure already exists, but rather sketchy on laboring Outer Rim worlds. Academies, basically military high schools, funnel the best students from each planet or system into the officer corps. Poorly educated folks from the Outer Rim get shunted onto the Stormtrooper track. Inductees are frequently only functionally illiterate and a certain portion of their basic training is making sure they can read and do basic math.

There are courses and learning material available on the holonet which laborers and colonists can theoretically access, but when you’re farming/mining/manufacturing all day, it’s hard to squeeze in. Still, the classes are specially designed by the Imperial Department of Education and test results are closely monitored so the best students can be recruited into the military.

Nice addition, thanks! @bleububbletea, I’m sure you’d find this useful too.