Russia+(AW)

**__Russia__** By: Angela Woods

Most Russian schools are designed using the same format, a four-story building that houses all grade levels from 1st-11th grade. This type of school succeeds primarily because the schools are small and lower grades are somewhat segregated from upper grades. The first floor typically has common areas such as the principal's office, the cafeteria and an auditorium; primary grades 1-4 are on the second floor, and middle levels, grades 5-9 and upper levels, grades 10-11 are on the third and fourth floors. During the primary levels, students have only one teacher for their classes, but middle and upper level students have different teachers for their classes. Primary and middle levels are compulsory. At the end of 9th grade, students take a final exam; the results of their scores determine whether or not they are encouraged to continue in the upper levels. In 2009, in an effort to eliminate bribes and create more equity in the admissions process to Russian universities, the Ministry of Education mandated a new standardized college entrance exam, similar to the SAT, called the Unified State Exam.
 * Introduction**

In 2007, there were 5,010,284 students enrolled in primary school in Russia. Students enter primary school at age 7, and the duration in 2009 was 3 years. The student to teacher ratio is 17.12 to 1. The transition from primary to secondary school is on the decline: in 1999, 99.5 students transitioned to secondary school; in 2001, only 92.3 students transitioned to secondary school.
 * Primary Education**

In 2007, there were 10,797,816 students enrolled in All Secondary Education which combines the data middle school and high school. Students enter secondary school at age 10. The student to teacher ratio is 8.63 to 1.
 * Secondary Education**

In 2009, there were 11,852,129 students enrolled in tertiary education. In 2007, 5,325,554 of students enrolled were female.
 * Tertiary Education**

In 2007, 98.7% of primary school teachers were female; 81.1% of secondary school teachers were female. In 2004, 12.9% of government expenditures were on education. Education expenditures in Russia are 3.9% of the gross domestic product.
 * Human and Financial Resources**