Education
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1. Local education system
Fortaleza’s education system is marked by a diverse offer, from early childhood education to higher education, with public and private schools catering to different needs. The city has invested in innovative programs such as TechEduca, which brings technology to schools, and Novo Mais Educação, which focuses on improving academic performance. These initiatives, as well as public policies focused on inclusion, seek to reduce dropout rates and promote quality education. Want to know how Fortaleza is overcoming challenges and making progress in education? Click on the links and find out more about the programs that are shaping the city’s educational future!
Local Education System in Fortaleza
Fortaleza, the capital of the state of Ceará, has a diversified educational system ranging from early childhood education to higher education, with public and private institutions catering to the different needs of the population.
Basic education
Basic education in Fortaleza is made up of municipal, state and private schools. Fortaleza City Hall, through the Secretaria Municipal da Educação (SME), runs several schools that serve children and teenagers in different districts of the city. In addition, the State of Ceará, through the Secretaria da Educação (SEDUC), runs state schools that complement the educational offer.
Higher education
Fortaleza is home to several higher education institutions, both public and private. Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC) is one of the main public universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. In addition, the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Ceará (IFCE) has several campuses in the city, offering technical and higher education courses in areas such as engineering, technology and health sciences.
Challenges and progress
Fortaleza has faced challenges related to the quality of education, especially in poorer areas. However, the city has implemented public policies to improve educational indices. For example, in less than a decade, Fortaleza has managed to reduce the high school dropout rate from 30% to 0.6%, reflecting significant advances in student retention.
Programs and Initiatives
Various programs have been implemented to strengthen the local education system. Collaboration between schools and communities, as well as ongoing teacher training, are aspects highlighted in educational initiatives in the city. In addition, the city has sought international partnerships to improve educational practices, such as visits by teachers from Fortaleza to the Spanish education system to exchange experiences.
Fortaleza has implemented various programs and initiatives to improve education and promote social inclusion. Here are some of them:
Launched by Fortaleza City Hall, TechEduca aims to innovate municipal education by integrating technology, science and innovation in schools. The program received an investment of R$67 million and seeks to modernize education by offering students access to advanced technological resources.
Aimed at students in Fortaleza’s Municipal Education Network, Aprender Mais aims to improve school performance through complementary activities and pedagogical support. The program aims to reduce school dropout and promote meaningful learning.
Programa Salas de Inovação Educacional
This program establishes classrooms designed to promote interaction between students and give them a leading role in the learning process. The Educational Innovation Rooms are spaces that encourage students’ creativity and critical thinking.
Implemented by the Ceará State Department of Education, Novo Mais Educação aims to contribute to literacy, expand literacy and improve students’ performance in Portuguese and mathematics. The program offers specific pedagogical support and complementary activities in the fields of arts, culture, sport and leisure.
This Ceará state government project aims to improve the learning of public school students by offering complementary strategies for technical and pedagogical support and ongoing training. The program seeks to overcome educational challenges, especially in the post-pandemic period.
These initiatives reflect the commitment of Fortaleza and the state of Ceará to promoting quality, inclusive and innovative education for all students.
In summary, Fortaleza’s education system is characterized by a diversity of institutions and programs that aim to meet the educational needs of the population, facing challenges and constantly seeking improvements in the quality of teaching.
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2. State and Municipal Education Department
Fortaleza has two main entities responsible for education: the Ceará State Department of Education (SEDUC) and the Fortaleza Municipal Department of Education (SME). SEDUC coordinates high school and vocational education policies in the state, focusing on partnerships with municipalities. The SME manages basic education in the municipality, offering an innovative approach focused on student development. Find out how these two departments work together to transform education in Fortaleza!
Fortaleza has two main bodies responsible for education: the Ceará State Department of Education (SEDUC) and the Fortaleza Municipal Department of Education (SME).
Secretaria da Educação do Estado do Ceará (SEDUC)
SEDUC is responsible for coordinating and defining educational policies for secondary and vocational education in the state. It works closely with the municipalities to ensure the provision of quality basic education for children, young people and adults living in Ceará. In addition, SEDUC encourages institutional partnerships in the formulation and implementation of professional education programs for young people in Ceará.
Secretaria Municipal da Educação de Fortaleza (SME)
The SME is responsible for managing basic education in the municipality of Fortaleza, covering early childhood education, primary education and youth and adult education. It seeks to promote effective, innovative education that focuses on the education of each student, in accordance with the principles of the Documento Curricular Referencial de Fortaleza (DCRFor).
Both departments play complementary roles in the education of Fortaleza’s citizens, each with its own specific remit to meet the educational needs of the population.
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3. Public and private schools
The Praia de Iracema area in Fortaleza offers several educational institutions that meet the community’s educational needs. Among the public schools, the São Rafael Municipal School and the Maria Alice Municipal School stand out, offering nursery and primary education. In the private sector, Antares ATS Colégio and Instituto Dragão do Mar are recognized for their educational quality and infrastructure. Find out more about the educational options available in Praia de Iracema!
Fortaleza, especially in the Praia de Iracema region, has several educational institutions that meet the community’s educational needs.
Public Schools
- Escola Municipal São Rafael: Located at Rua dos Tabajaras, 244, Praia de Iracema, this public school offers nursery and primary education.
- Escola Municipal Maria Alice: Located at Rua Paulo Morais, 95, Papicu, this institution caters for early childhood education and primary education.
Private Schools
- Antares ATS Colégio: Located at Rua Tijipió, 274, Praia de Iracema, this private school offers quality education for various age groups.
- Instituto Dragão do Mar: Located in Praia de Iracema, this private institute is recognized for its educational excellence and infrastructure.
In addition to these institutions, the region has other schools that meet the educational demands of the community, offering both public and private options for the residents and regulars of Praia de Iracema.
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4. Professional schools and technical courses
In the Praia de Iracema region of Fortaleza, there are several institutions offering professional schools and technical courses, with a special focus on arts and culture. Porto Iracema das Artes stands out, offering training centered on intellectual autonomy and transformative experiences. Discover the courses available and boost your professional career!
In addition to these, there are other professional schools in Fortaleza which, although not located in Praia de Iracema, are in nearby areas and may be of interest:
- Escola Técnica Padrão: Specializes in technical and vocational courses in the electrical sector.
- Porto Iracema das Artes: Guided by two concepts:
- Intellectual and Creative Autonomy – The possibility for students themselves to think about training paths based on their knowledge interests, encouraging the construction of intellectual autonomy for the process of defining career paths.
- Experiences and Symbolic Sharing – Understands that experiences and sharing encourage transformative thinking.
For up-to-date information on courses, registration and requirements, we recommend visiting the official websites of these institutions or contacting them directly.
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5. Universities and colleges
The Praia de Iracema area in Fortaleza is home to renowned higher education institutions, offering a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate options. The Federal University of Ceará (UFC) is expanding with the new Iracema Campus, which will house important research and technology centers, with construction due to start soon. The University of Fortaleza (Unifor), located in Edson Queiroz, offers a wide range of courses in various areas of knowledge. Explore the higher education options in Praia de Iracema and choose the best one for your future!
Fortaleza has several higher education institutions that meet the educational needs of the community.
Public Universities:
- Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC): The UFC is expanding its operations with the creation of the Iracema Campus, which will house the Instituto de Ciências do Mar (LABOMAR) and the Centro Tecnológico de Ciências Naturais (CTCN). Construction is scheduled to begin within six months and is expected to be completed in 2027.
Private Universities:
- Universidade de Fortaleza (Unifor): Located at Avenida Washington Soares, 1321, Edson Queiroz, Fortaleza, Unifor offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, catering for various areas of knowledge.
In addition to these institutions, the region has other universities and colleges that meet the educational demands of the community, offering both public and private options for residents and visitors to Praia de Iracema.
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6. Language schools and exchange programs
Fortaleza offers several options for those wishing to learn new languages or take part in exchange programs. Institutions such as Instituto Poliglota and Fortaleza Bilingue are ideal for those looking to improve their language skills. For those wishing to explore international experiences, agencies such as CI Fortaleza and Unichristus’ international mobility programs offer exchange opportunities to various destinations. Do you want to venture into the world of languages and exchanges?
Fortaleza offers many options for those looking to learn new languages or take part in exchange programs. Here are some institutions that meet these needs:
Language schools:
Exchange agencies:
- CI Fortaleza: Located at Avenida Desembargador Moreira, 760, loja 01, it offers exchange programs to various destinations, including language courses, higher education and work experiences abroad.
- Unichristus: The University of Fortaleza (Unichristus) has international mobility programs, offering exchange opportunities for its students at various partner universities around the world.
In addition to these institutions, there are several language schools and exchange agencies in Fortaleza that cater to the educational needs of the community, offering both public and private options for the residents and regulars of Praia de Iracema.
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7. Private tutors and school reinforcement
If you’re looking for private tuition or tutoring in the Praia de Iracema region of Fortaleza, there are plenty of options. Online platforms such as Superprof, Profes, Cronoshare, and Suas Aulas Particulares connect you to qualified teachers for face-to-face or online lessons. For those who prefer local services, Personal – Reforço Escolar e Educação Personalizada offers home tutoring, in person or remotely, for all subjects. Find the educational help you need!
Fortaleza offers many options for those looking for private lessons or school tutoring. Here are some of the options available:
Online Platforms for Tutoring and School Reinforcement:
- Superprof: A platform that connects students to private tutors in various subjects. You can filter by location, such as Parque Iracema, to find professionals nearby.
- Profes: Website that allows you to search for private tutors in Fortaleza, with options for face-to-face and online classes.
- Cronoshare: A platform that connects clients to professionals for various services, including tutoring in Fortaleza.
- Suas Aulas Particulares: Website that lists private tutors in Fortaleza, allowing you to search by subject and location.
Local Services
- Personal – Reforço Escolar e Educação Personalizada: Offers private lessons and home tutoring, with face-to-face or remote service. It caters for all subjects and grades.
In addition to these options, it is advisable to check with local schools, cultural centers and universities in the Praia de Iracema area, as they often offer tutoring programs or can refer qualified professionals.
Remember to check the professionals’ credentials and evaluations before hiring them, ensuring that they meet your educational needs.
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Ismail D.
Editor/Creative Content/Technical Manager
