The education system in Senegal is based on the French model that was introduced during the colonial era. Education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 16, but many do not complete primary school. According to the World Bank, in 2018 Senegal's primary education completion rate was only 56%. Illiteracy in Senegal is still a serious problem that limits the country's development and the population's standard of living. According to UNESCO data from 2018, only 57.7% of adults and 69.8% of youth are literate. The country is trying to improve the situation through various programs and projects that promote education, especially in rural areas and among women.

There are three types of schools in Senegal: public, private and Koranic. Public schools are funded by the state and are free for pupils. Private schools are fee-based and offer different educational programs, such as international or religious. Koranic schools are traditional Islamic institutions where children learn to read and write Arabic and memorize the Koran.

The education system in Senegal faces many challenges, such as a lack of qualified teachers, inadequate equipment and infrastructure, low-quality teaching and assessment, social inequalities and regional disparities. The government is trying to reform and modernize the education sector through various programs and partnerships with international organizations such as UNESCO or UNICEF.

Secondary schools in Senegal are divided into grammar schools, vocational schools, and apprenticeships. Gymnasiums are four or six years long and prepare students for university studies. Vocational schools are three or four years long and offer practical education in various fields such as agriculture, business, health, or tourism. Apprenticeships last two or three years and teach students craft skills.

High school education is not free. By law, each student must pay an annual tuition fee, which varies by school type and level. The average tuition fee for secondary school is about 50,000 CFA francs (about 75 euros) per year. In addition, students also have to pay for textbooks, uniforms, and other costs associated with their studies. Some students may receive a scholarship or financial aid from the state or other organizations, but these options are limited.