Schooling is compulsory in The Bahamas from the age of five until the age of sixteen. Consequently the literacy rate is high – 85% (according to the Lets Read Bahamas Secretariat). There are currently over 200 schools in The Bahamas with almost 80% fully maintained by the government. These public schools are found on most of the inhabited islands and are free to students.

Bahamians pursuing further education typically go away to North American schools or attend The College of The Bahamas or the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute. In addition, some U.S. schools offer higher education in The Bahamas. Examples include the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University, which offer degree programmes with weekend and/or night classes held in Nassau.