The Tanzanian government provides free education for primary school children (equivalent to K-6 in the U.S.). The village of Magulilwa currently has 2 primary schools. Upon completion of primary school, students take a level 7 exam to determine whether they can continue on to secondary school. If a student scores high enough on their exam, they have a couple options:
- Option 1: If a student scores high enough (relative to students all over the country who take the same exam), they are eligible to attend a government school. Government school tuition is free, and students pay approximately $20 per year for room and board. Only about 1 or 2 students from each primary school throughout the country are able to attend a government secondary school each year.
- Option 2: If a student scores high enough on the level 7 exam, they can take an entrance exam for a private school. If they pass this exam and are admitted to a private school, they pay approximately $300 for tuition, room, and board. Only an average of 2 students from a village like Magulilwa are able to go to private school each year.