94% of pupils reach sixth grade without repeating, but half do not reach basic knowledge

According to the 2025 Index of School Results (IRE) by Argentinos por la Educación, only half of students who started first grade in 2020 reached sixth grade on time with satisfactory knowledge in Language and Mathematics. While 94% completed primary school without repeating or dropping out, there is a significant gap in learning outcomes, particularly in Mathematics where results are notably lower. The report combines data on students' educational paths with results from the Aprender 2025 tests, showing that while completion rates have improved over time, learning achievements remain uneven. In Language, 79% of students achieved satisfactory or advanced results, but this dropped to 58% in Mathematics. Regional disparities are also evident, with Córdoba at 61% and Buenos Aires at 67%, compared to much lower scores in provinces like Chaco and Santiago del Estero. The report highlights a strong correlation between student performance and the average socioeconomic level within each jurisdiction.

Only half of students reach sixth grade on time with expected learning outcomes According to the Índice de Resultados Escolares (IRE) 2025, just over half of students who began first grade in 2020 reached sixth grade within the expected timeframe and with satisfactory knowledge in Spanish and Mathematics. The report, compiled by Irene Kit, María Sol Alzú, and Martín Nistal, combines school trajectories with results from the Aprender 2025 tests. This allows for an assessment of both how many students complete primary education on schedule and whether they achieve the required competencies. The data reveals that although 94% of students completed primary school without repeating or dropping out, their academic performance shows a notable gap, particularly in Mathematics, where results remain significantly lower than desired. The historical comparison indicates an inconsistent trend, with the IRE fluctuating from 46% in the cohort 2011–2016 to 50% in 2016–2021 before declining slightly to 45% in 2018–2023. However, the latest measurement saw a recovery, increasing to 50%, which was attributed primarily to improvements in learning outcomes. Notable differences were observed between subjects. While 79% of students who reached sixth grade on time achieved satisfactory or advanced results in Spanish, this proportion dropped to 58% in Mathematics. A primary school teacher, Marina Bertone, highlighted these disparities, noting that progress in reading comprehension and literacy has been prioritized, contributing to better performance in Spanish. She emphasized that while there has been improvement, especially in language skills, the situation in mathematics remains challenging. Regional variations were also evident. Córdoba ranked among the top performers, achieving an IRE of 61%, just behind Buenos Aires, which recorded 67%. In contrast, provinces such as Chaco, Santiago del Estero, and Misiones scored much lower, at 33%, 38%, and 39%, respectively. The report underscores a strong correlation between student achievement and the socioeconomic status of the communities they come from. Improvements were noted across all analyzed provinces compared to the previous cohort (2018–2023). Notable gains were recorded in San Juan, Catamarca, and La Rioja, each seeing a 10-point increase in their IRE scores. Twelve jurisdictions, including Tierra del Fuego, Santa Cruz, San Luis, and others, achieved their highest scores in the series. These developments suggest a gradual upward movement in educational outcomes, though challenges persist. Irene Kit, one of the report’s authors, acknowledged the slow but steady improvement over the past decade. She pointed out that while more students are completing primary school regularly, this does not necessarily translate into improved learning levels. After the post-pandemic decline, results have returned to pre-crisis levels, indicating that further efforts are needed to close the existing gaps. Meanwhile, Mariano Narodowsk, director of the Education Area at the University Torcuato Di Tella, expressed concern, stating that the data supports his analysis of Argentina's educational crisis. He argued that there is no clear upward trend, and instead, the system remains stagnant at very low levels since 2011.

2 reports

PerfilIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 6511 days ago

94% of pupils reach sixth grade without repeating, but half do not reach basic knowledge

Bias read (Center): The article presents statistical findings and expert commentary on education outcomes without overtly favoring any political stance. It focuses on academic performance metrics and regional differences, avoiding direct political critique or advocacy.

Why factuality (75): The article reports data from the IRE 2025, citing specific percentages and trends over time. It references the work of researchers and aligns with historical comparisons, showing a recovery trend. While the information appears consistent with cross-source consensus, some details like the exact meth

Why objectivity (65): The tone is somewhat critical of educational outcomes, particularly highlighting the gap between completion rates and learning achievements. The article uses emotionally charged language when discussing the impact on students' futures, which introduces a slight bias.

InfobaeIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 6010 days ago

Only half of the students make it to sixth grade on time and with the expected learning.

According to the article, only half of the students reach sixth grade on time and with the expected learning outcomes. This indicates a significant challenge in the education system regarding student progression and academic achievement. The issue highlights concerns about educational quality and the effectiveness of teaching methods. It suggests that many students are either repeating grades or failing to meet the required standards by the time they reach sixth grade. This situation could have long-term implications for the students' future academic and professional opportunities.

Bias read (Center): The article presents statistical data on student performance without overtly favoring any particular political stance. It focuses on educational outcomes rather than making value judgments or advocating for specific policies.

Why factuality (70): This article summarizes the main findings from the IRE 2025 report but lacks detailed context or sources. It repeats the core statistic about half the students reaching sixth grade with expected learning outcomes, which aligns with the first article. However, it omits supporting details and expert c

Why objectivity (60): The phrasing is more direct and less nuanced than the first article. While it doesn't overtly take sides, the focus on 'learning outcomes' may subtly imply criticism of the education system, suggesting a slightly biased perspective.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

94% of pupils reach sixth grade without repeating, but half do not reach basic knowledge

2 reports

How each side covered it

progressive

center

conservative

How each side covered it

Covered around the world

Covered around the world

Claims check

Claims check

Keep the news honest.

Related stories

In the novel, Stella and Esteban are outsiders because they are doing an apprenticeship

Walang pasok: In-person class suspensions for Aug. 24

Football is no longer a taboo, and more and more moms are following their kids to the games, whether they have daughters or sons.

What parents want: More childcare leave, less pressure over maternity leave, and room for joy

The memory of the world champion

SOCIAL NOURISHMENT: Child hunger drives Free State community to step in when school meals stop