Argentina faces decline in adolescent learning outcomes

A new report by Argentinos por la Educación reveals a significant decline in educational quality among Argentine adolescents. According to the School Results Index (IRE), only 19 out of 100 15-year-olds are currently enrolled, attending school at the age-appropriate grade level, and meeting basic proficiency standards in Reading and Mathematics.

While school attendance has increased from 90% in 2009 to 97% in 2025—placing Argentina among the highest in the region for coverage—the ability to translate presence into learning has diminished. The indicator for students reaching these benchmarks has dropped from 26% in 2009 to 19% in 2025. This trend places Argentina seventh out of nine analyzed Latin American nations, trailing behind countries such as Uruguay, Chile, Brazil, and Peru.

Experts note that the gap between school enrollment and actual learning is widening, with 21% of students currently experiencing age-grade overlap (sobreedad). The report highlights that the challenge for the Argentine educational system is moving beyond mere inclusion to ensuring effective academic progress.