The Ministry of National Education (known also as MoNE) conducts educational activities on a central level in the Republic of Turkey. Each level of education is organized by their own General Directorate. Pre-School, Primary and Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary and Higher Education. Pre-school education is carried out by kindergartens. Primary and lower secondary education consists of eight years of compulsory education. Upper secondary education is not compulsory, but the vast majority of the population participates and has different options such as vocational and art schools. Higher Education is provided by state and private universities. Higher Education Council is responsible for the organization and management of higher education institutions. Adult education is a priority and takes many forms, ranging from formal class-based learning to self-directed and e-learning.