Lithuania implements measures to preserve rural schools amid demographic decline

Lithuania is facing a significant decline in student numbers, leading to the closure of 21 preschool institutions and 34 general education schools between 2022 and 2025. According to the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, this trend is most pronounced in small municipalities where the number of schools with fewer than 200 students is increasing despite falling enrollment.

To combat the potential decay of rural towns caused by the loss of educational infrastructure, the government is implementing flexible solutions to maintain small schools. Starting in spring 2025, town gymnasiums may form upper-level classes with as few as 12 students, provided the municipality covers 50 percent of the costs. An exception has been made for Neringa due to its unique geography and limited educational alternatives.

Further exceptions are planned for September 2026 to support schools for national minorities in regions such as Vilnius, Šalčininkai, Trakai, and Švenčionys, allowing for smaller class sizes to ensure continued local access to education.