North Macedonia to close 26 rural schools amid education optimization

North Macedonia's Minister of Education and Science, Vesna Janevska, announced significant changes to the national school network ahead of the 2026/2027 academic year. As part of an optimization effort to implement single-shift classes and improve educational quality and socialization, 26 rural schools are expected to close. These schools reportedly had very low enrollment, with some serving only five to eight students and no new first-graders enrolled.

The restructuring has resulted in a reduction of approximately 200 primary school classes and 100 secondary school classes.

Regarding logistics, Janevska confirmed that textbooks have already been distributed to schools. She noted that the electronic system used for procurement has stabilized the process, and while some damaged books may still be reported, the ministry expects issues to be minimal. Approximately 14,500 first-graders have been enrolled so far, though final numbers will be confirmed by the end of September.