Odesa schools to accept 6,000 first-graders from 1 September: this is half as many as before the war

First Bell celebration at a school in Mykolaiv, archive photo NikVesti

In 2025, about 6,000 children will enter the first grade in Odesa, almost half as many as before the full-scale invasion.

This was announced during a briefing by Olena Buinevych, Director of the Department of Education and Science of the Odesa City Council, NikVesti.

«Then we had 12.5 thousand first-graders. This year, we expect almost 6,000», said Olena Buinevych.

"But the total number of students will be about 89,000. Some children who are abroad will study remotely.

Out of 120 schools in Odesa, 92 have their own shelters, the official said. Another 28 use nearby ones.

«This year we have managed to increase the number of shelters, in particular in schools where it was previously impossible due to the presence of city utilities under the buildings. Thanks to the support of colleagues from other departments, several new shelters have been opened near educational institutions — they are spacious and will be able to accommodate our children if necessary,» said Olena Buinevych.

As a reminder, 52 schools in Mykolaiv will be operating in full-time or mixed formats from 1 September. This is 12 more schools than last year. As of today, 88 shelters have been set up in schools for full-time work, said First Deputy Mayor Anatolii Petrov.