Over 2000 schools closed in Ukraine in 4 years

Between 2020 and 2024, 2,114 Ukrainian schools were closed: the state lost the fifth part of rural education institutions, and the number of schools in cities decreased by 5%.

According to the Institute of Educational Analytics, the number of first-grade students has decreased by 31% over the past 4 years. 

The educational portal analyzed that in the 2020/2021 school year, 14,815 schools operated in Ukraine, and in 2023/2024 there were 12,701 of them.   Thus, 2,114 schools have closed in 4 years, or 14%. In particular, it is noted that rural schools are experiencing the largest reduction, of which there are now 7439, while in 2020/2021 there were 9293.

In urban areas, the trend is less dramatic: 260 schools were closed over 4 years, or 5%. Despite the loss of school facilities, the main reason for school closures is also a decrease in the number of students. In particular, 14% fewer children went to school this year than in 2023.

At the same time, over the past 4 years, the number of first-graders has decreased by 31%: in 2021, there were 400,173, while in 2024 there were 278,083 students.

As previously reported, the Trade Union emphasizes the need for the government to take appropriate measures to prevent violations of the rights of Ukrainian citizens to complete general secondary education under martial law, including through the reduction of the number of teachers and the closure of schools.

Sources: espreso.tv, Education.ua, Institute of Educational Analytics