North Chungcheong Province becomes first in nation to set 6th-grade class size below 20

All 6th-grade classes in North Chungcheong Province will have fewer than 20 students, a first nationwide. This move follows a similar reduction for 1st graders this year, aiming to improve educational efficiency. The province will increase the number of 6th-grade classes by 122, reducing the average class size from 19.4 to 16.5 students.

The North Chungcheong Provincial Office of Education announced on August 14 that it would adjust the number of students per 6th-grade class to under 20 starting next year. This initiative builds upon the province's earlier decision to limit 1st-grade classes to under 20 students this year. The upcoming adjustment for 6th graders marks the first time any region in South Korea has implemented such a policy for this grade level.

With this change, the total number of 6th-grade classes in North Chungcheong Province will rise from 692 to 814, an increase of 122 classes, or 17.6%. The average number of students per class will decrease from 19.4 to 16.5. Significant reductions are expected in major cities: Cheongju will see its average class size drop from 21.7 to 18.1 students, while Chungju's will fall from 18.9 to 15.9.

Han Jae-jang, an official at the Provincial Office of Education's student placement team, stated that reducing class sizes for 6th graders, who are on the cusp of entering middle school, will enhance efficiency in counseling, career guidance, learning, and daily school life. He added that while the number of teachers will need to increase to accommodate the larger number of classes, the demand can be fully met. The office is also considering a phased reduction for 2nd to 5th-grade classes.

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Reducing class sizes for 6th graders, who are on the cusp of entering middle school, will enhance efficiency in counseling, career guidance, learning, and daily school life.