Problems mark the new school year as nearly 2.9 million Romanian children return to class

Nearly 2.9 million Romanian pupils and preschool children returned to classrooms or entered school for the first time on Sept. 7, bringing new backpacks, carefully held bouquets and the nervous excitement of a first day.

For parents, however, the start of the 2026-2027 school year also brought significant expenses. For the education system, the opening came with familiar problems still unresolved. Hundreds of schools remain under construction, some institutions continue to have sanitation problems, and teachers are still protesting measures they say affect their work.

The school year will officially end on June 18, 2027, for most pupils after 36 weeks of classes divided into five periods. Eighth-grade students will finish on June 11 after 35 weeks, while 12th-grade day students, 13th-grade evening students and those in part-time programs will finish on June 4 after 34 weeks.

The first break is scheduled for Oct. 24 to Nov. 1, followed by the winter holiday from Dec. 23 to Jan. 10. A one-week holiday will take place between Feb. 15 and March 7, with county school inspectorates choosing the exact dates after consultations with parents, pupils and teachers. The spring break runs from April 24 to May 4, and the summer holiday begins on June 19. No classes will be held on Oct. 5, International Education Day, or on other statutory holidays and non-working days covered by the applicable collective agreement.

Schools must also organize the “Different School” and “Green Week” programs by April 23, with each lasting five consecutive days and taking place during separate school periods. Technical high schools and vocational schools will include practical training, as will post-secondary education. Behind the national figure are different experiences: for some children, a first encounter with school, and for others, a return to familiar classmates and teachers.