Romania: New optional subjects and evaluation changes for the 2026-2027 school year

The Romanian school year 2026-2027 is set to commence on Monday, September 7, 2026, concluding on Friday, June 18, 2027. The Ministry of Education has structured the academic year into 36 weeks of classes, divided into five modules interspersed with holiday periods. This upcoming year introduces several novelties, including new optional subjects, potential adjustments to evaluation rules for Religion classes, and the possibility of separate admission competitions for some high schools in 2027.

Middle school students will have access to two new optional subjects, depending on each school's offerings and parental choices. "Elements of Digital Media Education," designed for sixth graders, aims to equip students with the ability to critically analyze their interactions with media and digital technologies. It focuses on understanding the influence of these platforms on children and society, promoting responsible digital engagement. The second new optional, "Education for Life: Choose! Act! Inspire!," is tailored to different age groups. Fifth graders will focus on self-knowledge and decision-making, sixth graders on responsibility and collaboration, and seventh graders on positive influence and leadership.

These new optional subjects are part of the curriculum decided by the student, based on the school's offerings. The Ministry of Education and Research has approved the programs, emphasizing their relevance for developing fundamental competencies in today's world. Schools can also offer other nationally approved optional subjects for high school students, such as "Digital Education and Media Skills," "Inclusive Education and Critical Thinking Development," "Metacognitive Strategies," and "Emotion Management," subject to school availability and student interest.

Beyond the new subjects, the school year will see the gradual implementation of new high school curriculum frameworks. Additionally, distinct calendars for national exams and high school admissions will be in place, ensuring a structured process for these critical academic milestones. The Ministry of Education and Research has published the list of optional school programs, outlining the available choices for educational institutions and students.

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Both disciplines aim for fundamental competencies for today's world, so I would be happy if students chose them in as large a number as possible.