Greek authorities close down 721 schools, with education officials describing the demographic crisis as an 'Armageddon'
In Greece, a significant decline in the student population has been observed since the 2018-2019 academic year, with over 150,000 students fewer in the current academic year. The total student population now stands at approximately 1.21 million.
This decline can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the 2008 financial crisis, the exodus of young, educated Greeks seeking opportunities abroad, and a low fertility rate. Greece's fertility rate is well below the 2.1 replacement level needed to maintain population stability, with approximately 1.3 births per woman.
The school closures are happening in rural villages, remote islands, and urban areas in Athens, as well as in remote areas. Primary schools are facing the majority of closures, with 324 elementary schools and 358 kindergartens set to suspend operations. This is an increase from the 247 elementary schools and 312 kindergartens that closed since the 2018-2019 school year.
The Greek Education Ministry has announced the closure of 721 schools for the 2025-2026 academic year due to insufficient enrollment. Schools that fail to maintain at least 15 students for three consecutive years face permanent closure, as stated in Greek law.
Ministry officials have described the demographic trends as "terrifying" and the situation as "Armageddon." Remaining students in remote areas have to travel distances of up to 50 miles daily to reach alternative schools due to school closures.
It's important to note that under Greek law, schools must maintain at least 15 students to remain open. However, currently, there is no specific publicly available data quantifying the exact number of schools that must be closed due to too low student numbers in Germany.
The low student population is a pressing concern for Greece, with far-reaching implications for the country's future. The decline in the student population is a complex issue, influenced by various factors, and it's a challenge that the Greek government is working to address.
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