School starts before academic year for some Turkish students

Students starting first grade, fifth grade and preschool classes began the school year yesterday, a week before the rest of Turkey’s students.

Those entering primary or preschool education for the first time, and fifth graders who will have more than one teacher, start the academic year a week before the rest of the students, in order to better adjust. The Education Ministry first initiated the practice in 2006.

During this period, parents of small children are also allowed to attend school. On the first day some of the newcomers cried, while some seemed to be more than ready for school.

These students will attend orientation programs at their new schools and participate in activities to adapt to the environment. First graders will get to know their teachers, their schools and their new friends.
Millions of students across Turkey will start the school year on Sept. 15.

There are more than 26 million students across Turkey in preschool, primary and high schools, according to recent data released by the education ministry.

There are 8.5 million female and 17.5 million male students in all 61,939 schools, according to the data, which is based on statistics from the 2013-2014 academic year.