17 million students return to class; new curriculum rolls out across 11 grade levels

The 2026-2027 academic year at primary and secondary institutions under the Ministry of National Education began on September 14. Seventeen million students and 1.2 million teachers returned to class.

The 'Turkey's Century Education Model' curriculum, which was applied in only a few pilot grades last year, expanded significantly this year. Preschool and transition classes, along with primary grades 1, 2, and 3; middle school grades 5, 6, and 7; secondary prep year and grades 9, 10, and 11 are being introduced to the new program. In the previous period, only primary grade 1 and middle school grade 5 had started with this curriculum; the scope doubled in a single move this year.

The period ahead of the opening also saw an intensive security process: according to Ministry data, 148 operations were conducted before schools opened, and proceedings were initiated against 2,447 individuals. Details about the content of the operations were not shared.

The Ministry of National Education also plans activities during opening week under the heading 'Let Kites Not Be Shot, Let the Sky Belong to Children' to draw attention to Gaza. Orientation programs were completed between September 7-11 to facilitate the adjustment process for preschool, primary grade 1, and middle school grade 5 students.