Millions of students across Cairo returned to classrooms on September 21, 2025, marking the start of the 2025-2026 academic year in public and private schools. This event highlights Egypt’s push for better education, with new programs and safety measures in place amid ongoing reforms.
Preparations and First Day Highlights
Schools in Cairo buzzed with activity as students, teachers, and parents kicked off the new year. Officials from the Ministry of Education ensured smooth operations by deploying extra staff and traffic controls around school zones.
Many schools decorated entrances with balloons and banners to welcome students back. Parents reported a mix of excitement and nerves, especially for younger children starting kindergarten.
The first day focused on orientation sessions, where teachers outlined class rules and distributed schedules. Attendance was high, with reports showing over 90 percent of students showing up on time.
Major Changes in Curriculum and Policies
This academic year brings fresh updates to Egypt’s education system. The government introduced artificial intelligence courses for select grades, aiming to prepare students for future jobs.
Education Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif announced these changes earlier, stressing the need for modern skills. The new curricula will roll out gradually, starting with secondary schools.
Other reforms include reduced subjects for first-year high school students, dropping from 10 to six. This aims to ease student workload and improve focus on core topics.
Schools also adopted stricter health protocols, including regular sanitization and health checks, building on lessons from past years.
Key Dates and Academic Calendar
To help families plan, the Ministry released a detailed timeline for the year. This ensures everyone stays informed about breaks, exams, and important events.
Here’s a quick overview of the 2025-2026 academic calendar:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of First Semester | September 21, 2025 |
| Midterm Exams | November 1-15, 2025 |
| Winter Break | December 28, 2025 – January 10, 2026 |
| Start of Second Semester | January 11, 2026 |
| Final Exams | May 24 – June 7, 2026 |
| End of Academic Year | June 25, 2026 |
This schedule aligns with national holidays and provides ample time for revisions.
Challenges and Support Measures
Despite the positive start, some issues persist. Overcrowded classrooms remain a concern in urban areas like Cairo, where student numbers exceed available seats.
Traffic jams near schools caused delays for many on the first day. Authorities responded by increasing police presence and suggesting carpooling.
The government allocated extra funds for school improvements, including new buildings and tech upgrades. This investment totals over 2 billion Egyptian pounds for the year.
Support programs for low-income families include free textbooks and meal subsidies, helping to reduce dropout rates.
Student Experiences and Future Outlook
Students shared varied reactions to the new year. Older ones expressed enthusiasm for AI classes, seeing them as a step toward better career options.
Younger students enjoyed reconnecting with friends after summer break. One parent noted how these changes could boost Egypt’s global standing in education.
Looking ahead, experts predict these reforms will enhance learning outcomes. With ongoing monitoring, the year promises growth for Egypt’s education sector.
- Increased focus on digital skills to match job market needs.
- Partnerships with tech firms for teacher training.
- Community events to involve parents in school activities.
As the year unfolds, these elements will shape student success.
What do you think about these education changes? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to fellow parents or educators.
