On Monday, approximately 12 million students from Algeria's three educational stages - primary, middle, and high school - joined their classrooms for the 2026-2027 academic year. The new school year was officially launched by Minister of National Education, Mohamed Séghir Saïd, in the eastern province of Jijel. This year's school year aligns with directives from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, emphasizing optimal utilization of recent sector gains.
President Tebboune's directives during the last cabinet meeting highlighted the importance of leveraging sector benefits to ensure a successful and distinguished school year. The President instructed Minister Saïd to utilize these gains through systematic and thoughtful management, focusing on quality and performance. The minister was also urged to invest in the sector's substantial human resources, which have accumulated significant experience since Algeria's independence.
In preparation for the new school year, the Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning, and City Planning delivered 289 educational facilities, including 151 primary schools, 90 middle schools, and 48 high schools. Minister Saïd previously emphasized the education sector's commitment to thoroughly preparing for the school year, including institutions damaged by recent fires in eastern and central Algeria.
During a visit to Jijel, Minister Saïd assured that damaged educational institutions would be ready to welcome students for the new school year. Alongside physical and organizational preparations, this year's school year features several pedagogical innovations, such as special arrangements for students with autism. These arrangements are based on coordination between the Ministries of National Education and National Solidarity.
Regarding textbooks, measures have been taken to ensure their availability in educational institutions and sales points, with over 80 million books provided nationwide. Another significant aspect of the new school year is the reinforcement of human resources, with successful teachers recruited through a certification-based competition organized by the Ministry several months ago.
To coincide with the 2026-2027 school year, the education sector, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, is organizing the second edition of the National School Health Week under the theme “School Health... for a safe and healthy future.” The event features topics such as the relationship between trees and human health for primary students.
The National School Health Week also includes themes relevant to middle and high school students, focusing on environmental protection and its impact on public health. With these initiatives, Algerian students are set to begin a new academic year marked by enhanced educational experiences and a focus on student well-being.
Key points
- Almost 12 million Algerian students started the 2026-2027 school year.
- The Algerian government invested in new educational facilities and textbooks.
- The education sector introduced innovations, including support for students with autism.
