Student numbers in Romanian communities across Odesa region decline: 586 fewer students in two years

The Declining Number of Students Is Putting Pressure on Schools Serving Romanian Communities in Odesa Region

The number of students in schools serving Romanian communities in Odesa region fell from 4,182 in 2024 to 3,596 in 2026, while the number of classes decreased from 285 to 264. In just two years, 21 classes were lost, and the education system serving these communities saw a decline of 586 students. This trend raises questions about the future of educational institutions and Romanian-populated localities in the region.

The Number of Classes Is Declining Year by Year

Data published at the beginning of each school year by the Education Management Information System of Odesa region indicate a steady reduction in the number of classes in schools serving Romanian communities.

In the 2024/2025 school year, 285 classes were registered. One year later, their number fell by 13 to 272. In the 2026/2027 academic year, a further 8 classes were lost, bringing the total number down to 264.

In just two years, the number of classes therefore decreased by 21.

586 Fewer Students in Two Years

The decline is even more visible in the total number of students. In 2024, schools serving Romanian communities in Odesa region had 4,182 students. In 2025, the figure fell to 3,943, and in 2026 it reached 3,596.

Thus, in just two years, the number of students decreased by 586, falling below the 4,000 mark.

It is important to note that these figures refer to the total number of students enrolled in schools serving Romanian communities, not only to children studying in Romanian-language classes.

A Problem That Goes Beyond the Education System

The decline in the number of students and classes is not merely an issue affecting the education system. The trend also reflects the demographic and socio-economic pressures faced by Romanian-populated localities in Odesa region.

In the long term, declining student numbers may lead to the merging or reorganization of classes, the loss of institutional status and, in some cases, the closure of schools.

Moreover, if the young population continues to decline, the problem could affect not only schools but also the ability of some Romanian villages to maintain active and sustainable communities.

Starosillia, an Example of the Decline

The situation in the village of Starosillia (Frumușica Veche) provides a concrete example of this trend. In the 2026/2027 academic year, the local school did not open a first-grade class due to an insufficient number of children.

The situation is particularly significant given that, in 1993, three first-grade classes were operating in the same locality. More than three decades later, the number of children is no longer sufficient to form even a single first-grade class.

In 2027, the school in Starosillia is expected to lose its lyceum status and be reorganized as a gymnasium. At the same time, this year, the last students in the Romanian-language class will complete the ninth grade.

The Shift to Ukrainian Did Not Stop the Decline

The evolution of the school in Starosillia also raises questions about the ability of changes in the education system to preserve schools in small communities.

The shift to Ukrainian as the language of instruction was not sufficient to stop the decline in student numbers or to preserve the institution’s lyceum status.

However, the challenges are broader and also involve infrastructure and human resources. Poor road infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers and the declining number of children influence families’ decisions.

Under these circumstances, parents may choose to enroll their children in schools in other localities or leave the village in search of better living and educational conditions.

16 Educational Institutions Facing Challenges

At present, education in the Romanian communities of Odesa region is provided through 10 lyceums, 3 general secondary schools and 3 gymnasiums.

Although some of these institutions hold lyceum status, the situation on the ground is marked by challenges such as low student numbers, a shortage of qualified teaching staff and a lack of textbooks.

These difficulties show that maintaining the administrative status of an institution is not enough to guarantee the existence of a functional and competitive education system.

Data from the past two years therefore point to a structural trend: the decline in the number of students and classes is linked to broader demographic, social and economic developments. For Romanian communities in Odesa region, the future of their schools depends not only on the organization of the education system, but also on the ability of localities to retain families and younger generations within their communities.