President Rinkēvičs urges students and parents to listen to each other on Knowledge Day
On Latvia's Knowledge Day, President Edgars Rinkēvičs urged students, parents and teachers to listen, talk and seek solutions together. About 224,000 students are starting the new school year.
On September 1, marking Latvia's traditional Knowledge Day, President Edgars Rinkēvičs issued a greeting addressed to students who eagerly awaited the new school year as well as those who feel anxious or reluctant about returning to classes.
The president noted that the coming school year will bring more than just curriculum knowledge — students will also learn how to build friendships, argue constructively while understanding others' viewpoints, and cope with subjects that hold little interest for them. He stressed that during difficult moments it is important not to be afraid to ask for help, a lesson relevant for students, teachers and parents alike.
Addressing adults — parents, teachers and everyone working in education — Rinkēvičs reminded them that all decisions and debates about schooling exist solely for the sake of children, to help them move forward more confidently in life. He called for listening, talking and jointly searching for solutions, adding that if the shared goal is a bright future for children, the right path can always be found.
The president had special words for first-graders, comparing their first school day to entering a new universe of knowledge, where they will cautiously explore alongside other equally uncertain newcomers.
Number of students and teachers
According to preliminary data from the Ministry of Education and Science, about 224,000 students will begin classes in general education institutions in the 2026/2027 school year, including 19,000 first-graders and 2,500 children of Ukrainian civilians. Around 26,000 teachers will provide instruction.
The new school year will see 455 municipal general education institutions operating, including 23 primary schools, 234 basic schools, 168 secondary schools and 30 state gymnasiums, along with 37 special education institutions and 72 private schools. The number of vocational education students is expected to remain similar to previous years, at around 28,000, while about 10,000 students will begin first-year vocational studies at 53 institutions.
