Geographical Accessibility

General education in Georgia is structured to ensure accessibility for all students, including those residing in remote or mountainous areas. The state has implemented a voucher system and designated programs that increase funding as needed, supporting educational access regardless of geographical challenges. This commitment to equitable access aligns with broader national education policies that emphasize equal distribution of resources across regions.

Admission Requirements and Choice of School

Children in Georgia are eligible to enter primary education at the age of six, which a person has attained inclusive of the date of the beginning of an academic year as provided for in Article 7¹ Law of Georgia on General Education. In addition, effective from January 1, 2025, a pupil who attains the age of 6 during the period from the day following the date of the beginning of an academic year to 31 December inclusive has the right to be admitted to a primary-educational level of general education voluntarily upon the decision of their parent.

Admission to public schools is non-selective and does not require entrance exams, fostering universal access. Private schools may implement their own criteria for admission but must still comply with national guidelines. 

For students with special educational needs, a comprehensive assessment is conducted to determine appropriate placement. Additionally, alternative study arrangements are available for children unable to attend standard schools, providing flexibility in accessing general education.

Age Levels and Grouping of Pupils

The organization of class sizes and grouping in Georgia's public schools is governed by specific regulations envisaged in the National Curriculum to ensure quality education while accommodating diverse circumstances. 

The system is designed with a standard maximum of 25 students per class, ensuring that teachers can give adequate attention to each pupil while fostering a collaborative learning environment. Exceptions to the maximum number of students are allowed through a formal (written) agreement with the Ministry. With these exceptions, the number of students in a class cannot exceed 29.

Parallel classes can be established; at least 15 students must be in each group. Exceptions to this minimum number are also provided for under the regulations, particularly in regions with smaller student populations. The Educational Resource Center, a territorial body of the Ministry, may authorize smaller class sizes in these cases, typically to accommodate the needs of rural or remote schools. Class division in a public school is permitted in the following subjects: Georgian language and literature (if the number of students exceeds 25), Georgian language (for non-Georgian-speaking schools/sectors) (if the number of students exceeds 25), foreign languages ​​(if the number of students exceeds 20) and computer technologies, if the school has the appropriate financial capacity.

Class sets are allowed to be created in public schools with a small quota. If there are one or two students in a class, it is recommended to create a class set with another class. The total number of students in a class set should not exceed 10.

Students with special educational needs follow individualized education plans, allowing for adaptive grouping and tailored support.

Every class in a public school must have a tutor. In a school with a small contingent, it is recommended that one tutor has no less than 10 students unless the total number of students in the school is less than 10 students. It is not permissible for students in the same class/class group to have different tutors. The school itself determines the function and duties of the tutor.

Organization of the School Year

The Georgian school year begins on September 15 and is divided into two semesters.

Minimum Length of the Academic Year:

• For grades II–XI, the academic year must last at least 35 weeks.

• For grades I and XII, the academic year is shorter, with a minimum duration of 30 weeks.

Organization of the School Day and Week

Per the National Curriculum, schools operate five days a week, balancing academic lessons with extracurricular activities. Instructional hours are regulated by the National Curriculum, which allows flexibility for students with SEN to accommodate their individualized needs (Article 5, Paragraphs 1¹ and 7, Law on General Education). 

Taking into account the physical and psychological capabilities of the adolescent, the maximum number of astronomical hours spent at school is as follows:

In public schools, the duration of a lesson in grades III-XII is determined as 45 minutes. In grade I, the duration of a lesson is defined as 35 minutes, and in grade II - 40 minutes. Exceptions regarding the duration of lessons will be allowed in agreement with the MoESY.

The school's timetable is determined by the school with appropriate justification, taking into account the needs and interests of students, as well as the school's human and financial resources. (For more details, see Chapter 2 of National Curriculum)