School Enrollment Drops Again in Eastern Slovakia, Rural Schools Face Closure

Eastern Slovakia is experiencing another decline in first-grade enrollment, with schools unable to fill their capacity as fewer children begin their education. The enrollment shortage is particularly acute in rural areas, where small village schools are being forced to close due to insufficient student numbers. This year's enrollment process introduced electronic applications as a new feature for parents registering their children for first grade. The demographic trend reflects Slovakia's broader population decline, which has been affecting the education system for several years, forcing school consolidations and closures particularly in smaller communities across the eastern regions of the country.