According to data from the Ministry of Education in Russia, nearly 100,000 children are currently being homeschooled, a significant increase amid the intensification of militaristic and ideological discourse in schools. In just 2025, over 14,000 students were withdrawn from the traditional system, representing an increase of nearly 17% compared to the previous year. Additionally, more and more students are taking end-of-cycle exams outside traditional schools.
The phenomenon began to amplify during the COVID-19 pandemic, but gained new momentum after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with the introduction of ideological lessons in schools. These lessons, called "Conversations about Important Things," include themes related to war and are supported by military personnel. Parents complain that students are threatened with sanctions if they refuse to participate.
Official data shows a steady increase in the number of children withdrawn from schools, and a recent study indicates a tenfold increase in homeschooling between 2016 and 2023. Currently, the proportion of students being homeschooled has reached 1%. In light of this trend, authorities are considering stricter control measures, including regular testing for students educated at home. Many parents believe that withdrawing children from schools is a way to protect them from the ideological pressure within the Russian educational system.
The phenomenon began to amplify during the COVID-19 pandemic, but gained new momentum after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with the introduction of ideological lessons in schools. These lessons, called "Conversations about Important Things," include themes related to war and are supported by military personnel. Parents complain that students are threatened with sanctions if they refuse to participate.
Official data shows a steady increase in the number of children withdrawn from schools, and a recent study indicates a tenfold increase in homeschooling between 2016 and 2023. Currently, the proportion of students being homeschooled has reached 1%. In light of this trend, authorities are considering stricter control measures, including regular testing for students educated at home. Many parents believe that withdrawing children from schools is a way to protect them from the ideological pressure within the Russian educational system.
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