Russia's empty kindergartens become schools amid shifting birth rates
Kindergartens across Russia are being transformed into primary school spaces as birth rates shift. The move comes after years of declining enrolment in early childhood centres. Authorities are now repurposing vacant buildings to meet new educational demands.
In Izhevsk, one former kindergarten was converted into a primary school in 2024. The project included seven new classrooms and cost 14 million rubles. No major structural changes were made to the building.
In Perm, six kindergarten facilities have already been repurposed. These now host clubs, studios, and after-school activities for children of different ages. Local officials see the shift as a way to maximise existing resources. The changes are part of a broader national effort. The *Labor Productivity* project, launched on January 1, 2025, aims to improve efficiency in schools. It focuses on streamlining workflows and enhancing working conditions for staff. The first preschool conversion under this scheme is set for September 2026. Elena Kirichenko, head of the city’s education department, noted that freed-up spaces could serve multiple purposes. These include primary classes, extracurricular programmes, and after-school care. Despite current adjustments, experts expect birth rates to rise again in the future.
The repurposing of kindergartens reflects Russia’s response to changing demographics. Schools gain extra classrooms, while communities benefit from new activity spaces. The Labor Productivity project will continue guiding these conversions in the coming years.
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