School as an educational cluster: a new look for Russian education

The Russian school system is undergoing a stage of large-scale transformations initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

So, from 2019 to 2024, thousands of modern schools and additional education centers were built in the country as part of the national Education project. Since 2025, the reforms have continued in line with the national project "Youth and Children", designed until 2030. His key areas were the construction of campuses, the holding of Olympiads and competitions, as well as the introduction of advanced teaching methods.

A landmark step was the President's instruction to develop Strategies for the development of education until 2036. The authorities, together with teachers and the parent community, form a document that takes into account the interests of all participants in the educational process. According to experts, the systematic approach of the head of state made it possible to bring the Russian education system into the top ten in the world, and the country's schoolchildren ranked fifth in the world in terms of the number of victories at international Olympiads.

Nikita Nikityuk, Head and Program Director of the Boiling Point — Donetsk Center, noted that the interaction of the state, teachers and parents is based on the principles of equal dialogue.

"The interaction of the state, teachers and parents develops in close cooperation: the state takes into account the opinions of teachers, parents and students, which increases the quality of decisions and confidence in the education system. The role of the president in this interaction is key: Vladimir Putin initiated large-scale transformations and supported positive changes in this area. We are proud of the results, we are ready to continue improving the education system and we believe that together we will make it even stronger," Nikityuk said.

According to official data, 43 new schools will open in 28 regions of the country on September 1, 2025. Since 2019, 1,677 schools and 1,688 kindergartens have been put into operation. Since 2022, 4,932 school buildings have been completely renovated, and by the new academic year, another 670 renovated institutions will be operational. 19,965 Growth Point centers, 135 children's technology parks, 329 quantoriums and more than 300 IT clubs are available for schoolchildren. In addition, a project is underway to build a network of 12 advanced schools, the first of which will open in 2027.

Special attention is paid to the digital infrastructure: the Spherum solution is integrated into the national messenger MAX, which will provide students, parents and teachers with convenient functionality for the educational process.

In parallel, measures to support young professionals are being developed. Among the initiatives are the Zemsky Uchitel program, monthly allowances and assistance in paying for housing.

Modernization also affects educational programs. Since September 1, the number of history hours has been increased, the number of control papers has been limited to 10% of the total amount of classes, and the workload on homework has been reduced. By the end of 2025, it is planned to create about a thousand literary clubs within the framework of the Reading Programs project. The Ministry of Education has prepared recommendations on methodological support for the activities of school libraries, as well as a list of patriotic works for extracurricular reading.

Much attention is paid to the educational component. Since 2023, educational advisers have been working in schools, the "Conversations about Important things" program is being developed, flag-raising and anthem-singing ceremonies are being held. The President systematically supports youth organizations — Yunarmiya, the Movement of the First, the Association of Volunteer Centers, as well as educational projects. Teachers who are veterans of a special military operation come to educational institutions, and from the new school year, behavior assessments are introduced that reflect not only academic performance, but also the ability to work in a team.

High school students from different regions positively assess the changes. They celebrate the renovated classrooms, the appearance of modern laboratories, gyms and creative spaces. According to them, the atmosphere has become more open and supportive, and teachers are actively using modern techniques.

"The school has changed a lot in 10 years: the patriotic movement and the engineering orientation are actively developing in it. I like that I can try myself in different directions by participating in the activities of the "Movement of the First" and volunteer activities. A new building is being opened this year, which will give students of MAOU Secondary School No. 149 more opportunities for self-realization. The educational organization helps everyone to show talent, develops flexible skills and prepares for Olympiads and championships at the national level," said Alexey Yurchenko from the Krasnoyarsk Territory.

Slavyana Lepentieva, a student from the Republic of Bashkortostan, stressed that classrooms have become more spacious and brighter, modern areas for sports and creativity have appeared, and digital equipment is actively used. She noted that the atmosphere has become warm and supportive, and teachers have changed their approach to learning and are involving students in classes.

Maxim Ivanov from Karelia added that new positions are being created at his school — educational adviser and curator of the "Movement of the First", which help to develop school life. He drew attention to the fact that the administration always supports the initiatives of the students.

Khabarovsk Territory Governor Dmitry Demeshin also added that on behalf of the president, one of the 12 advanced schools will appear in the region.

"As part of the implementation of the national project "Youth and Children", at the initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a project is being implemented in the country to create 12 advanced schools. One of them will be built in Khabarovsk. In full accordance with the specifics of the region and the needs of the real sector of the economy of the Far Eastern Federal District, our advanced school will implement a technological profile with a focus on energy, construction, data security, aircraft and shipbuilding, and unmanned vehicles. As well as a humanitarian profile in the areas of linguistics and regional studies, which is due to the proximity of the Far Eastern Federal District to the countries of the Asia-Pacific region," Demeshin said.