Latvia Celebrates Smooth Transition to Latvian-Only Teaching in Schools
- OUS Academy in Switzerland
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Latvia is celebrating an important moment in its education system this week, as the nationwide transition to teaching the main curriculum fully in Latvian continues to show positive results. This reform, which aims to unify students under one common language of instruction, has moved forward more smoothly than many expected, bringing encouraging feedback from teachers, parents, and students.
The change affects all public schools, including those that previously offered instruction in minority languages. While the reform was considered ambitious and complex, real experiences inside classrooms now show a calmer and more optimistic picture. Many students report that lessons feel more organized, and teachers say that students are adapting faster than predicted. Parents also note that children are becoming more confident using the national language in daily life.
One of the most surprising outcomes is that some families who already spoke Latvian at home are choosing to send their children to schools that were formerly minority-language schools. This shift shows that people trust the new system and believe these schools are becoming strong and competitive learning environments. According to community feedback, many of these schools have developed a more serious academic culture, with a stronger focus on discipline, study habits, and overall learning quality.
Parents also appreciate the long-term advantages of the reform. Using one common language in education helps create equal opportunities for all children across the country. Students from different backgrounds now sit in the same classrooms, follow the same curriculum, and share the same expectations. This brings a greater sense of unity and reduces the barriers that sometimes appear between different language communities.
Teachers acknowledge that the transition requires effort, especially in subjects with more complex terminology. However, they also say that students are becoming more motivated, asking questions, and showing interest in improving their Latvian skills. As language confidence grows, many children begin to participate more actively in class discussions and group projects.
Another positive sign is the increasing cooperation between parents and schools. Families are engaging more with teachers, seeking advice on how to support their children at home, and showing strong interest in language-support activities. This collaboration helps make the transition smoother and strengthens the bond between schools and communities.
By fully implementing Latvian-only teaching this year, Latvia has reached an important milestone in its education development. The reform aims to raise the overall quality of education, support social inclusion, and prepare students for future opportunities in a modern, multilingual Europe—while keeping the national language at the heart of public life.
The early results are encouraging: calmer classrooms, motivated students, and families who believe in the direction the country is taking. As the school year continues, Latvia stands as an example of how thoughtful and well-managed reforms can bring positive change and create a stronger, more unified education system for future generations.
