A Parent's Guide to Romanian Schools: Enrolment, Terms and What to Expect
Moving to Romania with children? Here's how the school system works, from enrolment paperwork to the rhythm of the academic year.
Illustration: AI-generated image
The Romanian school system is well-structured and welcoming to newcomers, but the enrolment process and day-to-day routine can feel unfamiliar to parents arriving from abroad. This guide explains the essentials so you can help your child settle in with confidence.
Types of schools
Public schools are free and follow the national curriculum. They are the most common choice for Romanian families and offer a solid education. Private schools provide smaller classes and sometimes alternative teaching methods. International schools cater to expat communities with curricula in English, French, German or other languages, though they usually charge tuition fees.
Enrolment step by step
Enrolment for the following school year typically happens in spring, often between March and May. You will need to submit several documents to the school secretariat: the child's birth certificate, proof of residence in the school's catchment area, and vaccination records. For children entering grade 1 or higher, a school transfer certificate from the previous school is also required. If your child does not speak Romanian, you can request additional language support or a preparatory year focused on learning the language before joining a regular class.
The academic year
The school year starts in early September and ends in mid-June. It is divided into two semesters: the first from September to December, the second from January to June. There is a two-week winter break over Christmas and New Year, a short break in February (sometimes moved to late January), and a longer Easter holiday in spring. Public holidays that fall on weekdays also mean days off from school.
A typical school day
Primary school children usually attend from 8:00 until 12:00 or 13:00, with an optional after-school programme known as școală după școală running until late afternoon. Secondary schools often finish between 14:00 and 15:00. Lunch is not always provided in public schools, so many children bring a packed meal or eat at home. Some schools have a canteen where a hot meal can be purchased.
Grades and assessment
Romanian schools use a 1 to 10 grading scale, with 5 as the minimum pass mark. In primary school, assessment is often qualitative, using descriptors like foarte bine (very good), bine (good), and suficient (sufficient). From grade 5 onwards, numerical grades are used. At the end of grade 8 and grade 12, pupils sit national exams that determine their progression to high school or university.
Tips for expat families
Children who are not native Romanian speakers have the right to learn Romanian as a second language. Many schools offer intensive Romanian courses for newcomers, sometimes free of charge. It is also common to hire a private tutor for extra language support. Joining a parent-teacher association or class group chat can help you understand customs, homework expectations, and school events.
With a little paperwork and patience, your child will soon feel at home in a Romanian school. The system values respect, discipline and academic achievement, and most teachers are happy to help families adjust.
