Schools across the Maldives reopened today, January 5, as students and teachers returned from the midterm break that began on December 22.

The term, which runs until March 6, marks the final stretch of the academic year before the next begins on April 6.

The current academic year, which started in August 2024, has so far included 85 days of study in the first term. The second term, now underway, will span 105 days, as outlined in the academic calendar released by the Ministry of Education.

In recent years, the academic calendar in the Maldives has undergone significant changes. Previously, the school year traditionally began in January, but this was shifted to August in 2021 under the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to revert to the January start, aligning with longstanding national practices. To facilitate this change, the Government has adjusted the 2025 academic year to conclude in December, paving the way for the return to a January commencement from 2026.

This transition is to align school schedules with community and cultural practices, particularly during the end-of-year festive period. The shift is expected to benefit families, ensuring a more cohesive holiday period that aligns with national traditions.

The ongoing academic year has seen 96,000 students enrolled across the Maldives. Of these, 83,000 are attending 217 government schools, while 13,000 are enrolled in private institutions. As schools reopen, the focus is on preparing students for upcoming assessments and ensuring a smooth continuation of learning.

As classrooms across the country come alive with the energy of returning students, the new term brings a sense of anticipation.

With reforms to the academic calendar on the horizon, the Maldives is poised for a return to its traditional schedule.