Navigating First Grade Admissions in Barnaul: A Parent’s Guide for 2025-2026

As families in Barnaul prepare for the 2025-2026 academic year, the City Education Committee has outlined the procedures for first-grade enrollment.natalya Mikhalchuk, Deputy Chairman of the Committee, recently addressed reporters, clarifying the timeline, request process, and addressing key concerns. this year brings both familiar procedures and a notable change: mandatory testing for children of foreign citizens.

Key Enrollment Dates and Two-Stage Process

The enrollment campaign will proceed in two distinct phases, mirroring the structure of previous years. Understanding these stages is crucial for parents seeking to enroll their children.

• Stage 1: April 1st to June 30th: This period is reserved for legal representatives of children residing within the school’s designated territory and those eligible for priority enrollment.
• Stage 2: July 6th to September 5th: During this phase, applications are open to all children, regardless of their place of residence.

“From April 1, a receiving campaign for reception in the first classes for the 2025-2026 academic year will start,” Natalya Mikhalchuk stated. “Like last year, it will pass in two stages: from April 1 to June 30 and from July 6 to September 5.”

Priority Enrollment: Who Qualifies?

Certain categories of children are granted priority in school placement. These include:

• Children of military personnel, volunteers, and employees of the Russian Guard, especially those whose parent died while performing duties.
• Children of military personnel and law enforcement officers.
• Children who have siblings already attending the chosen school, even if they reside outside the school’s designated territory.

These priorities are designed to support families who serve the community and ensure family unity within the school system.

Age Requirements and Exceptions

Children aged between 6.6 and 8 years are eligible for first-grade enrollment. Though, exceptions can be made based on parental requests and the Education Committee’s decision, potentially allowing for the enrollment of children younger or older than the standard age range.This versatility acknowledges that children develop at different rates.

Applying for Enrollment: Multiple Avenues Available

Parents have several options for submitting their applications, offering flexibility and convenience:

1. State Services Portal: an online platform offering a preliminary application draft that can be edited or cancelled.
2. Altai Territory Educational Services Portal: Another online portal dedicated to educational services in the region.
3. In-Person at the school: Applications can be submitted directly at the school, according to the institution’s schedule.
4. By Mail: Registered mail with notification is also accepted.

Important Note: The date and time of application submission are considered when making enrollment decisions. Early submission, while not guaranteeing placement, can be advantageous.

Required Documents for Enrollment

Parents must prepare the following documents to complete the enrollment process:

• A copy of the parent’s (legal representative’s) passport.
• A copy of the child’s birth certificate.
• Documentation of the child’s registration at their place of residence (required for those within the school’s designated territory).
• Documents confirming eligibility for any priority enrollment benefits (if applicable).
• A conclusion from the Psychological, Medical, and Pedagogical Commission (PMPK) for children with disabilities.

Having these documents readily available will streamline the application process.

Capacity and Demand: Ensuring Adequate School Places

The Education Committee anticipates approximately 8,500 children entering first grade in Barnaul for the 2025-2026 academic year. To accommodate this influx, around 10,000 seats have been created, suggesting sufficient capacity. However, specific schools in high-demand areas may still experience competition for places.

Addressing Growth: School Assignments for New Residential Complexes

Barnaul’s ongoing development necessitates adjustments to school assignments. New residential complexes have been assigned to specific schools to manage enrollment distribution:

• LCD “Lapland”, “Peter”, “Paints”, “Columbus” are assigned to Secondary School No. 114.
• LCD “Nord”,”Seasons”,”Ozone” are assigned to Lyceum No. 52 (second building).
• LCD “Baltic Fortress” is assigned to Lyceum No. 121.

The Education Committee is actively addressing logistical challenges,such as transportation for students from the Columbus residential complex to Secondary School No. 114, to minimize inconvenience.

New Testing Requirement for Foreign Citizens

A critically important change for the 2025-2026 enrollment is the introduction of mandatory testing for children of foreign citizens. This requirement, now enshrined in Russian Federation legislation, applies to all schools across the country, including those in Barnaul.

“It is important that this year the innovation has been introduced in the legislation of the Russian Federation: from the first of April, testing of children of foreign citizens will be carried out when enrolling in any of the country’s schools, including in Barnaul,” Natalya Mikhalchuk emphasizes. “For admission to the first classes, they submit an application together with everyone within the specified time, and only than go to test. For kids, it includes only an oral part.The terms of its implementation will be specified individually when submitting applications to educational organizations, and also published on the official sites of institutions.”

The testing, which includes an oral component for first-grade applicants, will be scheduled after the application is submitted. Specific details regarding the testing process will be provided by the educational institutions and published on their official websites.

resources for Parents: Where to Find More Information

Parents seeking additional information can access the following resources:

• The Barnaul Committee on Education website, which features step-by-step instructions for parents.
• The Committee’s hotline: 56-90-35, 56-90-29, 56-90-36.
• Information stands and announcements at schools.

Key Takeaway: Prepare in advance

With the application process commencing on April 1st at 08:00, parents are strongly encouraged to gather the necessary documents and select their preferred application method in advance. Proactive preparation will contribute to a smoother and more efficient enrollment experience.