TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Education (MOE, 教育部) announced on Tuesday (Nov. 12) a reduction in class sizes for the 2025th academic year, responding to demographic trends. This decision, finalized in August, will see both public and private high schools decrease class sizes by one student per class. More than 200 schools will implement this change.
However, in the Hsinchu-Miaoli area, where population growth is emerging, the ministry will maintain current class sizes in state-managed high schools.
The decline in birth rates has posed enrollment challenges, prompting some national high schools to apply for reduced admissions. For the 2024th academic year, 18 national high schools, including National Hualien Senior High School (花蓮高中) and National Hualien Girls' Senior High School (花蓮女中), sought approval to lower class sizes.
The ministry approved these adjustments based on principles addressing the declining birth rate's impact on class numbers and sizes. Schools can reduce class sizes by one to two students per class. The ministry noted that some schools have recently applied to reduce class sizes for the 2025th academic year due to enrollment circumstances. Officials will soon respond to these applications.
As demographic shifts continue to influence educational planning, the MOE remains proactive in adapting to these changes. Schools and communities can expect further updates as the ministry evaluates the ongoing impact of these demographic trends on the education system.