Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the capital has lost many inhabitants, who have preferred a different quality of life away from Paris. Entire families have left the city, leading to a drop in the number of students in schools, colleges and high schools. So much so that, by decision of the rectorat, 187 kindergarten and primary school classes will close by the start of the school year in September 2023. This is also accompanied by the elimination of 182 positions in the colleges. A "brutal and unprecedented" closurefor Patrick Bloche, deputy mayor of Paris in charge of education.
TheParis Academy justifies these drastic measures by the demographic and birth rate decline in Paris. According to the institution, 3,000 fewer students are expected at the beginning of the new school year in primary education. Last year, the drop was already very significant, with more than 4000 students disappearing to other cities and regions. Parisian schools are now far from being full to bursting, only 16 class openings are planned, including 5 in REP. According to the president of FCPE Paris, "the government is choosing to sacrifice public schools to promote selection and social reproduction".
According to the association, the neighborhoods most affected are the 18th, 19th and 20th arrondissements, which are considered more popular. Since 2012, Paris has lost 28,000 students, according to the rectorat.
