Four mothers reveal what it takes to get into Riga secondary schools and gymnasiums

The Riga City Council announced on the “X” website that in Riga schools (six state gymnasiums and 49 secondary schools – 10th grade) 4143 places were organized. But it is not clear how many applicants there were in total, since there was no individual registration, as the possibility of applying was not restricted. However, the Council educateA representative of the Ministry of Culture and Sports (IKSD) said there were enough places for everyone and “the fact that there are free places confirms this.”

However, as evidenced by the indignation expressed by students and their parents on social networks and in the media, free places do not necessarily mean that future 10th graders are successfully assigned to the school of their choice. For example, Riga Tekas Secondary School received 1,037 applications, but accepted less than a tenth of them – only 90 students, completing three classes. Where did the rest go? It turns out that the part did not go anywhere.

The situation is particularly difficult for students and schools due to the unlimited opportunities and the inevitable need to apply to multiple schools at the same time. Parents are dissatisfied with the admission and result notification process and the importance of the Centralized Examination (CE) results. Four mothers of prospective Grade 10 students share their observations.

Maija (not her real name) also agreed to share her experience, she enrolled her daughter in seven educational institutions: Riga State Gymnasium No. 2, Āgenskalns State Gymnasium, Riga French Lyceum, Riga Central Humanitarian High School, Riga Hanseatic High School, Riga High School No. 49 and Riga Cultural High School, where the student is currently studying.

The mother admitted that the student did not enter high school because her knowledge of mathematics was not strong, and did not blame them. “We decided to continue to work on our trump card – English, and we achieved 95% in CE. We are humanitarian girls,” said the student’s mother. Although she pointed out that the average score of the students’ certificates was more than 8 points, the girl’s CE score in Latvian was 73% and the CE score in mathematics was 44%: “We don’t think it is the worst choice. The child is very hardworking.”

“The biggest adventure was at Riga Hanza Secondary School. This was the only