Private schools in Lebanon are gearing up for the upcoming academic year well in advance, opening doors for new student registrations and renewing enrollments of current students. Administrative files are getting finalized, tuition fees are announced, and educational programs are set up.
While the Ministry of Education and Higher Education sets the start date for public schools, private institutions enjoy some flexibility in organizing their academic calendars. Consequently, the return dates can vary between educational institutions depending on their adopted curriculum and specific academic plans.
When Does Registration Begin for Private Schools in Lebanon?
Most private schools start accepting registration or renewal applications in June and July. Some continue to accept entries until August or early September, depending on the number of available seats and each school's policy.
School administrations advise parents against postponing registration, especially for schools with high demand, as vacancies might fill up before the academic year begins.
Start Date for the 2026-2027 Academic Year in Private Schools
There is no unified start date for all private schools in Lebanon; each school sets its starting date based on its calendar.
However, most private schools commence the academic year by the second or third week of September 2026. The Ministry of Education has announced that public school teaching will begin on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, aiming to initiate the academic year within the first half of September.
Why Do Private School Start Dates Vary?
The variation in return dates among private schools can be attributed to several factors:
Some schools follow the Lebanese curriculum, while others adopt international programs like British, French, or American.
Differences also exist in annual vacation durations, academic programs, and special schedules for faculty and preliminary activities before welcoming students.
What Should Parents Accomplish Before School Starts?
Before the school year begins, most private schools require parents to complete several procedures, typically including:
- Renewing student enrollment.
- Paying the first installment of tuition.
- Completing necessary documents.
- Collecting books or school supply lists if available.
- Reviewing school year start schedules and instructions.
How to Find Your School's Precise Start Date?
Since private schools do not follow a unified date, the best way to know your school's return date is by following official announcements from the school through its website, emails, or official social media pages.
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When Do Kindergartens Start in Lebanon?