Up to 100 Million Won Annually for Three Years
in Facility and Activity Support for Transitioning Schools
On June 6, the Gyeongnam Office of Education announced that Changwon Nam High School, Changwon Technical High School, and Gyeongnam Electronic High School will be converted to coeducational schools starting in the 2026 academic year.
According to the provincial office of education, the recent high school admissions results revealed that some single-gender schools, such as boys’ or girls’ high schools, are facing difficulties in student recruitment. This is due to a combination of a growing preference for coeducational schools and a decrease in the student population.
In response, the provincial office of education explained that, in February, it established and implemented a mid- to long-term plan for converting high schools to coeducational institutions from the 2026 to 2030 academic years. The aim is to ensure a balanced school placement centered on the needs of students and to expand students’ choices of schools.
As a result, out of 66 single-gender high schools in the province, six schools applied for conversion to coeducation. The review process was based on the participation rate and approval rate among educational stakeholders at each school.
Subsequently, three schools?Changwon Nam High School, Changwon Technical High School, and Gyeongnam Electronic High School?were ultimately selected after meeting the selection criteria: a participation rate of at least two-thirds of all groups (including parents, students, and faculty), and an approval rate of at least 60 percent among participants.
During this process, several steps were taken, including preliminary consultations with experts, setting standards for participation and approval rates, collecting opinions from school members, surveying nearby middle and high schools, holding meetings with division and department heads at the main office, and issuing administrative notices.
For schools transitioning to coeducation, annual support ranging from 40 million won to a maximum of 100 million won will be provided for three years. This funding will be used for facility improvements such as restrooms and changing rooms, integrated student activities, and creative experiential programs.
In addition, each school will proceed with preparations such as amending school regulations and establishing plans for educational activities to facilitate the transition to coeducation.
Ryu Haesook, Director of School Support, stated, "The transition to coeducation will broaden students' school choices and help address gender imbalances and disparities between schools. We expect further positive changes, including smoother student placement, the operation of diverse educational activities, and the promotion of gender equality awareness. We will also continue efforts to maintain appropriately sized schools."
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