Cancellation of "homework" and new subjects: what will change in Nizhny Novgorod schools

      On August 20, 2026, at 17:42 Society Starting from September 1, 2026, new rules will come into effect in schools in the Nizhny Novgorod region. They will affect educational programs, workload, nutrition, and social support for families. One of the main innovations will be the mandatory subject "Spiritual and Moral Culture of Russia" for students in grades 5-7. It will replace the course "Fundamentals of the Spiritual and Moral Culture of the Peoples of Russia." The program will cover the history of the country from Ancient Rus to the present day. The teaching of social studies will also change. From the new academic year, it will only be studied in grades 9-11. Eighth graders will no longer take this subject. For students in grades 8-11, a module on basic military training will be introduced as part of the course "Fundamentals of Security and Defense of the Motherland." It will allocate 34 hours. In addition, all 180 schools in Nizhny Novgorod will be assigned to specific military units. Not only high school students but also eighth graders will be able to participate in five-day gatherings at the "Gvardeyets" center. The norms for academic workload will change. First graders will spend 20 to 21 hours in school per week, and students in grades 2-4 will spend 23 to 26 hours. The exact number of lessons will be determined in accordance with federal educational plans. New norms will also be established for homework. Students in grades 2-3 will be recommended to spend up to one and a half hours on it, while students in grades 4-5 will spend no more than two hours. At the same time, first graders will study without homework. Changes are also expected in school nutrition. In two schools in Nizhny Novgorod, a project with a "buffet" is being implemented. The cost of breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack will be about 270 rubles, which is 4.2% higher than last year's level. In addition, the menus in cafeterias are planned to be updated. They propose to include meatballs in cheese sauce, cheese patties, pancakes, yogurts, and crepes. It should be noted that ahead of the new academic year, social support measures for families with children will also remain in the region. Large families and low-income families will be able to receive annual payments and compensations. It was previously reported how much it will cost to prepare a child for school in 2026. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+