For workbooks, over 100 euros, free for fourth graders this year

School supplies have once again become a topic of concern among parents in Slovenia, with costs for workbooks reaching over 100 euros for some students. This year, however, fourth-grade pupils will benefit from free educational materials, marking a notable shift in policy aimed at reducing financial burdens on families. The change follows new regulations introduced by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport, which expand access to free textbooks for younger students. The cost of school supplies has long been a point of contention, particularly for parents who must navigate varying prices across different schools. Workbooks, in particular, can vary significantly in price, ranging from tens to well over 100 euros depending on the school's choice. Previously, these expenses were borne entirely by families, but this year marks a pivotal moment as fourth-graders will receive their required learning materials at no cost. In response to the new policy, the Slovenian Association of Parents' Associations (ZASSS) expressed support, calling it a step toward truly free primary education, a goal the association has advocated since its founding in 2011. However, they emphasized that expanding such measures should not come at the expense of quality. “We hope this practice will gradually extend to higher grades, but it must be supported by real funding,” said Lara Romih, president of ZASSS, highlighting the need for careful implementation. Despite the positive developments, disparities remain between schools. While some institutions allow students to borrow textbooks, others require parents to purchase them outright. The selection of materials varies widely, as each school or teaching collective determines the necessary resources for its curriculum. These differences result in considerable variation in costs, with some families facing bills exceeding 100 euros for a single grade’s worth of workbooks. According to data from the Ministry of Education, the disparity in textbook costs among schools was previously as high as a ratio of 1 to 6.6, meaning that some schools charged significantly more than others for the same materials. Although recent guidelines aim to reduce these discrepancies, experts caution that the effects may take time to materialize. “It’s too early to claim that differences are already diminishing,” Romih noted, explaining that the transition involves gradual changes aligned with the introduction of new curricula. From the list of school supplies published online by various elementary schools, it is evident that the cost of purchased educational materials can range from around 30 to over 100 euros. For example, sixth-grade students at the Secondary School in Slovenska Bistrica might only need a workbook for Slovenian language, costing approximately 8.5 euros, while other schools charge up to 80 euros for similar items. In some cases, the cost for workbooks alone exceeds 100 euros. Variations in supply lists also reflect broader differences in how schools manage their budgets. Some include all necessary materials for subjects like arts and technology, while others rely on parents to procure these separately. Additionally, the selection of backpacks, often left to parents and students, is another area of variance. Prices for backpacks for first-graders range from 60 to 290 euros, with higher-end options featuring ergonomic designs, lightweight materials, and additional features like LED lights and decorative stitching. As the new academic year approaches, the focus remains on ensuring that these changes translate into meaningful relief for families. With ongoing efforts to standardize educational materials and reduce disparities, the coming years will likely see further adjustments in how school supplies are managed and funded. For now, the immediate impact is clear: fourth-grade students will enter the new school year with a lighter financial burden, setting a precedent for future reforms.