Lithuanian schools improve student results with full day model

Local authorities in Vilkaviškis and Alytaus rajonas are implementing a full day school model to provide students with extra supervision, social support, and informal education.

The Vilkaviškis municipality invested over 500,000 euros to support three schools using this model. At the Vilkaviškio Kazimiero Baršausko school, students use interactive technology like smart screens and glasses to make learning more engaging. Students stay at the school until late afternoon, where they receive individual consultations from speech therapists, psychologists, and social educators.

This setup allows parents to work while ensuring children are not left unsupervised or spending excessive time on phones. The program aims to reduce social inequality by admitting children from families at social risk or those who struggle with learning. Schools have updated their infrastructure to include outdoor classrooms, rest areas, and renovated sports fields. At the Vilkaviškio S. Nėries pagrindinė school, students participate in social skills lessons and use parkour, chess, and tennis tables.

School directors report that these improvements have led to higher national achievement scores compared to the country average. In the Alytaus rajonas region, two schools are also adopting the model while renovating rooms for various activities. The goal is to create a culture where children receive more individual help. Because most children in the district arrive by school bus, having all activities in one location is a priority.

The Alytaus rajonas education department reports that 82 percent of students in these schools participate in informal education activities after their regular lessons.