Students in Qatar return to classrooms today for the second semester of the 2024-25 academic year following a mid-term break. Schools and the traffic department have implemented safety and security measures to ensure a smooth transition.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) reports that 365,536 students are enrolled in government and private schools and kindergartens. The Ministry also reopened registration and transfers for the second semester today, January 5th, through January 23rd. Accessible through the guardian's account on the MoEHE's Maaref Portal (edu.gov.qa), registration is categorized for Qatari students, GCC citizens, children of Qatari women, and expatriate students with parents employed in government sectors.

Schools communicated with parents through text messages yesterday, reminding them of the start date and attendance policy. "The student's attendance for the second semester begins on Monday, January 6th, 2025," the message typically reads, specifying school hours (Sunday-Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 12:45 PM; Thursday: 7:00 AM - 12:30 PM). It emphasizes the importance of punctuality and adhering to attendance regulations to avoid disciplinary actions.

School administrators confirmed completion of preparations to receive students. Staff meetings will be held to establish academic guidelines, distribute tasks, and prioritize improvement in academic achievement this semester.

MoEHE data indicates 137,048 students enrolled in government schools and 228,488 in private schools, with a total of 629 schools (278 government and 351 private) operating in Qatar. As the governing body for education, MoEHE oversees a diverse K-12 system with the goal of providing tailored schooling opportunities for all students.