Educational Expansion in Casablanca-Settat
In a significant announcement made on Monday in Casablanca, Mohamed Dib, the Director of the Regional Academy for Education and Training (AREF), revealed that over 600,000 students will be enrolled in the 1,171 pioneering educational institutions in the Casablanca-Settat region for the 2026-2027 school year. During a conference dedicated to the data of the upcoming academic year, Dib elaborated that this educational model deployment now includes 964 primary schools, achieving an estimated coverage rate of 80%. Additionally, 211 colleges are part of this initiative, with 90 newly integrated into the system. This progressive expansion of pioneering institutions represents a key innovation for this academic year, following a three-year project aimed at realizing the strategic objectives outlined in the 2022-2026 roadmap. These objectives focus on enhancing fundamental learning and reducing dropout rates, particularly in the secondary education cycle.
Enhancing Educational Infrastructure and Inclusivity
To broaden the educational offering, 100 new institutions have been established in the region, with over 51 already operational, gradually increasing the total number of schools to 1,991 across all three educational cycles. Among these new establishments, 43 are located in rural areas, part of efforts to alleviate class overcrowding and combat school dropouts. Furthermore, expansion initiatives have led to the addition of 454 extra classrooms, thereby enhancing the learning environment for students.
In the realm of preschool education, more than 204,000 children aged 4 to 5 have been welcomed this year across the 16 provincial directions under the Academy, bolstered by the introduction of 375 new classrooms, resulting in a preschool enrollment rate exceeding 80%. This is in line with the goal of achieving universal preschool education by the 2028-2029 academic year. Dib emphasized the Academy's commitment to improving school conditions for all learners, including those with disabilities, through enhanced inclusive education, better accessibility to facilities, and tailored programs.
Social support remains a priority for the Academy, with the opening of three new boarding schools, raising the total to 88, benefiting over 15,000 boarding students. Additionally, approximately 17,000 students are receiving school meal services across 31 canteens, further supporting their educational journey.
Overall, a total of 1,641,759 students are enrolled in the Casablanca-Settat region for the 2026-2027 academic year, with 1,192,274 in public education and 449,485 in private institutions. The public education sector has seen an increase of 29,325 students, marking a 2.52% rise compared to the 1,162,949 students recorded in the 2025-2026 academic year. This growth underscores the ongoing commitment to educational development in the region.
As reported by industries.ma.
