As of the end of 2024, there are 257,378 children enrolled in kindergartens and other similar organizations in the country. For comparison, in 2023, this number was 233,946, in 2022 — 220,012, in 2021 — 199,813, in 2020 — 196,123, in 2019 — 207,884, in 2018 — 197,152, and in 2017 — 187,078.
Among the total number of children attending preschool institutions, 126,387 are girls. In 2023, there were 115,492, in 2022 — 108,486, in 2021 — 98,098, in 2020 — 96,168, in 2019 — 102,126, in 2018 — 96,323, and in 2017 — 90,954. The number of boys in 2024 is 130,991, while in 2023 it was 118,454, in 2022 — 111,526, in 2021 — 101,517, in 2020 — 99,955, in 2019 — 105,758, in 2018 — 100,829, and in 2017 — 96,124. Most children are educated in cities: 115,265 children live in urban areas, while 142,113 live in rural areas.
Regional Data
The highest number of children in preschool institutions is registered in Bishkek, where 41,584 children are enrolled. This figure has significantly increased compared to 2023, when it was 34,990.
Osh region ranks second with 51,625 children in preschool institutions, which is also higher than in 2023 — 46,856. Of these, 25,523 are girls and 26,102 are boys. In urban areas of the region, 2,792 children are registered, while in rural areas — 48,833, indicating a larger number of children from villages attending kindergartens.
In Jalal-Abad region, the total number of children in preschool institutions reached 46,316, compared to 41,698 in 2023. There are 17,458 children in cities and 28,858 in rural areas.
Chui region recorded 28,048 children in preschool institutions by the end of 2024, which is lower than the 2023 level of 30,919. Of these, 8,613 children live in cities, while 19,435 live in rural areas.
In Batken region, the number of preschool organization students reached 24,022, increasing from 22,099 in 2023. There are 8,915 children living in cities and 15,107 in rural areas.
Issyk-Kul region registered 19,693 children in preschool institutions, which is 1,590 more compared to 2023, when this figure was 18,103. In cities, there are 8,737 children, while in rural areas — 10,956.
Naryn region showed an increase to 13,815 children in preschool organizations, compared to 12,380 in 2023. There are 2,999 children in cities and 10,816 in rural areas.
In Talas region, the number of children in preschool institutions reached 10,482 by the end of 2024, compared to 9,407 in 2023. In urban areas, 2,374 children are registered, while in rural areas — 8,108.
It is particularly noteworthy to mention the city of Osh, where 21,793 children are enrolled in preschool institutions, which is a significant increase from 17,494 in 2023. Of these, 10,837 are girls and 10,956 are boys.
