Kyrgyzstan is once again discussing the reform of its education system. One of the key proposals is to introduce a 12-year compulsory education system, starting school at the age of six. However, is this approach suitable from a physiological and psychological perspective?

Dr. Rustam Tukhvatshin, a professor and medical doctor, believes that starting education at six years old is a scientifically supported idea. Many studies confirm that children at this age are highly capable of absorbing large amounts of information, making early education beneficial.

However, Kyrgyzstan’s geographical conditions add complexity to this discussion. A significant portion of the population lives in mountainous regions, with altitudes exceeding 1,000 meters. Research shows that children living in higher altitudes tend to have slower physical development. For instance, while children in Bishkek grow an average of 46 cm between the ages of 7 and 14, those in Alay grow only 32 cm. Similarly, weight gain is lower in high-altitude areas compared to lowlands.

Professor Shayirbek Sulaymanov, Director of the National Center for Maternal and Child Health, notes that the starting age for compulsory education varies worldwide. In Hungary, children start school at 3 years old, in the Netherlands and Australia at 5, in China and most countries at 6, and in some nations at 7.

The Chinese education system is often cited as an example of a well-structured model. In China, children start primary school at six, with the system divided into three stages: a six-year primary school, a three-year first-level middle school, and a three- to four-year second-level middle school. Chinese schools are known for their discipline, comprehensive curriculum, and competitive academic environment.

As discussions on education reform continue in Kyrgyzstan, experts emphasize that international models should be considered alongside local socio-economic and geographical realities.