In the 1994/95 school year, 5,983 students studied in 230 classes. On average, there were 26 children per class (this figure has not changed since 1993). In 8 primary schools (excluding Special School No. 7), children study in two shifts (52 classes in total). Students in grades I–III account for 33% of all children.
For 5,983 children, the schools have 182 classrooms, including 48 subject classrooms and 11 gymnasiums. A demographic decline is also becoming apparent (data from February 1995), and the demand for places in schools is decreasing. In 2002, there will be as many as 1,722 fewer students in the city, and their total number will fall to 4,430 (including 199 children from rural areas). In the district of School No. 9, the decrease will amount to 30.2% (in 2002, only 349 students, averaging 23 per class), which is why the construction of a new educational facility is not planned there. At School No. 10, the decrease will reach 41.8% during this period, hence the need to change school districts (empty classrooms).
Sixty percent of teachers have higher education. However, there is a shortage of foreign-language teachers, especially English teachers; there is also a shortage of language laboratories and computer rooms. The 48 existing laboratories require additional equipment, including audiovisual equipment and modern teaching aids.