PARENTS in Didim were breathing a sigh of relief with the return of their children to schools after a very long summer break.

About 3,600 students in the first, fifth and ninth grades began educational orientation training on Monday September 8 for one week.

Those entering primary or preschool education for the first time, and fifth graders who will have more than one teacher, start the academic year a week before the rest of the students, in order to better adjust.

During this period, parents of small children are also allowed to attend school. These students will attend orientation programs at their new schools and participate in activities to adapt to the environment. First graders will get to know their teachers, their schools and their new friends.

Millions of students across Turkey will start the school year on Monday September 15.

There are more than 26 million students across Turkey in preschool, primary and high schools, according to the education ministry. 

There are 8.5 million female and 17.5 million male students in all 61,939 schools, according to the data, which is based on statistics from the 2013-2014 academic year.