The government will restructure 500 small schools by 2012.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said that some schools in rural areas and old cities have difficulties running a normal curriculum due to the dwindling number of students.

Therefore, the ministry will begin implementing measures next year to merge 350 schools in rural areas and 50 in cities.

Also, 50 schools will be moved to cities in need of new schools. Another 50 schools will offer a combined curriculum for elementary, middle and high school students.

As part of the plan, the government will provide support for 177 private schools with 200 students or less to merge or close down. The figure accounts for 11 percent of the nation's private schools.