See how ISIS is devastating Iraq's schools

BAGHDAD -- Iraqi students went back to school on Wednesday amid tightened security as the academic year began a month late because thousands of people displaced by last summer's onslaught by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) had taken shelter in school buildings.

In the areas of northern and western Iraq captured by the extremist group earlier this year -- including the country's second largest city Mosul -- students are not required to attend classes, but will be able to watch lectures on state-run TV to prepare for final exams, Education Ministry spokeswoman Salama al-Hassan said.She told The Associated Press only a few schools are still occupied by displaced families and that authorities have set up trailers to be used as classrooms. She could not provide a specific number for the students, but said around nine million attended classes last year.

More than 1.8 million people have been uprooted from their homes by the militants' advance, with many sheltering in schools, mosques and abandoned buildings. Last month authorities decided to delay school by a month in order to provide alternate housing arrangements.
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In Baghdad's eastern Zayona neighborhood, hundreds of students in blue and white uniforms stood in lines in the school yard, chanting the national anthem and shouting "long live Iraq" before heading into their classes.

The road leading to Konous elementary school was closed with razor wire as four policemen stood guard, highlighting security concerns in a city that has seen near-daily attacks by insurgents.

"We are happy to receive and see our students again after this extraordinary delay," said Nawal al-Mihamadawi, the school principal. "The security measures we have taken are enough to secure the school and the students."

She said that authorities decided to cancel the Saturday holiday for schools to help the staff make up for the delay. "Classes and teachers are ready," she said.

But the security situation still worries some parents.