In Türkiye, access to quality education is still shaped by where a child is born, their family’s income, and, too often, their gender. Secondary-school enrollment for girls can be as low as 16 % in provinces like Muş, compared to over 82 % in Bilecik—and over 90 % in more developed provinces such as İzmir or Muğla—reflecting deep regional inequalities. Children from the poorest households spend 21 times less on education than those from the wealthiest families, creating a cycle of disadvantage. Even for those in school, disparities in resources and teaching quality are stark—differences across schools account for 62 % of variations in math performance, far above the OECD average of 37 %. A significant portion of students are also underperforming in key areas: 38.6 % in mathematics, 29.3 % in reading, and 24.7 % in science. These figures highlight the urgent need to strengthen foundational skills, address child poverty, and ensure equal opportunities for all students to learn and thrive.