In Ukraine, nearly 245,000 first-graders have started school
This year, the school year in Ukraine began in 11,940 schools, where more than 3.5 million students took their seats. According to the Ministry of Education and Science, among them are 243,398 first-graders who started school for the first time this year.
"This year, more than 3.5 million students are starting the school year in 11,940 schools. Among them are 243,398 first-graders, 148,065 of whom, according to the Ministry of Social Policy, are receiving a school starter kit. The educational process is being provided by over 366,000 teachers,” the ministry’s statement reads.
It is noted that more than 8,000 schools will operate in-person, another 2,211 in a hybrid format, and 1,306 institutions will organize the educational process remotely.
"More than 82% of schools operating in-person have access to their own or another equipped shelter. This year, the government has allocated 5 billion hryvnias for the construction and equipping of protective structures in schools. 7,473 school buses provide transportation to school for children in local communities. Transportation services already cover 346,181 students. UAH 2 billion has been allocated for the purchase of new vehicles for 22 regions in 2026,” the Ministry of Education stated.
It is noted that the grading system has been simplified for students in grades 5–9. Specifically, teachers can record current grades without having to specify result group indices and can assign a single grade per semester for a subject or integrated course. This reduces the workload on teachers while preserving the competency-based approach and the teacher’s academic freedom.
In grades 7–9, the number of hours allocated to history and civics is increasing, and teaching approaches are becoming more inclusive and accessible. At the same time, students who began high school under the curriculum in effect prior to the implementation of the “New Ukrainian School” (NUS) program will be able to complete their studies under that same curriculum.
“Ukrainian children living abroad also maintain a connection with the national education system. There are 120 verified educational centers serving them in various countries. In total, approximately 315,000 Ukrainian children are studying outside Ukraine. The updated state standards include a Ukrainian studies component for them—the study of the Ukrainian language, literature, history, and other subjects that help maintain a connection with their homeland and the Ukrainian education system,” the statement reads.
Among other things, the process for recognizing academic achievements has been simplified for children and youth from temporarily occupied territories. Thus, an application in any format can be submitted to a Ukrainian school in person or remotely. Grades in most subjects will be automatically recognized based on an educational declaration—without additional testing. Students will only need to demonstrate proficiency in subjects covered by the Ukrainian studies component, specifically the Ukrainian language and literature, Ukrainian history, geography, law, and civic education.
In addition, starting September 1, more than 10,500 tenth-grade students will begin their studies at 150 pilot academic lyceums as part of the pilot program for upper-secondary specialized schools.
“From now on, high school students will have more influence over their own education. They will be able to choose a specialization, subjects, and courses based on their interests, abilities, and plans for the future, and study their chosen areas in depth. Specialized schools will help teenagers explore different fields, better understand their own interests and abilities, and make informed decisions about their next educational step,” the Ministry of Education stated.
Among other initiatives, 1,027 “Defense of Ukraine” centers are currently in operation, with their programs covering approximately 80% of high school students.
Under the updated “Defense of Ukraine” program, 2,322 teachers—including 426 veterans—have received professional development training. This year, 500 million hryvnias have been allocated for the creation and equipping of these centers, with an additional 28.8 million hryvnias earmarked for teacher training.
As previously reported, the new 2026–2027 school year in secondary schools under martial law will begin, as usual, on September 1 and will last until June 30, 2027. However, the actual date for the end of classes, the last bell ceremony, and the duration of summer break will be determined by the educational institutions themselves. These decisions will be made by the teaching council, taking into account the security situation and the needs of those involved in the educational process.
This was announced by the Ministry of Education.
How to apply for free public transportation for schoolchildren in Kyiv starting September 1.
As a reminder, new fares for municipal public transportation took effect in Kyiv on July 15. The cost of a single ride on the metro, buses, trolleybuses, trams, and the funicular will increase from 8 to 30 hryvnias. This is the first fare increase in the capital in the last six years.
Public transportation fares in Kyiv will rise to 30 hryvnias: who will be able to ride for free.
