Primary School - Pechersk School International (PSI Kyiv)

Primary School

Welcome

The Primary Years at PSI are a time of incredible growth — full of wonder, questions, and discovery. Our job is to guide each child through this exciting journey by creating a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where they feel known, supported, and challenged.

Through the IB Primary Years Programme framework, we help students develop not only strong academic foundations, but also the confidence, empathy, and critical thinking they will need in a rapidly changing world. We are proud to walk this journey with them — and with you.

Bryan Reardon

Primary School Principal

Video: Hear from our Grade 4 & 5 students.

6-12 years old

Primary School

PSI is proud to be an IB World School, authorised to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) — a globally recognised curriculum designed for children aged 3 to 12.

At PSI, each grade level explores these themes through carefully designed Units of Inquiry that reflect both the global nature of the PYP and the unique context of learning in Ukraine.

What is an International Baccalaureate (IB) progamme?

Learn more about the IB programmes and benefits of studying at the IB World School, such as Pechersk School International.

A Unit of Inquiry is a learning project based on one important theme.

Photo: Primay Years Programme Exhibition, the culmination project in Grade 5.

During this time, students:

Ask questions and research the topic.
Think deeply about what they find.
Use what they learn in real-life situations.

These units bring different subjects together, allowing students to use science, social studies, reading, maths, and art all in one project. While most of our teaching combines subjects this way, we also offer focused lessons dedicated to a single subject when students need to master a specific skill.

Learning spaces

When you step into a PSI Primary classroom, you will see children exploring, questioning, sharing, and taking the lead in their own learning.

Children’s ideas and progress are visible on the walls, in portfolios, and in everyday discussions.
Teachers and students record their ideas and conversations as part of the learning process.
Students plan, reflect, and take action, making their learning meaningful and personal.

Our primary school day

Our students experience a rich and varied school day that encourages inquiry, creativity, and collaboration.

8:15

Morning Meeting & Literacy

9:00

Literacy

9:30

Snack time

9:40

Outdoor Play and Learning

10:00

Mathematics

10:45

Music

11:25

Outdoor Play and Learning

12:05

Lunch / Outdoor Play and Learning

12:45

Unit of Inquiry

13:30

Outdoor Play and Learning

13:45

Unit of Inquiry

14:30

Physical Education (PE)

15:10

Classes finish

15:30

After-School Activities or Dismissal

How we measure success

At PSI, assessment is a natural part of daily learning, not a separate, stressful event.

It allows teachers to personalise lessons for your child, helps students see their own growth, and gives families a clear picture of their progress.

We track your child's learning in four simple ways:

Checking In: Everyday classroom conversations and observations.
Collecting Evidence: Saving photos, videos, and projects to show real progress over time.
Measuring Skills: Using trusted tools to see exactly where a student stands at a specific moment.
Sharing Results: Giving you clear updates on their achievements and next steps for growth.

Photo: Swimming lesson at PSI's aquatics centre.

Our Tools

We use everyday classroom methods (like project checklists and one-on-one chats) alongside globally recognised assessments.

These include MAP Growth and IXL for maths and reading, F&P for reading levels, and WIDA for English language development.

Additional Information

Languages at PSI

In our Primary School, children develop strong reading and writing skills, use language to explore new ideas, and discover how communication works across the world.

All our classes are taught in English. To build confidence, we use an English-only approach during lessons. However, we celebrate our international community by welcoming children to speak their home languages during social times and breaks.

We also offer language classes in Ukrainian, French, and Spanish.

These classes are taught at multiple levels to ensure every child is challenged appropriately. To guarantee steady progress, students choose one language and commit to it for the entire school year. Changes can only be made at the beginning of a new academic year.

How we measure success

At PSI, assessment is a natural part of daily learning, not a separate, stressful event. It allows teachers to personalise lessons for your child, helps students see their own growth, and gives families a clear picture of their progress. We track your child's learning in four simple ways: 1. Checking In: Everyday classroom conversations and observations. 2. Collecting Evidence: Saving photos, videos, and projects to show real progress over time. 3. Measuring Skills: Using trusted tools to see exactly where a student stands at a specific moment. 4. Sharing Results: Giving you clear updates on their achievements and next steps for growth.

Families as Partners

Mastering core subjects

Through engaging, hands-on projects, students learn how different subjects connect in the real world.

While we love bringing subjects together, we also know how important it is for children to build strong, fundamental skills in specific areas. We focus on developing deep knowledge in: - Mathematics - Reading and Writing (Literacy) - Science - Social Studies - The Arts (Visual Art, Music, and Drama) - Physical Education

Learning support for every child

We believe that every child deserves a high-quality education and the confidence to succeed.

Our Learning Support Team provides personalised help for students who need extra guidance—whether that is academic, emotional, or behavioural. Our support system includes: 1. Extra help right in the classroom or in small groups. 2. Personalised learning plans designed for your child's unique needs. 3. Teaching methods and materials adapted to how your child learns best. 4. Close teamwork between classroom teachers and your family. 5. Regular meetings with parents to review progress and plan the next steps. We focus on emotional well-being just as much as academics. Our teachers work closely with our counselling team to ensure every student feels safe, connected, and empowered.

Learning outdoors with OPAL

PSI is excited to introduce OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), an award-winning programme from the UK.

OPAL recognises that outdoor play is one of the most powerful ways for children to learn, grow, and improve their well-being.

As we develop this programme, our campus will offer: - A variety of safe, engaging outdoor play zones. - Natural materials and creative play objects that spark the imagination. - Opportunities for children to safely challenge themselves, solve problems, and work together. - Dedicated time and space for independent, self-directed play.

We are actively bringing this programme to life to give our students the best possible outdoor experience.

Voices of our students

Sofiia

Grade 5

I love being at PSI because we do things that most schools don’t!

We go on trips to museums, help others through charity work, and have lots of fun events. Our teachers are really kind and always help us. I also love Physical Education — we play so many different games.

Where to next?

NEASC Accredited seal featuring the organization name in maroon text centered within a circular border.

NEASC Accredited seal featuring the organization name in maroon text centered within a circular border.