Education in Ukraine today
As Ukraine navigates war with extraordinary determination, the need for an education that connects global
perspectives with national identity has never been more urgent. Why does this matter?
Because investing in education today is an investment in a stronger, more resilient Ukraine tomorrow.
By championing international education, we are developing a generation of compassionate leaders and agents of positive change, equipped to create a just, peaceful, and sustainable world.
People walk near apartment
buildings damaged after a
Russian attack in Kyiv.
Credits: Efrem Lukatsky/AP
Learning continues at PSI
during an air-raid alert in the
bomb shelter.
Ukraine is at a
pivotal moment
Since the start of the war, one out of every seven schools in Ukraine has been struck by bombing.
Some 3,798 educational institutions have been damaged, 365 of them destroyed. Russia continues to intensify its terror of the civilian population, with education being a primary casualty. Many schools are closed, or else students face hardship trying to learn in bomb shelters.
The story of PSI in the war
At the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, PSI was forced to close its doors and relocate to Warsaw, seeing our student body dwindle by over 80%. In 2023, we returned to Kyiv and began the slow and arduous process of rebuilding, and now serve a student body of 180. It was through good planning and strong financial management that we survived, but to ensure a future where PSI continues to make a transformative difference for students, more is needed.
February, 2022
The full-scale invasion
At the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, PSI was forced to close its doors. Learning never stopped, students were joining lessons online. Later on, PSI's Board of Governors made a decision to temporarily relocate the school to Warsaw.
Members of the territorial defence forces guard a checkpoint in central Kyiv on 3 March 2022. Photograph: Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters
August, 2022
Relocation to Warsaw
When we relocated to Poland, our student community shrank by more than 80%. We opened a temporary campus in close partnership with the American School of Warsaw — a place where our children and families could learn, reconnect, and receive help during an unimaginable time.
Learning conitnues in containers - school's satelite campus - built on the premises of ASW.
August, 2023
Re-opening in Kyiv
Upon our return to Kyiv we gently began the work of rebuilding our school and our sense of home. Since then, our community has grown by about 25% each year, and today 180 students — representing 12 nationalities — learn and find belonging with us once more.
First day of the school year 2023-2024.
2025
Future of our school
It was through good planning and strong financial management that we survived, but to ensure a future where PSI continues to make a transformative difference for students, more is needed.
Whole school photo, June 2025.
What we can achieve together
Right now, we have a unique opportunity to provide stability, inspiration, and excellent learning experiences for children who need them most.
But we cannot do this alone. Your support today will ensure that we can continue to provide international education and a safe, inspiring environment for every child, regardless of their background
or circumstances.
People
Our scholarships provide life-changing opportunities for children who have been displaced, orphaned, or financially impacted by the war.
In partnership with the Children of Heroes Foundation, we support children who have lost one or both parents in the war by providing them with high-quality education, mentorship, and emotional support.
Our goal is to raise $600,000 to provide five scholarships for students who need them most by May of 2026.
Sustainability
With an annual operating budget of $4 million, at present our reserves are acting as our primary bulwark in the face of annual deficits stemming largely from the war.
Our goal is to raise
$1.5 million to replenish our reserves by December 2026.
Innovation
Our ambitions for offering the ideal programme to build future leaders and agents of change will be underpinned by our new
PSI Brave Tech initiative, including investments in infrastructure, programmes, curriculum and hardware.
Our goal is to raise a total budget of $450,000 by December 2026.
Learn more in
our Case for Support
Education is the foundation of peace, resilience, and hope. At Pechersk School International, we are not just educating students; we are building a more promising future for us all.
Trae Holland
School Director
Join us and help shape a peaceful, prosperous future
Philanthropy has been at the heart of PSI’s story since our inception, with our impact for young people hinging on the generosity of so many families, businesses and supporters.
We now seek support from friends and supporters who share our belief in the power of education to transform lives and create a peaceful and prosperous future.
Your support will enable us to:
Provide crucial access to education for children affected by war.
Ensure students learn in a safe and well-equipped environment.
Attract, develop and retain world-class teachers.
Contribute meaningfully to a stronger, more resilient Ukraine.
Develop compassionate young leaders equipped to create a fair, safe and sustainable world.
© 2025 - PSI Kyiv Inc - All rights reserved
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Accreditations
Founded in 1995, PSI Kyiv is the first school in Ukraine that gained authorisation to teach the three International Baccalaureate ® (IB) programmes.
PSI have been accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) since 2003.