Education in Odesa: Navigating Challenges Amidst Conflict
Children in Odesa are returning to school once again under the threat of enemy shelling. Safety remains a primary concern.
120 schools are prepared for the new academic year, with 92 having their own shelters, alongside 137 kindergartens.
102 preschool institutions are operating in person. Nearly 89,000 students are expected, including around 6,000 first graders.
This year, large-scale celebrations will not take place due to safety requirements. Ceremonies will be held in a compact format in assembly halls or near the entrances to shelters.
Students in primary and middle grades are fully supplied with textbooks. For high school students, the supply of textbooks is ongoing, and electronic versions are available on the Ministry of Education's website.
Free meals for students in grades 1–4 and those from disadvantaged categories will start on September 8. Almost two million hryvnias will be allocated daily from the city budget for this purpose.
The academic year will last until May 29, 2026, without an extension into June.
Holidays are traditionally scheduled: autumn from October 27 to November 2, winter from December 27 to January 11, and spring from March 23 to March 29.
The restoration of four educational institutions damaged due to Russia's military aggression is ongoing. Internal work is being completed at Gymnasium No. 125, while Mykhailivskyi Lyceum is also under renovation. The Inclusive Resource Center No. 1 and Kindergarten No. 283 require reconstruction.
