Archive 2018-2021

5 Best Kyiv Schools for Foreigners

02 August, 2018

While Kyiv continues to grow and accept more expats, there is still a limited number of English-language schools with diligent level of education. We made a list of the top schools for foreigners in Kyiv, where studies are carried out on the high level entirely in English, French or German.

The British International School

Students laughing and working over laptops The British International School has been operating for 20 years with three campuses in Kyiv and is considered one of the best schools for foreigners in Ukraine. BIS is a Ukrainian representative of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), which comprises more than 200 schools all over the world. The membership at COBIS ensures that children have the same high-quality standards as in private schools in Great Britain. The school promotes cross-cultural and multilingual integration, which is heavily reflected in their primary tool of communication — English. All lessons, with the exception of Ukrainian Language and Culture, are taught in English. Primary students have two sessions of Ukrainian per week to maintain and deepen the knowledge of the state language.

The curriculum at the British International School corresponds with the English National Curriculum: Primary School (Nursery to Year 6), Years 7-9 (English Key Stage 3), Years 12-13 (choice of studying IB Diploma Programme). At the end of Year 9, all students are accessed via Cambridge Checkpoint exams. The admission to school includes an interview for Primary school and a formal interview as well as a formal test in both English and mathematics for those applying for Year 7-9. According to the BIS website, 63% of the graduates entered Universities in Great Britain, making BIS one of the best English-language schools in Kyiv for foreigners.

Address: 1, Dragomirova Street (Pechersk); 45, Tolbuhina Street (Nivki Primary and Secondary School); 36A, Scherbakivskogo Street (Nivki Early Years and Lower Primary School)
Website: britishschool.ua

Pechersk School International

Kids working on computers Pechersk School International in Kyiv is well-known even beyond the borders of the city as a top tier educational establishment. PSI is a pioneer in many aspects: one of the first-opened international schools in Kyiv, the only school in the country fully authorized to teach all three International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, the only one to hold a dual international school accreditation as to offer four international assessment programs. These factors make it a desirable alma mater for both locals and foreigners. Pechersk School International serves more than 40 nationalities, which ensures diversity.

The age of admission starts between 3 and 4 years old for the early childhood program. Starting from Kindergarten, English is the main language of instruction. Besides, students with a good level of language competency in English may take classes in Ukrainian, Russian or Spanish on the level of a beginner or native speaker every day. Perchersk School International in Kyiv aims at developing multilingual skills in their students, which will be a plus with foreigners who already have a good command of English.

The Middle Years Programme or MYP is aimed at children aged 11-16 and essentially prepares students for the activities and peculiarities of obtaining a diploma. PSI curriculum comprises eight subjects: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Science, Mathematics, Arts (Visual Art, Music, and/or Drama), Design, and Physical & Health Education. The students are given enough flexibility to concentrate on their desirable subject. Admission requires completing an online form, a set of documents and arranging a school visit. Any inquiries can be emailed directly to the admission manager and registrar of PSI as well as made by the phone +38 044 377 52 92.

Address: 7A, Victora Zabily Street
Website: psi.kiev.ua

Kyiv International School

Kids on a lesson in a park Kyiv International School was opened in 1992; ever since it stays one of the most popular educational establishments for foreigners in the capital. The non-profit private institution has high-quality standards and provides education on elementary and secondary school levels in English. The school is conveniently located in a green area 15 minutes away from downtown. The spacious territory hosts a campus, indoor swimming pool, fine arts complex, early childhood center and much more.

KIS is a part of the non-profit Quality Schools International (QSI) school organization, financially supported by the U.S. Office of Overseas Schools. KIS provides education for kids from age 2 to 18, grasping the international curriculum. Upon the completion of the school program, students receive an internationally recognized diploma that assists in applying to world top colleges and universities. USA and Canada are by far the most popular options available upon obtaining an IB and Advanced Placement Courses. Apart from all-English classes taught by native speakers, Kyiv International School offers extra-curriculum lessons of French, Spanish, German, Ukrainian or Russian. The admission requires passing a test as well as an interview.

Address: 3A, Svyatoshyns'kyi Lane
Website: facebook.com/qsi.kyiv

Lycée Anne de Kiev

Kids learning in class Lycée Anne de Kiev started out as a small French-language school in 1994. Nowadays it is one of the most popular schools for English and French-speaking foreigners in Ukraine. The lycée is officially recognized by the Agency for French Education Abroad. As the name suggests, the official language of instruction is French. The level of command is regularly accessed and students are encouraged to develop their linguistic skills.

The curriculum is made with accordance to the French educational programs. As for the diplomas, students who completed the course of study at Lycée Anne de Kiev can obtain DELF Prim and Junior, Diplôme National du Brevet, Baccalauréat as well as Ukrainian Certificate of Complete General Secondary Education. To apply, one needs to submit a full documents pack and arrange a school visit.

Address: 21, V'yacheslava Lypynsʹkoho Street
Website: lyceeadk.com

Deutsche Schule Kiew

Students working on a project One of the lesser-known schools for foreigners in Kyiv, Deutsche Schule Kiew or DSK is still quite popular. This international school is licensed by Ukrainian authorities and recognized as well as supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany. The main language of instruction at DSK is German with lessons taught by native speakers. Students have a chance to receive the Deutsches Sprachdiplom and Cambridge ESOL certificates.

DSK prepares students for a German final exam Abitur, which allows studying at universities or colleges in Europe. Many students with Abitur apply to the high-level educational establishments like the Sorbonne in Paris. Besides, Abitur gives an opportunity to obtain a higher education in Germany for free. Languages, including English, are taught here on the highest level. Apart from English and Ukrainian, students can choose French or Russian as the second foreign language course.

Address: 10, Novomostytska Street
Website: deutscheschule.kiev.ua

Photo sources: unsplash.com, shutterctock.com All images belong to their rightful authors.

Kate Pryliuk

Born and raised in Kyiv. Avid traveler, love exploring new places and getting familiar with delicious world cuisine. Expert in hidden places of the capital's downtown.