24 August 2026

Odessa kindergartens have introduced mandatory English classes

(PHOTO: rbc.ua)

<span><span><span><span><span><span>Starting September 1, more than 5,000 children in Odesa’s preschools will begin mandatory English language classes. The lessons will be conducted through games, activities, and songs.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>This was announced by the Odesa City Council. </span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>In total, 107 kindergartens in the city are scheduled to operate in person. These institutions are attended by approximately 15,200 children.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>The municipality will have 719 inclusive and 27 special education classes in schools, as well as 187 inclusive groups in kindergartens.The city council also announced the completion of the Inclusive Resource Center (IRC) No. 9.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

Overall, in Odesa, the number of first-graders has decreased from 10,981 children to 6,502 children over the past four years. The difference between the figures for the 2021–2022 school year and the 2025–2026 school year is 40 percent. 

In the 2026–2027 school year, the number of first-graders in Odesa decreased even further. On September 1, 5,572 students will take their seats attheir desks

This year, 5,968 students will enter the tenth grade at Odesa schools. 

Starting in September 2027, the network of specialized high schools is scheduled to be streamlined. The city will retain 39 specialized schools. The Primorsky District will have the most (14), while the Peresypsky District will have the fewest (seven). The Khadzhibeyevsky and Kyiv districts will each retain nine specialized lyceums. Lyceums No. 13 and No. 81 are joining the second phase of the pilot program for reforming specialized secondary education. 

Юлія Калабайда

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