Lviv is actively preparing for a major phase of Ukraine’s education reform — the launch of specialized education in upper secondary school (grades 10–12), set to begin in 2027. During a public discussion on February 2, city officials, educators, parents, and deputies discussed the upcoming changes.
According to Andriy Zakalyuk, head of Lviv’s education department, the reform will affect over 90,000 students in 128 schools. The process requires careful planning, broad consultation, and gradual implementation.
New school structure from 2027:
- Primary schools: grades 1–4
- Gymnasiums: grades 1–9 or 5–9
- Three types of lyceums:
- I–III levels (grades 1–12)
- II–III levels (grades 5–12)
- III level (grades 10–12)
Lyceums will offer academic, scientific, or specialized tracks. Transitional lyceums will become gymnasiums.
Where will students study?
Grades 1–4 will study close to home. Grades 5–9 will attend gymnasiums that prepare them for specialization.
After 9th grade, students can choose:
- Academic lyceum
- Scientific lyceum
- Specialized lyceum
- Vocational college
Currently, 25% of Lviv’s 9th graders choose vocational education. Lyceum entrance exams are not mandatory, but may apply if demand is high. The 10th grade will serve as a transition year.
Types of lyceums:
- Scientific: in-depth study in science, math, tech, and research skills.
- Specialized: focus on sports, arts, or music.
- Academic: diverse profiles — language, humanities, arts, engineering, STEM, and more.
Vocational colleges are modernizing and offer hands-on learning and early career paths.
Mandatory subjects in all lyceums:
- Ukrainian language and literature
- Math
- History
- English
- Physical education
- Defense of Ukraine
Schools not transitioning to lyceums will become either primary or gymnasium-level schools.
Criteria for school classification:
- Location and accessibility
- Facilities and infrastructure
- Qualified teaching staff
- Safe, compliant buildings
- Transport accessibility
What has already been done?
Pilot lyceums like “Lider”, School #84, and Linguistic Gymnasium will begin the new system in September 2026. Some schools, like School #23, have already stopped accepting upper grades and are now gymnasiums.