Sumy Unveils New Underground School for 500 Students with On-Site Meals and Hybrid Learning

Introducing Sumy's Latest Underground School

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Since October 2026, Sumy has welcomed a newly constructed underground school designed to accommodate 500 students. This innovative facility supports a hybrid learning model, enabling children to continue their education safely even in challenging circumstances. A key feature is the provision of hot meals served directly within the shelter, ensuring students can eat comfortably without leaving the protected environment.

Construction of this underground educational center began in March 2025. Currently, Sumy region hosts 13 operational underground schools, with six located in the city of Sumy itself. Additionally, nine more such schools are under construction. By the start of the 2026/2027 academic year, five underground schools were completed and fully equipped in the region-four within Sumy community and one in Shostka.

Overview of Underground Schools Across Ukraine

Altogether, underground schools in Sumy region are built to serve 1,360 students, yet they already accommodate 1,944 learners. Across Ukraine, more than 100 underground schools are in operation. Six regions have recently completed the construction and outfitting of 15 underground schools and shelters within general secondary education institutions. These facilities have enabled over 5,000 students to attend classes safely in person.

“This is now a fully equipped educational space for 500 students. Learning is organized in a hybrid format,” stated representatives from the Sumy Regional Military Administration.

They also emphasized the importance of providing meals on site: “It is crucial that children can eat inside the shelter without having to leave the safe area. The necessary conditions have been established to support this.”

The development of underground schools in Ukraine represents a significant response to the current challenges facing the education system. These institutions not only guarantee safety but also offer comfortable learning environments, which are essential during wartime. As vital components of educational infrastructure, underground schools help maintain continuity in education and provide much-needed support to students during difficult times.

As the need for safe educational environments continues to grow, the recent opening of new underground schools in the Zaporizhzhia region highlights the ongoing efforts across Ukraine to adapt to challenging circumstances. These facilities not only provide secure learning spaces but also emphasize the importance of maintaining a structured educational experience for students during these times.