Traditional Classrooms to Be Abolished in Ukrainian Lyceums Starting 2026

A New Learning Model for Ukrainian Lyceums

According to Главком: Starting in September 2026, 150 lyceums across Ukraine will adopt a new educational model that eliminates the traditional approach of tying a student's academic track to a fixed class. Instead, the system will introduce flexible, student-selected groups, allowing learners to choose specialized subjects based on their own interests. Under the updated rules, lyceums can form specialized groups if at least eight students express a desire to study a particular subject in depth.

The old model, where an entire class follows a single academic profile, is becoming obsolete. The new system will rely on variable groups created according to student preferences. If at least eight students from the same grade level want to focus on a specific subject, the lyceum must establish that group. Students from different classes can join these flexible groups for specialized courses, while the base class will remain only for general education subjects and scheduling purposes.

Funding and Infrastructure Upgrades

The government is lowering the threshold for opening a specialized track to eight students. Lyceums will be able to offer various profiles, including:

• information technology
• biochemistry
• law
• and others

Students can list multiple profiles in order of priority. If a chosen track lacks enough participants or lab space, the student is automatically moved to the next profile on their list.

In 2026, 130 future specialized academic lyceums across 22 Ukrainian regions will receive funding to establish STEM labs, natural science classrooms, and modern educational equipment. The government has allocated over UAH 459 million to the first 85 institutions, with the remaining 45 to be funded shortly. This year, UAH 3.2 billion has been set aside for upgrading educational spaces. Starting in 2027, these 130 institutions will become part of the specialized senior school network.

'For lyceum administration, this means rethinking how to plan profile networks, teacher workloads, classroom usage, and schedules.' Nadiia Kuzmychova

Yuliia Svyrydenko added: 'Upgrading school infrastructure is a key part of the New Ukrainian School reform, aimed at creating conditions for quality learning and practical skill development.' She also noted that work is ongoing to update curricula and create opportunities for teachers' professional growth.

This new learning model, being rolled out in Ukraine, is designed to improve education quality and give students greater flexibility in choosing specialized subjects. It represents a significant step in reforming the educational system to meet modern demands and student needs.

The introduction of this model in Ukrainian lyceums is a major milestone in education reform, focused on adapting to contemporary requirements and student interests. Lowering the threshold for opening specialized groups will allow more students to study subjects they are passionate about, thereby enhancing their skills and career prospects. The simultaneous upgrade of infrastructure and curricula underscores Ukraine's commitment to building a high-quality educational environment.

The upcoming changes in the Ukrainian education system are not limited to lyceums. In 2027, a significant reform will introduce new opportunities for 9th graders, paving the way for innovative learning pathways. This shift reflects a broader transformation in how students engage with their education. To learn more about these exciting developments and what they mean for future students, visit new educational opportunities for ninth graders.