Welcome to PSI Kyiv
a place where we belong
Table of contents About PSI Kyiv History of the school Accreditation Guiding statements Learning Kindergarten (3-5 years) Primary school (6-12 years) Secondary school (12-18 years) Ukrainian Externum Programme PSI Kyiv team Community Enrolment Facilities & Safety Safety & Emergency Preparedness Security Measures Student Support & Well-being Focus Admissions
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About PSI Kyiv Pechersk School International (PSI Kyiv) is the first and the only school in Ukraine that has authorisation to teach the three International Baccalaureate ® (IB) programmes: Primary Years Programme (PYP) Middle Years Programme (MYP) Diploma programme (DP) In addition to that aspect of our learning experience, PSI offers an additional general education programme accepted by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
Pechersk School International is deeply committed to Ukraine’s victory and strong recovery. An important part of this recovery is access for international and local families, to the highest possible quality of international education.
PSI is more than just a school, is a place where we belong! -1-
About PSI Kyiv
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History
of the school Parents seeking a genuinely international education for their children founded PSI as a private, non-profit school in 1995 with 60 students. PSI has always offered international and local families in Kyiv a worldclass education, with English as the language of instruction. Before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we had reached almost 550 students, with 70% of the student population from the overseas diplomatic, government, and business communities
First PSI Board of Governors at the First Board, 1995 Barbara James (USA), Luis Baquerisa (Argentina), Tuscia Schmorhun Hawrylyshyn (Switzerland), Vira Nanivska (Ukraine), Wilfred Vogue (USA), Lady Claire Asquit
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1995
PSI was founded by a group of international parents
2000
PSI is an IB World School (offers three IB programmes)
2002
PSI received its first accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and Council of International Schools (CIS)
2017
PSI New Phase 2 building completed
2022
PSI was forced to close its campus in Kyiv due to the beginning of a full-scale war in Ukraine
August 2022
PSI opened its temporary satellite campus for faceto-face learning in Warsaw (in partnership with ASW) and launched an online learning (in partnership with Avenues Online) for students remaining in Ukraine
Spring 2023
PSI was awarded renewed accreditation status by NEASC and IB as part of the Collaborative Learning Protocol process
August 2023
PSI re-opened its campus in Kyiv, Ukraine
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Accreditation PSI Kyiv is proud of the prestigious IB World School status that it has held for more than 20 years. Most recently, Pechersk School International has been awarded renewed accreditation status by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
This means that we go through rigorous steps to maintain our high standards for learning and teaching, as well as for the facilities, co-curricular programme and the environment that makes us so special.
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Guiding Statements
Our guiding statements define the school's values, purpose, and strategic direction. These statements provide the foundation for all of our decision-making.
Vision:
Motto:
A place where we belong
Voices valued. Passions nurtured. W orlds connected.
Mission:
Joyful, challenging, and personalised learning in an inclusive international community. Core values:
Integrity, Honesty, Trust
Respect, Empathy
We value acting on strong moral principles that build trust within our community
We value respect and understanding for each other’s individualities, cultures, beliefs, ideas
Passion, Courage
Happiness,
Joy
Voice, Agency
We value creativity, inspiration, risktaking, and passion in everything we do
We value a joyful environment that promotes a happy and motivated community
We value voice, choice and agency in empowering the ownership of learning
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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
We value a diverse community where everyone is safe, included, appreciated and feels free to be themselves
Learning
Kindergarten
(3-5 years) In PSI Kindergarten, we embrace the enriching philosophy of 'learning through play,' guided by the International Baccalaureate's (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP).
Here, every playful moment is a purposeful exploration, fostering curiosity and joy in young learners.
Within this dynamic environment, play is not just an activity but a powerful method for cultivating foundational knowledge, essential skills, and embodying the IB Learner profile attributes.
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Our commitment to 'learning through play' ensures that every
Mission:
experience is a building block for a lifelong love Joyful,
of learning, shaping the
challenging,
way children perceive and engage with the and world around them.
personalised learning in an inclusive international community.
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Primary School
(6-12 years) In Primary School, our dedication to student agency is propelled by the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Through inquiry-based learning, we empower students, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership in their educational journey.
Placing students at the core, our programme is both authentic and conceptual, ensuring an integrated approach that nurtures essential knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes.
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This commitment shapes a dynamic learning environment, preparing students to navigate the challenges of today's world with confidence and competence. -10-
Secondary school
(12-18 years) In PSI Secondary School, our students participate in personalised, inquiry-based programmes (IB Middle Years and IB Diploma Programmes) crafted around their needs and graduation goals.
Options include:
High School Diploma (equivalent to the United States High School Diploma)
Additional courses for International Baccalaureate (IB) Course Certificates
Combining the above:
a PSI High School Diploma with chosen IB courses, meeting IB Diploma Programme requirements.
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Ukrainian Externum Programme PSI is the only international school in Ukraine with approval from the Ukrainian School of External Studies to offer an additional general education programme accepted by the Ministry of Education of Ukraine.
Our students engage in a curriculum that blends classes from the Ukrainian programme with internationally recognised IB courses, officially accepted by the Ukrainian Ministry of Education.
This comprehensive programme is crucial for students planning to live, study, or work abroad, and it is equally valuable for those aiming to enter a national university or pursue future employment in Ukraine.
Trae Holland (School Director), Olena Kovalenko (Director of the Ukrainian Externum Programme at PSI) and David Tigchelaar (Whole School Principal / Assistant Director)
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PSI Kyiv team All of the PSI Kyiv team members are experienced, highly qualified professionals driven by a strong belief in PSI’s guiding statements.
PSI’s faculty and staff possess a strong desire to support Ukraine in its rebuilding efforts.
All of our team members are very special people who are driven by the wonderful opportunity to join our extraordinary team and supportive and caring community. At PSI we believe that a thriving international school is key to Ukraine’s future.
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9
Yea of experien
60% 77%
11 ~9,5 nationalities
ars f IB nce
International teaching staff
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Postgraduate degrees
Years of teaching experience
Belo of ou
Community At Pechersk School International Kyiv, we understand that education extends beyond the classroom.
We take pride in fostering not just academic excellence, but also a strong sense of community among our students, parents, and staff.
Our commitment to creating a warm and inclusive environment sets us apart.
As you consider joining our community, know that you are not just enrolling in a school; you are becoming a part of a global family that values each individual's unique contribution.
We look forward to welcoming you to Pechersk School International, where education goes beyond textbooks and exams, and the sense of belonging creates a foundation for a lifetime of success and fulfilment.
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We believe that when individuals feel a genuine connection and sense of belonging, they are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our diverse and vibrant community welcomes families from various backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities, creating a rich tapestry of experiences that enrich the learning journey for everyone.
onging is at the heart ur school community.
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Enrolment
2023-2024 school year
104 51 53 students are enrolled at PSI, as of December 2023
students in Secondary School
students in Primary School
Nationalities represented in the student body Brazil - 2
United Kingdom - 4
Czechia - 1
United States - 8
Israel - 2
Ukraine - 85*
Italy - 2
Embassy students - 2
* Temporary increase of nationality cap to 45% of Ukrainian students out of maximum campus capacity (550 students). The rest of the places would be secured for international students until their return to Ukraine.
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Facilities & Safety Our campus comprises three blocks, dedicated to both Primary and Secondary divisions.
These facilities include specialised spaces such as an auditorium, gymnasium, theatre black box, swimming pool, dance studio, welcoming cafe, and a covered pitch.
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Additionally, just a two-minute walk away, our athletics track and football field offer further recreational options.
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Safety & Emergency Preparedness Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is a top priority at Pechersk School International. The campus is equipped with authorised bomb shelter spaces, meeting official standards.
These spaces, located in the basement areas, are thoughtfully decorated to provide a comfortable learning environment during any unforeseen situations. We have also invested in a state-of-theart generator to guarantee uninterrupted energy supplies in case of disruptions.
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Security Measures Our commitment to safety extends to the presence of a dedicated security team, strategically positioned CCTV cameras along the perimeters, and a secure entrance system utilising a security card.
These measures collectively contribute to a secure and protected environment for everyone on campus.
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Student Support & Well-being Focus At PSI, our commitment to well-being lies at the heart of our mission. Through partnerships with esteemed organisations and individuals, we provide holistic support for social, emotional, and mental health. Prioritising physical well-being, we curate various social events throughout the year, fostering strong community bonds.
In the realm of education, the concept of 'personalisation' at Pechersk School International translates into a celebration of individuality. This commitment is evident in our dedicated Student Support Team.
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These professionals serve as guides in the academic journey, offering personalised assistance in English as an Additional Language and navigating the intricacies of mathematics.
Whether addressing academic queries, well-being concerns, or facilitating a friendly chat, our team is always available for our students. Our priorities extend beyond academic success to nurturing their socioemotional well-being.
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Admissions Explore our website for comprehensive information on the application process and PSI's Admissions Policy, both aligned with the values of inquiry, diversity, and intercultural understanding upheld by the International Baccalaureate.
For quick access, scan the QR code or visit our website: enrol.psi.kyiv.ua
For any further assistance and inquiries regarding admissions, please write to us at admissions@psi.kyiv.ua
PSI’s website:
Admissions webpage:
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Pechersk School International Kyiv Viktora Zabily Street, 7А
info@psi.kyiv.ua
03039 Kyiv, Ukraine enrol.psi.kyiv.ua +380 44 377 52 92
+380 99 377 52 92 @PSIKyiv
Editor
Nikita Vasyliev
nikitav@psi.kyiv.ua
Design &
Layout
Eliza Ravets eliza.ravets@gmail.com
PSI’s website: