Architectural Pearls of Education: TOP Private Schools in Kyiv and Region 2025 with Innovative Design

A New Era of Educational Architecture in Ukraine

Ukraine’s private education market, especially in the Kyiv region, is experiencing an unprecedented boom that has become a powerful catalyst for architectural innovation. In 2025, the sector demonstrates rapid growth: in the first half of the year, the net increase in new educational institutions rose 1.5 times compared to the same period in 2024, indicating high competition and significant demand. Financial indicators confirm this trend: just the ten most profitable private schools in Ukraine earned a combined 1.8 billion UAH in 2024, with the vast majority located in Kyiv. High competition and significant financial flows have transformed architecture from a utilitarian shell into a key marketing tool and fundamental competitive advantage. Modern private schools compete not only for the quality of educational programs but also for the uniqueness, comfort, and safety of the physical environment, justifying the high cost of education and attracting leading architectural firms from across the country.

This process marks a radical departure from the Soviet legacy of standardized school boxes designed solely for functionality rather than harmonious child development. Modern educational philosophy demands a transition to human-centered campuses where architecture becomes an active participant in the pedagogical process, stimulating creativity, socialization, and students’ emotional well-being. New school projects envision creating flexible learning spaces, multifunctional zones for recreation, individual study, and community events. Thus, the architecture of private schools rejects the “knowledge factory” model in favor of a “development ecosystem,” integrating the educational institution into urban life and transforming it into a cultural center for the entire community.

Ukrainian architects actively implement leading global trends in educational design. A key direction in 2025 has been biophilic design — the integration of natural elements such as daylight, greenery, and natural materials to reduce stress and improve student concentration. Equally important is the creation of Flexible Learning Spaces that allow easy classroom transformation using mobile partitions and multifunctional furniture. The trend toward sustainability and energy efficiency is realized through the use of geothermal pumps, solar panels, and rainwater collection systems, complying with updated State Building Codes (DBN). Finally, safety has become an absolute priority: new DBN requirements mandate the construction of reliable dual-purpose shelters, significantly impacting the cost and architectural concept of new schools, stimulating the development of underground infrastructure.

Rating of Architectural Achievements of Private Schools in Kyiv and Region

#1 – Gymnasium A+ (Comfort Town Residential Complex)

Architectural Profile:

The gymnasium concept, developed by archimatika bureau for developer KAN Development, consists of creating an architectural landmark within the vibrant Comfort Town residential complex. In contrast to the colorful facades of the residential complex, achromatic colors were chosen for the school, emphasizing the fundamental nature of education. At the same time, the asymmetric pitched roof and dynamic form of the building harmoniously continue the district’s overall style. The facade impresses with its combination of textures: the first floor, clad with massive basalt slabs, creates a sense of reliability, while the upper floors with vertically rusticated plaster give the building lightness. An impressive 25-meter arch serves as the grand entrance to the inner courtyard-amphitheater, which is the center of the school’s social life. The interior design, developed by Svoya Studio, is organized around this central space, with circular corridors, wide recreational zones, and multifunctional spaces such as a lecture hall that transforms into a cinema.

Construction Achievements and Engineering Systems:

The key innovation of the project is complete energy autonomy, achieved through geothermal heat pumps. Under the football field, 170 boreholes 60 meters deep have been drilled, providing heating in winter and cooling in summer, which is a unique engineering solution for educational institutions in Ukraine. The facades are insulated 50% more than DBN standards require, further increasing energy efficiency. The gymnasium’s infrastructure includes three sports halls, one certified to FIFA standards, a climbing wall, an auditorium seating 200, a black box theater, and an art studio.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Gymnasium A+

To emphasize the strict geometry and texture of Gymnasium A+’s facades, the “Mehbud” concept proposes using a cassette facade with a matte anthracite coating. This solution creates an expressive play of light and shadow that harmoniously combines with basalt and ensures durability with minimal maintenance costs. For enclosing the inner courtyard-amphitheater, the “Blinds” type fence would be ideal. Its construction will provide the necessary level of security without blocking visual connection with the space and maintaining the building’s modern architectural style.

#2 – Pechersk School International (PSI)

Architectural Profile:

The PSI campus expansion project, implemented by archimatika bureau in 2018, is an example of evolutionary development of existing architecture. The concept was not to deny the old but to complement and modernize it. The new building retained the floor height and basic color scheme but received new materials — red brick, bright colored inserts — and various window shapes, symbolizing the transition to a new, more dynamic era in education. The interior design by SVOYA studio supports the idea of openness and creativity: bright spacious halls, personal lockers instead of traditional wardrobes, and corridor walls transformed into spaces for installations and exhibitions of student work. The cafeteria easily transforms into a conference hall, and the walls are decorated with prints depicting endangered plants, promoting environmental education.

Construction Achievements and Engineering Systems:

The project was developed using a 6D BIM model, enabling efficient management of all building engineering systems throughout its lifecycle. Security is the highest priority: the campus is equipped with three authorized bomb shelters designed as comfortable learning spaces, and a powerful generator ensures complete energy autonomy during power outages. The school’s infrastructure is impressive: a 25-meter swimming pool, a double sports hall of 1000 sq.m with a climbing wall, a multifunctional theater, modern science laboratories, a recording studio, and an innovative Makerspace for creative project realization.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Pechersk School International

Considering PSI’s international status and high security requirements, “Mehbud” proposes a comprehensive solution for the campus perimeter. The “Rancho” fence with horizontal metal slats will provide reliable protection of the territory while maintaining visual lightness and modern appearance that matches the new building’s architecture. For finishing interior spaces, particularly atriums and passages between buildings, cube-shaped metal ceilings can be used. This solution will not only conceal engineering communications but also create a unique rhythmic pattern that echoes the facade’s dynamic architecture.

#3 – Novopechersk School

Architectural Profile:

Novopechersk School, located in the elite Novopecherskie Lipki residential complex, is a striking example of how architecture and design become an integral part of an educational brand. The modern building covering 9,585 sq.m was designed with the participation of foreign architects, and the interior design created by Ukrainian studio DreamDesign won prestigious international awards, including the IIDA Global Excellence Awards and the grand prize of the Inter’year 2015 competition. The architectural concept aims to create an aesthetically perfect and functionally planned environment where every element of space contributes to learning and creativity. A distinctive feature of the building is a large glass dome providing natural lighting to the central atrium.

Construction Achievements and Engineering Systems:

The school is equipped to the highest technological standards. All classrooms are equipped with interactive boards, and each student has an individual electronic tablet integrated into the school’s unified information system (SMLS). The infrastructure for physical development is among the best in Kyiv: a professional 25-meter, 5-lane swimming pool with underwater speakers, a multifunctional sports hall of 649 sq.m with a climbing wall and bleachers, an outdoor stadium with a football field and running tracks, and a separate basketball court with anti-trauma coating.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Novopechersk School

For the modern facade of Novopechersk School, “Mehbud” proposes using a rack facade with vertical lamella arrangement. This solution will visually increase the building’s height and create a dynamic effect that changes depending on viewing angle and lighting. For enclosing numerous sports grounds and the stadium, mesh panels from “Mehbud” would be optimal, providing maximum visibility, meeting safety requirements for sports facilities, and reliably protecting the perimeter.

#4 – Liko-School (Liko-Grad Residential Complex)

Architectural Profile:

“Liko-School” is the architectural landmark of the Liko-Grad residential area in Teremky-II. The bright and modern building, designed by developer “Liko-Holding,” features original architectural solutions aimed at creating a comfortable and healthy environment for harmonious child development. The project departs from standard layouts, offering students diverse and interesting spaces. A distinctive feature of the school is the presence of a winter garden and mini-zoo, integrating nature elements directly into the educational process, consistent with biophilic design trends.

Construction Achievements and Engineering Systems:

The building is equipped with modern engineering systems, including a ventilation system that allows individual microclimate regulation in each room. The school’s infrastructure includes not only standard classrooms but also unique spaces: its own radio studio, ballet studio, and science laboratory. This allows students to develop various talents without leaving the school campus. Construction was carried out using quality and ecological materials, guaranteeing the structure’s durability and safety.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Liko-School

To emphasize the bright individuality of “Liko-School,” “Mehbud” proposes a combined facade solution. Panel facade can be executed in the school’s corporate colors, creating large color planes, while individual zones can be accented using “Blinds” facade. This combination will add texture and dynamics to the building. For interior spaces, especially high-traffic zones such as halls and corridors, metal ceilings from “Mehbud” would be an ideal solution, being durable, fire-safe, and easy to maintain.

#5 – Spilnoshkola (Community School)

Architectural Profile:

Spilnoshkola, designed and built in 2021, embodies the idea of “architecture that provokes movement.” The school’s founder, Anastasia Kyreyeva, actively participated in developing the concept, where the main focus is on creating a space that supports new ways of learning and collaboration. Instead of traditional classrooms, “houses” are created here — separate units for each group with access to their own terrace. This allows easy transfer of classes to fresh air. The project provides numerous informal zones for communication, including “tête-à-tête” rooms with glass walls for individual conversations under adult supervision.

Construction Achievements and Engineering Systems:

A unique architectural solution for the kindergarten is two-story group units: the first floor houses a play area with direct outdoor access, while the second floor contains the bedroom. This provides quick access to walks while complying with all DBN standards. The central element of the kindergarten is a multi-story play labyrinth that can function as a public space on weekends, accessible to all children in the neighborhood. This demonstrates the project’s flexibility and social integration.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Spilnoshkola

Spilnoshkola’s architecture is based on the idea of openness and connection with nature. For enclosing numerous terraces and playgrounds, aluminum fences from “Mehbud” would be ideal. They are lightweight, durable, require minimal maintenance, and provide maximum transparency, which is important for visual control of children. For facade cladding, a rack facade with wood texture can be used. This solution will support the school’s ecological concept, create a warm and cozy appearance, while providing ventilated facade advantages such as durability and energy efficiency.

#6 – Kyiv International School (QSI)

Architectural Profile:

The Kyiv International School campus, located in Sviatoshyn district, exemplifies the classic American model of a park-type school town. The school territory is professionally landscaped and integrated into Kyiv’s “green zone.” The central element of the main building is a large internal atrium with a tropical garden, creating a unique microclimate and serving as a relaxation zone. Classrooms are designed for small numbers of students (up to 16 people), ensuring comfortable learning conditions. In 2018, the campus was expanded with a new modern building for high school.

Construction Achievements and Engineering Systems:

The campus infrastructure is among the most developed in Kyiv. It includes four science laboratories, a recording studio, a 340-seat auditorium, two gyms, a climbing wall, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. Security is a key priority: the territory is guarded 24/7, and buildings are equipped with comfortable shelter and a powerful generator ensuring uninterrupted learning during power outages.

Mehbud Conceptual Design for Kyiv International School

To ensure the security of QSI’s large park territory, “Mehbud” proposes installing reliable and aesthetic fencing around the entire perimeter. The optimal choice is the “Brus” fence, which imitates wooden fencing that will harmoniously fit into the landscape while having significantly higher durability and weather resistance. For facades of new buildings, panel facade from “Mehbud” in calm, natural shades can be used, supporting the campus’s overall architectural style and ensuring high energy efficiency indicators.

Detailed Analysis: Architectural Case Studies

Case 1: Gymnasium A+ — Architecture as a Manifesto of Energy Efficiency and Social Integration

The Gymnasium A+ project by archimatika and KAN Development is landmark not only for educational architecture but for Ukrainian development as a whole. It demonstrates how a commercially successful developer can create socially significant infrastructure where advanced architectural and engineering solutions become main advantages. Located in the heart of Comfort Town residential complex, the gymnasium became its semantic and community center. Architects deliberately went for contrast: against the backdrop of bright, multicolored residential buildings appeared a strict, achromatic building symbolizing the fundamental nature of knowledge.

The most innovative aspect is the engineering solution — complete energy autonomy through geothermal heat pumps. 170 boreholes under the football field provide the building with heat in winter and coolness in summer, completely disconnecting it from city networks. This is not just a tribute to “green” technology fashion but a pragmatic long-term investment that reduces operating costs and increases capitalization not only of the school itself but of the entire residential area. Thus, Gymnasium A+ exemplifies how investments in sustainable architecture create additional value for the entire urban environment, transforming the school into a center of gravity for the community.

Case 2: Novopechersk School — Interior Design as a Pedagogical Tool

The example of Novopechersk School makes it obvious that modern educational space is a synergy of architecture and interior design. If architecture, developed with foreign specialists’ participation, creates a functional and reliable framework, then the interior by Ukrainian studio DreamDesign fills it with emotional and educational content. It was precisely the interior design that won prestigious international awards, including IIDA Global Excellence Awards, confirming Ukrainian designers’ achievement of world-class level in this highly specialized niche.

The school space is designed as a “third place” for students — an environment where they want to spend time not only during lessons. This is achieved through careful functional zoning and attention to detail. High-tech laboratories, professional sports infrastructure (25-meter pool, stadium, climbing wall), and multimedia equipment create limitless opportunities for development. The design is not only aesthetic but functional: it supports modern pedagogical methods, promotes collaboration and individual work. This proves that thoughtful interior is not just a background but an active tool in forming a successful learning process.

Conclusions: The Future of Educational Spaces

Analysis of leading private schools in Kyiv and region indicates a clear vector of educational architecture development. Projects move toward creating multifunctional, ecological, and most importantly, safe campuses. Key trends that will define school architecture in coming years remain biophilic design, flexibility of learning spaces, and energy independence.

In the future, increased integration of schools into premium-class residential complex structures is expected, where they will become the infrastructure core and main competitive advantage. Strengthening DBN security requirements, especially under martial law conditions, will inevitably stimulate underground architecture development and design of dual-purpose shelters that can serve as gyms, studios, or public spaces in peacetime.

The success of these ambitious and technologically complex projects directly depends on the quality and durability of construction materials. Modern solutions such as ventilated facades, metal ceiling structures, and reliable fencing systems from leading Ukrainian manufacturers like the “Mehbud” plant play a key role in creating a safe, aesthetic, and sustainable environment for future generations. “Mehbud” products, combining reliable anti-corrosion protection, aesthetic design, and durability, enable realization of the boldest architectural ideas while ensuring energy efficiency and minimal operating costs, which is critically important for long-term investments in Ukraine’s educational infrastructure.