The Department of Education and Science of the Kyiv City State Administration (KMSA) clarified, in response to a request from RBC-Ukraine, that the decision on whether to hold a festive assembly on September 1 in the capital will be made at the level of each individual school, rather than centrally by the city authorities. The department emphasized that, in accordance with Ukraine's Law "On Education," educational institutions enjoy academic and organizational autonomy, which allows them to independently determine the format, time, location, and organization of ceremonial events.

Academic autonomy as the basis for the decision

"The decision on the expediency of holding an assembly, its format, time, location, and organization falls within the competence of the respective educational institution," the KMSA noted in its reply. This means that on September 1, 2026, there will be no single mandatory scenario in Kyiv: some schools may hold a traditional mass assembly in the schoolyard, others may organize an intimate gathering in the classrooms, while still others may choose a different format taking into account the current situation and their own capabilities. The department also clarified that, although the district state administrations have separate powers in the field of education, the question of organizing festive events in schools does not fall within their competence.

Changes to the educational process for the 2026/2027 academic year

In addition to the organizational issue, the Department of Education reported on a number of innovations that will take effect in the new academic year. In particular, the grading rules and the procedures for responding to bullying will be updated. The number of hours for history and civic education will be increased for students in grades 7–9, and in the upper grades the testing of the specialized (profile-based) learning model will continue. These changes are aimed at improving the quality of the educational process and adapting the curriculum to the current needs of students.

Recommended calendar schedule for the academic year

Schools in Kyiv are recommended to conduct the first semester from September 1 to December 23, 2026, and the second semester from January 11 to May 28, 2027. Autumn break will last from October 26 to November 1, 2026, winter break from December 24, 2026, to January 10, 2027, and spring break from March 22 to 28, 2027. This schedule allows for a balanced academic load and ensures sufficient rest for students throughout the academic year.

Context: tradition and adaptation

The festive assembly on Knowledge Day is one of the most recognizable traditions of Ukrainian education, bringing together students, teachers, and parents on the first day of the school year. However, in the context of a changing reality, the question of in what format to hold this celebration has become particularly relevant. The decision made at the KMSA level transfers the initiative directly to school management, which, according to experts, allows for a more flexible response to the specific circumstances of each institution and ensures the safety and comfort of the event's participants.