Ukraine's students open fifth school year in bunkers and online classes

As Ukraine’s new school year begins under continuing Russian attacks, many students return to classrooms that are online, in basements, or underground shelters, reflecting a widespread shift to safer, hybrid arrangements. Kyiv and other cities have seen schools operate with a mix of in-person, remote, and shelter-based learning, with some damaged buildings still in use and others requiring fully underground facilities. The country has built numerous underground schools—dozens in some areas and at least 74 described in one report—to shield students from missiles and drones while maintaining lessons. Officials note the ongoing toll: damaged textbooks, destroyed infrastructure, crowded basements during air raids, and an emphasis on continuity of education despite persistent danger. Parents and educators describe a heavy, enduring disruption to traditional schooling, yet highlight resilience and adaptation as essential to keep children in learning environments. Across cities like Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv, the back-to-school period underscores how war has reshaped education through safety-first planning, remote options, and deeply ingrained security concerns.