"ORT-Aleph" Lyceum, Zaporizhzhia
“ORT-Aleph” Lyceum in Zaporizhzhia is a general state secondary school located in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Founded in 1992 as the Aleph Jewish National School, it joined the ORT network in 2004 and achieved Lyceum status in 2023. The Lyceum provides primary, basic, and specialized secondary education according to Ukrainian state standards while integrating a comprehensive Jewish national curriculum.
Despite operating just 25 kilometers from the frontline of the war in Ukraine, “ORT-Aleph” continues to thrive as an educational and cultural hub. It combines academic excellence with a strong focus on Jewish heritage, innovative educational methods, and technology integration. As of September 2024, the Lyceum serves 395 students, with 89 attending remotely from outside Ukraine. The Lyceum maintains both academic rigor and psychological support for students and teachers, celebrating holidays, running competitions, and ensuring cultural continuity even in wartime.
| Name of School | "ORT-Aleph" Lyceum |
| Location | Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine |
| Age range | Preschool, Elementary, Junior High, High School |
| Students | 326 |
| Professionals | 35 |


Curriculum & Academic Life
The Lyceum operates under the Ukrainian state curriculum, supplemented with a dedicated Jewish studies program. Instruction is provided in Ukrainian, with in-depth study of English and Hebrew. Jewish subjects include Hebrew (grades 1–11), History of the Jewish People (grades 5–11), Jewish Traditions (grades 1–11), Geography of Israel (grades 5–7), and Jewish Literature (grades 8–11). Every student participates in the Jewish studies program.
In response to wartime challenges, the Lyceum has adopted a mixed learning format: eight days per month are held in-person at a secure location, while the remainder are online. This hybrid model ensures educational continuity and safety. As of April 2025, primary school students (grades 1-4) were able to return to in-person learning 5 days a week at an underground shelter built specifically for the purpose of a school.
Enrichment & Student Life
“ORT-Aleph” Lyceum offers an extensive range of extracurricular opportunities. Students participate in STEM, tech, and creative clubs such as Photo & Video Technologies, Web Design, Robotics, 3D Graphics, Scratch for Beginners, Math Club, Rhetoric, and Microbot Programming. Programs support competition prep in IT and logic.
Creative and leadership development is embedded through theater, exhibitions, themed flash mobs, and soft skills workshops. Student self-government is supported through the Lyceum's Knesset, which involves students and families in school life.
The Jewish Family Club also provides a shared cultural space for students, parents, and teachers, organizing events for holidays and heritage learning.


Innovation & Resource Sharing
The Lyceumis a model of resilience and innovation. It integrates technology-enhanced education supported by ORT, including laptops, Office 365, and STEM learning software. These resources have been crucial in delivering consistent education during wartime.
The Lyceum excels in media, STEAM, and language education. Its modern infrastructure includes tools for media production, robotics, and digital literacy. Students are encouraged to compete and excel in regional and national competitions in subjects such as mathematics, computer science, and the history of the Jewish people.
In 2023–2024, students earned 24 district-level prizes across 11 subjects and 10 regional-level prizes across 8 subjects. Three students progressed to the national level.
Educating for Life
"ORT-Aleph" Lyceum integrates education for life into all dimensions of school life. STEM education is a core element, supported by clubs, competitions, and practical tools introduced in early primary education. Students participate in STEM programs such as robotics, computer graphics, and scientific research.
Mental health and wellbeing are prioritized through structured psychological support services for students and teachers. These include group meetings, social-emotional learning sessions, and activities celebrating success and resilience. The Lyceum ensures that despite external challenges, learners are supported holistically.


Jewish Experience
Jewish education is central to life at "ORT-Aleph". Every student takes part in the Jewish curriculum, which spans subjects from Hebrew and traditions to literature and Israeli geography. The Lyceum regularly celebrates Jewish holidays and milestones, fostering identity and community.
The Jewish Family Club extends learning to parents, with classes on Jewish traditions and shared holiday celebrations. This initiative strengthens home-school ties and reinforces cultural continuity.
Global Citizenship
The Lyceum actively promotes student participation in both national and international programs. Students have taken part in the International Olympiad on the History and Traditions of the Jewish People (Hefziba), among other competitions.
Despite being situated in a war zone, the Lyceum has remained engaged in global Jewish networks, sustaining partnerships and encouraging students to maintain a global perspective grounded in their cultural heritage.
Last updated: December 2025


