Established in 1991, Educational Complex “Simcha” #325 in Kyiv, Ukraine, is a state Jewish school that integrates in-depth Jewish education with a strong focus on STEM and IT. The kindergarten opened in 1991, followed by the elementary school in 1992, and the high school in 1999. In 2015, Simcha became a proud member of the ORT network.

Simcha’s educational mission emphasizes academic excellence, innovation, and Jewish values, ensuring holistic development from preschool through Grade 11. The school offers a comprehensive and hands-on STEM and IT curriculum supported by advanced technologies, while celebrating Jewish heritage through community engagement, language instruction, and holiday observances. Despite frequent wartime disruptions and shelling in Kyiv, Simcha remains fully operational thanks to ORT-backed infrastructure upgrades, including a modern shelter and a reliable diesel generator. Its inclusive, values-based environment supports over 260 students and is staffed by 76 dedicated educators, specialists and personnel.

Simcha delivers education through two integrated institutions: the Educational Complex (preschool and primary) and Specialized School #325 (secondary). The curriculum features an advanced academic track with deep specialization in STEM, IT, Hebrew, and English, continuing progressively through the school years.

The Jewish education program includes Hebrew language, Jewish history, traditions, and Torah studies. Morning prayers are held daily in the school’s on-site synagogue. Parents and grandparents are also invited to participate in Jewish learning, creating a rich intergenerational culture of education.

The school is at the forefront of technology integration, using AI-based systems to personalize learning, support teachers with automation tools, and provide real-time feedback. Students engage in robotics, programming, and scientific experimentation across disciplines like physics, chemistry, and biology.

Simcha offers a range of extracurricular opportunities, including Jewish traditions courses, final exam preparation classes, and a photo-video technology club. The school’s Student Council includes representatives from each class who organize both school-wide and charitable events.

Languages taught include Ukrainian, Hebrew, and English, promoting multilingual fluency and global readiness.

The school leads in innovation across multiple domains. It offers continuous STEM education beginning in kindergarten and is now incorporating artificial intelligence tools into everyday teaching and learning. With ORT’s support, the school completed major renovations in 2018 and 2024 to improve structural safety, enabling uninterrupted offline learning—even during blackouts and conflict-related emergencies.

Simcha actively shares its expertise in STEM education, psychological support, and financial literacy throughout the ORT network.

Simcha prepares students for real-world challenges through a STEM-rich curriculum and a values-driven approach to education. Students develop critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity through robotics, coding, and scientific research projects.

A dedicated Wellbeing Department, including a full-time psychologist and speech therapist, supports students’ emotional and cognitive development. Through personalized education and resilience-building programs, Simcha ensures its graduates are confident, competent, and compassionate citizens of the future.

Jewish education is a core element of school life at Simcha. Every student, regardless of background, participates in Hebrew classes, Jewish traditions, and cultural education. Regular Shabbat celebrations and holiday programs involve students, parents, and the broader community.

Thanks to the school’s on-site synagogue, daily morning prayers are part of the school schedule. Jewish education extends to families as well, with regular Torah and tradition classes offered to parents and grandparents.

Simcha actively participates in international religious and educational projects, including EnerJew, SmartJ, Jfuture, Halom, and programs supported by the Yael Foundation. These partnerships enrich student experience and foster a sense of belonging to a wider global Jewish community.

The school expresses openness to international collaboration and knowledge exchange within the ORT network in any academic and non-academic fields.