Among the many Ukrainian schools in Toronto, the Yurii Lypa Ukrainian Heritage School stands out in a special way.

Founded in 1956 by Dr. Bohdan Stebelskyi as Ukrainian Studies courses at the SUM community center in Toronto, the school was later named in honor of Yurii Lypa—Ukrainian politician, writer, physician, and a fighter for Ukraine’s independence. Over time, the school became part of the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Toronto and one of the organizations within the Statehood Front.

For nearly sixty years, the school operated at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre on Christie Street. In Toronto, many people have heard the saying, “The Christie Street School is the best in the city.” With this motto, students and teachers embraced a mission to work with inspiration and to live up to the proud name of the school’s patron—Yurii Lypa, a distinguished intellectual writer, political strategist, analyst, and patriot-warrior.

At the Yurii Lypa School, children and youth—descendants of Ukrainian immigrants as well as all who are interested—have the opportunity to study the Ukrainian language, the history and culture of Ukraine, religion, and Ukrainian traditions, while becoming part of the Ukrainian community. The school community—teachers, students, parents, and alumni—is part of the broader Ukrainian community in Canada.

Students attend from age 4 (kindergarten/pre-school) through Grade 11. The school is registered with TCDSB (Toronto Catholic District School Board).

Senior students (Grades 8–11) take a Ukrainian language course and receive a credit for it, including credits that can be used for admission to colleges and universities.

The school welcomes both children who are second- or third-generation Canadians and those who have recently arrived from Ukraine and wish to be closer to the community. All students receive knowledge, special care, and a friendly, supportive environment.

Our staff includes creative, dedicated, highly professional teachers with teaching experience in both Ukraine and Canada. Students learn in small groups, which allows for an individualized approach to each child.

Classes follow the program of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (Toronto) School Board as well as specially designed (author-developed) curricula for children of different ages and levels of Ukrainian proficiency. We use modern textbooks from Ukraine and materials created in the diaspora. The school team believes that children should keep up with the times while also studying and respecting what has been created by generations of Ukrainians in the so-called Free World.

The language of instruction and upbringing at the school is modern Ukrainian literary language. At the same time, students explore different Ukrainian spelling standards and become familiar with the rich vocabulary and dialect diversity of the Ukrainian language, treating with respect those who speak differently.

The school also offers music and arts clubs, where children have the opportunity to develop their talents. Students participate in many community events, including Book Day celebrations, concerts honoring Taras Shevchenko, Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations at Centennial Park, and the Ukrainian Parade during the annual festival on Bloor Street in Toronto. We perform at Heroes’ Day and annually honor the Heroes of Kruty, UPA soldiers, and members of the OUN who, at the cost of their lives and health, fought for an independent Ukraine. We take part in rallies supporting Ukraine and in protests against Kremlin policies and pro-Kremlin forces; we attend memorial events honoring the victims of the Holodomors; we organize “political” Christmas pageants and participate in Christmas concerts; we decorate pysanky and celebrate spring traditions at Easter.

Our students win arts and literary competitions, and their creative work has been highly appreciated by audiences and readers in Canada, Ukraine, and other countries where Ukrainians live. The school cooperates with many Ukrainian organizations in Canada and around the world.

Students, parents, and the school team actively supported Ukrainians in their struggle for freedom and democracy during the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity. We continue to support Ukraine today—in words and in action. Students have written letters of support and gratitude to Ukrainian soldiers, raised funds to help treat the wounded, and plan to send this support to hospitals, military units, and volunteer battalions in Ukraine.

The school’s goal is to nurture a Ukrainian patriot—aware of their roots and mission. Our graduate is a citizen of Canada equipped with strong knowledge about Ukraine, who will share the truth about Ukraine and its history, uphold the good name of Ukraine and Ukrainians worldwide, and contribute to the Ukrainian community in Canada.

Over more than half a century, the Yurii Lypa School and Ukrainian Studies Courses have raised several generations of Ukrainians—conscious of their national identity, academically and politically literate, patriotic, active, and devoted to the Ukrainian cause.