In the city of Parma, Ohio, there are three Ukrainian schools. The oldest of them, the Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies, marked its centennial anniversary. This institution, where children learn the language, history, and culture of Ukraine, serves as a hub for the Ukrainian community that has settled in the Cleveland suburbs.
"The history of the Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies is closely tied to the life of St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral parish, which was founded in 1924," explains the school director, Halyna Yarema. "The first school lessons were organized by Anton Stangrychuk, a cantor at the time, and were held every Sunday at the Ukrainian National Home in Cleveland’s historic Tremont district. Later, classes moved to the newly built church basement. Children attended lessons three times a week, studying Ukrainian language, literature, history, geography, and folk singing. After World War II, the parish saw an increasing influx of Ukrainian immigrants, who mainly settled in Cleveland's outskirts, particularly in Parma. Consequently, the church decided to build a new temple in the city. A building on the church grounds eventually became the home of the Ukrainian studies school.
In September 2024, the school welcomed a record number of students—262 in total. Children attend from preschool through 11th grade, taking classes every Saturday in Ukrainian language, literature, geography, history, culture, and Christian ethics. The curriculum is developed by the School Board of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, based in New York City.
"Our teaching staff comprises 25 experienced and creative teachers who immigrated to the U.S. from Ukraine during different waves," Halyna shares. "Each year, we participate in the All-American Teachers' Conference. This year, it was held at our school. We work closely with students' parents to organize engaging and educational extracurricular activities, such as thematic workshops and concerts. The driving force behind these events is the deputy director of the elementary school, Liubov Dovzhanska."
The school features a parish library with a special focus on children's literature. Students frequently visit, explore books, and enjoy spending their free time there.
"For a century, we have instilled a love and respect for Ukraine in our students, providing them with a solid foundation of knowledge that will serve them well in the future," Halyna emphasizes. "Many of our graduates have pursued international careers and now work in organizations supporting Ukrainians. Since the start of the full-scale war, the school has actively supported Ukraine through charitable events. Two years ago, during the St. Nicholas Day celebration, we held a 'Kindness Vernissage.' All proceeds were donated to orphanages relocated from the Kharkiv region to Vorokhta, Ivano-Frankivsk region. To support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the teachers' ensemble 'Namysto,' led by our music teachers Lesia Shufliada and Marianna Dorosh, performs carols each year. The funds raised were used to purchase a vehicle for the military. Students also create drawings to send to soldiers on the front lines, letting them know how much we value and pray for their victory from across the ocean."
The Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies actively participates in the life of Parma's Ukrainian community, joining events such as Shevchenko Days, the Independence Day Parade, and Mother’s Day celebrations. Together with students and parents, the school honors the Heroes of the Maidan, the Russo-Ukrainian War, and the victims of the Holodomor. A Holodomor memorial room, created through the efforts of deputy director and history teacher Anna Messerli, features a photo gallery on the genocide of Ukrainians in 1932–1933 and during the Russo-Ukrainian War.
"We do more than teach children to speak and write in Ukrainian. We teach them to cherish the treasures handed down from their ancestors," Halyna notes. "Children need to understand the richness of Ukrainian culture, traditions, and art. We remind them of their Ukrainian roots, which they should be proud of. It’s no surprise that when a Ukrainian family moves to the United States, their first interest is often in the Ukrainian school. For them, it serves as a spiritual bridge to their homeland."
Author: Mariya Ilyk-Bezkorovayna