Our school follows a structured Ukrainian Studies program and is a member of the Ukrainian Educational Council of the USA — the national organization of Ukrainian Saturday schools that supports and develops heritage education across the country.
Founded in 1953 by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), the Educational Council continues to uphold high standards of Ukrainian education abroad. Our school is an officially recognized educational center by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, allowing students to receive credit for completed subjects at schools in the United States.
The mission of our School of Ukrainian Studies is to create a warm, welcoming, and meaningful environment for learning the Ukrainian language — one that helps our children grow with a deep connection to their roots and pride in their cultural heritage.
We believe that learning a language is a powerful way to develop empathy, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Language is not only a bridge to Ukrainian culture, but also a key to the world of art, history, poetry, and music.
Research has repeatedly demonstrated the benefits of language learning, including improved memory and concentration, stronger critical-thinking skills, and a greater ability to learn additional languages and recognize musical patterns.
We combine all these benefits with vibrant cultural traditions, joyful celebrations, and strong friendships, creating such an engaging and meaningful experience that children look forward to returning to school year after year.
We are proud that our School of Ukrainian Studies bears the name of Olena Pchilka — the mother of Lesya Ukrainka and an outstanding Ukrainian writer, educator, ethnographer, and cultural figure whose work continues to inspire generations. Olena Pchilka dedicated her life to preserving the Ukrainian language, culture, and identity, especially at a time when they were under threat. She believed that children should grow up loving their heritage, speaking their native language with pride, and surrounded by their traditions.
A pioneer of Ukrainian children’s literature, Olena Pchilka wrote poems and stories that sparked curiosity and joy in young readers. She edited Moloda Ukraina, one of the first Ukrainian-language children’s magazines, and worked tirelessly to ensure that Ukrainian children had access to books, ideas, and knowledge in their native language. We are honored to continue Olena Pchilka’s legacy at our Ukrainian School in the Southeastern United States.
We combine high-quality education, modern teaching methods, and Ukrainian traditions to create an environment where children learn, grow, and stay connected to their roots. We help every student confidently master the Ukrainian language, discover the culture and history of Ukraine, develop their individual abilities, and feel part of the Ukrainian community.
Learning at Ridna Shkola Charlotte goes beyond vocabulary. Students explore Ukrainian literature, history, traditions, music, and folklore, building a deeper connection to their identity and heritage. This cultural foundation strengthens self-confidence, community connections, and a lifelong curiosity for learning while encouraging students to understand, appreciate, and proudly share their Ukrainian cultural heritage.
We create a welcoming environment where children and families can learn and speak Ukrainian, keeping the language alive from generation to generation. Our curriculum celebrates Ukrainian traditions, history, and cultural values, helping students grow with confidence and pride in their roots while developing a meaningful connection to their heritage and the wider Ukrainian-American community.
We are a weekly gathering place for Ukrainian families and friends — not only for classes, but also for connection, celebrations, and shared traditions. Our school supports families in building a strong cultural identity by preserving the Ukrainian language, values, and sense of belonging while strengthening meaningful connections across generations.
As part of the long-standing tradition of Ukrainian Saturday schools in the United States, Ridna Shkola Charlotte combines time-tested educational practices with modern approaches. We give students a strong foundation in Ukrainian language and culture while helping them preserve their identity, build confidence, and develop a lasting connection to their roots as they prepare for today's global world.
