Schools and kindergartens in Yerevan: a guide for families with children

How do schools and kindergartens in Yerevan work for a relocating family?

In short: the choice in the city is wide, with public and private kindergartens and schools, and Russian-language and international programmes. Public kindergartens are inexpensive and tied to districts; the main language is Armenian, which is usually a plus for small children because they pick up the language quickly and naturally. The downside is waiting lists and limited places in popular districts, so register early. Private kindergartens offer smaller groups, a broader programme and sometimes a bilingual approach; some have a Russian-speaking environment or an international focus, which is convenient during adaptation, but they cost noticeably more. When choosing, look at the language of the environment, proximity to home, opening hours and parents' reviews. School is a more serious choice, because the programme, the language of instruction and future university prospects all matter. Public schools are free and teach in Armenian; for older children a bilingual environment is worth considering.

For a family with children, education is often more important than floor space or the view from the window. Yerevan offers a fairly wide choice: public and private schools, Russian-language and international programmes, many kindergartens and a well-developed range of extracurricular activities. Here is how it all works and what newcomers should look at.

Kindergartens

Pre-school education in Yerevan is divided into public (municipal) and private kindergartens.

Public kindergartens

• Affordable and tied to districts.
• The main language is Armenian, which is often a plus for small children: they pick up the language quickly and naturally.
• There may be waiting lists and limited places, especially in popular districts, so register in advance.

Private kindergartens

• More flexibility: smaller groups, a broader programme, sometimes a bilingual approach (Armenian plus Russian or English).
• Some have a Russian-speaking environment or an international focus, which helps during adaptation.
• They cost noticeably more than public ones, but the service is different: meals, clubs, extended hours.

When choosing a kindergarten, look at the language of the environment, proximity to home, opening hours and parents' reviews. For very young children the language barrier is usually not a problem; for older children a transitional bilingual environment is worth considering.

Schools

School is a more serious choice, because the programme, the language of instruction and the long-term perspective (certificate, university admission) all matter.

Public schools

• Education is free, and the language is Armenian.
• There are schools with in-depth language teaching. For a child without Armenian it will be hard at first, but children adapt quickly.
• Enrolment is often linked to the district of residence.

Private schools

• Smaller classes, modern programmes, more attention to languages and extracurricular activities.
• Tuition fees are significant and vary greatly between schools.

Russian-language and international schools

This is a key category for many newcomers.

• Russian-language schools and classes. Russian-language education has strong traditions in Yerevan, and there are schools and separate classes taught in Russian. This is a smooth option for children continuing a Russian-language programme.
• International schools. Programmes in English (including internationally recognized formats), a multilingual environment and a focus on later admission abroad. The most expensive segment, with limited places, so plan admission in advance.

Languages of instruction

Language is the central question when choosing a school.

• Armenian is the path to full integration; it is best if the family plans to stay long and the children are young.
• Russian gives comfortable continuity of the programme and less stress during the move.
• English or international programmes give flexibility and mobility if further moves are possible.

A sensible compromise is often a bilingual environment where the child keeps their main language and gradually learns Armenian.

Enrolment and waiting lists

Specific rules and enrolment dates change, so check current information directly with the chosen institution. General guidelines:

• For popular kindergartens and schools (especially private and international ones), apply in advance: places are limited.
• You may need the child's documents, medical certificates and proof of address; foreigners need legalized documents on previous schooling.
• Some schools hold interviews or tests for admission, especially for middle and upper grades.

Do not put it off: the question of a school place is sometimes settled before the question of renting an apartment.

How education affects the choice of district

For a family, the school and kindergarten often determine where to live.

• Public institutions are tied to districts: if you are counting on them, choose housing close to a specific school.
• Private and international schools may be located in particular parts of the city; the child's daily commute is an important factor, especially with morning traffic.
• Assess a walking or short transport route to the school: it affects both the child's workload and your routine.
• Consider the surroundings: clubs, parks and safe courtyards.

Many relocating families first choose the school or kindergarten and only then the district and apartment, not the other way round. Families most often choose Arabkir, Davtashen and Avan: see the districts of Yerevan and the best districts of Yerevan.

Extracurricular activities

Yerevan is strong in extracurricular development, a big plus for children.

• Music. Strong traditions of music education: schools, private teachers and a wide choice of instruments.
• Sport. Swimming, gymnastics, martial arts, football and chess (chess in Armenia is almost a cult and is even part of the school curriculum).
• Arts and IT. Art studios, robotics, programming, language courses and modern education centres.

Extra activities are also a great way for a child to adapt faster and make friends.

A short checklist

• The language of instruction and how it fits your plans (stay or move on).
• Reputation and parents' reviews, not just the institution's website.
• The distance and convenience of the daily commute.
• Available places and enrolment dates.
• Extra costs: meals, uniform, clubs, after-school care.
• The atmosphere: if possible, go to an open day and talk to the teachers in person.

Education in Yerevan lets you put together a convenient setup for almost any need, from full integration into the Armenian environment to an international programme. The main thing is to start early and, where possible, to tie your choice of housing to the choice of school rather than the other way round.

Browse family apartments: family-friendly rentals in Malatia-Sebastia, new builds for rent in Arabkir and new builds for rent in Davtashen, or send a request through apartment search.

Frequently asked questions

Are there Russian-language schools in Yerevan?
Yes, Yerevan has schools and separate classes taught in Russian, and Russian-language education has strong traditions here. This is a smooth option for children continuing a Russian-language programme.

What documents are needed to enrol a child in a school in Yerevan?
You may need the child's documents, medical certificates and proof of address; foreigners need legalized documents on previous schooling. Some schools hold an interview or a test, especially for middle and upper grades.

Is it hard to get into an international school in Yerevan?
Yes, places are limited, so plan admission in advance. International schools with English programmes are the most expensive segment and focus on later admission abroad.

What clubs and activities are there for children in Yerevan?
The choice is wide: music, swimming, gymnastics, martial arts, football and chess, as well as art studios, robotics, programming and language courses. In Armenia, chess is even part of the school curriculum.

Should I choose an apartment in Yerevan close to a school?
Yes, many families first choose a school or kindergarten and then the district and apartment around it. Public institutions are tied to districts, and the commute to a private school with morning traffic greatly affects a child's routine.