Educational Center for Russian Language and Culture «Tsarskoye Selo»

For over five years, every Sunday morning, the Tsarskoye Selo Educational Center has been opening its doors to students.

Our Programs

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Why Choose Us?

Our weekend Russian language school is the choice for those who value quality, comfort, and results. We don’t just teach the language — we introduce students to Russian culture, traditions, and history, helping them gain a deeper understanding of its unique aspects. By choosing us, you receive quality education, support, and confidence in success!

Experienced Teachers and Convenient Schedule

Our teachers are qualified professionals who use modern teaching methods. They help students of all levels quickly master the language. The flexible format of both in-person and online classes makes it easy to combine learning with your main studies.

Individual Approach and Interactive Methods

Each student receives attention tailored to their level. Personalized programs, games, multimedia, and discussions make the learning process not only effective but also engaging.

Groups for All Levels and Ages

We form small groups based on age and proficiency level. This creates a comfortable environment where every student feels confident and makes progress.

Proven Results

Our students successfully pass GCSE and A-Level exams, improve their language skills, and confidently achieve their goals. We take pride in their accomplishments and help every student unlock their potential.

How Do We Teach?

All teachers at our Center are native Russian-speaking, certified professionals with teaching experience.

Creative approach

Individual approach

Cultural immersion

Interactive learning

Focus on personal development

Want to See Our Educational Center?

We invite you to take a tour of our educational center! Leave your contact information, and we will arrange a convenient time for your visit.

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Our Teachers

School Director

Larisa Crighin
Deputy Head of School

Medeya Pichugina
GCSE, A-Level Teacher

Natasha Moroz
Russian Language and Literature Teacher

Ekaterina Figurnov
GCSE and A-Level Teacher

Nina Ansari
Ballroom Dance Teacher

Marina Litvinenko
Junior Group Teacher

Olga Harrison
Preschool Educator

Anna Gorshkova
Teacher of RFL (Russian as a Foreign Language)

Olga Robertson
Primary School Teacher

Maria Shelukhina
Teacher, Speech Therapist and Defectologist

Irina Anosova

School Director

Larisa Crighin

Education: Higher pedagogical education, over 40 years of experience.
For me, being a director is not just about managing the process, but also about treating each student with love and care. I believe that every child is unique, and it’s important to create an environment where they feel safe, understood, and inspired to achieve new heights in learning the Russian language.
Deputy Head of School

Medeya Pichugina

Education: Higher pedagogical education, over 25 years of experience
My goal is to make the educational process both effective and engaging for every child. I coordinate the work of teachers, develop teaching methods, and ensure that lessons take place in a comfortable and creative environment.
It’s important to me that children not only learn the language but also feel a connection to Russian culture, develop their thinking skills, and gain confidence in themselves.
I am proud of our students and how they grow, discovering new knowledge and opportunities.
GCSE, A-Level Teacher

Natasha Moroz

Education: PhD in Art History, journalist, and educator.

Being a teacher is not just about delivering knowledge—it’s about shaping individuals. I believe that education should nurture critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to express ideas in a rich and meaningful way.
A true teacher possesses patience, flexibility, and a genuine love for children. Every lesson is unique, and every student deserves a personal approach. It’s essential to create an environment where learning is a joy, not a duty.
Russian Language and Literature Teacher

Ekaterina Figurnov

Education: Higher Pedagogical Education
I help bilingual teenagers master the Russian language, teaching them not just to memorize rules, but to understand the language through literature, history, and culture. I constantly develop new methods and materials.
This year, I’m also teaching younger students, exploring various aspects of the natural world in Russian. It’s important to me that lessons are engaging, students work as a team, and make real discoveries along the way!
GCSE and A-Level Teacher

Nina Ansari

Education: Higher Education
Preparing students for the GCSE Russian exam is more than just teaching — it’s a journey toward confidence and success.

Each lesson is a step toward a deeper understanding of the language, fluent communication, and self-assurance. I believe that successful exam preparation involves not only grammar and vocabulary, but also interest in culture, history, and literature.

In my classes, we read, discuss, write, and speak on a wide range of topics. I strive to create a supportive and engaging atmosphere so that every student feels confident during the exam and proud of their knowledge.

After all, exam success isn’t a coincidence — it’s the result of hard work and belief in yourself!
Ballroom Dance Teacher

Marina Litvinenko

Education: Higher Education

Dancing is not just about learning steps and movements — it’s a whole philosophy! For children, it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect movement with music, where every nuance of sound has its own expression. And when it comes to Ballroom Dance, partner work also teaches the principles of etiquette.

Preparing dance routines for school celebrations is a great motivation for our classes and brings joy and inspiration to every student.
Junior Group Teacher

Olga Harrison

Education: Higher Pedagogical Education
Teaching young children means building their very first bridges to knowledge, introducing them to the wonderful world of words, colors, and sounds.

In every question they ask lies genuine curiosity, and in every game — a small discovery. I believe that at this age, learning should be joyful and engaging. Through play and creativity, children explore the world, learn to communicate, and express their thoughts.

In my classes, we sing, draw, read, play, and laugh. Together, we create an atmosphere where learning is a joy and knowledge becomes an exciting adventure.
Preschool Educator

Anna Gorshkova

For me, the most important thing is respect and love for every child. I believe that education is not just about knowledge, but also about building confidence that grows every day. My goal is to help each child unlock their potential and become self-assured.

Every child is unique, and I strive to create an environment where they feel comfortable and heard. We learn, laugh, and grow together.
Teacher of RFL (Russian as a Foreign Language)

Olga Robertson

Education: Higher pedagogical education
Teaching Russian as a foreign language is a bridge between cultures, connecting parents and grandparents through language.

Make the most of childhood years! Their sincerity, curiosity, and ability to play are the fuel for learning. Play is the best way to absorb knowledge. What comes with emotions stays for a long time.

In my lessons, we play, sing, read, write, and laugh — learning with joy and pleasure. I am happy to be a part of their journey to knowledge!
Primary School Teacher

Maria Shelukhina

Education: Higher Pedagogical Degree
I love working with children because they fill every day with sincerity, joy, and curiosity. Their ability to marvel at the world around them, find happiness in small things, and discover new things inspires me and reminds us adults how important it is to keep a lively interest in life. In their eyes, there is a reflection of purity, sincerity, and the desire to learn, and it is important for me to be by their side, supporting them and helping to unlock their potential.
Teacher, Speech Therapist and Defectologist

Irina Anosova

Education: Higher Pedagogical Degree
The profession of a speech therapist is a meaningful and noble work focused on developing speech and supporting children in overcoming speech difficulties.

My attitude towards children plays a key role in successful work. Empathy and genuine interest help establish a trusting relationship and motivate the child to grow.

I believe that learning should be engaging and inspiring. With support and attention, the child gains confidence, turning the speech correction process into an exciting and enriching journey.

Success Stories
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Regina Karimova

Parent of a Student

This is simply a wonderful school with kind and caring teachers who find an approach to every child. The school program is excellent, and there are additional clubs for every age and interest.

We joined the school two and a half years ago, and since then both the school and all the teachers have become like family to us. The school principal, Larisa Krygina, has managed to select truly exceptional teachers and create an incredibly warm, family-like atmosphere at the school.

My goal was for my child to understand and speak Russian. After two and a half years, he is already reading syllables and writing. Just yesterday, he sent a message to his grandmother on WhatsApp by himself. Isn’t that happiness!

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Elena

Parent of a Student

A wonderful school with excellent teachers who have a unique approach to teaching each child! The children are taught not only to speak and read Russian but also about Russian culture and literature. In addition to regular classes, kids have the opportunity to attend various extracurricular activities, and the school organizes celebrations, performances, and fairs for the children.

My 7-year-old daughter really enjoys attending classes. She has started speaking Russian and has made many new friends at school! I highly recommend it!

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Anastasia Kulinkina

Mother of Two Students

I don’t usually write reviews, but this is a special case! My two children have been attending the Russian weekend school “Tsarskoye Selo” since its founding—and they still do. The school director, Larisa Krygina, has extensive experience in children’s education, carefully selects teachers and staff, and closely monitors students’ progress to maintain the high educational standards the school offers.

The professional and friendly teaching team creates a warm atmosphere where children find it easy and enjoyable to learn. An excellent school—I highly recommend it!

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Anna Kuznetsova

Mother of Two Students

I don’t usually write reviews, but this is a special case! My two children have been attending the Russian weekend school “Tsarskoye Selo” since its founding—and they still do. The school director, Larisa Krygina, has extensive experience in children’s education, carefully selects teachers and staff, and closely monitors students’ progress to maintain the high educational standards the school offers.

The professional and friendly teaching team creates a warm atmosphere where children find it easy and enjoyable to learn. An excellent school—I highly recommend it!

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Erika

Calvin ‘s mum

My son joined Russian Education Centre “Tsarskoye Selo”since January . He absolutely loves it . Friendly teacher and staffs . Very welcome and helpful information to support his learning . There are plenty of enjoyable activities and learning resources. The teacher is very professional and also make sure looking after all pupils’ need . He already had an experienced performance with peers and having a lovely friendship at Sunday school .
I appreciate all supports from school and recommend this educational Centre .

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The Rozar Family

Parents of a student

Thank you so much for your hard work, kindness, and wisdom. We are grateful that you always find the right words and explain even difficult material in a clear and accessible way.
It’s impossible to express how much we admire your talent, experience, and professionalism. Thank you for giving children confidence in themselves and their abilities!

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The Machula Family

Parents of two students

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the school for nurturing in our children a genuine interest in their native language, literature, and culture. The lessons are truly engaging and inspire a creative approach to learning.
Our children attend school with great enthusiasm, largely thanks to the wonderful teachers. Thank you for your hard work — it may not be easy, but it is truly meaningful!

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Nadezhda Yaroshenko

Mother of two students

Our older son has been attending Tsarskoye Selo School since 2017, and our younger son joined in 2021. Both began their studies at the age of three. It was important to us that our children speak, read, and write in Russian fluently — and this would have been difficult to achieve without formal education.

All these years, our children have happily gone to school, where they not only gained knowledge but also developed in many different areas. They enthusiastically took part in extracurricular activities such as math, chess, dance, drawing, and piano.

We’d especially like to highlight the school events, which are organized with great warmth — New Year celebrations, Women’s Day on March 8, theatrical performances. These events bring together children, parents, and teachers, creating a truly warm and friendly atmosphere.

We confidently recommend Tsarskoye Selo to all Russian-speaking families who want to preserve and develop their children’s native language!

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to enroll in the school?

You can enroll in our school at any time during the academic year. If there are no available spots for the upcoming school day, we will add your child to the waiting list and invite you as soon as a place becomes available. We regularly open new classes as we enroll more students, so the wait is usually short. However, to guarantee a place, we recommend registering in advance—especially a year before classes begin. This helps us organize classes and prepare teaching materials. If your child is under 3 years old, we invite you to join our playgroup "Malyshariki." This will help your child adapt smoothly and transition to classroom learning after turning three.

At what age is it best to take the GCSE and A-Level Russian exams?

We recommend taking the exams in the following school years: ✔ GCSE Russian — Year 10. ✔ A-Level Russian — Year 12.

Why is this important?

The exam format requires not only excellent language skills but also the candidate’s maturity. Early exam experience helps prepare for major exams: • GCSEs in other subjects (Year 11). • University applications (Year 13) with completed A-Levels. Some universities do not accept GCSE or A-Level results taken too early.

How do we help with preparation?

✔ Certified professional teachers accredited by the Pearson examination board. ✔ Consistent preparation and regular updates for parents. ✔ Mock exams to identify weak areas and improve results.

Is it possible to have extra lessons with a teacher via Zoom?

Yes! We offer online lessons in additional subjects not included in the core school program: ✔ Russian as a Foreign Language (for adults). ✔ English (for children and adults). ✔ Mathematics. These lessons are one-on-one, allowing a tailored approach to each student’s needs.

If a child misses a lesson, is a refund possible?

Unfortunately, payments for missed lessons are non-refundable, as tuition is paid for the entire semester. However, if a child misses a lesson: ✔ Homework will be sent via email. ✔ The teacher can provide a consultation if needed to help the student catch up.

How is the adaptation process for new students handled?

We pay special attention to helping new students adapt. The first lessons focus on getting to know classmates, the teacher, and the lesson format. Teachers foster a friendly and comfortable atmosphere so the child feels confident. If necessary, we provide parents with additional recommendations to speed up adaptation and make it as smooth as possible.

What should be done if a child is struggling with their studies?

If a child faces difficulties mastering the material, we recommend discussing the situation with the teacher. Our school follows an individual approach and is ready to: ✔ Provide extra materials. ✔ Arrange after-school consultations. ✔ Review the study plan to accommodate the child’s needs. Our goal is to help every student succeed at their own comfortable pace.

Can a student change groups or levels if the material is too difficult or too easy?

Yes, changes in group or level are possible if needed. If the teacher and administration notice that a student is struggling or, conversely, progressing faster than peers, we will suggest transferring to a group with a more suitable level to ensure the most effective learning.

How does the school support children for whom Russian is not their first language?

For children who do not speak Russian as their primary language, we offer an adapted Russian as a Foreign Language (RFL) program. ✔ Teachers use special methods focused on gradual language acquisition. ✔ A supportive classroom environment helps children feel confident. ✔ Individual or additional lessons are available if needed to accelerate language mastery. Your child’s confidence and success are our top priorities!

How is a child’s progress assessed?

Each student’s progress is evaluated through: ✔ Ongoing class assignments. ✔ Quizzes and tests. ✔ Oral responses and participation in discussions. Teachers provide feedback after every lesson and conduct final evaluations at the end of each term. Parents can receive progress updates during individual consultations. Are there homework assignments and how much? Yes, homework is an important part of the learning process. It helps reinforce material and develop independence. The workload depends on age and skill level: ✔ Younger students receive short assignments (10–20 minutes). ✔ Older students have more extensive, but manageable, homework (up to 1 hour). All assignments are designed so children can complete them without undue stress.

What materials and textbooks are used?

We use modern textbooks adapted to the student’s age and level of Russian proficiency.

How can parents contact teachers if they have questions about the learning process?

Parents can reach teachers in several ways: 1️⃣ By email — teacher contact info is provided at the start of the year. 2️⃣ Through school administration — messages will be forwarded to the teacher. 3️⃣ At parent-teacher meetings — where you can discuss your child’s progress in person. 4️⃣ During extra consultations — the teacher can arrange additional meetings or calls. We aim for open communication with parents to create comfortable learning conditions for your children. In our teaching process, we use: ✔ Printed textbooks and workbooks. ✔ Interactive materials, presentations, and videos. ✔ Additional resources (literature, flashcards, and games). Students also have access to electronic learning materials for home study.

Are there extracurricular activities (competitions, celebrations, trips)?

Yes! Our school regularly organizes extracurricular events that help children better experience Russian language and culture. 📌 Competitions: literary quizzes, creative contests. 📌 Celebrations: themed events dedicated to Russian traditions (Maslenitsa, New Year, International Women’s Day, etc.). 📌 Trips: excursions, visits to museums and cultural events. These activities make learning more engaging and enjoyable, helping children connect with Russian culture and history.