Ufa’s top gymnasium draws mixed reviews
In 2025, one of the most prestigious gymnasiums in Bashkiria’s capital, Ufa, turns 165. The institution boasts many well-known alumni — from politicians and scientists to athletes and composers. We examined what memories and reviews of the renowned Ufa Gymnasium No. 3 (Ufimskaya gimnaziya No. 3), which made the list of the best in Russia, people share in online directories.
Ufa Gymnasium No. 3 first opened its doors in 1860 as a school for girls, and five years later was transformed into the Mariinskaya Women’s Gymnasium. The institution is considered one of the leading in Bashkiria (Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia) and holds the status of a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Associated School.
On Yandex, reviewers rated the third gymnasium at 4.2/5, while on 2GIS it received 3.7 on the same scale. The directories are strewn with complaints about fundraising, favoritism, and a condescending attitude toward students and parents.
«Those who pay and give expensive gifts end up among the best,» a user said.
«If there’s no gift, the child is completely ignored,» a Ufa resident complains about a homeroom teacher.
«We paid about 20,000 rubles (about $200 at current rates) from each parent into the class fund, and there are 27 of us!» the author of another review calculated.
The administration itself denies that only “rich kids” can get into the school. Almost two years ago, the gymnasium’s principal, Yulia Vyatkina, told us that the easiest way to get a place is for children living in the school’s catchment area, as well as children of alumni — just like any other school. At the time, we also noted that in the mornings foreign cars with “privileged” plates often pulled up to the educational institution.
However, dissatisfaction is linked not only to what hits the wallet, but also to teaching methods.
«In the elementary grades, students are hammered with failing marks. There’s no tolerance for children; they kill the desire to learn by giving failing grades. It’s necessary to introduce elements of humane pedagogy into instruction,» a user suggests.
There is also plenty of testimony that, despite its status, mutual respect prevails within the school’s walls.
«A very elite institution, yet no one puts on airs,» a Ufa resident says.
«Negative reviews about this gymnasium are untrue! We transferred here from another school. We ended up with a wonderful teacher. We just got lucky. There was a prejudice that only “mazhory” (rich kids) study here and that we’d face endless collections of money (that’s what the reviews say). That’s untrue too. An excellent class, wonderful parents. Contributions to the class fund are very moderate, the atmosphere is friendly. I don’t know what it will be like in middle school, but in elementary we like everything very much. A good school,» another user insists.
«Graduated in 2009. Thanks for the knowledge,» writes Nikita S.
«The school’s renovation is great. Compared with the time when I studied there — it’s worlds apart,» a city resident recalls.
One Ufa school previously found itself in a scandal, after which the principal resigned — all because of a student’s post on TikTok. We found out what people say about that institution.
