In the traditional (folklore) culture so-called initiation rites play an important role. They regulate the life of people and nature, ensure their correct transition from one state to another. The initiation rites from childhood to adolescence and further to adulthood occupy a special place among the Slavic rites. They are connected with a number of actions: a change in the initiate’s appearance, clothes, behavior, which are also accompanied by a series of tests. According to the authors of the article, some of them can be successfully used in the sociocultural practice of modern educational institutions. The article focuses on possible usage of basics of traditional (folklore) initiation rites in youth culture. The authors analyze the experience of one of the outstanding schools in the Republic of Mari El – Humanitarian Gymnasium “Blue Bird” named after T. Ishtrikova – and come to the conclusion that while conducting extracurricular activities connected with students’ transition to the next age group and educational level, educators of the gymnasium use some traditional forms. The latter is possible due to serious research and application of high achievements of modern science. The following school events are represented in the context of the traditional initia-tion rites: the initiation to the students of “Blue Bird” Gymnasium; the Blue Bird and the Knight of the Blue Bird choice; the last bell; school proms in the 4th, 9th, 11th grades; check of students’ skills and abilities during the events dedicated to the celebration of February 23rd and March 8th; competitions “Mr. Gymnasium”, “Miss Gymnasium”, “Talents of the Gymnasium”, as well as discos and weeks of self-government.