As stated by law, all children in Estonia who turn seven years old by the 1st of October (at the latest) are obliged to attend school until they complete basic education (at 9th grade) or until they turn 17.

Children must generally study with their same-aged peers. However, a child can be placed in the year above or below for a valid reason and in cooperation with the parent.

The main prerequisite is a residence entry in the Population Register. According to the place of residence, a child is assigned a primary school that is obliged to accept children from its region. However, it is possible to choose another school if vacancies are available.

A parent can also choose a private school for the child.

In state and municipal schools, education, according to the national curriculum, is free. However, schools have the right to charge an additional fee for catering, interest groups and extracurricular activities.

Study materials are free, but the parent must ensure the pupil has their own writing materials, art supplies, sports clothes, etc. The specific school can provide a list of necessary items.

Private schools generally have a tuition fee.

All schools teach according to the national curriculum. Therefore, it does not matter whether the student studies in a state, municipal or private school. However, each school prepares its own school curriculum according to the national curriculum, in which it outlines the special features of its school.

At the end of elementary school, all students have to take three final exams: in Estonian (or Estonian as a second language), in mathematics, and in one self-selected subject.

In Estonia, it is possible to study according to the IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum or the EB (European Baccalaureate) curriculum in some schools.

In Estonia, the language of instruction for IB programs is English. The IB curriculum can be studied in Tallinn (Estonian International School, Tallinn English College, Tallinn International School) and in Tartu (Miina Härma Gymnasium and Tartu International School).

One school in Estonia offers the EB curriculum — Tallinn European School, where instruction is available in English and French.

You can find more information on the website of the Ministry of Education and Research.

In Estonian schools, the language of study is generally Estonian. Currently, there are also Russian-language general education schools, but, by 2030, Estonian will be the language of instruction in all general education schools. The transition to Estonian-language education will take place every year in the 1st and 4th grades starting in the autumn of 2024. Read more about the transition to Estonian-language education.

Seven schools in Tallinn and Tartu also offer the internationally recognised IB study programme in English. Schools that offer IB education are mainly private schools where tuition fees are paid. It is also possible to study in English and French at the European School, which is a tuition fee school.

On the basis of international agreements, the Tallinn German High School and Kadrioru German High School operate in Estonia with in-depth study of the German language, as well as the Tallinn Finnish School, which follows the Finnish curriculum. Tallinn German High School and Kadrioru German High School are municipal schools where education is free. Tallinn Finnish School operates as a private school in which tuition is paid.

If the school has at least ten students of the same nationality, the school, if possible, organizes the students' native language and culture training as an optional subject for at least two lessons a week.

If there are less than ten students of the same nationality in a school, an opportunity for language and cultural studies is found in cooperation with the local government. For example, you can learn your national language and national culture in courses organized by national cultural societies.

If the student's national language is among the A or B foreign languages taught at the school, the school with Estonian language of instruction allows the student to learn the national language as an A foreign language.

Read more about ethnic minority Sunday schools and how to prepare your child to cope with Estonian language. Please keep in mind that these references are in Estonian language and use web browser based translator options.

All children have the right and opportunity to get an education, regardless of their disability. In general, children with disabilities are taught in a regular class, and, if necessary, in a special educational institution. Children with special educational needs are provided with necessary support services in both regular and special educational schools. In many schools, social workers, psychologists and speech therapists work as support specialists.

Special educational schools are created for children with speech, hearing, visual, movement and intellectual disabilities, as well as for students with mental disorders.

The right to be homeschooled for health reasons is from 1st to 9th grade (for those whose physical health does not allow them to attend school). Home education is assigned to a child in case of a severe chronic somatic illness or severe functional disorder and disability.

Parents can contact both schools and the local education department or authority with questions related to the education of disabled children.

The school year starts on September 1st and ends in the second week of June. There are a total of 175 study days in the academic year.

The school year consists of either academic quarters, trimesters or two academic semesters, depending on the choice of the school. School holidays are generally at the same times in all schools — an autumn break in October, a Christmas break in December and January, a winter break in February, and a spring break in April. However, some schools may set break times that differ from the general rule. You can find detailed information about breaks on the school's website or by asking your child's teacher.

Kindergarten attendance is not mandatory in Estonia, but most children aged 1.5 to 7 participate in kindergarten before starting school. If a parent expresses a desire to enrol their child in kindergarten, local governments are obliged to provide a place in their area for all those who wish to attend. To secure a place in kindergarten, you should contact the local municipality.

For a child under 4 years old, a parent can apply to the local municipality for a place in childcare instead of kindergarten.

The local municipality may determine the parent's participation fee, which must not exceed 20% of the minimum wage, up to 145 eur per month.

Parents are also required to pay for their child's kindergarten meals. The exact amounts depend on the specific kindergarten and the child's age.

AAfter completing the 9th grade, which is the end of basic school, one can continue their education either in a high school (gymnasium) or a vocational school. In both cases, it is possible to obtain secondary education, and at vocational school, one can also acquire vocational skills. Generally, studies at the secondary education level last for three years.

Admission to high school is typically based on the average grades from basic school and the results of school-organised tests. At high school, students can choose their preferred study direction — in addition to mandatory subjects, there is a significant amount of elective courses. At the end of high school, students must pass three national exams and exams determined by the school.

Completion of basic education is a prerequisite to enrolling in vocational school. In some fields, it is possible to study without completing basic education. Studies in vocational school conclude with a vocational or professional final exam.

If a student is unsure about where to continue their studies after basic school, they can choose a vocational guidance year offered by several vocational schools. This allows them to explore a suitable profession and study opportunities during one academic year.

Information about acquiring higher education can be found on the website of the Ministry of Education and Research.