In recent years, the education system in Estonia has seen a significant influx of Ukrainian students, leading to the establishment of schools specifically catering to their needs. One such school, Räägu kool in Tallinn, has been providing education in the Ukrainian language to Ukrainian pupils. However, changes are on the horizon as the school will not be opening a first-grade class this year and is expected to cease operations within a few years, according to one of the capital’s deputy mayors.
The number of Ukrainian children attending both Estonian schools and the Ukrainian online school simultaneously has also decreased significantly. In May, nearly 9,000 Ukrainian children were enrolled in Estonian schools, with a majority in pre-primary and basic education. However, the trend of forming separate classes for Ukrainian pupils in larger cities is set to decline, as schools believe that students are now ready to integrate into Estonian or Russian-language classes.
Hele Liiv-Tellmann, chief expert at the Ministry of Education and Research’s general education department, highlighted the shift in perception among Ukrainian families towards acquiring a local education. This change is reflected in the decreasing number of students attending Ukrainian online school alongside Estonian schools. The online learning landscape in Ukraine has also evolved, focusing more on teaching the native language and culture rather than providing a full curriculum online.
While schools in Estonia will still offer additional Estonian language instruction to Ukrainian children, separate funding for Ukrainian students will no longer be provided this year. The adjustment support available in previous years is no longer in use, signaling a transition towards Estonian-language education for Ukrainian pupils.
Räägu kool and Vabaduse kool are two schools in Estonia specifically focused on Ukrainian students. Räägu kool, operating under the Lilleküla state high school organization, will not open a first-grade class this academic year, redirecting new Ukrainian pupils to schools in their residential areas. Deputy Mayor of Tallinn Aleksei Jašin mentioned that the future of Räägu kool is uncertain, with discussions ongoing about its eventual closure in the coming years.
Vabaduse kool, under the Tõnismäe state high school umbrella, has seen a rise in Estonian-language elective subjects for the new school year. School principal Olga Selištševa highlighted the school’s commitment to providing education in both Estonian and Ukrainian, with plans to increase Estonian language hours at the high school level. The long-term future of Vabaduse kool remains open, with discussions about potentially creating an international department to accommodate students from various countries.
As both Räägu kool and Vabaduse kool gradually transition into Estonian language-only education, Ukrainian-language tuition will diminish year-on-year. The schools aim to provide a supportive environment for Ukrainian students while integrating them into Estonian society. The evolving landscape of education for Ukrainian pupils in Estonia reflects a broader shift towards multiculturalism and inclusivity in the country’s education system.