From this academic year, school lessons usually start at nine o'clock. However, schools can also start earlier as an exception. They do this, for example, when buses leave early or when hobby groups start early.
The Ministry of Education says that the school's or parents' wish is not a sufficient reason for an exception. The school must find a serious reason why lessons start earlier. Schools can decide for themselves when to start. Some start at 8.00, others at 8.30.
In Tartu, half of the schools start lessons at nine o'clock. In others, they start at different times. For example, Mart Reinik School starts lessons at 8.30. Hugo Treffner Gymnasium starts lessons from Tuesday to Friday at 8.15. On Mondays, lessons start at 9.20.
In Tallinn, all schools that wanted to got permission to start lessons earlier. There, lessons start as early as 8.00 in some schools. Some schools asked students and parents when it would be better to start.
In smaller places, like Võru County, all schools start before nine o'clock. There, it is important that school ends at a reasonable time and students can make it to sports or hobby groups.
The Ministry of Education says that the school must justify why it starts lessons earlier. A simple wish is not enough. The school must show, for example, that buses leave early or that space is limited.
Some schools have already been starting at nine o'clock in recent years. Others are only now changing their start times. Schools had time to prepare for the new rules.