Tallinn Art School has informed parents that the monthly fee will increase from 60 euros to 70 euros starting September 1.
The Tondiraba and Nõmme extracurricular schools are also raising prices. The Tondiraba music club will cost 59 euros per month from the autumn, while the Nõmme art club will cost 35 euros.
Kaarel Rundu, head of Tallinn's Education Department, said that the cost of living is rising and this affects all schools. Other extracurricular schools are reviewing their prices.
In music schools, the monthly fee is already high, for example, 90 euros per month in Tallinn and Nõmme music schools. In addition, parents pay 10 euros for instrument rental.
There are several reasons for the price increase at the art school. Teaching materials and supplies have become more expensive. Teachers' salaries and the national minimum wage have increased.
In Tartu, the city owns three extracurricular schools: an art school and two music schools. Prices will also rise there. The monthly fee at the art school will increase from 45 to 50 euros, and at music schools from 65 to 70 euros.
Mari-Ann Saluste, head of Tartu City Government's Youth Department, said that costs have increased. Personnel, energy, and operational costs have all risen. The price increase is necessary to maintain service quality.
Saluste added that extracurricular schools offer discounts to up to 15 percent of students if their families are low-income. Tartu City supports private extracurricular schools.
In addition to extracurricular schools, general education schools and youth centers also offer free extracurricular activities.
Kaarel Rundu, head of Tallinn's Education Department, said that the city is investing in extracurricular education. In recent years, the art school and music school have been renovated. New facilities have been provided to Mustamäe and Kopli extracurricular schools.
Rundu added that Tallinn is also investing in sports education. Sports clubs are receiving more funding to keep training fees affordable for parents.