In Setomaa, there is the Meremäe school. Last century, it was a secondary school. Now it is a primary school. Currently, there is also a kindergarten there. There are 26 students in nine classes. In the new academic year, two students will start in the first grade.
The director of Setomaa schools, Pille Liblik, says that education up to the sixth grade should be close to home. She hopes that the municipality will make efforts to continue this.
Over the last two years, the number of school entrants in Setomaa has grown. In Peipsiääre municipality, the number of children is uneven. This year, two students will also start at Kolkja school.
The acting director of Kolkja school, Aitel Käpp, says that the school's important role is to show how the Republic of Estonia, laws, and old culture can coexist.
The kindergarten section of Kolkja school will remain empty this year. Peipsiääre municipality does not plan to close the school, but reorganizations may come in the future.
Some schools will start the new academic year without any students. For example, Unipiha primary school in Kambja municipality and Laiuse Jaan Poska primary school in Jõgeva municipality, where renovations are currently underway.
Jõgeva municipality believes that more children will join in the coming years. The mayor, Karro Külanurm, says it is necessary to discuss whether to reduce some school levels.
Several parents say that a local primary school is a value that should be preserved. Parents mention that in a small school, teachers can spend more time with each child.