This year, about 14,700 children will start first grade in Estonia. In total, nearly 160,000 pupils attend schools across the country. Vocational education has over 26,000 students, and there are more than 47,000 university students.
In Tallinn, about 45,700 pupils are studying. Around 3,600 children will enter first grade. The exact numbers will be clear by September 10. Tallinn has 60 schools and one vocational school. Kindergartens serve fewer than 17,000 children. There are 115 kindergartens in the city.
Märjamaa municipality received the School Peace title, meaning their schools are friendly and safe. Six schools work together to keep the schools in good condition.
Education Minister Kristina Kallas said that September 1 is a special day. Many people start something new—children go to school, and teachers begin their work. Parents discover they don’t remember everything they learned in school.
The minister noted that computers know a lot today, but human thinking remains very important. It’s essential to think independently, even when machines make mistakes. Understanding others is also crucial. The minister wishes for learning with curiosity and even a bit of bold thinking.
For teachers, the minister wishes creativity and patience. Sometimes the best lessons happen when the classroom takes a different path.