Comparing 4 schools side by side in USD.
Tallinn, Estonia. The school is located at Juhkentali 18, 10132 Tallinn, Estonia.
Pre-K through 12 (ages 3–19).
Non-profit international IB World School offering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP).
Special Educational Needs Coordinator; School Psychologist; English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme; Dean of Students; University & Career Pathways Advisement (starting 2025–2026).
Estonia
DP classes begin at 07:55; DP periods run from 08:00 onward with a schedule that includes breaks and a lunch period; PYP day typically starts around 08:35–08:40; MYP follows a similar timetable; end-of-day dismissal ranges from 15:30 to 16:15 depending on level, with after-school activities 15:30–16:15.
There is no formal school uniform. Students dress in a clean, neat, and appropriate manner, with weather-appropriate attire; PYP students should bring rain and snow pants in winter, and Preschool–Grade 5 wear inside shoes.
ISE operates a cafeteria serving hot and cold foods. Breakfast is served free daily from 8:15 to 8:35 am. Students may bring lunches or purchase cafeteria meals; outside food from outside sources is not allowed; the cafeteria provides cost-effective, well-balanced lunch options.
Governed by a parent-elected board; the school is a non-profit organization.
ISE is Tallinn's first IB World School offering the full continuum of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 3 to 19. It provides a personalized, high-quality English-medium education from Pre-K through the 12th grade. The learning approach is inquiry-based and aims to develop critical thinking, empathy and essential life skills. ISE prepares students for the IB Diploma Programme and offers a flexible pathway to graduation. The school emphasizes small classes, highly qualified teachers, and a nurturing, inclusive environment with global accreditations and a strong alumni network.
ISE offers small classes and a nurturing environment with highly qualified and experienced teachers.
ISE graduates have been accepted at respected universities around the world, with destinations across North America, Great Britain, mainland Europe, Australasia, and Estonia. Notable universities include the London School of Art (UK), Université Jean Moulin Lyon (France), University College London (UK), University of Kingston (UK), University of Sterling (UK), University of Connecticut (USA), Hogeschool Utrecht (Netherlands), Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne (Switzerland), and the University of Oxford (UK).
ISE graduates proceed to top universities worldwide, with destinations across North America, Great Britain, mainland Europe, Australasia, and Estonia. Notable universities have included institutions such as University of Oxford, University of Connecticut, University of Aberdeen and University of Southampton among others.
ISE welcomes students aged 3–19. The Admissions Committee reviews each application, considering the applicant's potential to benefit from ISE's IB curriculum (PYP, MYP, DP) or the CIS/NEASC-accredited high school diploma; the school's ability to meet the applicant's educational needs; the applicant's ability to meet academic, attendance, and behavioral expectations; and fulfillment of financial and medical requirements. There is no general admissions test. Documentation must include Confidential Teacher Reference Forms, progress reports from the last two years, Health and Data Form, and evidence of any required educational support. All documents must be submitted in English, as English is the medium of instruction. Further documentation or testing may be requested if necessary.
ISE offers merit- and needs-based scholarships and bursaries. Types of scholarships and bursaries include Scholarships (Master; International Futures) and Bursaries (Innovation Outreach; Unique Needs/Diversity; For Children of Teachers in Estonia). Scholarships are merit-based, with All Scholarship students must maintain a grade of at least 5 in all subjects and meet behavioral and Learner Profile expectations. Bursaries are awarded for reasons other than academic excellence and require a grade of 4 in all subjects and adherence to Learner Profile expectations, unless special educational needs apply. The Master scholarship is merit-based and awarded at the discretion of the Management Board on the proposal of the Scholarship Committee, with the amount determined by the committee and reviewed annually. The International Futures scholarship is merit-based, up to 50% of tuition; eligibility includes the last three years in a school licensed by the Estonian MOE and offering the Estonian National Curriculum, with consideration for Estonian students returning from overseas. The Innovation Outreach bursary is needs-based and offered to children with a parent connected to science and/or technology fields or able to establish partnerships with ISE; a cooperation plan must be presented and the family pays a minimum of 10% of net income per child. The Unique Needs/Diversity bursary is for documented unique needs; For Children of Teachers in Estonia requires at least one parent employed full-time as a teacher for grades 1–12, with concurrent employment during enrollment, a maximum of two children per family, and standard admissions. Access the full ISE Scholarship and Bursary Policy document. ISE Gives Back offers at least 15 competitive scholarships in the 2026–2027 academic year, with successful applicants paying 30% of the regular tuition and capital levy; the scholarship covers 70% of tuition fees (PYP 1–5, MYP 1–5, DP 1–2). More than 50% of ISE students receive some form of tuition discount.
Tallinn English College is located at Estonia pst 10, Tallinn 10148, Estonia. It occupies a building with historical ties to the Commercial Grammar School, and the current facilities were opened in August 1996.
Three school levels: primary school, middle school, and college (secondary school).
Municipal IB World School offering English-language immersion; IB Diploma Programme (DP) active since May 2009; IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) candidate since May 2012.
Estonia
Tallinn English College has a school uniform. Spring ordering period is 01.05–25.06.2023 and autumn ordering period is 01.09–20.09.2023; orders are sent to the parcel machine. Uniforms can be pre-ordered online at koolivorm2.norrison.ee and the e-shop is open year-round.
The school provides food service through its cafeteria. Breakfast is served 7:45–9:00; lunch is served in two windows: 10:50–11:30 and 11:45–12:30. Afterschool meals cost 1.80 EUR per meal, with a 14‑day package priced at 25.20 EUR. Payment for afterschool meals is to Söökla OÜ with the child's name and class noted. A weekly menu is available via the linked Google Drive menu.
The school is governed by the Hoolekogu (Governing Council), which oversees pedagogy and operations with representatives including parents, a Tallinn City representative, alumni, and supporting organizations; The council's chair is Monica Kaukver. The school is associated with a foundation, Tallinna Inglise Kolledži Sihtasutus, which continues the directions of earlier English College foundations; a broader foundation network (Kaasaegse Kooli Sihtasutus) provides additional support.
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for secondary education and began implementing it in September 2009; the school is the first municipal school in Estonia to be granted IB World School status in May 2009. The DP is taught in English, one of the IBO's three formal languages. The DP core comprises an Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS), surrounded by six subject groups: Studies in language and literature, Language acquisition, Individuals and societies, Experimental sciences, Mathematics, and a sixth subject from Group 3 or 4. The DP ends with international exams in all subjects. The school has been a Candidate for the IB Primary Years Programme since May 2012.
The DP curriculum ends with international exams in all subjects.
IB DP graduates are recognised by universities worldwide, including the University of Tartu, Tallinn University, and Tallinn University of Technology.
The IB learner profile is used, including the aspirational qualities: inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, balanced and reflective.
Inclusion Policy is published.
The Primary Years Programme is taught in English.
A psychologist provides help, advice and support on emotional and behavioural issues for TEC students, their parents and school staff. Office hours: Monday–Friday 9 to 14 hs.
Tallinn English College participates in the Free of Bullying program with an action plan.
1. 1st grade PYP IB admission (2026/2027). Admission opens March 6, 2026 at 4 PM via algus.tik.edu.ee. The process has two stages: Stage 1 – Eligibility and Documentation; Stage 2 – Learning Readiness Assessment. Eligibility is defined by ANNEX 1 of the administrative agreement and includes children of foreign nationals whose parent is part of a foreign diplomatic mission or employed under a fixed-term contract in national defense, at a public university, or at an international organization; it also includes children of Estonian citizens whose parent works in national defense or abroad in IB contexts, among other listed categories. Children must turn 7 by October 1, 2026. Submission of documents runs March 6–March 20, 2026 at 4 PM; upload an official confirmation of employment (not an employment contract). All documents are reviewed; families are informed by March 27, 2026 at 4 PM whether they may proceed to the assessment. Stage 2 – Learning Readiness Assessment takes place at the school on April 13, 2026; applicants bring a pencil and eraser; results are published in the admission system using the password provided during registration. Tallinn English College is a citywide admissions school; submitting an Education Department application is required only for parents and students who are not enrolling in a citywide admissions school.
Waitlist / pool system: The school uses a citywide admissions framework with priority for the target group. If places remain after admitting candidates from the target group, registered candidates who would not meet the target group criteria may be invited to participate in the Learning Readiness Assessment to fill vacancies.
The school has a dormitory for boarding. The dormitory provides mattress, blanket, pillow and bed linen, and bed linen is regularly changed. Dorm residents have access to washing machines and dryers, a sauna, and a computer classroom for quiet study. There is no kitchen; the school offers a meal plan.
Catering is provided by Baltic Restaurants Estonia AS. Catering is available in two locations: the lunch restaurant located in the sports centre and the school canteen. To eat in the canteen, students must set up a meal plan and submit meal requests via a form at the start of the month.
Audentese Koolide SA governs Audentes International School.
Audentes International School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) for grades 11-12. The Diploma Programme is a two-year, internationally recognised programme with a core of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). The Diploma Programme curriculum combines a core with six subject groups; students typically take six subjects, usually three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, including a second language from Groups 1 or 2. Audentes provides DP subjects across Groups 1–6, including English A Language and Literature, English B, Estonian A Literature, Russian A Language and Literature, and language acquisition options such as Spanish Ab Initio and German Ab Initio; Group 3 offers Business Management, Economics, History of Europe, and Psychology; Group 4 covers Biology, Chemistry, and Physics; Group 5 covers Mathematics; Group 6 includes Visual Arts. The Diploma Programme is taught in English and is recognised by leading universities.
Audentes graduates have progressed to universities around the world. Destinations include the University of Geneva, University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Technology, The Estonian Academy of Arts, Estonian Business School, University of Kent, Bucks New University, Trinity College Dublin, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Jönköping International Business School, Fordham University, California Polytechnic State University, Humber College, University of Nicosia, and Howest University of Applied Sciences.
Scholarships for outstanding IB candidates may cover a full study fee according to statutes. Pre-IB scholarships are available, and in the past two full scholarships have been awarded to talented students.
Admission is open for the next school year 2025/2026. Students who do not live in Estonia and want to pass entrance tests into Pre-IB or DP1 may register through the IB coordinator to the exams via Teams.
Scholarships for IB students – For outstanding IB candidates there is the possibility of a scholarship equal to one full study fee according to the statutes.
Valukoja 9, Tallinn 11415, Estonia. Ülemiste City is the largest smart-city district in the Baltic states and houses the Tallinn International Airport and a major shopping mall. The campus is easily reachable by public transport, with nearby bus stops and a short walk to Ülemiste Train Station (Ülemiste Jaam). The tram connection to the campus was closed due to Rail Baltica works, with alternative arrangements in place as of 2025.
Ages 3–19; Preschool through Grade 12. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework with Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Preschool–Grade 5, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10, and Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12.
Private international IB World School (Tallinn International School OÜ).
Over 50 nationalities are represented among students and staff, including British, South African, Italian, Maltese, Ukrainian, American, and more.
IST is inclusive and non-selective and provides support for a broad range of needs. The school offers Medical Support, Counselling, and Learning Support, coordinated by a Student Support Coordinator who works with external agencies as needed. Admissions consider students' SEN, with the possibility of general, enhanced, or special support based on resources.
Estonia
The 2025/2026 academic year runs 1 September 2025 to 12 June 2026 (two semesters with breaks). Arrival begins at 08:45 (Homeroom for Grades 6–12); Hour 1 runs 09:00–09:45, Hour 2 09:55–10:40, Hour 3 10:45–11:30; Lunch/Recess 11:30–12:45; Hour 4 11:30–12:15; Hour 5 12:45–13:30; Hour 6 13:40–14:25 (PreSchool–Grade 3 finish then). Aftercare begins at 14:25, Hour 7 14:30–15:15, Hour 8 15:15–16:45 (DP Flex time). Aftercare is available on school days from 14:25 to 18:00 (3.5 hours).
IST is easily accessible by Tallinn public transport. The Valukoja stop is about 100 meters from the campus. Bus lines 15 (Estonia–Sõjamäe), 2 (Balti Jaam–Mõigu), 7 (Seli–Sõjamäe) with a stop at Ülemiste City, 13 (Priisle–Väike-Õismäe), 45 (Väike-Õismäe–Ülemiste City), and 49 (Viimsi–Ülemiste City) serve the area. Elron trains stop at Ülemiste Jaam, a short walk from campus.
IST has a dress code for Grades 1–12; uniforms are supplied by the official supplier, Norrison. Grades 1–8 must wear the uniform top, while Grades 9–12 must wear a top bearing the IST logo; lower-body clothing is black, navy, or dark grey and skirts must be knee-length; outer layers must be royal blue, dark indigo, or white and may display the IST logo; PE clothing has its own guidelines.
Breakfast is served 8:00–9:00 in the canteen; lunch is served 10:45–11:15 for preschool and 11:30–12:45 for Grades 1–12. A private catering company prepares fresh meals daily with vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-free options on request; milk and bread are included and pork has an alternative protein option. Pupils may bring food from home to heat in the canteen; weekly menus are posted on school TVs; meals cost 2.20€ for breakfast, 5.85€ for lunch, and 2.60€ for a snack; meals are not included in tuition.
IST is owned by Mainor Group and was founded in September 2017 as part of Mainor's Ülemiste City ecosystem; the owner and management team have extensive experience in education.
IST uses IB-based curricula across PYP, MYP, and DP. The PYP runs six Units of Inquiry for ages 3–12 and uses an inquiry-driven, transdisciplinary approach; English is the language of instruction with ESL support. Estonian is taught to Grades 1–5; foreign languages include French, German, Russian and Spanish. The MYP provides an academically challenging framework that connects learning across subjects. The DP, launched in 2022, uses six subject groups and a DP core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, CAS); a passing diploma requires at least 24 points from six subjects (42 points) plus up to 3 core points for a maximum of 45.
Average class size: 18 students; average student-to-teacher ratio: 1:8.
The Diploma Programme is internationally recognized by universities and employers; final DP grades are awarded on a 1–7 scale per subject, with a total maximum of 45 points. A diploma requires at least 24 points from six subjects, plus a point for each core component (TOK, EE, CAS) to reach the maximum of 45. IST teaches English as the primary language for the DP, with additional language options available.
IST provides career and university guidance from early adolescence through graduation. The program uses Unifrog to research universities, compare courses, and prepare applications, and uses the IBO Recognition Database to check IB diploma recognition. Recent early offers include London Film Academy (UK), BIMM University Berlin (Germany), UCL (UK), Maastricht University (The Netherlands), and Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia).
PSPE (Personal, Social and Physical Education) ensures the physical and emotional well-being of students. The school counsellor is available to speak to students about social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. The IST mission states teachers equip students to succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and morally. The IB framework and IST policies emphasise personal, social, and emotional development as a core part of learning. Social-emotional learning is embedded across the curriculum with pastoral support to foster wellbeing.
IST is inclusive and non-selective, and supports students with a broad range of needs. The school maintains a Learning Support Programme and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) process for identified students, coordinated by a Student Support Coordinator or equivalent. The admission process requires documentation and consideration of whether IST can meet a student's SEN needs before enrollment. Students with SEN are identified through a staged model of assessment and provision, with differentiated teaching and ongoing review of IEP targets. The school provides a range of supports including counselling and school psychology as part of its SEN services, and maintains a SEN coordination framework across PYP, MYP and DP.
The official language of instruction is English. English language learning is integrated across the curriculum, with focused ESL tuition in Language and Literature and additional ESL support during school hours or after school. Estonian as an Additional Language and Mother Tongue support are offered, and language learning is aligned with IB standards. The school emphasizes achieving proficiency in at least two languages and supports language development across subject areas. Language policy also promotes maintaining mother tongue development and accommodating language needs within inclusive classrooms.
The school places emphasis on mental wellbeing as part of holistic development. The school counsellor is available for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. PSPE supports emotional well-being, and IST's mission highlights support for students academically, socially, emotionally, and morally. The school maintains additional wellbeing resources, including a School Nurse, and communicates wellbeing through staff and student guidance structures. University/career guidance also contributes to students' broader wellbeing and readiness for life beyond IST.
IST has a Child Protection-Safeguarding Policy rooted in International and Estonian law and the UNCRC. Safeguarding leads and a dedicated safeguarding team report to the Director or Deputy, with divisions including the IB Coordinators and Counsellors. Staff receive safeguarding training on risk assessment, safety planning, and student protection, and safeguarding lessons are taught to PK-12 students. The safeguarding policy outlines a formal reporting process, requiring incidents to be reported to the child protection officer (CPO) or trusted adults as soon as reasonably practicable, with investigation and appropriate action by the school. The CPO is the Learning Support Coordinator, who coordinates the safeguarding response and liaises with external agencies as needed.
The International School of Tallinn offers comprehensive education for students aged 3 to 19. Primary enrolment categories include children of foreigners living and working in Estonia; children who have studied abroad in an international school; children seeking English-speaking international school education. Selection criteria: Preschool and PYP (Grades 1-5): the child must have reached the minimum required age by August 31st of the academic year; submission of the application along with the required documents; successful assessment during the Family Interview and Trial Day; availability of places. MYP (Grades 6-10): submission of the application along with the required documents; submission of the study reports for the previous two years; successful results in the admission tests (English and Math), and sufficient assessment of learning outcomes from the previous educational institution; availability of places. DP (Grades 11-12): submission of the application along with the required documents; submission of the study reports for the previous two years; successful results in the admission tests (English, Math, Science), and sufficient assessment of learning outcomes and interview results; availability of places. The school also accepts students who have started the Diploma Programme at other IB schools, provided that IST currently offers the subjects they studied. To begin the enrolment process, fill out the online enrolment form. Enrolment steps: Step 1 — Online form: Fill the online enrolment form. Step 2 — Admission Assessment: Interview, Trial Day and Admission test. Step 3 — Final Results: Signing the schooling contract after successful admission assessment results.
Discounts include: Family Discount (The family discount applies to families and households with at least two members studying at IST. A family is formed by persons who are related as spouses or as a parent and child. A household consists of people residing at the same address who are connected by sharing the same household and raising a child together. The family discount is applied to all children studying at IST who are included in the same family or household. The amount of the family discount will be calculated based on the entire annual fee, including the study place fee and the monthly fee. Discount percentage: 2 students 10%; 3 students 15%; 4 and more students 20%. The discount is valid until all / both related children are studying at the International School of Tallinn. Loyalty Discount: The International School of Tallinn has the right, not the obligation, to offer up to a 5% loyalty discount on tuition fees to families whose children are already studying at IST. The loyalty discount is considered each year according to the school's budgetary possibilities. If a new family joins in the first half of the current school year (until 31.12), a 3% discount for loyalty will be offered for the next school year. Joining during the second half of the current school year will not yet provide eligibility for the loyalty discount of the next school year. Ülemiste City Discount: Ülemiste City District employees can apply for a 10% discount on the tuition fees of their children at IST. To apply for the discount, the parent must be prepared to present the confirmation of employment in Ülemiste City District proven by the employer. From the second school year at the IST, the Ülemiste City District discount remains 10% which includes the school's loyalty discount up to 5%. Mainor University (EUAS) Discount: Mainor University (EUAS) students can apply for a 10% discount on the tuition fees of their children at IST. To apply for the discount, the parent must be prepared to present the confirmation letter from Mainor University. From the second school year at the IST, the Ülemiste City District discount of 10% will also include the loyalty discount rate. Needs-based Discount: If the amount of the tuition fee forms an exceptionally unproportioned share in the calculation of the family's income, and the family may likely face difficulties in covering their other expenses after payment of the tuition fee, the school may reduce the amount of the tuition fee by up to 25 percent (25%) of the amount of the annual tuition fee (in total, together with all other types of discount) or extend the due date based on a separately agreed payment schedule. A family that intends to apply for a tuition fee discount due to economic reasons must be prepared to submit to the management board of IST. IST Employees Discount: Employees may apply for an employee discount. The International School of Tallinn management board will decide the amount of the discount.
