International School of Estonia vs International School of Tallinn

	I International School of Estonia Tallinn, Estonia	I International School of Tallinn Tallinn, Estonia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €8,356 - 26,764	Fees / year €9,550 - 12,885
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 150	Pupils 250
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1995	Opened 2017
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Tallinn, Estonia. The school is located at Juhkentali 18, 10132 Tallinn, Estonia.	Location 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.
Stages	Stages Pre-K through 12 (ages 3–19).	Stages 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.
School type	School type Non-profit international IB World School offering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP).	School type Private international IB World School (Tallinn International School OÜ).
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Over 50 nationalities are represented among students and staff, including British, South African, Italian, Maltese, Ukrainian, American, and more.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Special Educational Needs Coordinator; School Psychologist; English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme; Dean of Students; University & Career Pathways Advisement (starting 2025–2026).	Additional learning support 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.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Estonia	Country affiliation Estonia
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure 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.	School day structure 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).
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details 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.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Registration Fees - Registration (one-time, non-refundable): EUR 600, payable upon enrolment. - Capital levy (one-time, non-refundable): EUR 3,000, charged on the first invoice for all new enrollees (not applied to Preschool; assessed when a student enters Reception). Tuition fees — annual and per term (per student) - Preschool (ages 3–4): EUR 8,356 per year; EUR 2,089 per quarter. - Reception (age 5): EUR 9,192 per year; EUR 2,298 per quarter. - PYP 1–5 (Grades 1–5): EUR 23,988 per year; EUR 5,997 per quarter. - MYP 1–5 (Grades 6–10): EUR 25,812 per year; EUR 6,453 per quarter. - DP 1–2 (Grades 11–12): EUR 26,764 per year; EUR 6,691 per quarter. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment frequency: fees may be paid either annually or quarterly. - Standard invoice schedule (quarterly billing dates as issued by the school): - 1st invoice: 1 July (annual invoice or 1st quarterly invoice) - 2nd quarterly invoice: 17 October - 3rd quarterly invoice: 30 January - 4th quarterly invoice: 2 April. - Payment deadline: tuition invoices are due within 14 days of the invoice date. - Currency: all payments are accepted only in Euros. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school and does not list any boarding fees. Facilities and capacity are described for day use only. Other costs and typical additional charges - Capital levy and registration fee (listed above) are charged in addition to tuition for new students. - IB examination and related DP charges: IB exam fees and EUR (Enquiry Upon Results) fees are charged separately to DP students and are invoiced (for example, EUR 85 for certain EUR categories; other exam/IB service fees apply). These exam-related fees are invoiced in addition to tuition. If an external exam fee is refunded by the examination body (for example a successful IB EUR that results in an increased grade), that fee is refundable to the family. - After-school activities: registration fees are charged for most activities. Parents are billed separately for these optional activities. - Meals: a cafeteria provides daily hot meals (free breakfast; lunch available at prices set by the school/cafeteria); lunch charges are separate from tuition when applicable. - Devices and materials: the school operates a 1:1 iPad programme in the Primary Years and a Bring-Your-Own-Device approach in MYP/DP; families should expect costs for personal devices, consumables, subject-course materials, and any teacher-prescribed supplies or specialized support services. - Other incidental charges: any fines, lost/damaged school property charges (e.g., for iPads, calculators, books) and specific programme fees (trips, special courses, retake exam registrations) are invoiced separately. Families must settle these charges with the business office. Refund information and withdrawal billing - Registration fee and Capital Levy are non-refundable. - Term charging: a student enrolled for any portion of a term will be charged for the full term (no pro‑rata reduction for partial-term attendance). Transcripts and official records will not be released until all outstanding payments and obligations are settled. - Examination fee refunds: if an external examination body (for example the IB) waives or reimburses a specific exam fee (for example a successful Enquiry Upon Results where the examining body refunds the fee), that refunded amount will be passed back to the family. Fee payment options (instruments and practical notes) - Currency requirement: all payments must be made in Euros. - Specific payment instruments (for example: bank transfer, credit card, online payment portal, direct debit) are not itemized on the published fee summary. Invoices are issued according to the billing schedule above and include payment instructions; families should follow the invoice payment instructions issued with each invoice. If you need these fee figures added verbatim into your database fields, use the numeric amounts above as entered.	Fee details Application / reservation fee - A non-refundable reservation fee of EUR 500 is charged to secure a place for the next academic year; this amount is deducted from the initial payment if paid. Tuition fees (2026/2027 academic year) — annual, initial payment and monthly breakdown by programme - Early PYP (Preschool): Annual tuition EUR 9,550; Initial payment EUR 1,550 (1/5 of annual tuition); Monthly payment EUR 800 (payments run September–June, 10 months). - PYP (Grades 1–5): Annual tuition EUR 11,715; Initial payment EUR 2,346 (1/5 of annual tuition); Monthly payment EUR 1,041. - MYP (Grades 6–10): Annual tuition EUR 12,460; Initial payment EUR 2,488 (1/5 of annual tuition); Monthly payment EUR 1,108 (monthly payments scheduled September–May, 9 months). - DP (Grades 11–12): Annual tuition EUR 12,885; Initial payment EUR 2,580 (1/5 of annual tuition); Monthly payment EUR 1,145. How the tuition components work - The initial payment (study place fee) secures the student's place and is normally equal to one fifth of the annual tuition; the reservation fee (EUR 500) is deducted from this initial payment when applicable. The total tuition is made up of the initial payment plus the monthly instalments, or may be paid as one full annual payment. Billing schedule and payment terms - Reservation fee due date for current families: 1 April (example due date given for 2026 cohort). The non-refundable initial payment (with deduction of reservation fee) is due by 20 June. Monthly tuition invoices are issued on the first working day of each month and monthly payments are due by the 20th of each month during September–May, except preschool (EYP) monthly payments run until June. One-off or non-regular fees are due as specified on their invoice. - Invoices are payable to the school's bank account; payments are expected by the deadlines shown on each invoice. Overdue payments incur interest (0.03% per day) and may lead to withdrawal of discounts, suspension of optional services, refusal of re-enrolment, termination of the enrolment agreement after specified periods of non-payment, and potential referral to debt collection if debts exceed 60 days. The school may consider adjusted payment plans in documented hardship cases. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school. Other costs and optional fees - School meals: Prices are set annually by the catering provider; current per-day sample prices show breakfast EUR 2.20, lunch EUR 5.85 and afternoon snack EUR 2.60. Meal participation is managed via registration and is invoiced separately. - Aftercare: Monthly aftercare fees for 2026/2027 (where applicable) are shown as full-time EUR 225/month, half-time EUR 180/month; occasional/part-time childcare uses hourly rates (EUR 10/h for the first two hours, EUR 5/h thereafter). Note that for Early Years Programme aftercare the monthly charge is handled differently (preschool monthly aftercare runs through June). - English language support (ESL): Mandatory ESL support for students admitted conditionally is charged at EUR 180 per month (minimum programme of lessons until required proficiency is achieved). - Examination fees: External examination fees (IB DP and MYP e-assessments) are charged separately; estimated ranges for 2026/2027 are approximately EUR 125–150 per DP exam and EUR 75–100 per MYP e-Assessment subject, plus any minor administrative costs. - Student supplies and uniform: The school may charge for compulsory supplies ordered via the school (approx. EUR 25–50 depending on grade). Uniform items are purchased through a service provider and are invoiced separately. A student identity card is noted as an additional small cost (example: EUR 4.50 in school rules). - Extra-curricular clubs and many after-school activities are optional and invoiced separately by third-party providers or by the school where specified. Field trips, special projects, and optional trips that fall outside the school's annual budget are charged separately. Refund and withdrawal policy - Withdrawal must be submitted in writing as per the enrolment agreement. As a general rule, the reservation fee and the initial payment are non-refundable. The Director has discretionary authority to grant exceptions to refunds (including reservation fee and initial payment) depending on timing and supporting evidence. Refund eligibility for tuition otherwise depends on the timing of withdrawal and compliance with the contractual notice period (45 days for full pro rata adjustment where notice is given). If the required notice period is not met, tuition may continue to accrue for an additional 45 days from the date notice is received. Fee payment options and bank details - The school issues invoices and requests payment by bank transfer to Tallinn International School OÜ's account. The school's bank details are provided for invoice payments: AS SEB Bank SWIFT/BIC EEUHEE2X, IBAN EE391010220254207225. The contact page also shows a “PAY HERE OR VIA QR CODE” payment prompt for convenience. When paying, include student name, grade and payment description as the transfer explanation. Notes on instalment structure - The initial payment is typically one-fifth of the annual tuition; monthly instalments cover the balance and are scheduled in accordance with the programme (preschool monthly payments run through June; most other programmes are billed monthly September–May). If a student joins or leaves mid-year, tuition is adjusted proportionally based on the actual number of school days attended and the contractual notice provisions.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details 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.	Curriculum details 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.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio ISE offers small classes and a nurturing environment with highly qualified and experienced teachers.	Student teacher ratio Average class size: 18 students; average student-to-teacher ratio: 1:8.
Exam results	Exam results 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).	Exam results 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.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 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.	Higher education progression 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).
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 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.	Admissions 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.
Scholarships	Scholarships 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.	Scholarships 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.
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