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Miina Härma Gymnasium

Estonia, Tartu

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Estonian, English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 1906
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, Estonian, Russian, German, French, Spanish, Latvian, Lithuanian
Typical class size 24
Strengths Languages, STEM, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Cultural and Language, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Miina Härma Gümnaasium in Tartu, Estonia, offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) alongside the national curriculum. Instruction is in Estonian, with an English-language IB track for international classes; English-language DP courses include English A: Language and Literature. A University and Career Counsellor supports progression to higher education. The school operates across three campuses—Jaan Tõnissoni 3, Puiestee 62, and Liivi 4—with Liivi 4 hosting Grades 6–12 and the Diploma Programme. Founded in 1906 as the first Estonian-language girls' secondary school, Miina Härma has IB accreditation since 2011 (DP), 2014 (PYP), and 2019 (MYP). Facilities include a new sports and recreation area opened in 2025 and on-site catering since 2022. Extracurriculars feature cultural events, project days, service and exchange activities, and field trips to CERN and Physicum to develop inquiry and research skills. The internationally oriented classes foster language skills and global perspectives through exchanges and shared projects globally.

Jaan Tõnissoni 3, 50409 Tartu, Estonia

The Essentials

Miina Härma Gymnasium has typical class sizes of 24, instruction in Estonian, English.

Location
Jaan Tõnissoni 3, 50409 Tartu, Estonia.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a uniform. Spring pre-orders run May 1–June 25 with delivery in August, and Autumn pre-orders run September 1–20 with delivery in November. The Miina Härma Foundation, in cooperation with Norrison OÜ, provides school-logo uniforms through an online ordering system; the e-shop is open year-round and orders are delivered to parcel machines within 3–5 working days; uniforms can be tried at Norrison's Tallinn shop and there is a Facebook group for buying and selling used items.

Food Options
The school lunch is provided by Baltic Restaurants Estonia AS. Payment is via ARNO online system; if ARNO is unavailable, payment is by direct bank transfer to the City of Tartu. The monthly menu can be viewed on the Estonian page, and available lunch packets include Regular, XL, and Vegetarian; Morning porridge is served from 8:30 to 10:00.

Governance and Ownership
Miina Härma Gümnaasium is governed by Miina Härma Sihtasutus (Miina Härma Foundation), established in 2020 to support student motivation and to develop the learning environment. The Foundation's council includes Chair Riin Tamm and members Veljo Ipits, Ragnar Heido, Mart Kull, Verni Loodmaa, Tarmo Punger, and Peeter Viirsalu.
Fees
Application fees
- There is no application fee for entry to Miina Härma Gümnaasium's municipal admission processes for transition and upper‑secondary places. Applications and entrance tests are handled through the school's admissions process (ARNO) and the school's published admission rules; no one‑off application charge is listed.

Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year)
- Miina Härma Gümnaasium is a municipally run public general‑education school; standard tuition for grades in the school's basic and upper‑secondary programmes is not charged to families. Therefore the tuition charge for each year group (primary, basic/lower secondary and upper secondary, including the IB Diploma stream) is EUR 0 per academic year and EUR 0 per term.
- Note on IB assessment costs: assessment/examination fees for externally set qualifications (for example International Baccalaureate assessment fees) are charged by the assessment body (the International Baccalaureate Organization) and are invoiced separately when students are registered as candidates for those assessments. These assessment fees are not the school's tuition; they are charged per IBO fee schedules (candidate registration plus per‑subject fees) and may be billed to candidates in the examination year. Example IBO assessment fee scales for 2026 show a candidate registration charge plus a per‑subject fee (amounts set by the IB and subject to annual revision).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- For standard tuition: no regular tuition billing applies because general municipal schooling is provided without tuition charges.
- For IB assessment/exam fees: schools normally register candidates and invoice families during the registration window for the examination session (schools typically collect IB assessment fees in the autumn of the examination year in line with IB registration deadlines). Assessment fees follow the IB timeline and fee schedule; deadlines and any late‑entry surcharges are set by the IB each session.
- For school‑branded uniform purchases: Miina Härma's uniform ordering runs on published pre‑order periods (spring and autumn) and payment for uniform orders is made by bank transfer within the e‑ordering environment used for uniform sales. Delivery and collection windows are stated with each ordering period. Example pre‑order windows and bank‑transfer payment instruction are published with the school's uniform information.

Boarding fees (if applicable)
- Miina Härma Gümnaasium does not operate boarding/internat facilities as part of its municipal primary/secondary provision; no boarding fees apply. The school is listed as a municipal day basic and upper‑secondary institution and no student accommodation charges are published.

Other costs and typical ancillary fees
- School uniform (example retail prices in EUR from the approved supplier):
- Children's vest: EUR 33.00.
- Vest for older students: EUR 43.00.
- Sweater: EUR 46.00.
- Cardigan for kids: EUR 43.00.
- Polo shirts: EUR 15.00–18.00 depending on style.
- The approved uniform supplier operates an e‑shop with delivery options and stated delivery charges or free‑delivery thresholds.
- Extracurricular or activity‑specific costs: optional clubs, extracurricular courses, study trips, instrument hire, subject‑specific consumables or other optional services may incur separate charges where applicable; such ancillary charges are billed when the optional activity is organised. For externally assessed courses (IB examinations), assessment fees are charged by the IB and invoiced per candidate/subject.
- Textbooks and core learning materials for compulsory general education are provided under the public education funding framework (textbook provision rules for general education); schools and local authorities organise learning materials in line with national rules. Families should expect to purchase some optional personal supplies, but no routine tuition‑type charges apply for the core curriculum.

Refund information
- Uniform purchases: the approved uniform supplier's returns policy allows returns within 14 days of receipt provided items are undamaged, in original packaging and with tags attached; items bearing the school logo may be non‑returnable but can be exchanged for a different size under the supplier's stated exchange rules. Delivery and return charges depend on the delivery method and order value per the supplier's delivery & returns terms.
- IB assessment / examination fees: IB assessment fees and any late‑entry or change fees follow IB rules and deadlines; after a school has completed candidate registration with the IB, subject or registration fees are generally non‑refundable except in narrowly defined circumstances set by the IB. Refunds, deferrals or adjustments are handled according to IB assessment policies.

Fee payment options
- Uniform and branded clothing: payment for school‑branded uniform orders is executed via the e‑ordering environment; the supplier accepts Estonian bank‑link payments (Swedbank, SEB, Luminor, LHV, Coop Pank) and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard). Bank transfer within the e‑order environment is explicitly noted for school uniform payments. Delivery and returns instructions and thresholds are stated by the supplier.
- IB assessment fees and other invoiced charges (where applicable): these are normally payable to the school or directly to the assessment body according to the invoicing instructions shown on the invoice; schools typically specify accepted payment methods and deadlines when invoicing families for assessment or activity charges. IB fees are set by the IB and are paid per the IB's invoicing instructions via the school's billing arrangement.

Summary statement
- Miina Härma Gümnaasium is a municipal day school and does not charge tuition or application fees for its general‑education programmes for families. The main out‑of‑pocket items families commonly meet are uniform purchases (examples and prices listed above) and any optional activity or externally assessed examination costs (for IB assessments, fees are charged by the IB and invoiced separately). Refund and payment terms for uniforms follow the supplier's published return and payment policy; IB assessment refunds and deadlines follow IB rules and timelines.
Academics

Miina Härma Gymnasium teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum
Estonia's national curriculum is followed and Miina Härma Gümnaasium is an IB World School offering the full IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The language of instruction is Estonian; an English-language IB curriculum is implemented for international classes, with English as the language of instruction in all international classes. English-language IB courses are available within the international program, including DP subject offerings such as English A: Language and Literature. A University and Career Counsellor supports progression to higher education.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Support specialists help pupils, parents, and teachers. The aim is to prevent and resolve learning and behavior difficulties. Together with families and the teaching staff, we find the most suitable support for each pupil. The pupil counsellor supports emotional well-being, social adaptation, and helps with learning challenges and future planning. Social pedagogues develop social skills and address social problems; KiVa anti-bullying team coordinates prevention and intervention. The school psychologist provides mental health support to students, parents, and teachers.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has a team of support specialists including a school psychologist, social pedagogues, a special education teacher, and an HEV coordinator. The pupil counselor handles mental well-being, social skills and learning difficulties and assists with future planning. Social pedagogues address social problems and work on social development and conflict resolution. The HEV coordinator coordinates support for pupils with special educational needs and liaises with families and external specialists. The eripedagoog assesses and tailors individualized support for learners with special educational needs. The KiVa team supports bullying prevention and promotes an inclusive school environment.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Language of instruction in Miina Härma Gymnasium's International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is English. English A: Language and Literature is among the subjects offered. Ab Initio language courses are offered in French and Spanish. German B and Russian B are also available as part of the programme.

Mental Wellbeing
The school provides mental well-being support through a pupil counsellor who assists with emotional well-being, social adaptation, learning challenges, and future planning, and who advises parents, form tutors, and subject teachers. The school psychologist assesses students' psychological development and provides counseling for personal, academic, and mental-health issues, as well as prevention in the school. Social pedagogues address social problems, develop social skills, and coordinate with families and external professionals to support students' mental and physical development. The KiVa team coordinates anti-bullying efforts and interventions. The support team collaborates with families and staff to ensure students' well-being and safety.

Safeguarding
KiVa anti-bullying program is in place to address bullying promptly using evidence-based intervention models. A school psychologist and social pedagogues provide mental-health support and guidance for students, parents, and teachers. The HEV coordinator coordinates support for students with special educational needs. The Tugiteenused team offers multiple channels for students and families to access support and guidance, including coordination with external professionals when needed. The school prioritizes a safe and supportive learning environment and ongoing safeguarding through its welfare and support networks.
Parent Experience

History
Miina Härma Gümnaasium began in 1906 as the first Estonian-language girls' secondary school, established by ENKS, with 48 students starting on 1 September under headteacher Oskar Kallas. In 1907 the school moved to Tiigi 74, where Peeter Põld laid the foundations of its spirit and traditions and pupils were nicknamed ‘põllulilled' after the director. Elisabeth Luiga joined in 1912 as teacher of German, Russian, and religion and became inspector in 1913, serving as a pillar of continuity for decades. Miina Härma began teaching at the school in 1917 and remained until her retirement in 1929. In 1921 the school moved into its own building and Hans Karu became principal; in 1994 the official name became Miina Härma Gümnaasium, and in the 2010s the school earned IB accreditation for Diploma Programme (2011), Primary Years Programme (2014) and Middle Years Programme (2019).

Community
The school organizes a project day that blends Culture Day, a recycling fair (Härmakalt Härmakale), a fashion show, and KiVa orienting activities. The day gives students opportunities to explore cultures from around the world, showcase their creations, and engage with the whole school community. Culture Day brought together 12 different countries and over twenty students contributed foods. The event was driven by students and connected the wider school community through multiple activities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Miina Härma Gümnaasium Hoolekogu (parents' council) includes teacher representatives, student representatives from the base and upper grades, an alumni representative, a representative from Miina Härma SA (the supporting organization), and a city-government liaison. Hoolekogu meetings are held monthly on the first Monday (September, November, January, March, May) or on the first Tuesday (October, December, February, April, June). The page lists the current representatives and their contact emails for coordination. Members participate in school life planning and collaboration with the teaching council to support students' welfare and learning. The schedule and representatives are published on the Hoolekogu page.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school operates across three campuses in Tartu: Jaan Tõnissoni 3, Puiestee 62, and Liivi 4. The Tõnissoni 3 campus is one teaching site, with Puiestee 62 and Liivi 4 hosting additional grades. Timetables show separate schedules for Tõnissoni 3 and Puiestee 62, and Liivi 4 is used for Grades 6–12 and the Diploma Programme. The school has on-site catering provided by Baltic Restaurants Estonia AS since September 1, 2022, with meals paid through the ARNO system in the 2025/2026 academic year.

Sports Facilities
A new sports and recreation area was opened on November 19, 2025, replacing the previous yard. The facilities include an artificial turf field, street basketball areas, a trampoline, outdoor games spaces, table tennis areas, and a winter play zone. The space was completed with new benches, seating areas, and refreshed landscaping, and the site drainage was updated.

Academic Facilities
The school is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme, with English as the language of instruction. English-language classes are available in the lower and upper levels, including 1–9 (English-language streams), Pre-IB, and 11/12 Diploma Programme classes. The English-language IB pages confirm English as the language of instruction and the presence of DP, MYP, and PYP.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school organizes project days and cultural events, including Cultural Day, a recycling fair, and a fashion show, bringing together students from multiple countries and showcasing student work. These activities are highlighted as part of school life and student engagement.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme core, including Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE). Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is part of the core; CAS lasts at least 18 months and requires students to plan and undertake experiences across Creativity, Activity and Service, with evidence recorded in a blog or diary. The core includes a CAS project. The Diploma Programme includes field trips to CERN and the Physicum at Tartu University to supplement classroom learning and develop inquiry and research skills.

Arts & Creative
The school hosts Advent concerts, the Christmas Eve service, and the spring concert, as part of whole-school musical and cultural events; the school ball dance for grades 9–12 and graduation ceremonies feature performances such as Tuljak. Culture-related projects, including a culture day, reuse fair, and fashion show, showcase student creativity. Graduation performances and school celebrations incorporate creative expression across arts and dance.

Cultural & Language
International classes are active, with additional activities such as a study-buddy program, history of the school's founding, and excursions to the Estonian National Museum; excursions and field trips introduce Estonian culture, including hikes and trips to cultural sites, and a whole-school national culture evening is organized. Foreign language trips and student exchanges in Tartu broaden language and cultural understanding. The school regularly hosts events that celebrate diverse cultures through a national culture evening and international-class activities.

Social & Hobbies
Social and hobby activities include Culture Day, the recycling fair and fashion show which engage students in cultural and social projects; KiVa orienteering and other outdoor activities provide recreational and team-building opportunities; students participate in school-wide celebrations and class-level social events such as the opening and birthday activities.

Community & Service
Service as Action projects are carried out across Grades 5–9 and 10–12 as part of the Curriculum of Values; students create self-reflection platforms, complete Service as Action projects, and document progress in a blog or diary. The school confirms ongoing community and alumni involvement through events and open communication, including alumni activities and project-oriented community engagement.

Leadership & Professional
There is a designated Head of Extracurricular Activities who coordinates student activities and leadership opportunities; alumni engagement and a career coordinator support student development; orientation days, Open House events, and press conferences for graduates are organized to foster leadership and professional skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school conducts a spring sports day and includes KiVa lessons focusing on well-being and safety; health and well-being are incorporated into Curriculum of Values activities, with class hikes and outdoor initiative days as part of a balanced approach to student wellness.
Languages

Language Provision
Estonian is the language of instruction for the national curriculum; English is taught as the first foreign language and, in international classes, is the language of instruction. German, Russian and French are offered as second foreign languages; in international classes German starts in grade 3. Home-language lessons are available in Russian, German, French, Latvian and Lithuanian on request (paid), and DELF (French) and DSD (German) examinations are offered. In the IB Diploma Programme, English A: Language and Literature and Estonian A: Literature are available; English-language A options exist, and by the end of upper secondary English reaches B2/C1/C2 depending on the track; the school can support self-taught Language A for mother tongue learners if qualified teachers are unavailable.

Bilingual Teaching
Estonian is the language of instruction for the national curriculum. The English-language IB curriculum is implemented for international classes, so English is the language of instruction in all international classes. International classes operate with two groups: native English speakers and English-language learners. Home-language support is offered for international students, with home-language lessons in Russian, German, French, Latvian and Lithuanian available at the parents' request and may be paid for twice weekly.

Immersion Programs
There are English-language international classes with English as the language of instruction. There are two groups within international classes: native English speakers and English-language learners. Home-language lessons in Russian, German, French, Latvian and Lithuanian are available on request and paid to support language learning.
Admissions

Admissions
Admissions to Estonian Classes

Updated 03.04.2024.

1) Admission to 1st grades. Admission to 1st grade is open from January to February, and the classes are completed based on the results of the admissions day in February. Only students registered as citizens of Tartu according to the Population Register and who are 7 years old by October 1 of the current year are eligible to participate in the 1st grade admissions day. Different assignments and tests are conducted during the 1st grade admissions day. The students will be admitted based on the results of the admissions day. All tests and activities are conducted in Estonian.

2) Admission to transition classes. To apply for a vacant study place in the Estonian class of grades 2–9 or 11–12, the parents need to fill in the application form available below. Upon availability of the vacant study place, all applicants will be contacted and offered the possibility to participate in the entrance testing day. The registration form for free study places is available here.

3) Admission to 10th grade. To apply for a study place in the Estonian class of the secondary school of Miina Härma Gümnaasium, students need to participate in the entrance testing day of the secondary schools of Tartu. The entrance tests take place only in Estonian and include Estonian and Maths as compulsory tests as well as Sciences as an optional test. More information about the organisation of the admission to the Estonian 10th grades can be found here. Information about the collaborative entrance testing days for the secondary schools of Tartu can be found here. More detailed information about the studies in the secondary school of Miina Härma Gümnaasium can be found here. Virtual tour of Miina Härma Gümnaasium.

4) Important links. News in Estonian; Calendar in Stuudium.

5) Contact. Jaan Tõnissoni 3, 50409 Tartu; info@miinaharma.ee; Tel: +372 736 1920.

For the 2026/2027 academic year Miina Härma Gümnaasium's admissions for first class are organised on the basis of an admission day held on February 14, 2026. Registration to attend the day is open electronically from January 19, 2026 to February 8, 2026. After the day results are available, parents may submit a school admission application via ARNO. Applications must be submitted by March 5, 2026. Open day details are published for the other local schools as well.
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