Frequently Asked Questions

You can contact the International School of Tallinn via the following email addresses:

• General inquiries: info@ist.ee
     (Use this main email if you’re unsure which department to contact.)

• Admissions: admissions@ist.ee

• Childcare Services: childcare@ist.ee

• Extra-Curricular Activities: activities@ist.ee

• Aftercare Services: aftercare@ist.ee
• Student Wellbeing & Counseling: psychologist@ist.ee
• School Nurse: nurse@ist.ee
• Learning Support (SEN): sen@ist.ee

• Hiring & Vacancies: hr@ist.ee

• Library Services: library@ist.ee
• Head of School / Director: director@ist.ee
• PYP Coordinator (Kindergarten/Preschool & Grade 1-5): pypc@ist.ee
• MYP Coordinator (Grade 6-10): mypc@ist.ee
• DP Coordinator (Grade 11-12): dpc@ist.ee

We’re happy to assist you!

At IST, we offer an education and school experience that stands out in several ways:

• Top student satisfaction – According to the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research surveys, IST ranks #1 among international schools in Estonia and #2 among all schools in the country.
• State-of-the-art learning environment – A modern and welcoming new school building, equipped with advanced laboratories. Explore it through our 3D virtual tour.
• Global benchmarking – Frequent and comprehensive use of international standardized tests to ensure objective student assessment and reliable feedback.
• Focus on digital skills and innovation – The only school in Estonia with a partnership agreement with Finnish Code School, providing cutting-edge technology education.
• Highly qualified international teaching staff – Our strongest asset and the main reason for exceptional student satisfaction.
• Largest IB school in Estonia – As a market leader, IST offers the widest range of extracurricular activities, language learning opportunities, and student support services.

The International School of Tallinn (IST) offers the internationally recognised IB Diploma Programme – a qualification respected by universities across the globe. Our career and university guidance begins already in middle school and continues through to graduation, providing students with consistent support and involving parents in key decision-making stages.

At the heart of the programme is a personalised approach: mapping strengths and interests, selecting the right field of study and universities, and building a strong application portfolio. We use Unifrog, which brings together a global university database, degree comparisons, and application tools in one place.

Our partner universities offer student shadowing opportunities, lectures, and workshops, helping students gain a realistic insight into their future study environment.

IST graduates have received offers from prestigious institutions such as the University of York, Maastricht University, Catalyst Berlin, the University of Tartu, and TalTech.

Get in touch: career@ist.ee 

The International School of Tallinn (IST) follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. It offers the three IB programmes:

• Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Preschool and Grades 1-5,
• Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6-10,
• Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11 and 12.

The IB curriculum aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring students who become lifelong learners with intercultural understanding and respect. Graduates of the DP receive the internationally recognised IB Diploma, which supports university applications worldwide.

Please find more details about the curriculum and programmes:
IST Curriculum
Preschool/Kindergarten
Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Middle Years Programme (MYP)
Diploma Programme (DP)

Yes, admission assessments can be taken online. They are conducted live with an Admissions Team member via video call to ensure fairness and safeguarding. Completion of the enrolment form and advance submission of a passport or ID copy showing the photo, full name, and date of birth are required.

The academic year 2025/2026 at the International School of Tallinn (IST) starts on 1 September 2025 and ends on 12 June 2026. The school year is divided into two semesters and includes scheduled breaks throughout the year, such as:

• 20 October – 26 October

• 22 December – 5 January

• 23 February – 1 March

• 13 April – 19 April

The detailed academic calendar, including all key dates and holidays, is published annually and can be found here: https://ist.ee/school-life/annual-calendar/

You can view the full list of our teachers and staff on the Our Staff page of the IST website: https://ist.ee/about-ist/our-staff/.
There you will find names, roles, and contact details for our educators, coordinators, and support team members.

Student-Led Conferences at the International School of Tallinn are events where students take the lead in sharing their learning with their families, guiding parents through their progress and achievements in a dedicated conference format.

According to the IST School Events calendar, the next Student-Led Conferences are scheduled for:

5 March 2026 — Student-Led Conferences (for parents and students).

Important details:

• These conferences are not regular school days — students and families participate in learning-focused sessions.

• During the homeroom session, students guide families through activities and learning stations about their work.

More event information: https://ist.ee/school-life/school-events/

You can apply online via the IST webpage. The process includes:

1. Submitting an online application along with school reports (Grades 3–12) and a copy of the applicant’s ID or passport;

2. Admission assessment, which may include an interview, trial day, and an admission test (Math and English);

3. Signing the Schooling Contract upon successful completion of the admission assessment.

Please see detailed enrolment process information.

Required documents include the completed application form, academic transcripts/school reports (previous two years), and a copy of the student’s passport or ID. Further details are provided by the admissions team after you submit the application.

Yes, all applicants go through an age-appropriate placement assessment: trial day and/or admission test (English and Math) and an interview to ensure the best fit for our program.

Please see detailed enrolment process information or contact the admission team via email admissions@ist.ee.

Regarding reporting absences at the International School of Tallinn, here are the key points from the school policies:

• Parents should inform the homeroom teacher of the student’s absence and the reason on the first day of absence or as soon as possible, preferably through Toddle. If not possible then by email (all emails are available on ist.ee website under Our Staff)
• If the student is absent for three consecutive days and the teacher has no information, the teacher will contact the parent to clarify.
• For absences longer than three consecutive days not related to health, parents must submit a prior notice to the homeroom teacher, which requires permission from subject teachers.
• Justified reasons for absence include illness, health services, impassable roads, important family reasons (e.g., death of a close person), or representing the school in competitions or Olympiads.
• Travel during study time is not considered a justified reason.
• If there are doubts about the validity of the absence reason, the school may seek further clarification from the parent.

You can read the full details in the IST School Rules PDF.

Yes. IST accepts students year-round if space is available. Please contact admissions for availability via email admissions@ist.ee.

You can find information about all IST teachers and staff — including subject teachers (e.g. French, Math, Science) and programme coordinators (PYP, MYP, DP) — on our official Our Staff page: https://ist.ee/about-ist/our-staff/

Yes, the International School of Tallinn (IST) has secure entrances. A security guard is present at the entrance during busy hours, and when they are not there, the door is locked for security purposes.

Please see our 3D School Tour here: https://ist.ee/about-ist/facilities/

The e-student card from Valnes is not only an identity document but also an interactive access card that allows students to enter the school gate and use free public transport. Additionally, it serves as an access card for borrowing books from the library.

Student cards can be ordered through the Valnes system with the Estonian ID-card at Valnes e-student card system or by emailing at info@ist.ee. A digital document photo of the child is needed. The card costs 7.81 euros.

For more detailed information about using the e-student card for public transport, visit Pilet.ee – E-student card.

The International School of Tallinn (IST) does not provide its own dormitory accommodation.
However, right next to our campus you will find Lurich Residences (majutus.ulemistecity.ee), where IST students and employees are offered a special discount.

For detailed information, please contact us at info@ist.ee.

The dress code policy applies to all students from Grade 1 to Grade 12 at the International School of Tallinn. Norrison is the official provider of our school uniforms.

● For Grades 1-12: Adhering to the school’s dress code is obligatory.

● For Grades 1 to 8: Wearing the school uniform on the top is obligatory.

● For Grades 9 to 12: Wearing the school logo/ brand on the top is obligatory.

● For preschool students, the dress code is not required but recommended.

Please see the Dress Code Policy by clicking this link.

The International School of Tallinn (IST) offers English as the primary language of instruction.

In addition, students have Estonian language lessons twice a week.

Furthermore, IST offers foreign language options including Spanish, French, German, and Russian, allowing students to choose and study these languages as part of their curriculum.

This multilingual environment supports both local language acquisition and international language learning.

Currently, the International School of Tallinn (IST) has over 320 students enrolled from Preschool to Grade 12.

• Preschool: 8690 €/academic year
• PYP (Primary Years Programme): 10650 €/academic year
• MYP (Middle Years Programme): 11330 €/academic year
• DP (Diploma Programme): 11715 €/academic year

Yes. Families with multiple children attending IST may be eligible for a family discount (10-20%). Additionally, parents employed in Ülemiste City may qualify for a 10% discount.

Please see detailed discounts info here or contact admission team  directly via email admissions@ist.ee.

Class sizes at the International School of Tallinn (IST) currently range from 14 to 24 students.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The organization collaborates with schools, governments, and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students worldwide to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who understand that people, despite their differences, can also be right. For more information, visit www.ibo.org.

The International School of Tallinn (IST) is proud to have a vibrant and diverse community, with over 50 different nationalities represented among our students and staff. Our community includes nationalities such as British, South African, Italian, Maltese, Ukrainian, Australian, Chinese, American, Swiss, French, Russian, Pakistani, Polish, Georgian, Cypriot, German, Macedonian, Lithuanian, Swedish, Irish, Israeli, Nigerian, Latvian, Czech, Armenian, Sri Lankan, Moroccan, Indian, Estonian, Finnish, Iranian, Belgian, Brazilian, Indonesian, Spanish, Canadian, Belarusian, Azerbaijani, and Colombian. This multicultural environment enriches the learning experience and fosters a global perspective.

Yes, the International School of Tallinn (IST) offers hourly-based childcare services for children aged 1.5 to 7 years. Located at Valukoja 9 in Ülemiste City, our childcare operates on working days from 8:00 to 18:00 (excluding school holidays). Children engage in bilingual (Estonian and English) educational and play-based activities that support their social and cognitive development. Daily outdoor play is also part of the routine. This service is designed to be flexible and supportive for families with young children.

More info: https://ist.ee/school-services/daycare/

• The school doors open at 08:45.
• Classes for most grades start at 09:00.
• The DP class (Diploma Programme) starts at 08:15.

Daily Schedule Overview:

• Arrival: 08:45 (Homeroom session for Grades 6-12)
• Hour 1: 09:00-09:45
• Hour 2: 09:55-10:40
• Hour 3: 10:45-11:30
• Lunch/Recess: 11:30-12:45 (varies by grade)
• Hour 4: 11:30-12:15
• Hour 5: 12:45-13:30
• Hour 6: 13:40-14:25 (PreSchool to Grade 3 finish at this time)
• Aftercare begins: 14:25
• Hour 7: 14:30-15:15 (Grade 6-10 finish at this time)
• Hour 8: 15:15-16:45 (DP Flex time)

The International School of Tallinn (IST) is easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest bus stop, Valukoja, is located just 100 meters from the school entrance, making it a convenient option for daily commuting.

Here are the best public transport options:

• Bus 7 – Runs between Seli and Sõjamäe, with a stop at Valukoja.
• Bus 13 – Connects Priisle and Väike-Õismäe, stopping at Valukoja.
• Bus 15 – Runs between Estonia and Sõjamäe, with a stop at Valukoja.
• Bus 45 – Operates between Väike-Õismäe and Ülemiste City, stopping at Valukoja.
• Bus 49 – Travels from Viimsi to Ülemiste City, also stopping at Valukoja.
• Elron Train – Stops at Ülemiste Jaam, which is just a short walk from the school.

Here you can find more information.

Yes, the International School of Tallinn (IST) offers Estonian language lessons for students in Grades 1-10. These lessons are provided twice a week in small groups, tailored to the student’s language proficiency levels to ensure effective learning and improvement.

The school lunches at the International School of Tallinn (IST) are provided by a private company FREDO include a hot meal accompanied by salads, fruit, and juice. Additionally, there are options available for vegetarian, gluten-free, and other alternative meals to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences.

Please find detailed info here.

For any additional questions or specific dietary requests, please contact the school administration at info@ist.ee.

Grade 12 students who successfully complete the IB Diploma Programme at the International School of Tallinn (IST) acquire the prestigious Diploma of the International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma). This diploma is recognized worldwide and allows students to apply to top universities globally. In addition to the diploma, students will also receive the Diploma Programme (DP) Results Certificate, which contains detailed information on the total number of points earned and grades achieved in each course.