DIRECTOR’S

WELCOME

Olavi Otepalu

Director, International School of Tallinn

Olavi Otepalu is an educational leader with 2 decades of experience in different school settings. He holds a Master’s Degree in Sociology and has a pedagogical qualification from Tartu University. He has successfully founded two international schools in Tallinn, Estonia. Olavi’s educational philosophy emphasizes differentiation, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Dear Family,

I am delighted that you are considering the International School of Tallinn, and look forward to meeting you and your family as you begin the quest of finding the right school for your child.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this beautiful northern part of the world, so close to the Aurora Borealis,  but yet so far. For those families who call Tallinn home, a special welcome to you as well.

Our Mission Statement encapsulates the true spirit of IST. We believe we can create a better and more peaceful world through education, provided in a nurturing, student-centered environment where independent learning and personal development are key. At IST, we provide children with a rigorous education, developing inquiring minds, and inspiring children to become global citizens who view intercultural understanding and respect as a way of life.

Ülemiste City, a fast-developing smart city in every sense of the word, is attracting people from many parts of Europe and beyond who see Estonia as a land of opportunity. It is for this very reason that the owners of the International School of Tallinn decided to establish an international school in the Ülemiste City District.

International School of Tallinn (IST) is currently offering an international study programme for students from Preschool to Grade 12. The school’s language of instruction is English while French, Spanish, German or Russian is chosen as an additional world language.

IST follows internationally recognized IB (International Baccalaureate programs) – PYP (Primary Years Programme, preschool and Grades 1-5), MYP (Middle Years Programme, Grades 6-10), and DP (Diploma Programme, Grades 11-12).

The owner, as well as the management team of IST, has outstanding experience in the field of local and international education. In addition to developing Ülemiste City, Mainor Group also owns the Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences offering opportunities to international students.

I bring with me knowledge and experience from more than 16 years managing education in both local and international settings and I am committed to helping IST grow into a formidable international school that will bring out the best in your child.

Again, welcome to International School of Tallinn. As you begin this important process for your child, it is my hope that-by meeting our students, teachers, administrators, and parents,- you will begin to understand our mission and what it means to be a part of the IST community. We hope to welcome you soon!

 

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