Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Tartu

Tartu, known for its prestigious university and vibrant student life, offers a cozy yet cosmopolitan environment for expats and digital nomads. While Tartu is not a large city like London or New York, it does provide a handful of international and bilingual schooling options for expat children. Among the most popular are Tartu International School and Miina Harma Gymnasium, which offer comprehensive educational programs in a multicultural setting. Here are some of the schools within a short drive from Tartu that cater to the international community.

Tartu International School

Grades: Preschool to Grade 9
Location: Tartu
Website: www.istartu.ee

Tartu International School is a small school with a close-knit community, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. With a focus on international-mindedness and personal growth, the school provides a diverse environment for students from various cultural backgrounds. Facilities include modern classrooms and access to sports facilities, while extracurricular activities range from music to robotics clubs.

Miina Harma Gymnasium (Miina Harma Gümnaasium)

Grades: Preschool to Grade 12
Location: Tartu
Website: www.mhg.tartu.ee

Miina Harma Gymnasium offers a bilingual program in Estonian and English, with a curriculum designed to prepare students for higher education and global citizenship. The school boasts a strong academic program, modern facilities, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and various clubs. It is one of the most prestigious schools in the region, known for its high educational standards.

Tartu French School (Tartu Prantsuse Kool)

Grades: Preschool to Grade 9
Location: Tartu
Website: www.tartupk.ee

The Tartu French School offers a unique bilingual education in French and Estonian. Following the French national curriculum, the school provides a solid foundation in both languages, with a focus on cultural exchange and openness to the world. The school is equipped with modern facilities and encourages participation in various extracurricular activities, including music, art, and sports.

Tartu Kristjan Jaak Peterson Gymnasium (Tartu Kristjan Jaak Petersoni Gümnaasium)

Grades: Grade 10 to Grade 12
Location: Tartu
Website: www.kjp.tartu.ee

Named after the renowned Estonian poet, this gymnasium offers a special program with intensive English language studies. While not exclusively an international school, it provides an environment where expat students can thrive academically. The school focuses on preparing students for university and offers a range of extracurricular activities to enhance their educational experience.

Tartu Art School (Tartu Kunstikool)

Grades: Vocational education
Location: Tartu
Website: www.tartukunstikool.ee

For expat students interested in the arts, Tartu Art School offers vocational education with programs in visual arts, media, and design. While the primary language of instruction is Estonian, students with different language backgrounds are welcomed and supported. The school's facilities include specialized workshops and studios, and it emphasizes practical skills alongside academic learning.

Please note that while these schools offer various programs and curricula, it's essential to contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on admissions, language support, and specific programs tailored to the needs of international students.