The International School of Estonia (ISE) is a coeducational day school that offers an educational program for students ages three to 20 of all nationalities. ISE was founded in 1995. The 2022-2023school year comprises two semesters from August 22 to June 16.
Organization: ISE is governed by a board of governors elected by members of the nonprofit parent association. ISE is organized into an International Baccalaureate PYP elementary school (preschool–grade 5), MYP middle school (grades 6-10), and a DP Diploma Program (grades 11-12). It is recognized and fully licensed by the Education Ministry of the Estonian government.
Curriculum: ISE offers a comprehensive education program with an international curriculum. ISE is fully authorized as an International Baccalaureate Continuum World School. The language of instruction is English. ISE is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). ISE exceeds international averages for IB Diploma scores and has had a 100% pass rate for the last six years (international average is 78%) with students moving on to top universities worldwide such as Oxford and Yale. ISE offers a wide variety of cost-free after-school activities to its community.
Innovation: ISE was named a “Best Practice Pioneer” by Cambridge University’s Student Union in 2017. The school is visited by Ministries of Education from around the world, especially in regard to its use of flexible and comfortable learning spaces coupled with very high academic results. The school promotes the idea of “compassionate space” based on the neuroscience of learning.
Faculty: In the 2022-2023 school year, ISE has 41 total staff including 35 teachers, 6 of whom are U.S. citizens, 12 host-country nationals, and 18 third-country nationals. Many staff have advanced degrees, at a minimum the staff have a degree as well as teaching certificate and registration in their home country.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, enrollment was 149 (preschool-grade 12). Of the total, 31 were U.S. citizens, 54 were host-country nationals, and 64 were third-country nationals.
Facilities: ISE is located in the heart of downtown Tallinn, just a few minutes’ walk to the U.S. Embassy and the historic old town area. Based in what was originally a 19th Century Estonian Cavalry building, the school has undergone extensive renovation in recent years with a new playground, science labs, cafeteria, and IT resources. There is a Learning Commons and additional individual/group workspaces. The school has a wireless IT infrastructure to accommodate the 1:1 iPad program in the Lower school and the BYO device system in the Middle and Upper School. Apple computers, various universities, and the Center for Innovation in Education have recognized ISE for its innovative learning environment. The school has its own gymnasium and access to a neighboring indoor athletic facility and outdoor stadium.
Finances: For the 2022-2023 school year, annual tuition rates are as follows: Preschool (Age 3 & 4): €6,956; kindergarten-grade 5: €19,972; grades 6-10: €21,492; and grades 11-12: €22,284. There is an additional one-time nonrefundable registration fee of €600. All new students in reception to grade 12 are invoiced a one-time capital levy fee of €3,000. (All fees quoted in euros.)
Special Needs: Download the Special Needs Profile (2023 Special Needs Profile- Estonia, Tallinn) for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.
This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information. Information and statistics are current as of September 2022 and provided by the school.