Erakoolid

Erakoolid are privately operated general education institutions in Estonia. They operate alongside state and municipal schools and are established by private individuals, foundations, or organizations, including religious communities. Erakoolid may be secular or religious and often pursue specialized educational approaches, such as international or bilingual programs.

In the Estonian education system, erakoolid are subject to national law and must follow the national core curriculum, safety and qualification requirements for teachers, and other standards set by the Ministry of Education and Science. They participate in state quality assurance processes and must meet criteria to ensure equivalence with public schools. Private schools may have greater flexibility in pedagogy and program design within the legal framework.

Funding and admissions: Private schools can receive state funding per pupil if eligible, while others rely on private funding and tuition fees. Admissions policies vary by school, but they must comply with non-discrimination rules and ensure fair access; some programs may use selective criteria such as interviews or entrance assessments.

Programs and characteristics: Erakoolid often emphasize individualized teaching, smaller class sizes, and innovative pedagogical approaches. They may offer bilingual instruction, international curricula, or religious education. They frequently provide a broader selection of extracurricular activities and may serve communities seeking alternatives to the public school model.

Role and context: As part of Estonia’s education landscape, erakoolid contribute to parental choice and educational diversity. They operate under national standards and are part of the system that balances state provision with private initiative.