äärkool

Äärkool refers to a secondary school in Estonia, specifically within the network of public and state-funded educational institutions. It is part of the country's comprehensive six-tier school system, designed to facilitate students' transition from primary education to higher studies or vocational training.

The term "äärkool" can be roughly translated to English as "border school." This name likely emanates from its role in bridging the education gap between the Arts and Science-focused tracks within the Estonian school system. The secondary education curriculum focuses on the development of core subjects along with specialized elective options suitable across various skill sets.

Absorption of secondary students by the äärkool system typically takes place after passing Grade 9 evaluations. This year acts as a crucial juncture in a student's academic career, determining their position in the broader Estonian education matrix. Depending upon their knowledge and progress during the secondary education, students get allocated to different Gems hence enabling subsequent eighteen months preparation at secondary-level prior to moving into twenty-one months A-level education at superior Educational system.