Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
360 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
60+ |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
The ratio of local to international students is approximately 50/50. |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Mostly yes. The majority of our teachers are native speakers of the language in which they instruct students. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes. We offer ESL (English as a Second Language) support classes for students who are not yet fluent in the language of instruction. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Spanish, German, French, Russian, Estonian |
| Max. number of students per class |
The maximum number of students in each classroom ranges from 16 to 24, depending on the grade level. |
| Average number of students per class |
The average number of students in each classroom is approximately 20. |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes, our school employs teaching assistants. |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Technology is integrated into everyday learning. Students use digital tools and platforms to support research, collaboration, creativity, and communication, enhancing both classroom and independent learning. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes, the school uses and is fully prepared to use virtual classroom technologies, including online video conferencing, to ensure continuity of learning when needed. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
Students complete the IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) examinations and the IB MYP eAssessments. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes. |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
In the PYP, homework is limited and age-appropriate. In the MYP, homework is assigned more regularly to support subject-specific learning and skill development. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes, the school provides SEN (Special Educational Needs) and EAL (English as an Additional Language) support through specialised staff and tailored programs. |
| Learning support offered |
IST provides a dedicated SEN Coordinator who supports students, teachers, and parents through assessment, intervention, and ongoing evaluation.
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| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Gifted, able, and talented students are supported through individual consultation hours, as well as opportunities to participate in university research projects and hackathon events, providing additional academic challenge and enrichment. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes, students are provided access to an educational psychologist. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
For Preschool and PYP (Grades 1–5), students attend an interview and trial day, during which the teacher observes the student’s behaviour and level of knowledge.
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| Waiting list |
It depends on the grade level. Some classes are full and have a waiting list, while others still have available places. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
There is no fixed deadline. Admissions are open throughout the year, subject to availability of places. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, students may join during the academic year, subject to availability and the admissions process. |
| School start time |
The school day starts at 9:00 for Preschool and PYP and 8:15 for MYP and DP. |
| School finish time |
The school day finishes at 15:15 for PYP, MYP, and DP.
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| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes. The school provides supervised care in the morning from 8:00–9:00 and after school until 18:00. |
| School bus service available |
No |
| School provided lunches |
Yes. IST provides freshly prepared lunches daily for students. Students may also bring food from home, and a microwave is available to warm up meals. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes. A vegetarian option is available daily, and lactose-free, gluten-free, and other special dietary meals can be arranged upon request. |
| Uniform required |
Yes — IST has a mandatory dress code and uniform policy for Grades 1–12. Students in Grades 1–8 must wear the school uniform top, and students in Grades 9–12 must wear a top with the IST logo or brand. For Preschool, a dress code is recommended but not required. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Arts & Crafts, Book Club EYP, Capoeira, Chinese & Japanese Language, Dance Rhythmic, Drama Club, Drawing Club EYP, Game Design, Philosophy Club, Piano, Robotics, Swimming, Zumba |
| Sports activities included |
At IST, physical education is part of the regular curriculum: students take PE (Personal, Social & Physical Education) lessons each week, focusing on physical well-being and fundamental movement skills. In the PYP, PE is delivered over multiple periods per week in a large gym as part of the core curriculum.
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| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes. IST has sports teams and offers opportunities for students to participate in sports competitions and events, including basketball, football and other team and individual sport activities both during and after school. |
| Facilities at the school |
Here are the main non-sports facilities available for students at IST:
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| Sports facilities at the school |
Here are the main sports facilities at IST:
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| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
International School of Tallinn (IST) is a vibrant IB World School offering high-quality International Baccalaureate programmes (PYP, MYP, DP) in English for students aged 3–19. The school is known for its rigorous, inquiry-based and multicultural learning environment that fosters critical and creative thinking, innovation, and global citizenship. IST emphasizes 21st-century skills, multilingual learning, digital integration, and holistic development, preparing students to adapt and thrive in a changing world. The school community is supported by experienced, dedicated international teachers and modern facilities that enrich both academic and personal growth. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Teaching at IST is based on an inquiry-driven and concept-based methodology, where students actively explore questions, analyze ideas, and apply knowledge in meaningful contexts.
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