Schools in Estonia are now checking if students have had enough Estonian language lessons. This is a new job for schools, and it surprised many school leaders.
At least 60% of classes must be in Estonian. If a student finishes an Estonian-language school, they do not need to take a language test to apply for citizenship. The Ministry of Education makes sure the school certificates are correct.
Last year, the Narva City Council allowed its schools to teach in Russian for five years. Other towns must decide every year if they will allow this. Narva’s decision is for five years.
The decision is based on what the school board suggests. The town must decide within two months. The law does not say the decision must be made every year.
Narva’s decision follows the law, but it shows that Narva is not ready to switch to Estonian-language education quickly. The full change to Estonian-language education will happen by 2029.