Around 63,000 children will start kindergarten in Estonia in 2026, which is down from just under 67,000 in 2025, according to the Ministry of Education, ERR reports. The number of children in kindergarten has gone down across the country due to falling birth rates, which has made it easier for parents to place their children in their preferred kindergarten, ERR reported. Tallinn has scrapped waiting lists for kindergarten spots altogether, as there are enough nursery places for everyone, ERR reported.
Meanwhile, the total number of children starting school in Estonia is considerably smaller in 2026 than last year, ERR reported. In Tallinn, nearly 4,600 children will reach compulsory school age in 2026, which is about 400 fewer than in 2025. In Tartu, 1,200 children will start school in first grade in 2026, which is nearly 300 fewer than in 2025. At the same time, small schools in rural regions are relying on local support, flexible staffing, and creative solutions to keep their doors open, ERR reports.