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Pärnu Koidula High School Wins Estonia's 2026 School of the Year

A record 12,000 votes crowned this Estonian school a national leader in education. Discover how labs replaced lectures—and why students love it.

The image shows a poster of the Swedish Normal School of Helsinki, with a few buildings, trees, and...
The image shows a poster of the Swedish Normal School of Helsinki, with a few buildings, trees, and a fence in the foreground, and the sky in the background. At the bottom of the image, there is some text.

Pärnu Koidula High School Wins Estonia's 2026 School of the Year

Pärnu Koidula High School has been named Estonia’s 2026 School of the Year. The win came after receiving over 12,000 votes across two rounds of public voting. Principal Indrek Kaldo described the achievement as a moment of great pride for the entire school community. The school stood out among fifteen finalists competing for this year’s title. Its success was driven by a strong shift toward inquiry-based learning, where students spend much of their time actively engaged in experiments and projects.

In the science track, most chemistry classes now take place in labs rather than traditional classrooms. Biology lessons follow a similar approach, with experiments replacing lectures. Students have praised this hands-on method, along with the school’s wide range of study options. The supportive atmosphere also played a key role in the win. Teachers were noted for their flexibility and encouragement, creating an environment where students feel motivated to explore and learn.

The award highlights the school’s commitment to practical, student-centred education. With over 12,000 votes confirming its popularity, Pärnu Koidula High School now serves as a model for innovative teaching methods in Estonia. The recognition reflects both its academic approach and the positive experiences of its students.

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