Tallinn Increases Education Funding in 2027 Budget to Support Families and Schools

Draft Budget Allocates 148.5 Million Euros for Childcare

The 2027 draft budget sets aside 148.5 million euros specifically for childcare and preschool education. City officials plan to increase funding per child to support daily operations across municipal facilities. These funds will secure spots for 16,587 children in municipal kindergartens. “Our choice is to stand up for the interests of children and families and back this up with funding,” Andrei Kante, Tallinn Deputy Mayor for Education, said.

Allocating School Investments

General primary and secondary education receives 268.3 million euros under the draft plan, covering 45,573 students. Municipal schools will continue providing free lunches and morning porridge to all full-time students.

Educational investments for youth work and schooling total approximately 70.8 million euros for 2027. This capital goes toward building extensions, finishing new facilities, and reconstructing several foundational schools. The construction and renovation plan for educational buildings encompasses erecting an extension to the Jakob Westholm Gymnasium, completing the new buildings for the Tallinn Helen School and the Tallinn Kullo Hobby Centre, as well as reconstructing the Kalamaja Basic School and the Tallinn Nõmme Basic School.

Preschool investments account for 24.8 million euros of that total for renovations, fire safety updates, and heating system upgrades. The funds are earmarked for designing, constructing, reconstructing, and acquisitions for kindergartens, including the Tallinn Meelespea Kindergarten, the Manufaktuuri Kindergarten, and the Päesupesa Kindergarten.

Support services receive 3.1 million euros, which includes 2.7 million euros directed to the Tallinn Education Counseling Center to assist thousands of children. Meanwhile, funding for private hobby schools will double to reach 650,000 euros within a broader 18.3 million euro allocation for extracurricular activities. The draft budget requires final approval from the Tallinn City Council.