Estonian Ministry of Education Changes School Holiday Schedule Again
Estonia's Ministry of Education plans to extend Christmas holidays to include Epiphany on January 6 starting from the 2027/2028 school year, while also considering starting school in August to avoid heat.
The Estonian Ministry of Education and Science has proposed a new regulation altering school holiday schedules for upcoming academic years. According to the draft, starting from the 2027/2028 school year, the Christmas break will last at least until January 6, which is Epiphany in Christian tradition. Previously, the ministry had planned shorter holidays, but after consultations with schools, it decided to extend them.
Ott Oja, head of the ministry's general and basic education department, noted that in the 2028/2029 and 2029/2030 school years, including Epiphany in the break is natural, but in 2027/2028 it would have fallen outside the holidays, so the break is extended. For example, in 2027/2028, the Christmas break will start on December 23 and last 18 days until January 9, shifting the end of the school year accordingly.
However, the new schedule raises concerns about the third holiday period, which in 2027/2028 will start on February 28. Estonia's Republic Day (February 24) falls during the school term, meaning children must attend school on Friday as well, potentially an unproductive day. The ministry is now analyzing feedback and seeking solutions. Schools have the right to start the break from February 24 themselves, but the state cannot simply declare it a day off as there must be at least 175 school days per year.
Robert Lippin, education and youth advisor at the Association of Estonian Cities and Rural Municipalities, reported that 31 local governments provided feedback on the draft, and those that responded agreed with it. One idea from municipalities is to start the school year in August a week earlier and end in June a week earlier to avoid hot weather. Oja indicated that this would require legislative changes, but schools can already experiment. The state encourages such experiments, and if successful, they could be implemented nationally.
Lippin noted that Estonia's school year is one of the shortest in Europe, forcing teachers to cover material quickly and increasing homework. A longer school period with a more relaxed pace could be a better solution. The Student Union of Estonia welcomed longer Christmas breaks, noting that they allow students to rest after the dark autumn and holiday season. It called for extending the break beyond 2027/2028.
The ministry's draft regulation specifies exact holiday dates for three school years (2027/2028, 2028/2029, 2029/2030). The regulation is to take effect on September 1, 2027.
