With the start of the 2024 academic year, there will be fewer classes delivered only in Ukrainian in Estonian schools, as more students from Ukrain will transition to learning exclusively in Estonian. The shift reflects changing attitudes among both temporary protection holders from Ukraine and school administrators, with Ukrainian families increasingly committed to integrating into Estonian society and enrolling their children in Estonian-language classes. 

In May 2024, approximately 9 000 Ukrainian children were enrolled in Estonian schools, with a declining number of students simultaneously attending Ukrainian online schools. Schools that previously offered separate classes for students from Ukraine are now making efforts to integrate the pupils into Estonian or mixed-language classes led in Russian and Estonian, as the students become more linguistically proficient. 

The demand for Estonian language courses for children from Ukraine also remains high, with state financial support available for schools to provide these additional classes.

The Räägu and Vabaduse schools, specifically focused on teaching children from Ukraine, are also transitioning towards Estonian-language instruction. Räägu School will gradually reduce its operations as students are integrated at local schools. The Vabaduse School, which offers education partly in Ukrainian, will introduce more elective subjects in Estonian. The long-term future of these schools is uncertain, as they are expected to eventually transform into Estonian-language institutions, aligning with Estonia’s broader shift towards a unified education system.