he development of education in Maardu supports the city’s overall goal of providing high-quality and accessible education for all, ensuring that young people have the opportunity to grow in a diverse and inclusive environment. The transition to Estonian-language education is an essential part of the city's progress, securing a successful future for both students and Maardu itself.
Maardu has three kindergartens that offer quality early education and care for the city’s youngest residents—Sipsik Kindergarten, Rukkilill Kindergarten, and Muuga Kindergarten—ensuring equal access to education across different parts of the city. These kindergartens provide a stimulating learning environment and prepare children for a smooth transition to school education.
General education in Maardu is provided by three schools, offering learning opportunities that cater to the needs and preferences of students and families. Maardu Gümnaasium and Maardu Põhikool are in the process of transitioning to Estonian-language education, a key step in strengthening students' language skills and expanding their opportunities in both education and future careers. Kallavere Keskkool, on the other hand, already operates fully in Estonian.
In addition, Maardu Gümnaasium offers a flexible non-stationary study program, allowing students to continue their education at their own pace. This option is ideal for those who need to balance their studies with work, family, or other commitments. All three schools actively collaborate with parents and the local community, ensuring the best learning outcomes and a supportive educational environment.
For children with artistic talent, Maardu School of Arts provides specialized education in a variety of disciplines, including visual arts, piano, violin, singing, guitar, accordion, bayan, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion, and cello.
Language immersion
Since 2001, Maardu Gümnaasium has been offering early language immersion classes, using a unique methodology that has produced excellent results in teaching Estonian to younger students.
Language immersion is a teaching method that supports multilingual education. In this approach, students learn a foreign language without using their native language as a medium. According to the immersion program, subjects are taught in the target language not only during language lessons but also in other subjects following the national curriculum. At least 50% of instruction should be conducted in the target language.
It is essential that students learn both Estonian and their native language, gaining knowledge of both cultures and traditions. This balanced approach ensures that students develop strong language skills while also preserving and appreciating their cultural identity.
Maardu City Library
The Maardu City Library has been operating since 1993 and serves around 4,000 readers, including over 800 children under the age of 16. Throughout the year, children can turn to librarians with various questions, including those related to their school curriculum.
The library features sections for Estonian and foreign literature, two reading halls, a children's section, an internet center, and a museum. In addition to a wide selection of fiction, the library offers popular science, educational, and technical literature.
The reading hall provides visitors with reference books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, art albums, and a large collection of periodicals. Readers can enjoy Estonian and Russian newspapers and magazines, catering to various interests and tastes.
