School overview
Welcome to Ülenurme Gümnaasium, a school for pupils in grades 1–12 in Ülenurme, Kambja Municipality, Tartu County, Estonia. We bring together learning, creativity, sport and a strong sense of community.
Our vision, mission and values
Our motto celebrates the school’s roots: “Every field bears its own fruit; Ülenurme bears the fruit of wisdom and kindness.”
Our vision is to be a respected school that empowers its learners and is guided by shared values. Our mission is to keep learning and developing, supporting pupils’ abilities, diligence and perseverance as they grow in the spirit of our core values.
- Health, health promotion and traditions
- Individuality
- Caring
- Initiative and enterprise
- Responsibility
- Fairness, curiosity and learning skills
- Joy
- Cooperation
The Estonian initials of these values form TIHE VÕRK — “a close-knit network” — reflecting the connections within our school community.
Our school and its history
The school continues the tradition of Reola School, whose roots reach back to 1766. The present school building opened in 1984, and the school has borne the name Ülenurme Gümnaasium since 1994. Our school history museum preserves the educational heritage of the local area.
In autumn 2025, the school had 1,119 pupils. The school’s general information page lists more than 90 teachers and more than 10 other staff members. Priit Põdra has been the head of school since August 2026.
Our grounds are an important part of school life. In 2001, the school received the title “Estonia’s Most Beautiful School”. Since 1990, graduating classes have contributed to the grounds through a tradition of planting trees; more recent classes have donated benches.
Learning and study pathways
We provide basic education in grades 1–9 and upper secondary education in grades 10–12. Our basic-school pathways focus on music, sport and health promotion, and mathematics. Younger pupils can also take part in early English and German language activities.
Upper secondary pupils can choose from four pathways:
- Humanities: languages, literature, history, culture and society, with an emphasis on discussion and critical thinking.
- Mathematics and technology: logical reasoning, mathematics, physics, computing and practical problem-solving.
- Natural sciences: biology, chemistry, physics and geography, including experiments, research and fieldwork.
- Sport: physical development, training, nutrition, sports theory and a healthy lifestyle.
Pupils can extend their learning through subject clubs and University of Tartu Youth Academy courses. For further details, see our study pathways and Youth Academy information (in Estonian).
School life, music and sport
Our extracurricular activities include robotics, languages, choirs, quizzes and a wide range of sports. Pupils can contribute to school life through the student council, while the parents’ council supports cooperation between school and home.
Annual traditions include music celebrations, sports days, school Olympic Games, music and sports camps, the school ball and a charity Christmas fair. We cooperate with Ülenurme Music School, and our choirs take part in Estonia’s song festival tradition.
Our sports facilities include a full-size stadium, a sports hall, spaces for ball games, wrestling and gymnastics, a gym and a licensed shooting range. The school combines academic study with opportunities for sporting development.
Learn more about extracurricular activities and sport at our school (in Estonian).
Wellbeing and support
Pupils have access to a special educational needs coordinator, a school psychologist, social pedagogues, a speech therapist and special education teacher, and a school nurse. The school also has a library and an after-school group for younger pupils.
Health and wellbeing are central to our school culture. We participate in health-promoting and physically active school networks, and encourage movement during breaks. Since the 2026/2027 school year, the KiVa anti-bullying programme has been implemented in grades 1–9, supporting prevention and cooperation between pupils, staff and parents.
Further information: pupil support services and KiVa (in Estonian).
Partnerships and international cooperation
The school participates in the UNESCO Associated Schools Network and the international network of Pierre de Coubertin schools. International school meetings and school Olympic Games offer opportunities to learn together across cultures.
Current Nordplus projects include “Together we thrive” (2025–2027), involving partners in Lithuania, Sweden, Finland and Latvia, and “Shaping tomorrow together” (2026/2027), involving partners in Lithuania, Latvia and Denmark. These projects develop leadership, communication, teamwork and other future skills through international learning activities.
Our partners include the University of Tartu, the Estonian Basketball Association, the Estonian Aviation Academy and the Estonian Agricultural Museum. We also cooperate with the Noored Kooli programme and the University of Tartu’s Centre for Ethics. Read more about our projects (in Estonian).
Admissions and practical information
Families interested in joining our school are welcome to contact the school office. Admission procedures and application periods are published on the grade 1 admissions page and the grade 10 admissions page (in Estonian).
The Estonian website also provides the timetable, school meal information and transport information. Pupils and families use Stuudium for school communication.
Contact us
Ülenurme Gümnaasium
Tartu mnt. 5
Ülenurme, Kambja Municipality
61714 Tartu County, Estonia
Email: kool@yle.edu.ee
School office (grades 6–12): +372 750 2620
School office (grades 1–5): +372 741 5276
