The Beginning of the School Year at Tallinn Art Gymnasium

For some time now, I have owed an update and conclusion to a rather complicated school story. I previously wrote [HERE] about how our son Lucas Nikolas was assigned to Tallinna Kunstigümnaasium as his local school, even though our family had preferred another school. One of our major concerns was also whether I, as a wheelchair-using parent, would truly be able to take part in my child’s school life.

We filed an appeal, but the Tallinn City Government did not uphold it. We had the option of taking the matter to court, but we decided not to choose that path. It would have meant another dispute, more stress, and most likely a fairly long process at a time when our child needed to start his school journey as calmly as possible.

And so Lucas started school at Tallinna Kunstigümnaasium this autumn.

I have to be honest: although the whole process was difficult for our family and raised many questions, the beginning of the school year has been calmer than we feared. I was also given access to the September 1st ceremony in my wheelchair — using a lift and a stairlift. It was not an ideal solution, but the most important thing was that I was able to be there for my child on his very first school day.

That meant a lot to me.

The issue of the first-grade classroom was also resolved. Earlier, it had seemed that access to the classroom could be difficult because of stairs, but in the end the class was moved to a room without stairs. For us, that was a very important practical step.

Based on our first experience so far, Lucas has had no problems at school. He receives praise, goes to school by himself in the morning, and comes home by himself as well. This is a big step toward independence for him, and as a parent, it is good to see.

Of course, this does not erase all the earlier worries and questions. Starting school should not bring a family this much administrative and emotional stress. At the same time, as things stand now, the most important thing is that Lucas has settled in, is coping well, and goes to school happily.

For me, one broader thought still remains from this story: a child’s school journey does not concern only the child, but the cooperation between the whole family and the school. When the school and the family find solutions that actually work, it is possible to move forward even after a difficult beginning.

For now, I wish Lucas Nikolas a beautiful school journey. May this beginning be brave, joyful, and supportive.

Below are a few photos from our September 1st.