A review by the Ministry of Education and Research found the school enrolled more than 400 students, many already holding diplomas or degrees, in single subjects at the school, violating rules for non-stationary study.

This practice appeared to continue for two years in a row, prompting suspicion the school knowingly submitted false data.

Schools report student data to the Estonian Education Information System (EHIS), which determines state funding. Without these additional enrollment numbers, the ministry said, state support for the school would have been far lower.

"This points to the misuse of state funds, which is against the law," said Mairi Uusen, head of the ministry's External Evaluation Department.

The Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act allows non-traditional students to enroll for single subjects to prepare for state exams, complete their secondary education or meet university admission requirements.

For students who have already earned diplomas or degrees, however, such single subjects count as continuing education, which is usually paid by the student, not the state. Narva Orthodox High School likewise isn't licensed to offer continuing education courses.

Over three times as many single-subject students

At the time of the inspection, 456 students were enrolled in single-subject study, compared with 136 full-time, or stationary, students. Money allocated for these single-subject students now accounts for more than half of the school's state allocations, boosting total support by about €600,000.

Enrollment also grants students benefits like health insurance, pensionable service and various discounts available to student ID card holders.

The ministry has ordered the school's operator, the Orthodox Education Association "Resurrection," to offer students single subjects in compliance with the law and submit accurate data to EHIS.

Information has also been forwarded to the Prosecutor's Office, which is reviewing whether to launch a criminal investigation.

"Submitting false data gave the school a financial advantage and cost the state," the ministry said, adding that this conduct appears to have been deliberate.

School denies allegations

Narva Orthodox High School says it has reported all non-stationary students since 2024 and never received prior warnings about the issue.

"All data submitted by the school for funding purposes was accessible to and verifiable by the relevant authorities," the school said, adding that teaching single subjects is common in other schools, including state schools, and adult education programs.

The school denies knowingly submitting false data, saying instruction occurred as reported and that funding was used appropriately.

It also warned that public accusations before the facts are clarified can harm the school's reputation, the ministry's credibility and Narva's adult education system.

Narva Orthodox High School is a private school run by the nonprofit Orthodox Education Association "Resurrection."

The nonprofit's board includes Vitali Gavrilov, who also serves on the board of the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church (EKÕK), formerly the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (MPEÕK).

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