Knowing the Basics: Municipal, State and Private Schools in Finland
As a foreign mother living in Finland, I have been curious about the different types of schools available to children. While I am no expert on the Finnish education system, I have had conversations with other parents to better understand the options available. In this blog post, I will share what I have learned about the different types of schools in Finland. Please note that this is not an exhaustive investigation, but rather an overview of what I have been able to gather mainly through discussions with other mothers.
To start breaking it down, you need to know that in Finland there are three main types of schools: municipal schools, state schools and private schools. Here's a brief overview of the differences between them:
Municipal schools (the “peruskoulu”) are the public schools by default. It’s where most children study and where a child goes if the parents or guardians don’t decide otherwise. These are schools that are run by local municipalities. Municipal schools are free for all students, and they are required to follow the national curriculum. Municipal schools also receive funding from the government, which is based on the number of students enrolled.
State schools (Valtion koulu) are also public schools, but considered more elite education. Examples of these schools are the French-Finnish school (Helsingin ranskalais-suomalainen koulu) or the Russian-Finnish school (Suomalais-venäläinen koulu). These are schools that are run by the Finnish government. State schools are also free for all students, and they are required to follow the national curriculum. State schools receive funding from the government, and they are overseen by the National Board of Education. To access these schools you normally need an aptitude test (a language test for bilingual schools). The language entrance exams can be quite competitive and demand a really high level both in Finnish and the other language taught.
Private schools are schools that are run by private individuals, organisations, or foundations. Private schools in Finland are required to follow the same national curriculum as municipal and state schools, but they have more autonomy in terms of teaching methods and administration. Private schools may charge tuition fees, and they are not required to accept all students who apply. Nevertheless some private schools can be free and most of them receive government funding.
Overall, the education system has been praised for its high quality and equitable access to education, but it also has some notable differences that can create segregation. In Finland, municipal schools are responsible for providing education to students from the first grade to the ninth grade. These schools aim to provide equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or abilities. However, there has been recent debate in Helsinki about whether reinforced programs may contribute to segregation.
Reinforced programs in municipal schools are designed to provide students with additional support and resources in specific areas of study, such as art, music, or language. Reinforced programs in municipal schools are designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore their interests and talents in greater depth. They provide students with additional support and resources to help them reach their full potential in areas of study that they are passionate about.
Now, here's the important thing to know - access to these special programs often have aptitude tests. So, it's a good idea to know about this structure early on, especially if you want your child to have a better chance of getting in. For example, in some schools, being in their preschool gives more chances to then pass the entrance exam. The reinforced programs usually start in 3rd grade, but most people still trust the standard program in municipal schools.
Honestly, it was a tough decision. We had to choose between our local school, a state school, and a reinforced program in another municipal school. But, the crazy thing was that all three options seemed like good choices. It was like trying to choose between good, better, and best!
I know that not everyone has the luxury of having multiple good options for their child's education, so I'm really grateful that we were able to make a decision that we felt good about. If anyone else out there is trying to make a similar decision, just know that it's okay to ask and have as much information as you need to weigh your options.
