Visits and international cooperation

These international activities support and develop the skills of students and personnel and are a part of everyday life at daycare centres, schools and other educational institutions.

The Education Division’s international activities are based on the Helsinki City Strategy for 2021–2025: A Place of Growth

These international activities support and develop the skills of students and personnel and are a part of everyday life at daycare centres, schools and other educational institutions. The activities include cooperation with partners, school camps, on-the-job learning periods, project activities, competitions and foreign visitors. 

The international education path starts during early childhood education and continues on the next education levels. The international activities implement the objectives of:

Erasmus+ collaboration and visits

The Education Division of the city of Helsinki has been granted Erasmus+ accreditations for 2021 – 2027. The consortium consists of educational units from pre-primary to secondary level including vocational education, all of which are also accredited. 

Our objectives in the Education Division are based on the municipality’s strategy and the curriculums of each school sector.

If you are planning to visit a school in Helsinki, we kindly encourage you to look for a suitable partner on European School Education Platform(Link leads to external service) 

Visiting Us

Are you interested in the Finnish education system? Would you like to meet Finnish teachers and students as well as children in early childhood education?

On this site you can book a visit to a daycare centre, school or educational institution. Visit request form can be found at the bottom of this page.

Please familiarise yourself with the services below.

Our division provides education in Finnish and English. We also provide vocational education and training in Finnish.

The Education division of the City of Helsinki is in charge of organizing: 

  • Early childhood education, which includes daycare, pre-primary education, playground activities, and morning and afternoon activities for schoolchildren. Link to the services
  • Basic education, which includes primary level (ages 7-12) and lower secondary level (ages 13-15). Link to the services
  • General upper secondary education (ages 16+). Link to the services
  • Vocational education, apprenticeship training, preparatory training for secondary education, and different workshop activities for young people. Link to the services
  • Liberal adult education services, which offer a diverse selection of courses, hobbies, public lectures, concerts, theatre activities, events and open university studies for people of all ages at adult education centers. Link to the services

In all units of education we have over 15 000 professionals working together for the same goal, that is to make Helsinki the most impactful place in the world for learning.

For more information on the Finnish education system(Link leads to external service)

Educational visits to our units offer a unique opportunity to see how the Finnish educational system works in practice. A typical visit includes a short presentation of the unit and its work structure, a guided tour of the unit and the premises, as well as observing the lessons and the staff in action. Throughout the visit, visitors can ask questions and discuss with the learners and the staff.

We offer visits in English. You can bring an interpreter (at your own cost) if necessary. Please note that communication through an interpreter often increases the amount of time needed for the visit. We recommend that you plan your visit one hour longer if you choose to have an interpreter. 

We mainly welcome visitors between September and November, as well as between January and April. In June and July all schools and preschools are closed, some daycare centres are available for visits during June and July.  For further details on specific dates of academic holidays.

Please plan your schedule so that you have enough time for transportation, especially if you book several visits at different locations. You should always arrive at the visiting unit on time.  

 

1-2 hours' visit Fee (+ VAT 24%)
Under 15 persons 550€
15-30 persons 660€
Over 30 persons 770€
3-4 hours' visit Fee (+ VAT 24%)
Under 15 persons 880€
15-30 persons 1100€
Over 30 persons 1320€
Presentation by experts (also available virtually) Fee (+ VAT 24%)
1,5 hours 300€

The City of Helsinki will invoice you after your visit. Unfortunately, we do not accept cash payments.  

If you are interested in visiting us, you can book a visit to our units through our online booking system. 

Please read the descriptions and themes of the visiting units below before filling in the visit request form.

Please note that generally, a maximum of 10 to 15 people can participate in the daycare visit, depending on the size of the daycare.

Please note that our units are available for visits only on/at certain dates and times. You must make your booking at least six (6) weeks prior to the visit, so that the unit will have enough time to organize it. After receiving your request, the unit will contact you by email and let you know whether they can accommodate your visit request.  

Send us a visit request(Link leads to external service)

 

Visiting units

The page is being updated...

Please read the descriptions and themes of the visiting units before filling in the visit request form.

Please note that generally, a maximum of 10 to 15 people can participate in the daycare visit, depending on the size of the daycare.

Playgrounds

Lohikäärme

Themes and topics: language learning, student welfare, open early childhood education and family work. Playground Lohikäärme provides language teaching and opportunities for language learning for pre-schoolers and primary school pupils. They also look after children while their mothers attend a language class.

Daycare centres

Ahti

Themes and topics:  child's personal learning plan for early childhood education/pre-primary education, group portfolio (in early childhood education), reading, Finnish or Swedish as a second language instruction.

Our daycare is situated in the lovely area of Vuosaari in east Helsinki. Nearby, we have sea, lots of forest and other natural elements. The children in the daycare are aged 1 to 5 years old. We have many children who speak two or more languages, with over 50% of them having a native language other than Finnish.

We have a total of about 50 children in four different groups. Currently, we have four kindergarten teachers, five nurses, and three special assistants for certain children. Additionally, we share a multilingual instructor for Somali language with three daycare centres. Learning Finnish is one of the main features of our daycare.

Auringonkukka

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, phenomenon-based learning, inclusion, learning environments, Finnish/Swedish as a second language. Preschool is located in the same building.

Daycare Auringonkukka, Sunflower in English, is a municipal day care center in the City of Helsinki. It was founded in the Viikki district in 2002. Auringonkukka provides day care and pre-primary education services. Auringonkukka is open weekdays between 6.15 am and 5.30 pm.

Viikki is a relatively new neighborhood. The construction of the area started in the early 1990s and is continuing today. Initially, the core idea of the Viikki area was to incorporate new experimental and ecological architecture. The construction of Auringonkukka is a result of an open architecture contest and is based on ecological, functional and communal values.

The Viikki campus of Helsinki University, known as the green campus, visibly influences the area. Fields, forested areas, and the university’s agricultural landscape surround Auringonkukka. We can apply diverse pedagogy, as children’s groups can easily explore the nature, and well-functioning public transport enables the trips around the city of Helsinki.

We have approximately 90 children at Auringonkukka, divided into six child groups. Groups are formed based on the children’s age and their needs. Each group has its own classroom, and the groups share a dining area and several multi-functional rooms. The pedagogy at Auringonkukka is child-centered and based on national and local curriculums emphasizing communal values.

Our staff consists of a head, 7 kindergarten teachers, part time French teacher, 1 special education teacher, 8 kindergarten nurses and 1 personal assistant. We also

operate as a practical training day care center for kindergarten teacher students from Helsinki University and for nurses from vocational schools in Helsinki. Auringonkukka welcomes visitors from all around the world and participates actively to different development projects.

Helsinki city strategy, A Place of Growth, guides education with positive aims and is visible in pedagogy and actions in Auringonkukka.

Helsinki City Strategy | City of Helsinki

Domus (swedish speaking unit)

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, sustainable development, learning environments. Preschool is located in the same building.

Hiekkalinna

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, literacy/media literacy, Finnish/Swedish as a second language instruction.

Our daycare is situated in the lovely area of Vuosaari in east Helsinki. Nearby, we have sea, lots of forest and other natural elements. The children in the daycare are aged 1 to 5 years old. We have many children who speak two or more languages, with over 50% of them having a native language other than Finnish. 

We have a total of about 50 children in four different groups. Currently, we have four kindergarten teachers, five nurses, and three special assistants for certain children. Additionally, we share a multilingual instructor for Somali language with three daycare centres. Learning Finnish is one of the main features of our daycare.

Humikkala

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, sustainable development, learning environments, Finnish/Swedish as a second language.

Kamppi

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, phenomenon-based learning, inclusion, student welfare, learning environments, preparatory education. Preschool is located in the same building

Daycare Kamppi was founded in 1991. We have 70 children divided into five child groups.

Our team of educators consists of 

  • four early childhood education teachers, including two preschool teachers
  • three professional teachers for children with special needs in early childhood education, including the deputy head of the centre. Two of them working in the integrated special group and one working in whole department consulting and supporting. 
  • seven practical nurses and one special needs assistant
  • one person working in the kitchen and one cleaner
Daily Program

At Kamppi, we value play and the joy of learning, as well as safe and committed adults. The atmosphere at Kamppi is positive, with an emphasis on encouraging and providing warm care for the children. We work in small groups and play outdoors twice a day. The preschool groups work closely with our partner school, Ressu Comprehensive, which is located nearby.

Each group goes on trips and excursions in central Helsinki. We visit art museums and take advantage of the parks in the area. We use public transport to get to forests and various locations in Helsinki.

Cooperation with parents is important: daily conversations, discussions on the child’s early childhood education plan, and parent meetings. From time to time, we also arrange meetings where the parents can discuss and have a say in important matters.

Development of play and learning environments is important. Play is a tool for thinking and learning: the children can modify how, what, and where they play according to their own interests. We encourage children and allow their play to continue as long as possible. Small play groups are used to support learning and growth, especially in the integrated special group. Adults also join in the play from time to time to be present for the children. The joy of play connects the adult and the child, the joy of play is the joy of life!

Our goal for the 2023 is increase equality and parity, and also prevent bullying. Through their own actions and by modifying the learning environment, adults ensure participation and equality for all children. The role of the adult is to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging to a group.

Kanava

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, phenomenon-based learning, sustainable development, nature pedagogy and nature activities, student welfare, learning environments, preparatory education, cooperation between pre-primary and comprehensive school. Preschool is located in the same building.

Daycare Kanava is the largest provider of nature pedagogy education in Finland (part of Luonnossa Kotonaan – At home in nature –network). We have ten groups, which include four pre-primary groups. The children are aged 1-6.  

Our emphasis as a setting is on Nature, Exercise and Play. We meet every child with a sensitive approach and take time to get to know every child as an individual. Learning through play is at the heart of our pedagogy, and much of the learning is adapted to take place in nature. Uutela nature reserve area, with a varied topography and the Baltic Sea, is located next to us.

The ‘Luonnossa Kotonaan – At home in nature’ network is like Forest School networks in Europe and elsewhere: participating groups adhere to a certain ethos and rules, for example going out in every type of weather, using natural resources in play as much as possible, and giving children unhurried time to play in nature.  

The majority of Kanava staff have received training in nature pedagogy; through research and personal experience, we are aware that playing outdoors promotes imagination, encourages physicality, improves social development, supports problem solving skills and reduces stress. Kanava professional have access to a large network connection including museums, libraries, sports centers, religious institutions, public health centers, family health centers, multi professional units for Special Needs children and their families, Finnish as a second language teachers, and multilingual assistants that communicate with recently immigrated families.

We communicate with families, both in bi-yearly meetings to discuss their children’s development, and daily at the nursery gate. Each child has an Early Learning Plan that is based on observations on the child’s interests, play, and social network. The plans are documented and assessed yearly.  

Guidance also in Swedish.

Kankarepuisto

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, literacy/media literacy, Finnish/Swedish as a second language, preparatory education. Preschool is located in the same building. Guidance also in Spanish.

Korento

Themes and topics:  child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, bilangual education, sustainable development, literacy/media literacy, learning environments, STEAM, Finnish/Swedish as a second language, preparatory education.

Kukkaniitty

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, phenomenon-based learning, sustainable development, sport pedagogy, teacher cooperation.

Daycare Kukkaniitty's new facility was recently built to replace the old building, providing an excellent environment for children to play, grow, and learn. The daycare building is designed on the idea of shared spaces, still having a “home base” for every group. This gives a great opportunity for us to use co-teaching as an asset on our everyday learning.  

We share the building with Swedish speaking daycare Blomängen. Daycare Kukkaniitty, along with daycare Vartiokylä, forms a daycare unit. At Kukkaniitty we have 84 children in six groups, from ages one to five. We have our own play yard that encourages exploring and play, fostering the development of motoric skills and imagination. The daycare is located in the green East Helsinki, where nature and forests are just a few steps away. This gives us a great opportunity for outdoor learning and play.  

In daycare Kukkaniitty we cherish our warm and sensitive atmosphere where everyone can be themselves and feel safe and welcome. We wish for every child to have an experience to learn through joy and to feel seen every day. We value everyone’s unique self, and our aspiration is to make everyone feel appreciated as they are.  

Lauttasaari

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, inclusion, learning environments. English-enriched pre-primary education.

In Daycare Lauttasaari, opened in 2020, we provide early childhood education and pre-primary education services for children aged 1-6. With approximately 160 children organized into 11 groups, we are part of the English-enriched pre-primary education programme. Our daycare has two floors, and we share the building with the Swedish speaking Daycare Drumsö. Our staff includes early childhood education teachers, early childhood education nurses and special needs assistants, a special-education teacher, a daycare centre manager and a deputy manager.

Daycare Lauttasaari is situated among the nature of the Lauttasaari island. This natural landscape is also reflected in our outdoor play and learning environments. Our indoor learning environments include two gym/assembly rooms, an arts and crafts workshop and a library. We also make use of the forests, beaches, playgrounds, sport grounds and library in the area. We benefit from excellent bus and metro connections, allowing us to integrate Helsinki City’s libraries, museums, playgrounds, and other resources into our learning environment.  

Our daycare emphasises the importance of play in learning and supporting a child’s social and emotional growth. We want to foster a warm learning community where the child’s strengths are the focal point. A clear daily structure provides safety and routine for the child to grow. We see the child as an active participant in the planning, evaluation, and development of the day-to-day activities.  

Leskenlehti

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, phenomenon-based learning, inclusion, learning environments, Finnish/Swedish as a second language. Preschool is located in the same building.

Meri

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, sustainable development, phenomenon-based learning, inclusion, literacy/ media literacy. Preschool is located in the same building.

Welcome to daycare Meri. We provide early childhood education and pre-primary education services for children aged 0-7. With approximately 275 children and 51 dedicated staff members, we prioritize each child’s unique needs and strengths. Through personalized early childhood education plans, crafted collaboratively with parents, we ensure systematic education and care.

In our inclusive environment, every child is encouraged to express themselves, fostering a positive self-image and sense of accomplishment. We believe in active learning, where children engage with others and their surroundings, shaping their growth and development. Our learning environments are co-designed with children, and we enjoy Helsinki city’s resources to enrich experiences and promote holistic learning in our daycare.

At our daycare center, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community, empowering children to learn, grow, and thrive.

Muksulaakso

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, sustainable development, language learning, positive pedagogy, Miniverso, inclusion.

Daycare Muksulaakso provides a wonderful environment for over 50 children, aged 1 to 5, organized into 5 different groups and supervised by 13 educators. We are particularly proud of our positive pedagogy and the "See the Good" method, both of which are used daily in our daycare.

In Daycare Muksulaakso, we offer activities that support a child's development and strengthen their social skills in collaboration with parents/guardians. Our approach is based on positive pedagogy, creating conditions for positive interaction and a warm, child-friendly atmosphere.

We have been participating in the Erasmus+ accredited consortium of Helsinki city, and have visited several schools in Europe. The educators have enthusiastically brought new ideas and perspectives to Muksulaakso from their learning mobilites.

Nätholmen (Swedish speaking unit)

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, sustainable development, evening care (in shift care groups), learning environments, nature activities.

Pacius

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, sustainable development, language learning, inclusion, positive pedagogy, Miniverso.  English-enriched pre-primary education.

Daycare Pacius provides a wonderful environment for our 130 children, aged 1 to 6, organized into 9 different groups, and supervised by 35 educators. We are particularly proud of our positive pedagogy and the "See the Good" method, both of which are used daily in our daycare.

In daycare Pacius, our mission is based on positive pedagogy, emphasizing the importance of play, joy, and a safe atmosphere in everyday life. In our big house, we learn to consider others and to appreciate each other. We invest in diverse activities both indoors and outdoors, we value especially ecological action.

We have been participating in the Erasmus+ accredited consortium of Helsinki city, and have visited several schools in Europe. The educators have enthusiastically brought new ideas and perspectives to Pacius from their learning mobilites.

Pacius warmly welcomes all international and national visitors!

Guidance also in following languages: German.

Pihlaja

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, bilingual education, special education, mathematics in early childhood education. Pre-primary education unit is located in the same building. Guidance also in Swedish.

Poutapilvi

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, Finnish/Swedish as a second language, literacy/media literacy, sustainable development, inclusion, phenomenon-based learning, bilingual education. Preschool is located in the same building.

Roba

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, learning environments.

Daycare Roba is located in the heart of the Punavuori neighborhood in the centre of Helsinki, designed specifically for the youngest city dwellers. Our premises extend across six floors, with one floor dedicated to the Swedish-speaking daycare Roban. We share a small gymnasium and an art room. Outdoor activities are held in our daycare's courtyard, and we also enjoy outings to parks nearby. With approximately 170 children ranging from 1 to 5 years old, our daycare offers a vibrant environment for early childhood development.

At our daycare, we believe that every child's play, singing, and storytelling lead to a world of wonders and learning experiences. Here, playing is not only encouraged but also nurtured. We prioritize creating an environment where every child can feel, experience, try, and explore. Through our activities, children not only acquire new skills but also learn to interact and form friendships with their peers.

At Daycare Roba, we believe that playing is how children naturally learn and have fun. Our days are filled with play activities designed for small groups, where children explore and interact with their surroundings. Teachers and caregivers join in the play, guiding and encouraging the children. We adjust our learning environments based on what the children need and like. We regularly talk about the importance of play in our daily routines and always prioritize the needs and opinions of the children. Working closely with parents is important to us.

Creating safe boundaries: We help children develop social and emotional skills appropriate for their age. We value children's thoughts and wishes when planning our activities.

We have gatherings, morning and afternoon circles, and evaluate activities together. Our activities focus on equality, fairness, and inclusion.  Our friendly atmosphere encourages humor and teamwork. We support our staff's learning through training sessions and discussions about teaching methods. We explore different cultures and languages with children, looking at our environment's cultural heritage and languages. Children's home cultures, languages, and celebrations are part of our daily life

At Roba, we welcome everyone with joy. Here, everyone can be their own unique selves.

We can provide different language guides to our daycare if necessary. 

Ruskeasuo

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, bilingual education, early childhood special education, mathematics in early childhood education. Pre-primary education unit is located in the same building. Guidance also in Swedish.

Suomenlinna

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, learning environments. Preschool is located in the same building. 

The daycare Suomenlinna is located on the beautiful Suomenlinna island. It was founded in 1924 in - Semenov House (Linnanportti). However, during the war years, the daycare activities faced challenges, leading to operations being conducted at various places. In 1990, the daycare relocated to its current premises and its activities there.

Currently, our daycare accommodates 45 children who are organized into 3-4 groups: Day Flowers, comprising children aged 1-3 years, Swallows, consisting of children aged 3-5 years, and Cowberries, the pre-school group for 6-year-olds. Our team of educators includes 3 kindergarten teachers and 4 nursery nurses. Additionally, there is 1 staff member assigned to work in the kitchen and 1 cleaner responsible for maintaining cleanliness.

In early childhood education and pre-school education, we cherish community spirit and immersive experiences surrounded by nature and the sea.

In our daily program, we provide both care and education. Children learn through play, research, excursions, various experiences, and experiments. The themes of our learning areas are integrated and tailored to the children's interests and abilities, allowing them to develop skills and make independent choices. Additionally, we collaborate with the nearby comprehensive school and the library.

Topelius

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, sustainable development, inclusion, literacy/media literacy. Preschool is located in the same building.

Troolari

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, children with multiple disabilities and their learning environments, student welfare.

Vartiokylä

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, language learning, sustainable development, phenomenon-based learning, Finnish/Swedish as a second language, preparatory education, teacher cooperation; early childhood and pre-primary education. English-enriched pre-primary education. Preschool is located in the same building.

Vellamo

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, Finnish/Swedish as a second language, literacy/media literacy. Preschool is located in the same building.

Virkkula

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education,   phenomenon-based learning,  sustainable development (green flag action), literacy/media literacy, Finnish/Swedish as a second language. Preschool is located in the same building.

Vironniemi

Themes and topics: child's personal learning plan for early childhood education, pre-primary education, phenomenon-based learning, sustainable development, literacy/media literacy. Preschool is located in the same building. 

Aurinkolahti Comprehensive School

Themes and topics: language learning, learning environments, STEAM.

Aurinkolahti comprehensive school was established in 2001. We currently have more than 930 pupils spread across three school buildings. In our school we have primary school classes 1-6 for pupils aged 7-12 and lower secondary school classes 7-9 for pupils aged 13-15.

The school is situated in eastern Helsinki, in Vuosaari. Vuosaari has a population of about 40 000 people, and there are four comprehensive schools in the area. Aurinkolahti is rather new district in Vuosaari, development in the area began in 2000s and is still ongoing. Aurinkolahti is known for its beautiful maritime and natural scenery, making it great location for outdoor activities accessible by car and public transport.

Over 30 per cent of the pupils come from immigrant backgrounds. The school has eight special needs classes, and inclusive arrangements are made within the school. Additionally, there are 70 pupils with special support who have been integrated into general education.

Pupils begin their studies in a foreign language in the 1st grade. They can choose between three languages: English, French or Swedish. In the 3rd grade pupils have the opportunity to start their second foreign language studies. The options for the second language are Spanish, English, Swedish, or German. In the 6th grade, all pupils begin studying Swedish. By the 8th grade, pupils can choose another foreign language, either Spanish or German.

The basis of our work at Aurinkolahti Comprehensive School includes:

  • Teachers collaboration with each other in pedagogical and pupil related matters
  • Teachers working in teams at least once a week, each is led by a designated teacher. Notes are written in Onedrive for everyone’s use.
  • Teachers engaging with parents through meetings, the Wilma webinterface and other organized activities

Jätkäsaari Comprehensive School

Themes and topics: phenomenon-based learning, inclusion, learning environments.

Katajanokka Primary School

Themes and topics: inclusion, language learning, literacy/media literacy.

Kruununhaka Lower Secondary School

Themes and topics: language learning, student welfare, assessment of learning, learning environments, arts education.Lauttasaari Primary School

Themes and topics: bilingual education, language learning, student welfare.

Malmi Comprehensive School

Themes and topics: bilingual education, language learning,student welfare, assessment of learning, learning environments, STEAM, preparatory education.

Merilahti Comprehensive School

Themes and topics: inclusion, student welfare, Finnish or Swedish as a second language instruction, preparatory education.

Paloheinä Primary School

Themes and topics: inclusion, literacy/media literacy, student welfare.

Pihkapuisto Primary School

Themes and topics: phenomenon-based learning, inclusion, sustainable development, language learning, literacy/media literacy, student welfare, Finnish or Swedish as a second language instruction.

Pihkapuisto is a primary school that was established in 1988. The building was renovated in 2000.

We have approx. 250 pupils in grades 1 to 6, ages 7 to 13.

There are 18 teachers in total: 12 class teachers, 2 teachers covering special needs classes, an English teacher, a French/ English teacher and a special education teacher.

In addition, we have two teaching assistants, a school nurse, and a school social worker. (no psychologist!)

Our school is multi-cultural, representing over 30 different ethnic backgrounds. Pupils whose home language is not Finnish learn Finnish as a second language.

English is studied from the first grade onwards, Swedish from the sixth grade. In addition, one can choose to study French or Swedish from the third grade onwards.

Special features

The school is located in a beautiful setting surrounded by forest and natural environment, only 10 minutes’ walk from Malminkartano railway station.

Break times are spent in a nearby park with a playground, a sports field and plenty of space to play.

Our school has an emphasis on environmental studies. Classes go out to study, observe and enjoy nature. We sort and recycle waste. We save energy when and where we can.

Pupils take part in decision making and in planning

Two pupils from each class participate in student board meetings held approx. once a month.

Pupils plan events for the entire school, e.g. pop-up school days, sports events or talents shows.

We have a peer-mediation system: selected pupils are trained in mediating and solving pupils' quarrels and disagreements.

Puistopolku Comprehensive School

Themes and topics: inclusion, robotics,  Finnish or Swedish as a second language instruction. Education task arts and sports (cooperation with The Finnish Olympic Committee).

Puotila Primary School

Themes and topics: student welfare, Finnish or Swedish as a second language instruction, preparatory education. Preschool is a located in the same building.

Roihuvuori Primary School

Themes and topics: phenomenon-based learning, inclusion,  literacy/media literacy, learning environments, STEAM, Finnish or Swedish as a second language instruction.

Siltamäki Primary School

Themes and topics: phenomenon-based learning, inclusion, bilingual education, sustainable development, literacy/media literacy, assessment of learning, student welfare, learning environments.

Solakallio School

Themes and topics: learning environments, intensive special needs support for pupils with disabilities.

Taivallahti Comprehensive School

Themes and topics: bilingual education, language learning, student welfare. Guidance in following languages: Spanish, French, German.

Töölö Primary School

Themes and topics: inclusion, bilingual education, student welfare.

Vattuniemi Primary School

Themes and topics: bilingual education, sustainable development, literacy/media literacy, student welfare, learning environments.

Vesala Comprehensive School

Themes and topics: inclusion, bilingual education, student welfare, Finnish or Swedish as a second language instruction.

Vuoniitty Comprehensive School

Themes and topics: literacy/media literacy, student welfare, preparatory education, robotics, Finnish or Swedish as a second language instruction, VR and AR technology.

Alppila Upper Secondary School

Themes and topics: sustainable development, language learning aof the student's learning and competence, student welfare, learning environments
Guidance in following languages: Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Arabic

Alppila Upper secondary school was originally founded in 1959 and at the moment has a recently renovated school building that provides a great environment for our 795 students and about 50 teachers. We are particularly proud of our science and arts classrooms and the music studio that are all in daily use in our school.

Alppila Upper Secondary school is part of the UNESCO Associated School Network and active in the Baltic Sea Project. The school has Erasmus+ accreditation and is known for its international projects. To receive and to give tours to visitors there is a group of international student ambassadors at school who are not only experts in upper secondary studies but also well informed about the Finnish educational system in general.

Alppila Upper secondary has Global Citizen study module that consists of eight inter-disciplinary study units. The study units include topics such as global media, climate change, economy and migration. 

Brändö gymnasium Upper Secondary School (swedish speaking unit)

Themes and topics: literacy/media literacy, student welfare, special educational task sports. 

Brändö gymnasium is an upper secondary school with specialization in sports. Our school's motto is "Training for life". We are a school that focuses on making the time in high school a real experience for our students and giving everyone a safe environment where they can grow and learn. Our language of instruction is Swedish.

We have a Brändö spirit that means we care about each other and no one is left alone. We are a school that focuses on student participation: everyone is seen and noticed. We are a school with a pleasant and positive atmosphere.

We want to invest in reading and the ability to critically analyze different forms of media, and in the well-being of students.

Our sports line offers the opportunity to combine top-level sports with studies, flexible study arrangements, sports-related support services and courses in e.g. exercise science, sports psychology and nutrition. Welcome to Brändö gymnasium.

Etu-Töölö Upper Secondary School

Themes and topics: language learning, assessment of the student's learning and competence, the participation of students, student welfare, learning environments, entrepreneurship, teamwork,student involvement

Etu-Töölö Upper Secondary School is a non-graded upper secondary school in the heart of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. We are an academic-oriented school with around 800 students aged 16-19 with a focus on entrepreneurship and cultural knowledge.

We emphasize the active role of the students in acquiring, processing and applying information because we believe that one of our most important objectives is to make our students form a structured view of the world.

We teach our students to find answers to wh-questions (what, where, why and when), taking advantage of the possibilities of information technology, information networks, web-based learning platforms as well as methods of problem-based learning.

With our active student body, dedicated tutor students and with our extensive student counselling system, we encourage our students to have a very strong sense of community and become responsible members of society. We also have partner schools abroad involving cooperative projects, school visits and student exchange programs.

Guidance also in following languages: Swedish, German, French, Spanish 

Helsinki Upper Secondary School of Languages

Themes and topics: bilingual education, language learning, learning environments.

Helsinki Upper Secondary School of Languages (Helsingin kielilukio) was founded in 1967 under the name of Itäkeskus Upper Secondary School. The name was changed in 2014. A new school building located in Myllypuro was inaugurated in August 2023. The new premises of the school are designed to promote and facilitate a positive and open learning environment for all the students.  

The school enrols over 800 students aged 16-19 and employs approximately 60 teachers. Helsinki Upper Secondary School of Languages emphasizes languages and internationality, knowledge of cultures, arts, sustainable development, and future skills.  

In addition to Finnish, the school offers the possibility to study 13 different languages, (i.e., Swedish, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Latin, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic and Korean).

Helsinki Upper Secondary School of Languages prepares students for further education, employment, and active civic participation with an entrepreneurial mindset. The curriculum comprises three study lines: a general program, a language and internationality program, and an English-Finnish language program. All these programs are aligned with the Finnish matriculation examination.

Helsinki Upper Secondary School of Natural Sciences

Themes and topics: student welfare,  school building built according to sustainable development model, language learning, STEAM, cooperation with Finnish Meteorological Institute, cooperation with university, special educational task mathematics and natural sciences, wellbeing and participation.

Helsinki School of Natural Sciences is a public, non-graded upper secondary school providing general upper secondary education with a focus on science. In autumn 2023, the school moved to a brand-new, wooden building on the Kumpula campus of Helsinki University, a campus that is dedicated to research and teaching in the exact natural sciences.

The studies lead to the national school-leaving examination (the matriculation examination) and give eligibility for further studies at institutions of higher education provided by vocational colleges and institutions intended for matriculated students, polytechnics, and universities. The school collaborates with the university especially in natural sciences.  

Helsingin luonnontiedelukio, nicknamed Hellu, has a staff of about 60 teachers and more than 950 students, one third of whom are in the science programme and two thirds in the general programme.

The school was founded in August 1999 as a result of the merger between Käpylä Upper Secondary (established in 1874 as a public school in the former Finnish town Vyborg, Russia) and Meilahti Upper Secondary School (founded in 1944 as a private school). The first school building in Käpylä was constructed in 1973 and designed by Aarno Ruusuvuori as an office building but rebuilt for school purpose in 1998-99.

Guidance also in following languages: French, Italian, German, Swedish. 

Mäkelänrinne Upper Secondary School

Themes and topics: student welfare, learning environments, special educational task sports (cooperation with The Finnish Olympic Committee).

Mäkelänrinne is a non-graded general upper secondary school, and one of the 13 sports upper secondary schools in Finland. We were the first school in Finland that started to experiment with the non-graded system as early as 1972.

The school atmosphere is motivating and open, and the relationship between teachers and students is warm and informal. The students are 16-19 years of age, the majority of Mäkelänrinne students come from Helsinki and the vicinity, but the school also attracts students from other parts of the country.

At Mäkelänrinne, students have great freedom in designing their own study programs and schedules. They have the felxibility to decide on the duration of their studies and arrange their daily timetables within each study period. This customization allows the students to tailor their studies to meet both their academic and athletic requirements, fostering a sense of responsibility for their own learning and studies.

The sports associations have welcomed this opportunity to raise new generation of promising young athletes. Each year the number of applicants exceeds the number of places available. The correlation between the course grades and the Matriculation Exam results is good, and academically Mäkelänrinne stands clearly above the national average. The teachers face a dual challenge: how to cater for the needs of the academically-minded top students, and how to help the young athletes combine their educational and athletic goals.

Stadin AO, Helsinki Vocational College and Adult Institute

Themes and topics: sustainable development, competence, student welfare, inclusion, preparatory training for an upper secondary education, Finnish or Swedish as a second language instruction, career counselling, quality and development, work-based learning, internationalization, entrepreneurship studies, digital pedagogics.

Stadin AO is a multi-disciplinary vocational college run by the City of Helsinki. We provide education for both young and adults, in 5 campuses and 18 locations all over Helsinki. We have around 20 000 students yearly, coming from various culture-, language- and age groups. We offer the possibility to study for 29 different qualifications and over 50 professions, in Finnish language. 

In Stadin AO, students have their personalised study plan based on their personal style of learning and desired career path. Studies consist of vocational and common study units, and each vocational study unit is assessed by competence demonstration. As Finnish VET is working life oriented, our students have variety of possibilities to acquire competences in our partner companies.

Our staff members are experts in their own fields, and work with versatile pedagogical methods to serve all our learners. We have expertise teams for strategical themes, such as international affairs, digital pedagogics, entrepreneurship and working life cooperation. Other themes include e.g. development and quality, sustainability, learning support, inclusion, study guidance, student well-being, Finnish as a second language and preparatory training for an upper secondary qualification.

Helsinki Finnish Adult Education Centre and Helsingfors arbis

Helsinki Finnish Adult Education Centre and Arbis are the biggest adult education centres in Finland. The education centres offer a diverse selection of courses, hobbies, public lectures, concerts, theatre activities, events and open university studies.

The adult education centre activities are primarily intended for over 16-year-olds. Courses are also available for younger people and families. The centres are open for all customers regardless of their place of residence. Arbis activities are also open to customers who do not speak Swedish as their mother tongue.

  • The Helsinki Finnish Adult Education Centre Upper is part of the upper secondary, vocational and liberal adult education service complex.
  • Arbis is part of Services in Swedish.
Arbis

Arbis was founded in 1914 and is Finland's largest Swedish-speaking adult education center. Arbis operates in the field of liberal education and offers Swedish-speaking residents of the capital region education, further training and leisure activities. In addition to the main target group, the institute is also visited by Finnish speakers and immigrants.

Arbis organizes courses in visual arts, various crafts, home economics, health and wellbeing, ICT, media, music, languages, cultural and social sciences and offers a Swedish integration program for immigrants. Teaching methods vary from practical short courses to theoretical university subjects within the framework of the Open University. Some courses take place over a weekend, while others run throughout the academic year. In addition, there are general lectures with accompanying discussions and other events. Courses usually have a participation fee and sometimes also a material fee. Lectures, concerts, exhibitions and events are free of charge and do not require prior registration.

The main operations are located at Dagmarinkatu 3 in Töölö, in a school building designed by architect Woldemar Baeckman and inaugurated in 1958. The second location is in the Stoa cultural centre in the eastern part of Helsinki, which is shared with the city's Finnish-speaking adult education center. The main entrance to Arbis is flanked by a bronze fountain sculpture, St Göran and the Dragon, made in 1938 by Gunnar Finne. In addition to teaching and administrative facilities, the building on Dagmarinkatu houses a banquet hall, library and café.