Parent's Review of International School of Helsinki in Helsinki, Finland

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

International School of Helsinki

In what town or city is this school located?

Helsinki

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

International

What grade levels are represented at this school?

K-12

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

Most use public transportation - train, bus or tram. Some parents drop their children off or they walk. The school has an arrangement with a local taxi service for those wishing to have their child picked up/dropped off by the taxi service.

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

The school is very modern and expanding. The high school, a three minute walk from the main campus, was expanded over the summer of 2002 as well as the media center on the main campus.

There are many after-school activites for the students that change from quarter to quarter. There is baseball, soccer, football, boy/girl scouts, floorball, drama club, school band as well as other activities that depend on volunteers to run.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

Unfortunately the school does not have any type of transition program in place. They do have English as a Second Language for those students requiring it as all classes are taught in English with the exception of the foreign languages.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

There is a parent-teacher organization but it is geared more for K-8.

There are two social events during the year for parents. One is International Night where parents of students from each country represented at the school provides food from their own country and everyone then tries the different cuisines. The other activity is a dinner/dancing evening for parents only held in the spring.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

Contact the school as soon as possible as spacing is limited. The school website is: ww.ish.edu.hel.fi The school is closed for holiday the entire month of July. You must have an interview with either the headmaster or the appropriate principal for your childs grade before they will be allowed to attend school. At this interview you must provide copies of your childs school records.

Do not buy school supplies ahead of time, the only thing your child needs is pens and pencils, the rest of the supplies are included in your tuition and provided by the school.

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William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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