Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Helsinki

Helsinki, offers a variety of international and bilingual schools catering to the needs of expat families and digital nomads. While not as vast as some of the world's largest cities, Helsinki still provides a selection of reputable institutions. Among the most popular are the International School of Helsinki and the English School, both known for their high-quality education and diverse student bodies. Here is a list of recommended schools for expat children in and around Helsinki.

International School of Helsinki (ISH)

Grades: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Helsinki
Website: www.ishelsinki.fi

The International School of Helsinki offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum for students from all over the world. With a campus located in the heart of Helsinki, ISH boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, gymnasium, and science labs. Extracurricular activities range from sports to arts and technology clubs, ensuring a well-rounded education for its diverse student body.

The English School

Grades: Pre-Primary through Grade 9
Location(s): Helsinki
Website: www.engs.fi

The English School, located in the center of Helsinki, follows the National Core Curriculum for Basic Education in Finland, with English as the language of instruction. The school is known for its strong academic program and a supportive learning environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and a gymnasium, while extracurricular activities encompass a variety of interests, from music to sports.

Ressu Comprehensive School

Grades: 1 through 9
Location(s): Helsinki
Website: www.hel.fi/peruskoulut/en/school/ressu-comprehensive-school

Ressu Comprehensive School offers bilingual education in Finnish and English. It is known for its innovative teaching methods and a strong emphasis on language learning. The school provides a Finnish curriculum with additional language support for non-native speakers, and it encourages international-mindedness and cultural awareness among its students.

Helsinki International School

Grades: 1 through 9
Location(s): Helsinki
Website: www.hel.fi/peruskoulut/en/school/helsinki-international-school

Helsinki International School is a public school offering education in English for students from diverse backgrounds. The school follows the Finnish National Core Curriculum, enriched with an international perspective. With a focus on fostering a multicultural environment, the school provides a supportive community for both local and international students.

Deutsche Schule Helsinki (German School of Helsinki)

Grades: Pre-Primary through Grade 12
Location(s): Helsinki
Website: www.dsh.fi

The German School of Helsinki offers a German curriculum alongside the Finnish education system. It caters to German-speaking expatriates as well as students who wish to become fluent in German. The school's facilities include modern classrooms, a sports hall, and a library. Extracurricular activities are diverse, with a strong emphasis on fostering German culture and language.

Lycée Franco-Finlandais d'Helsinki (French-Finnish School of Helsinki)

Grades: Pre-Primary through Grade 12
Location(s): Helsinki
Website: www.lyceefrancais.fi

The French-Finnish School of Helsinki provides a bilingual education in French and Finnish, following the French National Education curriculum. The school is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and caters to students seeking a French education abroad. With a range of cultural and linguistic extracurricular activities, the school promotes a rich and diverse educational experience.

International School of Vantaa

Grades: 1 through 9
Location(s): Vantaa (near Helsinki)
Website: www.edu.vantaa.fi/internationalschool

Located just outside Helsinki in Vantaa, the International School of Vantaa offers an international education with English as the language of instruction. The school follows the Finnish National Core Curriculum and integrates international elements to cater to its diverse student population. It provides a supportive learning environment with a variety of extracurricular activities.