Helsinki - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Most embassy and expat children attend the International School of Helsinki. Some choice for the International School of Espoo. Espoo is technically another city but essentially a Helsinki suburb. Some families with younger children also choose local (Finnish language) options. ISH is a small school, with about 40 students per grade. It offers IB programs at all levels. - Oct 2021
There are a handful of schools offering an international or I.B. curriculum, foremost among them the International School of Helsinki (ISH). Expatriate parents seem to be relatively content with ISH. - Oct 2018
ISH (International School Helsinki) is great. Especially their Winter Games. - Jul 2012
Apply early if you want to get into ISH, where most students go. Don't expect anyone to do the leg work for you. - Jan 2011
I do not have children at post at this time, but I have heard mostly good things about the International School of Helsinki. - May 2010
International School of Helsinki is small but good. Itfollows the IB program. My 2 elementary school children attend it and I'm happy with it. Parents with high schoolers seem to complain about the school not giving enough homework and lack of communication. Espoo International and The English School are also an option but the expat community there is very, very small. There is always a French school, a Russian school and a German school; all 3 seem to be good. - Mar 2008
