Comprehensive education

Basic education, or comprehensive school, covers grades 1–9 and is free of charge. We offer children and young people a safe and inspiring learning path with a range of different options to choose from. 

Children in class with teacher.
Photo: Jefunne Gimpel

On this page

Schools in Helsinki
Browse our 103 schools with approximately 45,000 students. The city's schools are listed by the main language of instruction (Finnish or Swedish) and by the grades they provide.
Enrolling and applying to comprehensive school
We provide our learners with high-quality instruction in all our comprehensive schools. We want to make learning fun by exploring and discovering new things together.
Comprehensive school studies
Students at our schools study the skills and expertise they will need in the future in accordance with the curriculum.
Support for learning, well-being and schoolwork
We support the growth and learning of children and young people in many ways. All adults in a school are responsible for taking care of the students’ wellbeing.
Morning and after-school activities, clubs and hobbies
You can apply for a place for your child in morning and after-school activities to supplement the child's school day.
Studies after basic education
Ninth grade students apply to upper secondary education.
New in Finland? Welcome to school in Helsinki!
Has your family recently moved to Finland or Helsinki? This pages answers your questions about finding a school place and starting school in your new hometown.

Popular pages

School lunch menus
Term dates and holidays
School day and practical matters
Curriculum, school subjects and assessment
Weighted-curriculum and basic education in different languages
Preparatory education

Basic education news

See all the news

Wilma – for communication between home and school

Wilma interface and app helps you catch up with your child's schoolwork, teaching, learning arrangements and assessment. The school sends all the important messages to parents and guardians via Wilma, and Wilma enables you to get in touch with your child's teachers and the school principal.

Log in to Wilma

Henkilö käyttää kannettavaa tietokonetta
Photo: Helsinki Material Bank / Marek Sabogal