Perheopetus

Perheopetus, or home education, refers to the education of a child conducted primarily at home rather than in a conventional school setting. In Finland, basic education is compulsory and typically delivered by municipal schools, but families may choose to educate at home as an alternative, provided they comply with the supervision of the local education authority. The guardians bear responsibility for organizing and delivering instruction, and progress is monitored to ensure alignment with the national core curriculum.

The local municipality, sometimes with guidance from the Finnish National Agency for Education (Opetushallitus), sets requirements for documentation, assessment, and periodically demonstrating progress. Families may be required to enroll their child in assessments or exams or provide evidence of learning. The arrangement is generally reviewed regularly to verify that the child receives a comparable education.

Home education typically covers the same subject areas as standard schooling (language and literature, mathematics, sciences, social studies, arts, physical education). Instruction may be tailored to the learner's pace and needs and can combine structured lessons with experiential learning, online resources, or tutoring. Support from teachers or education professionals can be available through the municipality upon request.

Socialization and access to educational resources may be more varied than in conventional schools; families often arrange participation in age-appropriate activities, sports, libraries, and community programs to provide interaction with peers.

Proponents cite flexibility, individualized pacing, and values-aligned education; critics raise concerns about socialization, equity, and supervision. Overall, perheopetus remains a niche option within Finland's education system, used by a minority of families seeking alternatives to school-based instruction.