Perusopetus

Perusopetus, or basic education, is the compulsory part of the Finnish education system. It comprises nine years of schooling, from 1st to 9th grade, and is intended for children roughly aged seven to sixteen. The aim is to provide a broad, coherent foundation for lifelong learning. Perusopetus is publicly funded, and education is free of charge; school meals, health services, and transportation are provided as needed.

Administratively, perusopetus is organized by municipalities and guided by the national Core Curriculum established by the Finnish National Agency for Education. Municipalities adapt the core into local curricula and schedules. The curriculum covers language (mother tongue and second language), foreign languages, mathematics, sciences, social studies, arts and crafts, physical education, and various cross-curricular themes. Continuous assessment by teachers tracks progress; there is no national compulsory standardized exam during basic education. At the end of ninth grade, students receive a certificate of completion describing the subjects and grades.

Perusopetus emphasizes equality and inclusion, with support measures available for learners with special needs or language barriers. Schools provide accommodations, remedial instruction, and special education within the basic education framework. Upon completing perusopetus, students may continue to general upper secondary education (lukio) or vocational education, both with examinations that enable entry to higher education or the workforce.