kotikoulu

Kotikoulu is a Finnish term that translates to "home school" or "home education." It refers to the practice of educating children at home rather than attending a traditional public or private school. In Finland, kotikoulu is a legal and recognized form of education. Parents who choose this path are responsible for ensuring their child receives an education equivalent to that provided by the public school system. This typically involves following the national core curriculum, although parents have flexibility in how they deliver the instruction.

The legal framework for kotikoulu in Finland is established in the Basic Education Act. It states that every child residing in Finland has the right to receive basic education. This right can be fulfilled through participation in a curriculum-compliant education provided in a school or through home education. The municipality where the child resides is responsible for overseeing that home-educated children are receiving adequate education. Municipalities may offer support or resources to families pursuing kotikoulu.

Parents opting for kotikoulu often do so for various reasons, including pedagogical differences with the public school system, a desire for more individualized learning, or religious or philosophical beliefs. The educational approach can vary greatly among families, ranging from structured homeschooling that closely mirrors the school curriculum to more unschooling-like methods where learning is driven by the child's interests. Oversight from the municipality usually involves periodic assessments or meetings to ensure educational standards are being met.