kouluiän

Kouluiän is a Finnish term that refers to the period during which a child is subject to compulsory education in Finland. It denotes the phase of formal schooling governed by national education legislation and policy.

In practice, kouluiän covers roughly ages 7 to 16, corresponding to the first through the ninth grades of the Finnish basic education system (perusopetus). Compulsory education begins in the year the child turns seven and ends at the end of the academic year in which the ninth grade is completed, after which students may continue with upper secondary education (lukio) or vocational education and training (ammatillinen koulutus).

Before entering compulsory schooling, many children participate in esiopetus, or pre-primary education, typically offered for one year at age six. Esiopetus is not mandatory nationwide, but it is widely provided and supported as a preparation for basic education.

The concept of kouluiän is specific to Finland and its educational framework, though discussions about starting age and compulsory education exist in other countries as well. It plays a central role in education policy, child welfare, and social services, influencing areas such as school attendance, early intervention, and support for learners with diverse needs.