opetusikä

opetusikä refers to the age group of children who are of compulsory school age in Finland. This period is defined by law and mandates that children must attend basic education. The typical age range for opetusiikä is from seven years old to sixteen years old.

The start of mandatory education, and thus the beginning of opetusiikä, is the year a child turns seven. For example, a child born in 2017 would begin their opetusiikä in the autumn of 2024. The duration of compulsory education is nine years. This means that children typically complete their basic education by the age of sixteen.

The purpose of opetusiikä is to ensure that all children receive a foundational education. During this period, students attend comprehensive school, which covers grades 1 through 9. The curriculum is standardized across the country, aiming to provide a broad range of knowledge and skills.

While the core opetusiikä spans ages seven to sixteen, there are some provisions for early childhood education and care before this period, and further education or vocational training options available after its completion. The legal framework surrounding opetusiikä is designed to promote equal educational opportunities for all Finnish children.