peruskoulu

Peruskoulu, meaning basic education, is the Finnish compulsory comprehensive school. It provides nine years of schooling for children, typically from age seven to sixteen, and forms the core of Finland’s education system. Peruskoulu is publicly funded and administered by municipalities, within a nationwide framework set by the Finnish National Agency for Education.

The school is divided into two stages: ala-aste (grades 1–6) and yläaste (grades 7–9). The curriculum is defined by the national core curriculum and implemented locally. Core subjects include the mother tongue (Finnish or Swedish), a second national language, mathematics, environmental and natural sciences, social studies, foreign languages, arts and crafts, physical education, and religion or ethics. In addition, many schools incorporate phenomenon‑based and cross‑curricular learning, with projects spanning several subjects.

Teaching is typically organized with class teachers in the early years and subject teachers in the upper years. The system emphasizes inclusive education, supported by services such as special education, counseling, and school health services. Assessment relies on continuous evaluation and feedback; national assessment tests are used to monitor learning outcomes but do not determine a student’s final grades.

Upon finishing peruskoulu, students receive a completion certificate and may continue to general upper secondary education (lukio) or to vocational education and training (ammatillinen koulutus). Language of instruction is primarily Finnish or Swedish, depending on the municipality, with Sami-language instruction available in parts of the north. Peruskoulu also provides free meals and access to welfare services, reflecting Finland’s commitment to equality in education.

Historically, peruskoulu emerged from reforms in the latter half of the 20th century that replaced early tracking with universal, nationwide basic education.