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The Finnish-Russian School

Finland, Helsinki

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Finnish, Russian
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 6 - 19 years
Pupil numbers 700
Type Co-educational
Opened 1955
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Finnish Curriculum
Taught languages Russian, English, Finnish, Swedish, French, German, Japanese
Strengths Languages, Visual and Creative Arts, Sport
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Academic and Intellectual
Stages Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

The Finnish-Russian School is a state-funded bilingual institution in Helsinki offering preschool, basic and upper secondary education with instruction in Finnish and Russian. In basic education, the school follows the national core curriculum, while Russian language and culture are studied to a significantly greater extent. The elementary curriculum is published as part of the school's materials, and the upper-secondary program follows LOps 2021 Lukion opinto-opas for the 2025–2026 academic year. The school welcomes 700 pupils. It operates in a new building completed in autumn 2021 in Etelä-Kaarela. Facilities include a central auditorium seating 200, with a stage and audio-visual equipment, plus a small multipurpose hall for indoor activities and a separate meeting room with hybrid meeting capability. After the school day, learners may join theatre, visual arts and chess clubs, participate in Erasmus exchanges, and engage in student council activities. After-school care runs for younger pupils in a supervised program.

Kaarelankuja 2b, 00430 Helsinki, Finland

The Essentials

The Finnish-Russian School has 700 pupils, instruction in Finnish, Russian.

Location
The Finnish-Russian School is located in Helsinki, in the Etelä-Kaarela area. Address: Kaarelankuja 2b, 00430 Helsinki. Parking is allowed on school grounds in a clearly marked area along Kaarelankuja and is free for visitors. Drop-off and pick-up points are signposted separately; vehicular access to the school yard is restricted to service traffic.

Stages
Pre-school (esiopetus); Basic education (grades 1–9); Lukio (upper secondary).

Type
Comprehensive state language school (valtion kielikoulu) under the Finnish National Agency for Education, offering esiopetus, perusopetus and lukio.

Additional learning support
Laaja-alainen erityisopetus is provided as part-time support to assist learners with reading and writing difficulties, mathematics, study techniques, and speech therapy; planned in cooperation with the student, guardians, teachers and, if needed, other professionals.

Country affiliation
Finland

School day structure
Daily lessons vary by grade: grades 1–5 have 45-minute lessons; grades 6–9 and lukio have 75-minute lessons; timetables change by term due to staggered meals. The school day follows Helsinki's calendar, with after-school activities for esi- and early-primary students until 17:00.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Dress code: Dress in an appropriate manner for school activities, taking others into account.

Food Options
Meals and snacks: A weekly menu is published.

Governance and Ownership
Governance and ownership: The school is governed by a board appointed by the Finnish National Agency for Education for a four-year term; the board includes a student representative and parent representatives.
Fees
Application fees
- There is no separate application or enrollment fee charged by the school for admission to basic education (perusopetus, grades 1–9) or upper secondary education (lukio).

Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year)
- Perusopetus (grades 1–9): No tuition is charged; basic schooling, required textbooks and other essential learning materials are provided without charge. (No per-term or per-year tuition applies for basic education.)
- Lukio (upper secondary): No tuition is charged for full-time lukio studies. (No per-term or per-year tuition applies for upper secondary students.)
- Esikoulu / iltapäivähoito (preschool afternoon care): Fees are charged monthly for the paid afternoon care service for esikoululaiset. The stated rates for the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 school years are:
- Care until 16:00 — EUR 135 per month (reduced rate EUR 83 per month when income-based discount applies).
- Care until 17:00 — EUR 155 per month (reduced rate EUR 105 per month when income-based discount applies).
- Paid extracurricular clubs and private lessons: Many extracurricular clubs (kerhot) and private music/sports lessons are charged separately. Examples of published 2025–2026 rates include:
- Chess club: EUR 6 per lesson; kerhovihko (notebook) EUR 10 for the season.
- Bailatino (dance) — EUR 90 for the autumn term (approximately 15 sessions).
- Kuvataide (art) classes organized by external provider — EUR 45 per month (provider pricing).
- Legokerho (limited-session club) — example season fee EUR 70 (8 sessions).
- Private instrumental lessons (piano, guitar etc.) are arranged by external teachers; fees are charged by the teacher/provider and vary by arrangement.
- School meals and snack tickets:
- A full school meal (lunch) is provided free to pupils on school days.
- Välipala (snack) tickets are sold: one snack ticket equals EUR 0.50; tickets are sold in bundles of 25 (EUR 12.50 minimum purchase). Paid snack tickets must be redeemed during the current term and are not refunded. Payment instructions (bank IBANs and payment reference format) are published for these purchases.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Esikoulu / iltapäivähoito:
- Fees are charged on a monthly basis. The school may adjust prices in line with the cost-of-living index and will notify families at least one month before a change. Termination of the afternoon-care agreement requires one calendar month's notice. If the child does not attend during the notice month, a half-month fee is charged; if the child attends during the notice month, the full-month fee is charged.
- Extracurricular clubs and private lessons:
- Club fees and payment schedules are determined by the club provider; some clubs invoice after the season, some require prepayment or monthly payments — invoices normally reflect attendance and the provider's terms. Parents receive the specific billing information from the club provider or instructor.
- Snack tickets and small purchases:
- Snack ticket purchases are paid by bank transfer to the school's account(s) using the supplied IBAN and BIC details; the purchase receipt is used to collect the tickets from the school office. Snack tickets are non-refundable and must be redeemed within the current term.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not offered by this school; there are no boarding facilities or boarding fees. Education and services are provided on a day-school basis.

Other costs or fees (uniform, materials, excursions, etc.)
- No compulsory school uniform fee is listed for students. Required textbooks and other essential instructional materials are provided free as part of basic education under Finnish law, but optional or non-compulsory items (private instrument rentals/lessons, club materials, some art supplies supplied by external providers) may require payment. Excursion or extracurricular provider fees (transport, entrance fees, special materials) may be charged separately when applicable. Examples of external-provider material or course fees are shown in the clubs listing.

Refund information
- Snack tickets: Paid snack tickets are not refunded; they must be redeemed during the current term.
- Esikoulu / iltapäivähoito: Termination rules (one calendar month's notice) and the half-month/ full-month charging practice on termination are stated; this determines the applicable charge on withdrawal. Price-change notices are issued at least one month in advance.
- Clubs and private lessons: Refund and cancellation policies depend on the external provider or instructor; some providers invoice only for attended sessions while others have fixed-term fees. Parents should follow the provider's stated refund/cancellation terms contained in each club's registration information.

Fee payment options
- Bank transfer (IBAN/BIC) is an accepted and published payment method for school-managed small payments such as snack tickets; the school provides the exact account and reference information for these payments.
- Club and lesson payments are handled by the external club provider or instructor according to their terms; invoicing, bank transfer, or card payment options may be used depending on the provider. The school's event pages also show that card payments may be accepted for some school events.
Academics

The Finnish-Russian School teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Finnish Curriculum for students aged 6 to 19.

Curriculum
The Finnish-Russian School is a state-funded bilingual educational institution where instruction is delivered in Finnish and Russian. In basic education, the school follows the national core curriculum, with Russian language and culture studied to a significantly greater extent. The elementary-school curriculum is published as part of the school's materials (the 2016 curriculum). The upper-secondary program follows LOps 2021 Lukion opinto-opas for the 2025–2026 academic year. The school has about 700 students.

Higher Education Progression
Opinto-opas provides guidance for planning and completing Lukio, including information about the matriculation examination (Yo). The Yo comprises five tests, including the mother tongue and at least four from specified groups; exams are held twice yearly and may be retaken. The school also provides access to information about the joint application process to Finnish higher education (Yhteishaku).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a kuraattori (counselor) who is a social‑work professional and a member of the pupil welfare team. The kuraattori's work supports the pupil's wellbeing and holistic development in collaboration with parents, teachers and other members of the pupil's social network. It aims to increase pupils' resilience and their capacity to function in daily life and in their growth and development. The kuraattori works with groups and classes as well as with individual pupils, and coordinates with youth, social and health services outside the school when needed. When necessary, pupils and families are guided to the relevant services. Conversations with the kuraattori are confidential, and information is shared with others only if it serves the pupil's best interests. Ville Mutka is the counselor (phone 040 352 9782) from 4 August 2025.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has a multidisciplinary pupil welfare team that coordinates support for pupils. The counselor and the school psychologist provide wellbeing and development support, and when needed, pupils and families are guided to the relevant services. The school psychologist works on development and mental well‑being and conducts assessments of learning difficulties and other school‑related or psychological issues, coordinating with guardians, teachers and school staff. The actual treatment is not provided by the school psychologist; if necessary, the child or youth and family are referred to services such as family services, specialized care or other supports. The psychologist also provides in‑school consultations to pupils and participates in pupil welfare groups. The school health nurse conducts health checks as part of the pupil welfare system. Karoliina Kukkonen is the psychologist (phone 09 310 39816).

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by the pupil welfare structure through the kuraattori and the school psychologist. The kuraattori carries out individual and group sessions to support wellbeing and social skills. The school psychologist conducts assessments related to mental well‑being and development and provides guidance to pupils and families, and also offers consultation to staff and participates in welfare groups. Health services monitor and promote wellbeing through regular health checks, with the school nurse conducting annual or age‑appropriate checks and coordinating with health authorities. The overall approach prioritizes confidential, client‑centred support and collaboration with families and school staff to bolster students' wellbeing.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is implemented through a multidisciplinary pupil welfare group that coordinates welfare work in the school. Conversations with the kuraattori are confidential, and information is shared with others only if it serves the pupil's best interests. When needed, pupils and families are directed to external services, including youth, social and health authorities. For reference, the school's pupil welfare staff include Ville Mutka (kuraattori) and Karoliina Kukkonen (koulupsykologi), with the health nurse and other staff participating in welfare processes.
Parent Experience

History
The Finnish-Russian School is Finland's largest general education school specialized in teaching Russian language and culture. The school is a comprehensive school offering preschool, basic and upper secondary education. A new school building was completed in autumn 2021 in Helsinki's South Kaarela. The school operates under the Finnish National Agency for Education and has about 700 pupils and students.

Community
Field trips and study tours: The school runs field trips, culture trips and study tours for students from elementary through high school. In the past two years, as travel resumed after the pandemic years, trips have been organized to Finland, to the Baltic states and the Czech Republic, with other European destinations possible in the future. Comenius and UNESCO: The school has participated in multiple Comenius projects (2002–2005; 2007–2009; 2009–2011) and in 2014–2015 participated in a Nordplus project. UNESCO ASPnet and global themes: The school has been a UNESCO ASPnet school since 1980, promoting world citizenship and sustainable development, and participates in ASPnet activities and regional UNESCO initiatives including the UN-related days and projects. The school collaborates with partner schools across the Baltic states and Europe and with other language schools in Helsinki, such as the Helsinki French–Finnish School and Helsinki Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu, as well as other Russian-language schools in Finland.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Vanhempainyhdistys operates on voluntary basis and welcomes all guardians of the school's pupils and preschoolers. The association has no membership fee. Its goal is to increase home–school cooperation and to enhance the school's community spirit, directing its funds to support pupils' language and culture trips and a scholarship fund, and to assist with school purchases—most recently providing school hoodies for clubs and sports teams. The association organizes activities as needed and participates in school events, and aims to raise the school's visibility as a language school. It is a member of the Finnish Parent Association; meetings are open to all interested, and information is shared via Wilma and the Facebook group. All parents are warmly welcome to participate.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is located in Helsinki, in Etelä-Kaarela, and a new school building was completed in autumn 2021. The central auditorium seats about 200 people, with roughly 120 fixed seats and space for 68–85 additional seats on movable chairs, and it features sound and lighting systems, three wireless handheld microphones, three wireless lapel microphones, and a stage measuring 11 by 5 by 3.4 meters; a piano is available by separate agreement. The auditorium can function as a dining area when needed, and the stage area requires the furniture to be returned to its original layout after use. The complex includes a small multipurpose hall for quiet indoor activities with a sprung floor, gym mats, benches, a small trampoline and parallel bars, as well as a projector and screen. There is also an 18-seat meeting room with hybrid meeting capability and a 360-degree conference camera.

Sports Facilities
The school provides a small multipurpose hall intended for indoor physical activity, which is not suitable for ball games and does not come with ball-sport equipment. This hall measures 10.5 by 9 by 3 meters, has a sprung floor, and is equipped with gym mats, benches, a small trampoline and parallel bars. A projector and screen are available in this space for demonstrations and presentations.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After the school day, students may join various clubs, including sports, theatre, visual arts, and chess, as well as a homework club for supported study. Kerho activities typically begin around August 25. For more information, contact the deputy principal Katri Barannik-Tolvaselta at 0295 332 403.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
After the school day, pupils may participate in various after-school clubs. A Homework Club for grades 3–5 runs from 13:30 to 15:00 in room A201. The Homework Club provides support for completing assignments, and students should bring their homework books, a reading book, and their own snacks.

Arts & Creative
Theatre Club (Teatterikerho) for grades 2–6 meets Thursdays at 14:30 in Monitoimitila B132. Visual Arts Club (Kuvataide) for grades 3–6 meets Tuesdays from 14:30 to 16:00 in room A211. Chess Club (Shakkikerho) is offered in A129 downstairs in the Ve4rkke4mm.

Cultural & Language
The school participates in Erasmus exchanges. An Erasmus exchange program is listed on the site for 2024–2025.

Social & Hobbies
Chess Club (Shakkikerho) is offered as part of after-school clubs. Pingis (table tennis) is available for 7–9 grades, and swimming (Uinti) is offered for 3–6 grades as after-school activities.

Leadership & Professional
Oppilaskunta (Student Council) includes all pupils and aims to bring students' perspectives to school life, promote a positive learning environment, and provide opportunities to practice handling common matters. The elementary council is guided by Natalja Hällfors, and the upper-school council is guided by Ekaterina Pikelner.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Iltapäivätoiminta (afterschool care) runs after school for 1st–2nd graders from 11:45 to 17:00 in a safe environment with trained staff, and a snack is provided during the program.
Languages

Language Provision
Instruction is provided in Finnish and Russian. In basic education, the school follows the national curriculum framework, while Russian language and culture are studied to a significantly greater extent.

Bilingual Teaching
The school is a nationally bilingual institution where instruction is delivered in Finnish and Russian. It operates as a unified school offering preschool, primary, and upper secondary education.
Admissions

Admissions
Admission to 1st grade: The application period for 1st grade for the 2026–2027 academic year has ended. Applications submitted after the deadline are placed on the waiting list. Admission to 1st grade is via an online application form, with the LEOPS attachment. First-grade admissions are prioritized for children who have completed SVK's pre-school. All applicants to 1st grade participate in a school readiness test, and the guardian decides whether the test is taken in Finnish or in Russian.

Admission to 2–9 grades: Applications for basic education classes 2–9 are submitted via an online application form. The next aptitude test will be held on April 9, 2026, and in this test a place in the 7th grade for the 2026–2027 school year can also be awarded. For the 2026–2027 school year, applicants may apply for the 4th or 7th grade; applications for other grades will be placed on the waiting list. Admission to 2–9 is through an aptitude test; if the applicant does not pass the aptitude test, they may re-apply for the next school year about a year later. For more information on applying, contact the assistant principals Katri Barannik-Tolvanen (grades 1–6) at 0295 332 403 and Sanna Torvikoski (grades 7–9) at 0295 332 404.

Waitlist
Waiting list: 1st grade applications submitted after the deadline are placed on the waiting list. For 2–9 grades, applications for other grades will be placed on the waiting list.
School Events
The school has not added events
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