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Turun normaalikoulu

Finland, Turku

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Finnish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 1159
Type Co-educational
Opened 1974
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Finnish Curriculum
Taught languages English, Finnish, French, German, Spanish
Strengths Languages, Academic Enrichment, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Turun normaalikoulu, Turku, Finland, offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) alongside the Finnish Curriculum. The campus is at Annikanpolku 9, 20610 Turku. A one-year Pre-DP precedes the two-year DP, with English as the language of instruction in Pre-DP. The DP comprises six subject groups plus the core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE). Subjects are chosen from Groups 1–5; Group 6 Arts is not offered. Three subjects are taken at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, with some flexibility in HL. The Diploma is graded on a 45-point scale, requiring a minimum of 24 points and completion of DP core requirements. In Finland, the Diploma is considered equivalent to the matriculation examination, and most graduates gain admission to universities in Finland and abroad. DP language offerings include English A, English B, Finnish B, and ab initio options such as French, German, and Spanish.

Annikanpolku 9, 20610 Turku

The Essentials

Turun normaalikoulu has 1,159 pupils, instruction in English, Finnish.

Location
Annikanpolku 9, 20610 Turku, Finland. The school is located in an urban environment about three miles from the centre of the city.

Stages
Finnish national upper secondary curriculum is a three-year programme. The IB Diploma Programme is preceded by a one-year Pre-DP Programme.

Additional learning support
A special needs teacher provides dyslexia testing and supports learning; the student welfare team coordinates support and examination arrangements; guidance and welfare services are available.

Country affiliation
Finland

School day structure
Daily working hours: 1st period 08:30–09:45; 2nd period 10:00–11:15; 3rd period 11:30–13:15; lunch 12:15–12:45; 4th period 13:25–14:40; 5th period 14:45–16:00.

Bus service
Bus connections (Föli): Stop 884 Koukkarinkatu, line 3. Walk to Krööpilänkadun end or ride to the terminus.
Fees
Application fees
- The school does not charge an application fee to pupils admitted under municipal arrangements; admission decisions for the international/IB provision are made by the school principals and international applicants are directed to the school's designated admissions partner.

Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year)
- No direct tuition charge is levied on pupils or families for basic education (grades 1–9) or for upper secondary (IB) students who are enrolled through Turku or through municipal arrangements; the operating costs for a pupil's instruction (including teaching, basic materials, school meals, internal administration and facility upkeep) are covered by Turku and, where a pupil's home municipality is a purchaser, those per‑pupil costs are invoiced to that purchaser municipality. Specific per‑pupil amounts are not published as fixed “tuition” rates on the school's public documentation.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- When the school invoices a purchaser municipality, the purchaser-municipality agreement provides for semi‑annual invoicing: invoices are issued for payment by 20 January and 31 July, with payment due 30 days from the invoice date; late payment interest and collection costs may be applied in accordance with Finnish law.
- Under the operational agreement for the international upper secondary provision, the school invoices the City of Turku monthly by the 20th of the current month for costs associated with running the tuition.

Boarding fees (if applicable)
- The school does not operate boarding facilities. Families/guardians are responsible for arranging and funding any required accommodation for pupils unless another party (for example the pupil's home municipality) makes separate arrangements.

Other costs and fees
- IB diploma examination-related fees: the school specifies that all pending fees must be paid for a student to be presented for the final IB examinations; the final examination costs are stated to be approximately EUR 600 per candidate (this is the examination/session cost indicated in school materials).
- IB registration and annual IB organization fees for the school's IB programme are paid by the City of Turku as part of the operating arrangements. Families are not charged separate IB registration fees by the school itself; however, per‑student examination and other individually billed IB fees (such as examination entry) may apply to students.
- Private-language tuition: if a student intends to take a Language A that is not offered in the pre‑DP year, the student must arrange private tuition at their own cost; this is an individually incurred expense.
- School-provided items included in the per‑pupil cost billed to the municipality include teaching with materials and student meals; incidental personal items (uniforms, private tutors, voluntary extracurricular activities run by third parties, travel to/from school, prescribed private lessons) are family expenses unless otherwise arranged.

Refund information
- No school-level public refund schedule for tuition or fees payable by families is published in the school's operational documents reviewed; municipal invoicing and contractual arrangements refer to normal invoicing and legal remedies for non‑payment (late interest, collection). Any questions about refunds for fees charged by a purchaser municipality, or for individually incurred fees (for example private tuition, examination entry fees already paid), are handled under the invoicing party's (municipality or IB/third‑party) terms.

Fee payment options
- Fees and per‑pupil charges are handled by formal invoicing to the purchaser (municipality) or to the City of Turku as specified in contractual arrangements; invoices state payment due dates and the 30‑day payment term for purchaser municipalities. Specific payment methods (for example bank transfer, online card payment, etc.) are not detailed in the school's operational and contractual documents; payment is required according to the invoice's stated terms.

Summary of the practical position for parents
- For pupils resident in Turku or otherwise placed in the school under municipal agreements, parents are not charged direct tuition by the school; instruction, meals and basic materials are covered by municipal funding and billed between public authorities as applicable. Parents should expect possible individually incurred costs such as IB examination fees (approximately EUR 600), private-language tuition when required, and any voluntary extracurricular or personal items. Accommodation (boarding) is not provided by the school and is the responsibility of the family or the arranging municipality.

Note: public operational and contractual documents for the school (municipal purchase agreements and the school's IB programme information) were reviewed to prepare this fee overview; those documents provide billing schedules, the note about examination costs, and the contractual allocation of per‑pupil operating costs, but do not publish a family-facing schedule of term-by-term tuition amounts to parents because instruction is financed through municipal arrangements rather than by direct parent tuition charges.
Academics

Turun normaalikoulu teaches IB (DP), Finnish Curriculum.

Curriculum
The Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum is made up of six subject groups plus the DP core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE). The DP lasts two years and is preceded by a one-year Pre-DP; the language of instruction in Pre-DP is English. The DP subjects are selected from Groups 1–5 with at least one subject from each group; Group 6 Arts is not offered. Three subjects are taken at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), with the possibility of four HL subjects and a seventh subject in certain cases. HL hours total 240 and SL hours total 150. In Finland, the IB Diploma is considered equivalent to the Finnish matriculation examination. Approximately 95% of IB Diploma graduates enter universities in Finland, Britain, other European countries or elsewhere; many secure admission to prestigious European and North American universities.

Exam Results
IB Diploma grades range from 7 (highest) to 1 (lowest). The maximum Diploma score is 45 points (from six subjects plus up to 3 bonus points for TOK and EE). A minimum of 24 points is required for the Diploma, with at least 12 points from three HL subjects and at least 9 points from three SL subjects. Completion of all Internal Assessments (IA), TOK components, CAS, and the Extended Essay is required; final diploma is not awarded if criteria are not met. Examinations for the Diploma can be taken in May or November sessions.

Higher Education Progression
Around 95% of IB Diploma graduates enter universities in Finland, Britain, other European countries or elsewhere; the most successful graduates gain admission to prestigious European and North American universities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school aims to support students' growth toward internationally minded, caring and reflective builders of a sustainable future. Students are encouraged to explore knowledge across disciplines in local and global contexts. It emphasizes communication and cooperation, and respect, honesty and open-mindedness. In the multicultural environment, human and cultural diversity is fostered. These principles underpin social and emotional development within Turun normaalikoulu's IB Diploma Programme context.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
A special needs teacher supports students in their studies and when they have learning difficulties. The role covers situations caused by physical or mental illness or particularly difficult life circumstances. The teacher organizes dyslexia tests to identify reading and writing difficulties. The teacher is responsible for writing documents needed for special arrangements in examinations. Students are encouraged to seek suitable assistance from the special needs teacher and the school.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The language of instruction in Pre-DP is English. In the Diploma Programme, English appears as Language A (English) for language and literature and as English B for language acquisition. Other language options include French B, German B, Spanish B, and Finnish B.

Mental Wellbeing
The main goal of the student welfare team is to take care of students' physical, mental and social welfare and to promote the safety and welfare of the whole school community. The guidance counsellor provides personal and academic guidance, including studying, career choices and further education. The school nurse offers health counselling and mental health support, including sleep, nutrition, exercise, contraception and mental health matters, with referrals to doctors or other professionals as needed. The school social worker supports study motivation, stress, daily-life management, relationships, mood regulation and confidentially guides families to access external specialists. A study psychologist will arrive at the school for the autumn term to support related concerns.

Safeguarding
The welfare team's work centers on safeguarding the school community's safety and welfare, with confidentiality in discussions involving students and families. The school social worker provides guidance to guardians and discusses personal matters with students, maintaining confidentiality. The social worker coordinates access to external specialists as needed. The nurse and psychologist contribute to safeguarding through health checks, mental health support and crisis-related referrals. Guardians and students are encouraged to engage with the welfare team to ensure safety and well-being within the school.
Parent Experience

Community
The school aims to support students' growth towards internationally minded, caring and reflective builders of sustainable future. It encourages students to explore knowledge across disciplines in local and global contexts, emphasizing communication, cooperation, and honesty with open-mindedness. In a multicultural environment, the school fosters human and cultural diversity. The IB Open House is in January 2027, with upper secondary facility tours starting at 5:30 p.m. and a joint information session at 6:30 p.m.; Sumino is the only official partner for international students' admission consultation.
Facilities

Academic Facilities
The Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year pre-university programme offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization, preceded by a one-year Pre-DP; the language of instruction in Pre-DP is English. The DP curriculum comprises six subject groups plus the DP core (Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity, and Service; Extended Essay). Subjects are chosen at the end of the Pre-DP year; six subjects are selected, with at least one from Groups 1–5; Group 6 (Arts) is not offered; three subjects are at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, with the possibility of four HL subjects and a seventh subject under certain conditions. HL hours amount to 240 and SL hours to 150. The Diploma is scored on a 45-point scale, with a minimum of 24 points required and completion of core requirements (IA, TOK, CAS, EE) is necessary. In Finland, the Diploma is considered equivalent to the Finnish matriculation examination, and most graduates enter universities worldwide.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers the IB Diploma Programme (DP), preceded by a one-year Pre-DP year. The DP lasts two years and includes six subject groups plus a DP core consisting of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE). Students choose six DP subjects from Groups 1–5, with at least one subject from each group; Group 6 (Arts) is not offered. Three subjects are taken at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), with the option to take additional HL courses if desired; the DP core supports independent research and reflection through TOK, EE, and CAS.

Arts & Creative
Creativity is a strand within the CAS core, involving arts and other experiences that require creative thinking. CAS covers creative, athletic, and service-oriented activities, and is not formally assessed but requires evidence of achieving seven CAS learning outcomes. Examples shown in student CAS stories include creative and collaborative projects such as personal art/creative endeavors and climate-action-focused initiatives.

Cultural & Language
The school operates in a multicultural environment that fosters human and cultural diversity. In Pre-DP, the language of instruction is English, and the DP language offerings include English A (Language and Literature), English B, Finnish B, French B (ab initio), German B (ab initio), and Spanish B (ab initio). The DP language groups demonstrate a focus on language acquisition with a range of options and ab initio pathways available.

Social & Hobbies
The DP supports student engagement in social and hobby activities through the CAS framework, which encompasses activities beyond regular classes. Students pursue both individual and collaborative projects, with CAS stories illustrating personal hobbies and community-based initiatives. The program encourages seeking opportunities and collaborating with people from different countries, linking personal interests to broader social engagement.

Community & Service
Service is a core component of CAS, involving unpaid and voluntary activities with a learning benefit to the student. CAS requires evidence of the seven learning outcomes and includes projects that connect students with local communities (e.g., working with local organizations) and international partnerships. Examples show students collaborating with community groups and taking part in climate- or society-focused projects that integrate service with learning.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Activity is a key part of CAS, contributing to a healthy lifestyle and well-being alongside academic work. The DP framework emphasizes balance through creative and service activities, promoting physical activity and personal well-being within the broader CAS program. Examples include ongoing personal athletic goals and group projects that combine physical activity with community impact.
Languages

Language Provision
Pre-DP language of instruction is English. The DP includes English A (Language A) and English B (Language Acquisition). Other DP language options include Finnish B, French B ab initio, German B ab initio, and Spanish B ab initio, with HL/SL levels available for the respective subjects.
Admissions

Admissions
1. The IB Open House is in January 2027. You can visit upper secondary facilities starting at 5:30 p.m., and there'll be a joint info session in the auditorium at 6:30 p.m. This event provides information about Turun normaalikoulu's IB Diploma Programme. 2. International applicants use Sumino for admission consultation. Sumino is the official partner designated for international admissions. Contact Sumino via the Turku IB School page (sumino.fi/turkuIBschool/) or email info@sumino.fi. 3. The Diploma Programme is preceded by a one-year Pre-DP Programme; the language of instruction in Pre-DP is English. The Pre-DP year follows the Finnish national upper secondary school first-year curriculum. Students complete 25-30 courses in the Pre-DP year, and all students study German, Spanish or French. Other language studies must be approved by the DP coordinator. 4. The Diploma Programme lasts two years and includes six DP subject groups plus the core (TOK, CAS, EE). Students choose six subjects from DP subject groups 1–5, with at least one subject from each group, and three subjects at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. IB grades range from 7 to 1, with a maximum of 45 points for the Diploma. In Finland, the IB Diploma is considered equivalent to the Finnish matriculation examination.
School Events
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