Preparatory classes, Finnish as a second language, religion classes
PREPARATORY CLASSES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Before a child or young person can begin basic education, he or she must have adequate knowledge of the Finnish language.
Preparatory classes are intended for children and young people who have moved to Finland from abroad and are of compulsory education age. Compulsory education ends in the school year when the child or young person reaches the age of 18. Children and young people who participate in preparatory classes learn basic Finnish language skills. Learning in the preparatory class lasts from 1 to 2 years or less, usually a year.
After this, the child or young person will move to the usual class at a school that is close to his or her home. The child or young person will start school in the year group that corresponds to his or her skills.
In Hämeenlinna, the preparatory classes are organized in:
- Jukola school (1.−6. grades)
- Miemala school (1.−6. grades)
- Ortela school (1.−6. grades)
- Seminaari school (1.−6. grades)
- Lyseo school (7.−9. grades)
- Hakkala school (1.−9. grades)
- Saaristen school (severely disabled students)
- Myllymäki school (1.-6. grades, since 22.2.2023)
Application: online application form (in Finnish, opens in a new window) | English application form (opens in new window) | paper application form is available at the City Service Point.
FINNISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (S2)
If the child’s native language is not Finnish or Swedish, the municipality can arrange for education in the language in question. This allows the child to study Finnish or Swedish as a second language, i.e. S2 language (S2-kieli). A student will study Finnish (or Swedish) as a second language if his or her Finnish or Swedish skills are not at a native level.
RELIGION CLASSES
In school, all children have the right to receive education in their own religion or in ethics. Education in a particular religion must be arranged when a municipality contains at least three children of that religion.
In Hämeenlinna, in school year 2021-2022 , apart from Evangelical Lutheran and Orthodox religions and ethics, there are also Islam and Catholic religion classes.
Multicultural education – Hämeenlinna (hameenlinna.fi)
School year and holidays – Hämeenlinna (hämeenlinna.fi)
Finnish as second language | Finnish National Agency for Education (oph.fi)
Comprehensive education – InfoFinland
Ministry of Education and Culture: Information on basic education Finnish | Swedish | English
Finnish National Agency for Education: Information on basic education Finnish | Swedish | English