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Finland, Helsinki
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ISH began in 1963 as a British Preparatory School. It moved to Espoo in 1973 and was known as the British School. In 1976 it relocated to Töölö, Helsinki, shared facilities with the Topelius school and was renamed the International School of Helsinki. The school expanded in 1982 to include kindergarten through grade 6 and 7–9, and NEASC and CIS accredited in 1985. It moved to Kulosaari in 1990, added grade 10, introduced the IB Diploma Programme in 1992, moved to Ruoholahti in 1996 and adopted the PYP and MYP; it celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013 and has maintained accreditation with IB, CIS, and NEASC, including a 2020 re-authorization with planning through 2021.
ISH maintains a vibrant community centered on the ISH Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). The PTO fosters connections and creates memorable experiences for families, teachers, and staff. It offers New Family Support with welcome coffee mornings and language support through community coordinators, ISHNO – International School of Helsinki Night Out; workshops; and fitness clubs. It also distributes a monthly newsletter, maintains WhatsApp chats, and invites volunteers; followers on Facebook and Instagram keep families updated.
The ISH Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is the school's inclusive community hub. It supports new families with welcome coffee mornings, the handbook, and language support through coordinators. ISHNO – International School of Helsinki Night Out – offers social events such as dinners, quizzes, and bowling. The PTO runs workshops, Fitness & More activities (Yoga, Bootcamp, Running Clubs), and the Global Foods Club. A monthly newsletter, WhatsApp updates, and active social media channels share news; volunteers are welcome. Contact is pto@ishelsinki.fi.
International School of Helsinki (ISH) offers the IB continuum for students aged 4 to 18, with English as the language of instruction and a broad language program that includes Spanish, French and Finnish as Foreign Languages, plus Finnish Mother Tongue and English as an Additional Language support where needed. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) runs from early years through Grade 5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) covers Grades 6-10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) spans Grades 11-12. ISH became Finland's first fully IB-accredited school in 2005, and it has maintained IB, CIS, and NEASC accreditation through subsequent re-authorisations. Beyond academics, the school offers an extensive after-school activities and athletics program (ASA) for K-12, as well as cultural, language and social clubs. The Parents' Teacher Organization supports the community, and volunteers help events. ISH emphasizes an international community, cross-cultural workshops, and services to help families settle in. A welcoming, thriving environment.
