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Finland, Helsinki
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Catholic Sisters from the Missouri-based Congregation arrived in Helsinki in 1939 to establish The English School. The school opened on October 1, 1945 with eighteen students. A new Mäntytie building was completed in 1952 to accommodate growth and to align with developments around the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Since 1996 the school has been governed by the Foundation of the English School. The English School now serves more than 700 students across a two-year preschool, a comprehensive school (grades 1–9) and a high school.
We are a traditional and safe school community where students, guardians and staff know one another and collaborate closely. The school is founded on Christian principles and values such as mutual respect, joy of learning, a strong work ethic, honesty, responsibility, forgiveness and service to create a safe environment for human development. Open House events for the high school are held to welcome prospective students, with on-site and online formats. International collaboration and student exchanges with partner schools around the world enrich the school community.
The Friends of the English School is the parents' association. It was founded on November 26, 1954, and the funds collected by the Friends are directed entirely back to the school to benefit the students. The Friends are led by a Board of up to 10 members, elected at the Friends' Annual Meeting yearly, with a two-year term for each member. The Board includes roles such as Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, Event Manager, Communications, Clubs and Fundraising. Reach the Board at friends@engs.fi.
The English School in Finland is a private bilingual institution offering Finnish-English education from preschool through secondary level to about 700 students (ages 5–18). The curriculum combines the Finnish national framework with strong English instruction, and in the high school there are two study options: the bilingual English–Finnish Language and Culture Program and a General Upper Secondary English program. Both programs culminate in the Finnish Matriculation Examinations, with language of instruction determined by program. The school's ethos is rooted in Christian values and a commitment to global citizenship, cultural understanding, respect for diversity, ecological sustainability and responsible citizenship. Campus facilities include a two-campus layout (Mäntytie for Grades 1–6 and Preschool and Valimotie for Grades 7–12), two gymnasia (one divisible), and a central bilingual library. The school runs exchange links, a debate club with international and national competitions, and clubs organised by The Friends of The English School, alongside after-school care.
