5 Things Every Country Should Learn from Finland’s Schools
June 18, 2025
June 18, 2025
Across continents, classrooms may look different, from bustling city schools in New York to rural villages in Kenya, but nearly every country shares the same dream: to build an education system that truly works for every child.
Yet in many places, education is weighed down by overcrowded curricula, exhausted teachers, and students burdened by pressure. Amid this global struggle to find better ways of teaching and learning, one country continues to stand out, not for chasing test scores, but for reimagining what a healthy, effective, and humane education system can look like.
That country is Finland.
Rather than focusing solely on competition or standardized outcomes, Finland has taken a different path, one that centers on trust, inclusion, and well-being. Its schools operate on the belief that happy students learn better, and respected teachers teach better. These simple ideas have led to profound results, drawing attention from educators and reformers all over the world.
So what exactly makes Finnish schools different? Why do they consistently earn admiration from global education experts?
In this article, we explore five powerful lessons from Finland’s schools that every country can learn from, practical, human-centered approaches that are transforming classrooms and inspiring change worldwide.
In Finland, teachers are the heart of the education system — not just implementers of policy, but professionals with deep knowledge and trusted judgment. Teaching here is not considered a backup career or a fallback option. It’s one of the most sought-after professions, attracting some of the best minds in the country.
The path to becoming a teacher is highly selective. Only about 1 in 10 applicants is accepted into teacher education programs, which are offered only at prestigious universities. These programs are research-based, rigorous, and emphasize both theory and practice. By the time they enter the classroom, most Finnish teachers hold a master’s degree and are well-prepared to meet the needs of diverse learners.
But academic training is just the foundation. What sets Finnish teachers apart is the freedom they have in the classroom.
Instead of being required to follow national textbooks or rigid lesson plans, Finnish teachers are encouraged to use their professional judgment. They decide how best to teach their students, selecting resources and designing activities based on local needs, interests, and individual learning styles. There is no central authority breathing down their necks — no constant testing, no performance rankings, no mandated pacing guides.
Imagine a teacher whose students become curious about the weather after a recent snowstorm. Instead of sticking to a planned unit on multiplication, she adapts the week’s math lessons to include temperature charts and snowfall measurements. Suddenly, learning becomes relevant, exciting, and memorable.
This type of flexibility empowers teachers to be creative, responsive, and student-focused. It also builds a culture of mutual respect and trust — between teachers and principals, teachers and parents, and most importantly, teachers and students.
Schools in Finland are places where educators are expected — and allowed — to think for themselves. They collaborate regularly, share best practices, and even shape school policy at the local level. Because they are trusted, they take their role seriously and remain highly motivated throughout their careers.
In many countries, the conversation around school improvement begins with curriculum reform or new technologies. In Finland, it begins with a simple truth: great schools start with great teachers — and great teachers need trust, autonomy, and support to thrive.
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One of the most admired aspects of Finland’s schools is their flexible, student-centered approach to learning. At the national level, Finland has a Core Curriculum that outlines broad goals and learning outcomes for each subject and age group. But it doesn’t prescribe exactly what to teach or how to teach it. Instead, it gives local schools and teachers the freedom to design learning experiences that make sense for their students.
This flexibility opens the door for innovation, and more meaningful education. Rather than delivering a fixed set of facts, Finnish educators focus on developing skills, creativity, and curiosity. The learning process is more important than memorizing content. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and connect what they learn to real life.
One of the most exciting results of this approach is phenomenon-based learning, a model where students learn through interdisciplinary themes instead of isolated subjects. In this model, a single topic can bring together science, arts, mathematics, and social issues into one integrated learning experience.
Take the topic of climate change, for example. A class might examine the scientific causes of global warming, analyze temperature data and statistics, study how different countries are responding through environmental policy, and write persuasive essays or presentations on how to reduce emissions locally. All of this happens within one project, led by students and guided by teachers.
This isn’t just about covering more material. It’s about developing critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity, skills that students need to succeed in the real world.
Another key feature of the Finnish curriculum is the importance placed on student voice and choice. Students are not passive recipients of information. They are encouraged to shape what and how they learn. This can mean helping to plan project themes, deciding how to present findings, or even choosing the tools and technologies they want to use.
Imagine a 14-year-old student concerned about pollution in a nearby river. With teacher support, she leads a small team to investigate the issue, interview local residents, and prepare a digital presentation to share with city officials. Through this project, she not only learns about ecosystems and civic engagement but also builds public speaking and teamwork skills.
This level of engagement makes learning personal, powerful, and purposeful. When students feel ownership over their learning, they become more motivated and confident. They develop habits of curiosity and self-direction, the foundations of lifelong learning.
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Unlike in many other countries, Finnish schools do not separate students based on academic ability, socio-economic status, or special learning needs. There are no private elite institutions or early tracking into different academic or vocational streams. Instead, all children attend the same comprehensive schools, learning side by side in mixed-ability classrooms.
What makes this ambitious goal work so well? The answer lies in a proactive, structured, and deeply supportive model of education:
Imagine a 10-year-old student who is struggling with reading comprehension. In many systems, this child might be moved to a separate remedial group, which could affect their self-confidence. But in a Finnish school, a special education teacher quietly joins the class, offering individual help while the student remains a full part of the learning community. The child receives what they need without stigma.
This model is built not only on smart strategy but on deep values. Finnish educators believe that diversity in the classroom strengthens learning for all. When students with different abilities, languages, and life experiences learn together, they develop empathy, patience, and collaboration — skills that are just as important as literacy and numeracy.
Moreover, this inclusive mindset extends beyond academic needs. Finnish schools also support students with mental health concerns, emotional challenges, or social adjustment issues. School psychologists, counselors, and nurses are part of the educational ecosystem, available to students as a natural part of school life.
The result? Classrooms where belonging is not a reward for success, it’s the starting point for learning.
Finland proves that you don’t need to divide students to help them thrive. By investing in support early, embedding help into daily routines, and treating every child with dignity, the Finnish system creates a learning environment where no one is left behind, and everyone moves forward together.
Step into a typical Finnish school, and the first thing you might notice is the sense of calm. It’s not enforced through strict rules or constant supervision. Instead, it comes from a culture of mutual respect, balance, and trust, values that guide every part of the school day.
The learning environment in Finland is carefully designed to support both academic growth and emotional well-being. Unlike systems where students race from class to class or face constant pressure to perform, Finnish schools provide a rhythm that encourages students to breathe, reflect, and stay engaged.
So what makes the environment feel so different?
Imagine a group of 7-year-olds building a miniature city out of blocks. They negotiate, share ideas, and collaborate — all while developing early math, spatial, and language skills in the process. This is learning, Finnish-style.
Why does all of this matter? Because children — and adults — learn best when they feel safe, supported, and respected. A low-stress environment helps students stay curious, motivated, and open to challenge. It also nurtures mental health and reduces anxiety, which is a growing concern in many school systems worldwide.
But perhaps the most powerful ingredient in this environment is trust.
In Finland, teachers are trusted to assess progress without needing constant oversight. Parents trust educators to make sound decisions. Principals trust teachers to teach effectively. The national system trusts schools to meet curriculum goals without micromanagement.
This culture of trust extends to students as well. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning, manage their time, and explore their interests — not because someone is watching, but because they are treated as capable individuals. And when people feel trusted, they tend to rise to the occasion. The Finnish model proves that rigor doesn’t require stress, and that learning can flourish in a setting that feels more like a community than a competition.
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From the very first years of school, Finnish education is grounded in the belief that a child is more than a test score — and that success in life requires much more than academic knowledge. This is why the system places equal value on developing the mind, body, heart, and spirit of each learner. While traditional subjects like mathematics and literacy are important, they are not given exclusive attention. Schools nurture a balanced mix of academic, emotional, social, and physical development — all seen as essential for growing into a capable and confident adult. Children are encouraged to develop:
Emotional intelligence: Finnish schools place great importance on helping students understand and manage their emotions. From early childhood, children learn how to identify their feelings, express themselves in healthy ways, and develop resilience. Teachers guide students through moments of frustration or conflict, turning them into learning experiences that strengthen emotional maturity.
Social skills: Classrooms are collaborative spaces where students practice listening, sharing, and working together daily. Group projects, class discussions, and peer interactions are designed to build empathy and cooperation. When disagreements arise, students are encouraged to resolve them constructively — helping them grow into respectful and thoughtful communicators.
Physical health: Movement is built into the rhythm of the school day. Whether it’s through outdoor recess, structured physical education, or simply walking between buildings, students stay physically active. Regular exercise not only promotes health but also supports concentration and emotional well-being, creating a strong foundation for learning.
Creativity: Artistic expression is an essential part of Finnish education. Students engage in painting, music, drama, crafts, and more — not as extras, but as valued subjects. These creative outlets allow children to explore their individuality, build confidence, and develop problem-solving skills in imaginative ways.
Environmental awareness: Nature is not just a backdrop — it's a classroom. Finnish students regularly learn outdoors, regardless of the season, participating in hands-on ecological projects and nature-based lessons. This fosters a deep respect for the environment and encourages sustainable habits from an early age.
Imagine a primary school class heading outside on a crisp winter morning. Some students collect pine cones and leaves to sort by shape and color (science and classification), others measure shadows and angles with rulers (geometry), while a small group sits under a tree composing poems (language arts and creativity). This is not an occasional field trip, this is regular, everyday learning in Finnish schools.
The natural world plays a central role in Finnish education. Outdoor learning isn’t a luxury — it’s a norm. Even in freezing temperatures, students spend time outside every day. Being in nature supports concentration, reduces stress, and inspires creative thinking. It also teaches environmental responsibility from a young age — a key part of Finland’s national values.
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Another strength of Finland’s approach is its commitment to arts and culture as core components of learning. Music, visual arts, crafts, and even home economics are not seen as extra or optional — they are valued just as much as science or history. These subjects build fine motor skills, patience, teamwork, and self-expression — qualities often overlooked in more rigid systems.
By honoring all aspects of a child’s development, Finnish schools create resilient learners who are adaptable, self-aware, and socially conscious. These students are more likely to grow into adults who:
This is what we mean by lifelong learning — not just a phrase in a policy document, but a lived reality where schools spark a love for growth, curiosity, and self-development. The goal is not to rush children through a system, but to help them become thoughtful, capable, and compassionate people — ready to face life with purpose and confidence.
Finland’s schools aren’t perfect, but they offer a powerful example of what’s possible when a society invests in trust, equity, and student well-being. Here’s a quick recap of what every country can learn from Finland:
These aren’t utopian dreams. They’re everyday realities in Finnish schools — and they can be adapted to other contexts with the right mindset and policy support.
Want to see these ideas in action? At TechClass, we organize inspiring school visits across Finland — giving you the chance to observe classrooms, talk with teachers, and bring new ideas back home.
Why is Finland’s education system considered one of the best in the world?
Finland’s schools are known for their focus on equity, student well-being, teacher autonomy, and real-life learning. The system emphasizes trust over control, minimal standardized testing, and holistic child development — which together create a highly effective, inclusive, and low-stress learning environment.
Do Finnish students perform well academically despite having less homework and fewer tests?
Yes. Despite having shorter school hours, minimal homework, and very few exams, Finnish students consistently perform well in international assessments such as PISA. This success is linked to quality teaching, student-centered learning, and a balanced approach to education that supports both academic and emotional growth.
How are teachers trained in Finland?
Teaching is a highly respected and competitive profession in Finland. All teachers are required to hold a master’s degree, and teacher education programs are rigorous, research-based, and offered at top universities. This strong foundation prepares teachers to work independently and respond to the needs of their students.
How does inclusion work in Finnish classrooms?
Finland uses a “three-tiered support” system to help all students succeed in the same classroom, regardless of their abilities or challenges. Instead of separating or labeling students, support is brought into the classroom through special education teachers, co-teaching, and individual learning plans — all without stigma.
What is phenomenon-based learning, and how is it used in Finland?
Phenomenon-based learning is an approach where students explore real-world topics that cross traditional subject boundaries. For example, a project on climate change might include science, geography, math, and language arts. This method encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and deeper understanding of how subjects connect in real life.
Are outdoor and creative activities really a regular part of Finnish schooling?
Absolutely. Finnish schools integrate nature and the arts into everyday learning. Classes often take place outside, even in winter, and subjects like music, crafts, and physical education are given equal importance alongside math and science. These activities support well-being, creativity, and hands-on learning.
How can educators or school leaders visit Finnish schools in person?
You can book a school visit through TechClass, which organizes guided visits to schools across Finland. These visits allow you to observe classes, meet with teachers and principals, and gain practical insight into how Finland’s educational practices work in everyday settings.
Can other countries adopt Finland’s model?
While every country has its own challenges and context, the core ideas behind Finland’s success, such as teacher trust, inclusive classrooms, and student well-being, can be adapted and implemented anywhere. Finland shows that meaningful change is possible when policies are aligned with values and focused on the whole child.
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