The English School

At The English School we offer high quality hands-on learning through student-centered discovery. This is implemented with phenomenon-based learning, using real-world connections. We provide a nurturing environment, with an expectation of a high level of achievement. The bilingual nature of our school - immersion with additional language support when needed - and our international staff and student body, provide a dynamic and forward-looking environment within our globalized world, while our educational approach develops students’ life-long learning skills.

The English School provides an excellent learning environment rich with opportunity and innovation. We inspire a passion for learning and compassion for the world. At the English School we embrace the following values in our everyday work. We want to do the right thing.​ We respect others, ourselves and the environment. Our honesty and moral principles are manifested in our behavior. ​We use our knowledge and understanding wisely. We understand others and care for them. We are kind and willing to help. We accept and respect diversity.

We strive to achieve the best we can in all we do. We aim for excellence through intellectual curiosity and creativity. We want to fulfill our potential across academic, social and personal areas. The English School is a pioneer in bilingual education providing education from preschool to high school. We are a close-knit community of students, teachers and families. At the heart of our work is mutual respect and joy of learning. We strive for excellence and ​foster a passion for learning and compassion for the world.​ Our students become open, respectful and responsible global citizens, ​​ready for the world. Our work is based on respecting our school’s tradition of Christian values.

In 1939 Sister Kostka Schnitzmeier, who would eventually found The English School, arrived in Helsinki. She was soon followed by three other Sisters who formed the pioneer group: Sisters Wencesla Broz, Sister Claremarie Weaver and Sister Linus Boehmer.

The Catholic Sisters from Missouri, USA, were determined to establish an English school but when World War II broke out, the Sisters’ plans to open a school received a setback: the Sisters were advised to leave Finland to get to safety. After their escape to The Netherlands - and a quick escape from there, too - The Sisters of The Most Precious Blood returned back to Finland later in 1939 and lived long periods of time in Sammatti with children who they had taken to safety from the bombings of Helsinki.

Today The English School numbers more than 700 students attending the 2-year preschool, the comprehensive school, and the high school. The school was founded upon Christian principles and still guiding all activities is the concept of human dignity. Mutual respect, joy of learning, a high work ethic, honesty, responsibility, forgiveness, and a spirit of service are values the school fosters to create a safe environment for human development.