I  ·  About

Founded in 2013 as Kielo — now Norden, in Helsinki and Brussels.

A small English-medium school in Malmi, recognised by the Helsinki Education Department, that grew into a two-campus international community for grades 1–9.

English is the primary language of instruction, with Finnish offered as a secondary focus. We adhere to Finnish basic-education law and the national core curriculum throughout — delivered in a setting small enough that every child is known by name.

Enquire Mission & Vision
Year founded
2013 Year founded
Primary & secondary
Grades 1–9 Primary & secondary
Campuses
2 Campuses
English instruction
100 % English instruction

Our approach

What makes Norden different

We combine the warmth of a small international community with the credibility of the Finnish education system — all in English.

International community

Students and families from many cultural backgrounds share one learning environment, turning diversity into a daily educational advantage.

Finnish educational standards

We follow Finnish basic education law and national curriculum standards, giving families the rigour of the Finnish system in a fully English-medium setting.

Child-centred philosophy

Every decision — from class size to timetable design — keeps the individual child's wellbeing, curiosity and growth at the centre.

Small, supportive classes

Smaller class sizes mean teachers know each student. Returning students receive priority; new students are assessed to ensure they receive the right level of support from day one.

Helsinki home-school status

As a recognised home school operating in cooperation with the Helsinki Education Department, we work closely with local authorities in Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa.

Open admissions

Admissions are open throughout the year, subject to available places and entry requirements, so families can join at the right time for their child.

Community

An open, inclusive school community

We warmly welcome students of all backgrounds. Diversity is not merely tolerated — it is a genuine strength that enriches every lesson and every interaction between students and teachers.

  • Peer learning across cultures broadens every student's perspective.
  • Open communication between school, students and families is a core commitment.
  • Cooperation is valued over competition throughout the school community.
  • Educational services — including school trips, teacher certificate programmes and student internships — are part of the broader offering.
"The greatest luck in a person's life is to encounter a good teacher."
— Norden International School motto

School facts

Key information

The school

Name
Norden International School of Helsinki
Founded
2013
Grades
1 – 9 (primary & secondary)
Language
English (Finnish as secondary)
Office hours
Mon–Fri 10:00–14:00

Contact us

See all contact details

Begin your application

Ready to join our community?

Admissions are open year-round. Complete your application today and take the first step.

Enquire +358 40 176 1961