International School of Helsinki

Selkämerenkatu 11, 00180 Helsinki, Finland

Ages 4 to 19; Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP)

40+ nationalities represented

ISH provides student support including services for students with additional educational needs, English-language learners, and social-emotional/behavioral needs

Finland

ISH offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP) as part of the IB World School framework. The language of instruction is English; Spanish, French and Finnish as a Foreign Language, plus Finnish Mother Tongue, are offered, with English as an Additonal Language (EAL) support for identified students. The PYP uses an integrated, cross-curricular approach and runs from early years through Grade 5; the MYP is a 5-year programme for Grades 6–10; the DP is a 2-year programme for Grades 11–12. ISH became Finland's first fully IB-accredited school in 2005.

1:5

The High School Diploma (HSDP) and the IB Diploma (DP) are recognized by leading universities.

ISH centers wellbeing at the heart of its education, organizing around four catalysts: Wellbeing, Autonomy, Belonging, and Connection. Wellbeing focuses on community, social and emotional development, and balance. Autonomy develops decision‑making, challenge, and agency with high expectations and self‑actualization. Belonging ensures all kinds of people feel valued through collaboration and appreciation of diversity. Connection broadens experiences, deepens empathy, and encourages responsibility and purposeful actions. The school serves learners from 4 to 19 across the IB continuum with an individualized approach and a community made up of more than 40 nationalities.

ISH provides inclusive, individualized support for students with additional educational needs, including access and enrichment, and support for students acquiring English and those with social‑emotional and/or behavioral needs. The school emphasises an inclusive admission policy and is proactive about ensuring appropriate support; in some cases, additional admissions information may be requested to place students for success.

Early Years to Grade 8: the school accepts students with no prior English experience and provides targeted language support to help students integrate and succeed academically and socially. High School (Grades 9–12) applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency, which is evaluated during the admissions process; additional English assessments may be required.

Wellbeing support is provided by a Wellbeing Lead, School Counselors, a City Counselor, and an Individualised Learning Lead as part of the safeguarding framework. The Counseling Team handles student counseling and related supports; pastoral care and career/personal counseling are provided as part of ISH services.

ISH has a Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures. The safeguarding team includes the Wellbeing Lead, Head of School, Individualised Learning Lead, School Counselors, City Counselor, and School Psychologist, and meets monthly to review policy, log concerns, train staff, and consider cases. The Counseling Team handles reports of concern and works with external agencies as needed. ISH provides a Code of Conduct for staff and volunteers and requires safeguarding training; there is a confidential whistleblowing channel for reporting malpractice or abuse.

1. Submit the online application via OpenApply with the required documents. All uploaded documents must be in English or translations with originals. Documents required vary by level but typically include the application form, enrolment and payment agreement, copy of passport, and school reports for the past two years. For Lower School there is a New Applicant Online Parent Survey and teacher reference forms; for Upper School there is an introductory letter from the applicant and teacher reference forms; Learning Support students must attach an IEP and recent assessments; an application fee of 350€ per student is charged. 2. After the admissions office has received a complete application, the applicant will be considered for admission. Submitting faulty or insufficient information can reverse the admissions decision. 3. An interview will be conducted when: the applicant is applying for Upper School (grades 9-12); the applicant has learning support needs; submitted documents need to be clarified; class placement needs to be defined. 4. English Language Expectations: High School applicants must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to succeed in high school. English language skills are evaluated throughout the admissions process, including a complete application and a student interview, and in some cases, an additional English assessment may be required. 5. Residency Requirements: Students must reside with at least one parent or a designated guardian while enrolled. The school requires verification of guardian arrangements to ensure student welfare and compliance with safeguarding policies. 6.