English information
About the School
In 2010, the Christian School of Espoo and the day-care center Eskimo offer tuition to altogether 160 students aged 3-16. The staff amounts to 40 people, 12 of which are full-time teachers. The school and day-care center are governed by the Supporters' Registered Association of the Cristian School of Espoo.
History
The school was founded by a group of parents who wanted their children to receive education from a distinctly Christian perspective. First they created the Supporters' Registered Association, and the daycare center opened its doors in 1996. The school opened in the fall of 1999 as a home school of seven students and one teacher. In 2001, The Finnish Government granted the association permission for the establishment of an official private school for preschool and elementary school grades from 1st to 6th.
During the first years, the number of students rose rapidly. In the fall of 2006, the first students were about to enter the comprehensive school (7th grade), but as the permission to found it was still lacking, the comprehensive school started again as a home school. Finally, the permission was granted in the fall of 2009.
Finding suitable facilities has been difficult. For almost 8 years, the school operated in various business premises and offices in an old shopping center. In December 2009, school moved into present building that is spacious enough for school purposes. This building, however, is available only until the summer of 2012.
Administration and Finances
The Supporters' Registered Association of the Cristian School is a non-denominational association that accepts as its member anybody interested in Christian education. The board of the association is responsible for the financial operation of the school, permissions, and the building. The board consists of 8 members elected at the annual general meeting.
The school and the day-care center both have their own board which supervises the educational program, student admissions and teacher selection. The school board consists of 6 members, 2 of whom must be parents, 2 from the board of the Supporter’ association, and 2 from the staff. The day-care center board has 3 members, 2 of whom are parents and 1 from the board of the association.
The school receives grants from the Finnish government according to the number of students. These grants amount to 90% of the amount the city of Espoo receives from the government for each student. Grants are also received from the city of Espoo. In addition, school raise funds by accepting donations and organizing fund-raising events. There are no tuition fees or other compulsory fees. The day-care center is financed by grants from the Finnish government and the city of Espoo, and by a day-care charge from parents. The joint annual budget of the school and the day-care center is about €1.2 million.
Curriculum
The preschool and school curriculum follows the national curriculum introduced by the Board of Education. The subjects are the same as in other Finnish schools. Some Christian themes have been added to the curriculum, but Christianity is mainly promoted by fostering Christian values in our behavior and community.
We emphasize education that is based on building a positive relationship between a student and an adult. This means that each student is accepted jus as he or she is, a valuable individual created by God. In order to become a healthy person he or she needs boundaries, love, education, guidance and encouragement.
The subjects are: Finnish, mathematics, biology, geography, physics, chemistry, religious education, visual art, crafts, physical education, music, history and citizenship, home economics, and foreign languages: English (from grade 1), Swedish (from grade 7) and voluntary Spanish (from grade 8).
Our School Day
The school day starts at 8.15 a.m. or 9.15 a.m. Each lesson lasts 45 minutes, and sometimes two lessons are held consecutively without a break. The break is usually 15 minutes, during which the younger students go outdoors while the older ones may remain indoors. Lunch is at 10.40-11.30 a.m., followed by a break during which all the students go outdoors. The school day finishes at 1.15. or 2.15 p.m. for the younger students (total 20-25 hours of school time per week) and at 4 p.m. at the latest for the older students (total 30-31 hours of school time per week).
Supervised early morning care is also provided at 8-9.15 a.m. for the younger children requiring child-care before school hours. After the school day, afternoon activities are provided until 4.30 p.m. so that a child won’t have to go into an empty home if both parents are at work. In the afternoon club the children are given the opportunity to do sports and play outdoors, play together, do arts and crafts, and do their homework. A fee is charged for the afternoon club.
Parent Activities
The school works closely with the parents. There are 1-3 PTA meetings each year, and the teacher meets with the parents individually at least once or twice during the school year. Contact is kept through messages, bulletins and e-mail. Once a year, there is a seminar on Christian parenting.
The parents participate in various school events and help supervise outings and school campouts. The parents also organize fund-raising events, for instance concerts, for the benefit of the school.
Finnish Education System
In Finland education usually begins in pre-school at age 6. Pre-school is voluntary, but almost full enrollment is recorded. Education is provided 4 hours a day, preparing the child for school by promoting his or her linguistic, mathematical and social capabilities. Methods include classes, outdoor activities and play. Pre-school is free of charge.
Compulsory education begins during the year a child has his or her 7th birthday and starts at the first grade at school. The basic education takes nine years. Grades 1-6 have one teacher for all or almost all subjects. Grades 7-9 have several teaches specialized in their subjects. Compulsory education is accomplished the year the student has completed all nine grades or normally at 16.
Students with learning difficulties are provided individual support for the learning, e.g. remedial teaching or special education. Remedial teaching is given if the student needs temporary additional teaching. Special education is given if the student has special, e.g. linguistic or mathematical, learning difficulties. Education is provided for 1-3 hours a week by a special education teacher either individually or in a small group. If the student has major learning difficulties, education can be provided in a special class (in state schools).
After completing basic education students usually continue in an upper secondary school or vocational school.
Special Features
The Christian School of Espoo is a small school, but growing continually. There are 12-20 students per class. Teachers are highly qualified (MA), enthusiastic and committed. High quality of teaching and good learning outcomes are important for us. At the same time, we promote the students’ spiritual development and help them grow into healthy and balanced personalities.
The school is being evaluated and developed continually. We participate in various development projects. At the moment we are taking part in a project developing the teaching of foreign languages and in a project developing special education. In the future, we plan to participate also in international projects.
To promote Christianity we organize devotions, prayer times and other Christian practices. We especially emphasize the way in which students and other members of the community are met. Everybody should feel that he or she has been seen, heard and accepted just as he or she is. The needs of each individual are taken into consideration, while at the same time we emphasize the importance of becoming a member of the community, good interpersonal skills, and respectful behavior towards others.
Christian School of Espoo is a non-denominational school. It is not formally affiliated with doctrines or practices of any one church. Instead, it wishes to foster general Christianity so that as many families as possible from different church backgrounds could attend the school, and could, despite of differences, experience fellowship with each other.
After-School Activities
In the afternoon the school provides various afternoon clubs, especially for the younger students. There are also music lessons available on piano, violin, cello, guitar, drums and saxophone. A fee is charged for the clubs and music lessons.
Day-care Center Eskimo
The day-care center Eskimo serves about 20 children. Those in the day-care are aged 3-5, and preschoolers are aged 6. Some preschoolers stay for day-care after the lessons. The day-care center employs one pre-school teacher (headmaster of the day-care center) and 3 trained childminders.
The daycare center follows the national curriculum for pre-primary education that lays emphasis on supporting the child’s growth and development, the importance of social and interpersonal skills, and the preparation for school. Activities are characterized by creativity and the joy of working together. Special focus is laid on physical education, art and music.