To distinguish authentic efforts from superficial claims, the validation process serves as a quality assurance mechanism. It reassures local and international stakeholders that the education provider is earnestly incorporating the Finnish approach to education. While some schools have been founded with the support of Finnish educational export companies and experts, ensuring the application of Finnish educational methods and ethos, others have been set up on much weaker foundations, with little to no real grounding in the Finnish approach. Thus, validation acts as a safeguard, affirming that a school is truly aligned with the high standards and values of Finnish education.
In Finland, while direct accreditation of K12 schools by government bodies like the Ministry of Education and Culture or EDUFI is not available, there exists a pathway for international schools to gain recognition and validation for adopting the Finnish educational approach. This validation is centred around the school's academic plan and curriculum, emphasizing the Finnish way of organizing teaching and cultivating a specific operating culture. Key aspects such as the scope of teaching, subjects offered, assessment methods, both internal and external evaluations, the school calendar structure, staff composition and qualifications, as well as the administrative framework are scrutinized. Moreover, it's essential for the school's teaching and administrative staff to demonstrate familiarity with Finnish primary and lower secondary education systems through relevant training in Finnish educational methodologies and pedagogy.
Following the submission of necessary documentation and evidence supporting these aspects, the school may receive a Letter of Assessment. Based on this assessment, the institution has the option to be designated as a "Finnish-Enriched School" for a two-year term. Alternatively, upon receiving the assessment letter, schools can express their interest in undergoing a more thorough audit within the two-year period to achieve the status of a "Finnish International School," further solidifying their commitment to Finnish educational principles. The school needs the Letter of Assessment prior commencing with the audit process.
