Finnish-American Kindergarten
Itämerenkatu 2B
00180 Helsinki
Our Ruoholahti center is located near Ruoholahti metro station, and is easily reached using trams 6, 6T, 7, 8, and 9. Our team is very diverse, coming from several different countries, and having degrees and qualifications in varied concentrations related to children’s health, development, and education. We put a lot of focus on children feeling safe and happy, being able to express their thoughts and interests, learning independence, and gaining tons of self-confidence and enthusiasm for learning before going off to school. Our house values equality, respect, and communication. We enroll children from age 3 (must be fully toilet trained) through preschool (age 6), and have space for 42 children in total. Children are divided into groups during work time, based on the year of birth, and each group has one or two key teachers, depending on the size of the group. We want to work together with parents to hear your thoughts, answer your questions, and earn your trust, so that together we can give your child the absolute best kindergarten experience possible! Give us a call if you want to know more. We look forward to speaking with you!
Our 3-4 year olds group. Some little ones join us with no knowledge of English…That’s okay! They learn through play, making friends, and their desire for independence. We know joining kindergarten for the first time can be a big step for children and parents. We are here to support your family and make kindergarten something your child enjoys and looks forward to!
Continuing interpersonal skills, motor development, and encouraging independence are the main focal areas this year. Children this age start to learn how to resolve conflicts among friends. We provide a safe setting in which children can practice their emerging social skills.
Our 5 year olds group. Children are more confident to express their individual interests! We tailor themes to what the children have shown us they’re excited about. We give the children a diverse array of activities and projects, along with the flexibility to let each child explore in their own way.
We are an accredited part of the Helsinki city pre-school system, following Finnish National Core Curriculum for Early Childhood Education and Care as well as the City of Helsinki Curriculum for Early Childhood and Preschool Education. The focus is on self-confidence, excitement for learning, respect for others, independence, and problem solving. We dedicate time to literacy, math, natural sciences, music, and physical health.
We place importance on making sure your child feels safe and comfortable in our care. This starts by having an easy-to-follow routine in place so that children can rely on structure, knowing what is on the schedule for the day. With that said, staff are friendly and flexible, able to give support and comfort, in Finnish as well if needed. We want to build a trusting rapport with each child, and make sure they know we care about and value them as a member of our community.
Our families and our staff are a multi-cultural bunch, and we celebrate diversity and respect. Children who gain exposure to such a rich array of backgrounds and ideas at a young age grow up with understanding, openness, and respect for the global community. We care about the Earth, and teach children to make sustainable choices. Environmental awareness is the first step toward making better long-term choices for our planet.
Throughout the year, we explore these areas through integrated themes and projects. While we have established themes like seasons and holidays, we truly value the children’s interests, allowing their curiosity to shape our learning journey. This approach keeps education exciting and meaningful, ensuring that every child flourishes in our warm and welcoming environment.
First day of term: Monday, August 4, 2025
Last day of term: Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Winter holidays: Wednesday, December 24, 2025 – Tuesday, January 6, 2026
First day of spring term: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Easter: Friday, April 3, 2026 – Monday, April 6, 2026
May Day: Friday, May 1, 2026
Ascension: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Last day of term: Thursday June 18, 2026
Summer holidays: Friday June 19 2026- Sunday, August 3, 2026