Welcome to comprehensive school! Compulsory education usually begins in the year in which the child turns 7. In Lahti, an average of 1,000 first-graders start school every year.
First-graders, who start their school in August, enrol in the school in January. Future first-graders have the following options:
- enrol in their local school (the school in their own school admission area)
- apply for a place at a school in another admission area
- apply for a place at a private school
- apply for a place at a school in another municipality
Those who enrol in their local school have priority when allocating school places. Pupils admitted to a school in another admission area are not entitled to the school transport benefit. Children applying for postponement of their education or preparatory instruction for basic education or need special support will also enrol in their local school.
Read the ‘Welcome to comprehensive school’ guide (in Finnish)
After enrolment
- The principal makes the admission decision. Information about the school placement will be sent home by post.
- Upon enrolment, the Wilma credentials distributed to the guardians are activated.
- If necessary, a place in afternoon activities is sought for the child.
- The guardian makes an appointment for the child’s health check with the school nurse.
- A familiarisation day is arranged for future first-graders and their guardians in May.