Preparatory education for basic education
Preparatory education for basic education (VALMO) is meant for students who have just moved to Finland and whose Finnish skills are not yet good enough to learn in a Finnish language basic education. Students will learn Finnish and other skills needed at school. The teaching is mainly organized as group teaching. There are preparatory education groups in different schools and the child will study in a group an average of one year before moving on to a local school.
In VALMO groups the amount of weekly study hours varies based on class level and according to the individual study plan. A student gets education in a VALMO group and integrated lessons in basic education.
VALMO education in Turku is only for children living in Turku. Finnish is the language of teaching.
When the VALMO education is over, the students usually move to their age level in basic education at their local school. You can also move on to basic education earlier if you have the language and studying skills to do so.
At what age into preparatory education?
For students aged 7-16 who have an immigrant background whose Finnish skills are not yet good enough to study in Finnish language basic education.
The guardians of children under 7 can contact early childhood education service guidance. For over 16-year-olds there is basic education for adults at Turku Vocational Institute.
How to apply
You can apply for a place in preparatory education with a form on the Turku City website. The filled out form is delivered to the Coordinator of Multicultural Education Tenna Käpylä (tenna.kapyla@turku.fi).
Looking for more information?
Check out the guide! (in Finnish)