For years, Finland’s education system has been hailed as one of the best in the world, earning widespread praise for its high academic performance and the well-being of its students and teachers. The Finnish approach is often admired for its emphasis on equity, where all students are given equal access to quality education. Teachers are highly respected professionals, often holding advanced degrees and receiving ongoing professional development. The system is known for its focus on personalized learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace and ensuring no child is left behind. Finland also places a strong emphasis on student well-being, with less testing, minimal homework, and more time for play, fostering a balanced and supportive learning environment. Central to Finland's success is its belief in trust: trust in teachers, trust in the curriculum, and trust in the students, all of which create a system that values collaboration and respect over competition. These foundations, built on equity, trust, and holistic development, have contributed to Finland’s reputation as a global leader in education.
 
At CALE, we are inspired by these proven best practices and strive to incorporate them into our own educational model. The graphic below illustrates how we’ve adapted these strategies to create a thriving environment for our students.

Focus on Equity

• Finland’s Education System: Prioritizes equal opportunities for all students

• CALE Emphasizes inclusivity or equal access to services for learners.

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Highly Trained Educators

• Finland: Teachers are highly trained, often with master's degrees, and are trusted to make decisions in the classroom.

• CALE teachers are highly experienced educators and consistently seek to improve their craft.

 

Student-Centered Learning

• Finland: Focus on individual student progress rather than standardized testing.

• CALE offers personalized learning by meeting students where they are. Our multi-age approach prizes where students are in their learning progression. 

 

Collaboration Over Competition

• Finland: Education is about cooperation, not competition, with no ranking of top-performing schools.

• CALE promotes collaboration rather than competition. We work with microschools across the US in an effort to do what is best for students.

 

Multi-Age Learners

• Finnish schools often have multi-age classrooms, fostering peer learning and social development.

• CALE supports and encourages multi-age group interactions or collaborative learning. We prioritize student needs over student age. 

 

Assessment Methods

• Focuses on formative assessments, with minimal use of standardized tests. Emphasis on individual growth and feedback.

• CALE uses norm-referenced assessments and focuses on feedback-based learning that prioritizes growth of students. 

 

The Finnish education system has long been celebrated for its holistic approach to learning, equity, and student well-being. At CALE, we are proud to draw inspiration from Finland's success while tailoring these principles to meet the unique needs of our students. By embracing personalized learning, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, led by highly experienced educators, we aim to provide an exceptional educational experience. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to offering an environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally—just as Finland has demonstrated on the global stage. The comparisons showcase how CALE is working to implement these best practices and pave the way for a future of educational excellence.