Early Childhood Education
Families in Rantasalmi have access to Finnish early childhood education and care in a safe, nurturing and child-centred environment. Early childhood education supports children’s growth, learning and wellbeing through play, daily routines, social interaction and pedagogy designed for young children. In Finland, early childhood education combines care, education and teaching as one service.
In Rantasalmi, services are provided through Päiväkoti Kuutti, family daycare and preschool education for six-year-olds.
What the service includes
Early childhood education supports children’s development, learning readiness and everyday wellbeing. Children take part in guided activities, outdoor play, meals, rest and age-appropriate learning throughout the day.
Families can apply for:
- municipal daycare
- family daycare
- preschool education
- early childhood education support services when needed
Preschool education is free of charge and forms an important step before basic education.
How to apply and use the service
Families apply mainly through the municipality’s electronic eDaisy service, where applications, placements and communication related to early childhood education are managed. Guidance is available for families moving to the municipality or using the system for the first time.
Location and contact
Päiväkoti Kuutti
Koulutie 6
58900 Rantasalmi
Basic Education
Comprehensive schooling close to nature and community
Children in Rantasalmi attend Rantasalmi Comprehensive School, which provides education from grades 1–9 in a shared school community. Finnish basic education is free of charge and includes teaching materials, school meals, pupil welfare services and school transport when statutory criteria are met.
The school offers a supportive learning environment where pupils receive both strong basic education and individual support. Education follows the Finnish national curriculum together with local curriculum priorities.
What pupils and families can expect
Basic education in Rantasalmi includes:
- teaching for grades 1–9
- learning support and student welfare services
- school meals and pupil guidance
- school transport services when eligible
- morning and afternoon activities for younger pupils
- extracurricular opportunities and school-community activities
Learning support is available when needed, and pupil wellbeing is supported through multidisciplinary student welfare services.
School life and everyday learning
Schooling in Finland includes not only academic learning but also life skills, participation, equality and wellbeing. In Rantasalmi, small group sizes and a close-knit school community support everyday learning.
Families communicate with the school mainly through Wilma, the electronic communication platform used in Finnish schools.
Location and contact
Rantasalmi Comprehensive School
Koulutie 6
58900 Rantasalmi
School secretary
Auli Kantanen
auli.kantanen@rantasalmi.fi
Upper Secondary Education
Study in a small upper secondary school with big opportunities
Rantasalmi Upper Secondary School offers general upper secondary education leading to the Finnish matriculation examination and further studies. The school combines high-quality academic studies with individual guidance and a strong sense of community.
Students can follow a general study path or choose from special study lines that make the school distinctive, including music theatre, studio technology and tourism studies.
What studying includes
Upper secondary studies prepare students for university, university of applied sciences and other further education pathways. Studies include:
- general upper secondary studies
- matriculation examination preparation
- personal study guidance
- special study lines and project-based learning
- international cooperation and study opportunities
- student activities and community life
Students receive support throughout their studies from teachers, study counsellors and student welfare services.
Special study opportunities
Rantasalmi Upper Secondary School is known for combining academic studies with unique specialisations.
Music Theatre Line
Students can combine upper secondary studies with performing arts and annual productions developed together with local partners.
Studio Technology Line
Students can explore sound, media and production technologies through practical learning.
Tourism Line
Students can connect studies with tourism, entrepreneurship and international perspectives.
These options make studying in Rantasalmi distinctive compared with a traditional upper secondary school.
Location and contact
Rantasalmi Upper Secondary School
Koulutie 6
58900 Rantasalmi
For admissions and study information, contact the school office or upper secondary education services.
School secretary
Auli Kantanen
auli.kantanen@rantasalmi.fi
Järvi-Saimaa Adult Education
Lifelong learning for all ages
Järvi-Saimaa Adult Education Centre offers opportunities to learn, create, exercise and meet people through courses for all ages. Adult education is part of Finland’s liberal adult education system and is open to everyone.
Courses are offered in Rantasalmi in subjects such as arts, crafts, music, languages, wellbeing, digital skills and practical everyday skills. (rantasalmi.fi)
What you can do
Adult education offers opportunities to:
- start a new hobby
- deepen an existing interest
- develop practical or creative skills
- study languages or digital skills
- participate in music and arts education
- meet people through local community activities
In Rantasalmi, the Adult Education Centre also provides basic education in the arts in music and theatre.
Courses and participation
Courses are offered during the academic year and can be joined through the online course registration system or through the Adult Education Centre office.
Some people join for professional development, others for wellbeing, creativity or social connections. Adult education is also a practical way for newcomers to connect with local life.
Location and contact
Järvi-Saimaa Adult Education Centre, Rantasalmi office
Eliel Saarisen tie 2
58900 Rantasalmi
Email: hannele.bjorn@rantasalmi.fi
Course information and registration are available through the Järvi-Saimaa Adult Education Centre.