IB - International Baccalaureate (Etelä-Tapiolan lukio)

We are proud to be one of the seventeen IB schools licensed to operate in Finland. General information about the IB diploma program can be found here(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan).

• Annual intake: 50 
• Applications for the pre-DP are submitted through the joint application system www.opintopolku.fi(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan) (for more information, see How to apply(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan)) 

In a word, the answer has to be the atmosphere – which is busy, purposeful, inclusive and respectful. We know how to enjoy ourselves as well as get results. In these conditions, students are best equipped to realise their academic potential, foster social awareness and find scope for personal growth. 

Etelä-Tapiolan Lukio (known affectionately as “Etis”) enjoys an unrivalled reputation for excellence while the English language line has more than twenty years of expertise in delivering a quality education of its own. The school is a short walk away from the new metro in the heart of Tapiola. The WeeGee building, housing the school, is something of a landmark in Espoo, while the airy classrooms and modern, twenty-first learning space on the third floor allow for cutting edge teaching and learning. The IB classes are fully integrated into the bi-lingual Etis community, where all events are held in common with the sole exception of the renowned “bootcamp” in Nuuksio National Park for new entrants at the start of the first year. Our aim is to help students to achieve their best whilst still maintaining a healthy sense of balance.  We never forget that education is about people rather than numbers.  

Welcome to Etis! 

International-mindedness

All IB schools share a commitment to develop internationally-minded young people who recognize their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, and who strive towards a better and more peaceful world.

International-mindedness in Etis is expressed in various ways:

We incorporate the IB mission into our own mission statement

We are committed to promoting the Learner Profile in every student

We invite leading specialists into the school to hold studia generalia sessions with students.

We support a Dalit school in Nepal with fundraising for equipment.

We support Red Nose Day, UNICEF and other initiatives tackling injustice and inequality

We coordinate the Collaborative Science Project with Audentes upper secondary school in Estonia

We invite applications from across the world.

We support mother-tongue learning for all students irrespective of origin

We encourage Extended Essays in World Studies

We celebrate the rich diversity of cultures, ethnicities and faiths within the school on our Cultural Diversity Day

We actively encourage student exchanges across the world.

We promote a positive can-do attitude to change within the whole school culture on the basis of “us” rather than “them and us”.

Group 1 - Studies in Language and Literature: 

• Finnish Literature SL/HL.
• English Language and Literature  SL/HL.
• School- supported self-taught language SL (for mother tongue speakers of other languages) 

Group 2 - Language Acquisition: 

• Finnish B SL/HL
• French ab initio SL  

Group 3 - Individuals and Societies: 

• Business and Management SL/HL
• History SL/HL 

Group 4 - Experimental Sciences: 

• Biology SL/HL
• Physics SL/HL
• Chemistry SL/HL 

Group 5 - Mathematics: 

• Analysis and Approaches SL/HL
• Applications and Interpretations SL

Group 6 - Arts or Electives: 

• Visual Arts SL/HL

  Optional - or select another subject from groups 1-4

At least seven students are required to subscribe to a subject in order for courses to run. Timetable restrictions may also limit choices. 

Together with the International Baccalaureate®, Etelä-Tapiolan lukio aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

Furthermore, we encourage our students to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

The following  joint application process will take place in February/March 2026.  Please visit our site for the precise dates in February. You'll also find information and the application forms by scrolling down below.

Autumn term

Thu 7.8. - Sat 20.12.2025

• Sports Day Tue 26.8.2025
• Autumn break Mon 13.10. - Fri 17.10.2025
• Community service day Tue 4.11.2025
• Independence day celebration Fri 5.12.2025
• Saturday work day Sat 20.12.2025
• Christmas break Sun 21.12.2025 - Tue 6.1.2026
   

Spring term

Wed 7.1. - Sat 30.5.2026

• Penkkarit Thu 5.2.2026
• Vanhat Fri 6.2.2026
• Winter break Mon 16.2. - Fri 20.2.2026
• Easter Fri 3.4. - Mon 6.4.2026
• Vappu Fri 1.5.2026
• Helatorstai Thu 14.5.2026
• National graduation ceremony Sat 30.5.2026

Students are free to take the initiative to start clubs and societies any time they like. In recent years these have included a chess club, debating society, a drama club and the forming of bands. Etis provides the facilities and physical space to make these activities happen. IB students have also spontaneously organized bake sales with the proceeds going to The Red Cross or charities responding to crises such as earthquakes or conflict.

Above all, the Student Council is responsible for arranging fun events such as musical shows, theme days, fancy dress events. The Parents´ Association has also acted as a facilitator by investing in equipment. The pool table, table tennis bats, jigsaw puzzle and punch bag in the foyer ensure there are plenty of different ways for students to let down their hair between classes.

Etis has an active debating society with members from the national line and the IB. Society meetings are arranged regularly by students themselves, with matches adjudicated by university debaters. Etis debaters take part in regional debating events and compete at the Finnish Championship Tournament. Recently three members of the team attended a workshop in Athens, a city renowned for its eloquence in the ancient world. Debating is a fine way to foster presentation skills, hone argument and develop confidence with public speaking. IB students get CAS points for debating and national side students complete an optional course. For more information visit the Etis Debating Society on Facebook.

At the start of the school year all first year students will partcipate in a day-long off-campus event to break the ice and get to know each other under the guidance of their homeroom teachers. This fun day is a way to reinforce a community atmosphere, or "Etis spirit".

School nurse and doctor

Mari Lähde

At Etis on Monday - Friday 
tel. +358 46 8773790
mari.lahde@luvn.fi

School nurse is at school from Monday to Friday.  During the nurse’s walk-in hours (11.00-11.30) you can visit the nurse without booking an appointment in advance.  The walk-in hours are meant for acute issues.

Student Health Services aim to maintain and promote students’ health, well-being and ability to study. The school nurse also helps with questions about vaccines, sexuality, birth control, substance abuse or mental health or other health-related matters.

During the first year of study, each student has the opportunity to have their health checked by a school nurse. A health check by a school doctor is usually available to students during the second year of study. The focus of the health check is on the prevention of illnesses and the early detection of health problems. Boys who have to attend call-ups and girls who wish to voluntarily undertake military service can have a preliminary health examination performed. 

Students may also book a health check-up at any point of their studies, if necessary. The shool nurse can refer the student to a doctor or other specialists, if such services are needed.

In case of accidents, we give first aid together with the rest of the school staff. 

 Centralised school and student health care in Espoo

If you are studying in Espoo, you can use the centralised school and student health care services in Espoon keskus and Niittykumpu Family Center in addition to the services provided by your educational institution. You can find us at Kamreerintie 2 A, 3rd floor and Niittyportti 4. The service is open in Kamreerintie Mon-Thurs 8:00-15:30 and Fri 8:00-13:30 and in Niittykumpu Mon-Tues 8:00-15:30.

Telephone service for guidance, counselling, and appointment booking, tel. +358 29 1512690 (open Mon–Fri 9.00–13.00) You can also contact the nurse through our chat service (the service requires strong identification)  https://digihyvinvointi.luvn.suomisote.fi/(external link)(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan)

Psychologist

Riikka Korteala

tel. +358 40 1852307  

riikka.korteala@luvn.fi

The psychologist is at school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The psychologist directs, advises, and supports high school students in matters related to well-being, study and life situation. Some of the reasons to seek the support of the psychologist may include fatigue, stress, anxiety, tension, depression, sudden life changes and crisis situations. Concerns about interpersonal relationships, study progress, and plans for the future may also need to be discussed with a psychologist. Meetings are confidential, voluntary, and free of charge. The number of visits and how they will be carried out will be agreed upon individually with the student. The student may see the psychologist of their own accord or, for example, on the recommendation of a guardian, nurse, or group tutor. 

Social worker (kuraattori)

Jessica Dienel

tel. +358 40 4869838

At Etis on Monday - Friday 
jessica.dienel@luvn.fi

The social worker is a professional school social worker whose task is to guide, support, and promote the psychosocial well-being of students. For instance, a student may see the social worker and discuss life management, coping with day-to-day challenges or interpersonal relationships, questions related to independent living, life changes, housing, finances, or when they wish to talk in confidence with an adult. The aim of the meeting is to find solutions to matters affecting the student’s mind together with the student, but sometimes discussing the matter with someone is enough. If necessary, the social worker directs the student to other services and cooperates with other professionals. The guardians of the student or other staff of the educational institution may also be in contact with the social worker if they are concerned about a student.  

Social Worker meets students by appointment at school. Appointments can be booked by phone, text message, email, or Wilma message.   

Special education teacher

Amanda Poutiainen

1st, 3rd and 4th year students, at Etis on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays
tel: 
amanda.poutiainen@opetus.espoo.fi 

Jonna Huttunen

2nd year students, at Etis on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
tel: +358 40 6343513
jonna.huttunen@opetus.espoo.fi  

At the beginning of high school studies, students are offered the opportunity to participate in a reading screen, which maps their reading and writing skills (reading speed, fluency, and accuracy, reading comprehension skills and spelling). The special needs teacher informs the participants about the results of the screening and, if necessary, sets aside an individual time for the student, in which case a more detailed individual reading test can be taken to determine any reading difficulties. In the case of special learning difficulties, it is possible to receive individual or group teaching of study skills and / or individual support. If there is a suspicion of reading difficulties or other learning difficulties, which may occur later in high school, the student should contact the special needs teacher and make an appointment to identify any learning difficulties and the support needed. If a student is not a Finnish speaker but has questions concerning dyslexia or testing, contact the special needs teacher to receive information and further instructions.

Special Education teacher meets students by appointment at school. Appointments can be booked by phone, text message, email, or Wilma message.

Guidance and counselling for IB students is provided during lessons, information sessions and on a one-to-one basis. Lessons take place during the first and second period of the Pre-DP year. Thereafter guidance counsellors hold two or three information sessions during each academic year. These sessions mainly take place during extended class tutorials or on the skip lessons of TOK.

For the most part, counselling is given as personal guidance during the whole three years. The themes for guidance focus on future study options and the application process, course choices during the Pre-DP year, subject choices for IB1 and general study guidance.

Students can make an appointment with counsellors via Wilma event invitations or stopping by daily between 12:00-13:00 for responses to minor matters and quick questions.

To contact the guidance counsellor:

pre-DP 25G and 24G students GC Laura Haajanen, tel. +358 43 8246623(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan), by Wilma-message or by email laura.haajanen@espoo.fi 

pre-DP 25F, 24F and DP2 students GC Mikko Saxberg, tel. +358 43 8245204(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan), by Wilma-message or by email mikko.saxberg@espoo.f(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan)i

We welcome calls preferably between 12-13

A lot of information is provided in Wilma; students are responsible to check the weekly digest (in the so-called Tinfo-file) regularly.

Students who take a year out for an exchange programme or whose studies are due to be interrupted by health issues over a longer period will need to bring a form, completed by guardians, to the Head.

If you are about to continue your studies elsewhere, discuss with the IB Coordinator, student counselor and principal about the future course of your studies. Fill in the letter of resignation and return it to the school secretary. In order to receive the certificate of resignation, you need to return all borrowed school property (for example laptop and charger, calculator and charger, books).

According to the Finnish Upper Secondary School Act, every student is required to attend school. A student may be absent only with permission or due to illness.

Red

Marked by the teacher when a student is absent from a lesson. This marking can be changed to brown by the guardian if the absence was due to health reasons. Illness-related absences can also be reported in Wilma on the morning of the absence day, so each lesson does not need to be explained separately.

Brown

Absence due to illness explained by the guardian OR absence marked by the homeroom teacher/principal based on a pre-approved leave.

Light Blue

Marked by the teacher when a student arrives late to a lesson. Guardians cannot and do not need to explain this marking. If tardiness becomes frequent, the school and home should discuss the matter with the student and possibly with each other.

Dark Green

Authorized absence for other reasons. A rarely used marking by the school, as authorized absences are typically either pre-approved or due to illness.

Bright Blue

Marked by the guardian for unauthorized absences, such as oversleeping. Occasional bright blue markings have no specific consequences. However, unexplained or unacceptable absences may result in the student losing the right to continue the current study module.

Light Green

Marked by the teacher when the student is not present in a scheduled lesson but is participating in other school activities, such as a subject-related competition or a course-related visit.

Absences may require the student to provide additional evidence for assessment. Missing required work due to absences may prevent the evaluation of the study module. Unexplained or unacceptable absences may result in the student losing the right to continue the module.

Illness-related absences must be reported to the homeroom teacher no later than the third day of absence (on assessment days, the subject teacher must be informed via Wilma message before the exam begins). For students under 18, the guardian must submit the absence explanation through Wilma. For health-related absences lasting more than a week, a certificate from a healthcare professional must be presented to the homeroom teacher.

For known absences in advance, permission must be requested from the homeroom teacher (up to 5 school days) or the principal (more than 5 school days). Leave is requested via the electronic form found in Wilma under the “Applications and Decisions” tab. Holiday trips should primarily be scheduled during school holidays. Leave may be granted at other times based on discretion. Other acceptable reasons for absence may include family celebrations, performances, exams, training or competition trips, studies, etc. Leave is generally not granted during project or final weeks, e.g., for holiday trips.

If you plan to request leave during school days, follow these steps:

1. Send a Wilma message to your homeroom teacher (or principal) and all teachers whose lessons you will miss. Title the message “Maija Meikäläinen’s Leave Request.” In the message, state that you are requesting leave for the period XX.XX–XX.XX.
2. Politely ask what you should do during your absence and how to handle any graded assignments or tasks. When sending the message, select the setting “Recipients can see each other’s replies” so your homeroom teacher (or principal) can also view the responses.
3. Once you’ve received replies from all your teachers, send (or if you’re a minor, ask your guardians to send) the actual leave request via Wilma.
4. Send a message to your homeroom teacher to ensure they notice the submitted application.
5. The homeroom teacher (or principal) will approve the application.

Students are not entitled to remedial teaching due to absences caused by extra holidays.

NOTE: For absences due to school-organized study trips, excursions, or similar events, students must inform the teachers of other study modules in advance. At the same time, students should ask for any homework or assignments given during that period.

At Etis we like to work in close cooperation with parents. Each year we have parents´ evenings devoted to IB matters.

Wilma is a convenient tool for day-to-day contact. Please contact the class tutors(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan) with initial queries. Our Head, Anni Virnes(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan), is easily approachable and willing to help in all matters concerning student wellbeing. The Coordinator(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan) is happy to discuss any aspect of the Diploma Programme. Study guidance counsellors(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan) will assist with practical advice on taking the next step into Higher Education.

Parents are most welcome to join classes to discuss their work or fields of research. Alternatively, we are delighted to have the opportunity to take students to visit laboratories, businesses, law firms, etc. Don´t hesitate to get in touch.

If you have any concerns, we would like to hear from you. This can be a demanding programme for students. A close working relationship between the home and school offers the best conditions for successful study and personal growth.

Let´s keep in touch!

The aim of the parents' Association (PA) is to support teaching and schooling in our lukio. The PA plays a central role in fostering dialogue between students, teachers and parents.

All parents/guardians of the student body are automatic members of the PA. Its governing board includes parent teacher and student representatives. Funding is reliant upon voluntary contributions by members.

In practice the PA has funded numerous acquisitions which benefit the entire school community. These purchases include a whiteboard for the auditorium, clocks for the classrooms, plants in the foyer, coat hooks for the cloakroom and various other facilities for daily use.

The PA actively seeks cooperation with partners which give young people the opportunity to familiarize themselves with future career and study options. The PA may also call for additional parents' evenings on topics of concern/interest to parents.

The PA is always interested in gaining new members. You are warmly welcome to get involved! Please contact Ruut Koponen.

Voluntary membership contributions can be made to the following account:

Virtual barcode: 472111230003079720000200000000000000000000020226220907  

Online payments:
Recipient: Etelä-Tapiolan lukion vanhempainyhdistys ry
Account: IBAN FI72 1112 3000 3079 72
Reference: 20226

Payments in MobilePay: number 94948 

Information on further studies and joint applications(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan)

All applicants must begin by registering with the joint application process at www.opintopolku.fi(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan) or www.studyinfo.fi(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan) in February/March 2026. Visit this site for the precise dates. You may sequence seven institutions in order of preference. If you are lucky enough to meet the requirements of your first-choice institution, this is where you will go. If not, some number crunching will determine whether you get into the second choice or third, etc. Think carefully about the sequence as this cannot be revised after the application deadline has passed.

We no longer test applicants. Instead, for applicants inside Finland the Lower School Grade Point Average will determine entry. Mathematics and English grades carry double weighting in relation to other subjects. For external applicants school reports and teacher appraisals will aid selection. Competition for places is intense.

The final decision on admissions will become public in June. Candidates should confirm acceptance of a place as soon as possible thereafter and before the end of June at the latest.

The school welcomes applications from outside of Finland, with a priority going to families relocating due to job opportunities or families returning to their homeland. We will only consider for admission students under the age of 18 who will reside locally with family members or a legally appointed guardian. Students living with their parents take priority. Applicants will need to complete an application(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan), submit a school appraisal form(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan) and provide a recent school report. Applicants are also required to register with www.studyinfo.fi(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan) via the non-regular line (known in Finnish as harkinnanvaraisuus).

Students who have already completed a year of study at upper secondary school level may apply to join the IB directly and forego the pre-DP year. We require a recent school report and an application form from such students. Please note that vacancies in DP1 only become available if/when students leave at the end of the pre-DP year. There are rarely more than one or two vacancies and sometimes none. Priority will go to applicants without a current study place in Finland rather than students who are simply seeking to change schools.

DP1 applications should be made directly to the school with application(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan) form rather than via the www.opintopolku.fi(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan) or www.studyinfo.fi(ulkoinen linkki, avautuu uuteen ikkunaan) route.

A late application is one that arrives after the March deadline. We understand that circumstances change and it is not always apparent that a move is afoot. Whilst we are prepared to consider late applications, it is rarely possible to deal with these expeditiously. It may take until August or even longer before it becomes clear whether vacancies are available. This is because we have waiting lists from the spring and/or all places are be taken. Please be patient.

With any inquiries, please contact IB Co-ordinator David Crawford

tel. +358 40 6343584, david.crawford@opetus.espoo.fi 

Admission results will be announced on Thursday 12.6.2025. Please check your email for the confirmation link to accept your study place before 26.6.2025.

Guidance counsellors are available for questions on June 12th and 13th (Mikko Saxberg +358 43 8245204 and Laura Haajanen +358 43 8246623) and via email (firstname.surname@espoo.fi).

DP Coordinator David Crawford will be happy to respond to emails (firstname.surname@opetus.espoo.fi) until the 13th of June.

Books/resources will be provided to Pre-DP students at the start of the school year.

School begins at 9.45 am on Thursday 7.8.2025. A big welcome to Etis!

Email addresses are in the form firstname.surname@opetus.espoo.fi

Aissaoui Alex (AAi ), pre-DP History

Crawford David (DCr), IB Coordinator, History, Extended Essay Supervisor 

Graham Andrew (AGr) pre-DP English

Haajanen Laura (LHa), IB2 Guidance councellor

Hänninen Jyrki (JHä), pre-DP Physics

Kaipainen Jussi (JKa), pre-DP Chemistry, Mathematics

Kleemola Leena (LKl), Visual Arts, 22G Class tutor

Koponen Ruut (RKo), Librarian, Extended Essay advisor 

Lahdenperä Riikka (RLa), Finnish A1: Literature, School-supported self-taught students' supervisor

Laine Anniina (ALa), pre-DP Chemistry, Mathematics, absent 2024-2025

Lumme Rosa (RLu),  Chemistry

Matooq Mohammed (MMa), Mathematics, Physics, 23F Class tutor

Meilo Riina (RMe), Finnish B, pre-DP Finnish as a second lg

Mäkäräinen Karoliina (KMä), Physical education

Paavonen Susanna ( SPa), ab initio French

Piri Matti (MPi), pre-DP Music

Pohja Juha (JPo), pre-DP Swedish

Polanska Aga (APo), pre-DP English - Note! Name in email: agnieszka.polanska

Rantanen Lauri (LRa), Biology, Theory of Knowledge, 23G Class tutor

Rouvali Rasmus (RRo), Mathematics, 24G Class tutor

Sarin Ulla (USa), Business Management, Theory of Knowledge, 24F Class tutor

Saxberg Mikko  (SAx), preDP and IB1 Guidance counsellor

Seuri Salla (SSe), Finnish B, pre-DP Finnish as a second lg

Vasileiadou-Turkka Marianthi (MVa), English A Language and Literature, 22 F Class tutor

Contact by Wilma, phone/text message or email. 

Special needs teachers
Jonna Huttunen
tel. +358 40 6343513
jonna.huttunen@opetus.espoo.fi

Amanda Poutiainen
+358 50 3018454
amanda.poutiainen@opetus.espoo.fi

School nurse
Mari Lähde
tel. +358 46 8773790
mari.lahde@luvn.fi

Psychologist
Riikka Korteala
tel. +358 40 1852307
riikka.korteala@luvn.fi

Social worker (kuraattori)
Jessica Dienel
tel. +358 40 4869838
jessica.dienel@luvn.fi

Community Counselor
Laura Oksanen
tel. +358 40 6343933
laura.oksanen@espoo.fi

Study guidance counselors

Calls for guidance counselors preferably between 12-13

Mikko Saxberg (25F, 24F, 23F, 23G)
tel. +358 43 8245204
mikko.saxberg@espoo.fi
 

Laura Haajanen (25G, 24G)
tel. +358 43 8246623
laura.haajanen@espoo.fi