Why does Finland have the BEST education system in the world?

• Population: 5 million. 

• People love coffee

• #1 in Science & Math. (US is #17 in Science & 24 in Math)

• <2% high school drop outs in Finland (vs 25% in USA). 

• Tough curriculum. 

• Balance of school and play

• School time is very focused 

• Higher teacher to student ratio. 

• Many teachers stay with the same students for several years

• All teachers are Masters degree holders. 

• Help for weaker students. 

• Continuity in class.

• Involved parents. 

• Parents push their children to study well

• Relaxed environment in the classroom. 

• Average student speaks 4 languages. 

• Finnish culture that values education. 

• Highly efficient education system & a state supported healthcare. 

• But 40 years ago, Finland was a poor country dependent only on agriculture. 

• Like doctors & lawyers, the best and brightest are chosen to teach. 

• Finland spends USD.3000 less per pupil as compared to American students. How do they achieve more?

• Teaching is an appreciated profession. Like doctors and lawyers, Finland's best and brightest are chosen to teach. 

• Top 10% of graduates are teachers in Finland, versus bottom 25% in USA

• An amazing success story. 

• Finland's blueprint: (1) Tough national curriculum (2) Masters degrees for all teachers (3) Up to 3 teachers per class - 3rd works with weaker students.

Boy, I love the Scandinavian countries now :) I have been to Norway, Sweden & Estonia in Northern Europe apart from the other European countries - like France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Poland, Belgium, Czech republic and so on...