Mission

Language and culture enrichment for children with Finnish heritage.

What is Finnish School

Portland Finnish School, also known as Portlandin Suomi Koulu, is a volunteer run language and culture school for children with Finnish heritage. Portland Finnish School is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.

How Finnish School Works

Despite the name, Finnish School is not a replacement for your kid's regular school. Finnish School is more like an extra curricular activity for the whole family. Many parents enroll their kids in Finnish School to help their kids learn or maintain their Finnish language skills and build a bridge to the Finnish culture. Families stay enrolled year after year because of the strong support within the Finnish School community.

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Schedule

We meet every other Saturday in North Portland for a few hours. We have a fall and spring semester, with a summer break.

Fall Leaves and Spring Tulips

Enrollment Fee

Enrollment is per child, per semester (fall and spring). This fee helps cover materials and pay teachers. No fee for children 3 and under.

Adult Participation

Parents and guardians are expected to remain at Finnish School during school hours. Please join us in singing and eating lunch together.

For current schedule, enrollment fee, and location information, please contact us.

Finnish School Classrooms

Finnish School Classrooms

Illustration of happy shapes with googly eyes
Illustration of happy shapes with googly eyes
Illustration of happy shapes with googly eyes

Language Learners

Language Learners

This classroom is run in English for children who are learning Finnish, for ages 6 and up.

Illustration of happy shapes with googly eyes and talking bubbles
Illustration of happy shapes with googly eyes and talking bubbles
Illustration of happy shapes with googly eyes and talking bubbles

Language Speakers

Language Speakers

The classroom is run in Finnish for children who can speak Finnish, for ages 6 and up.

Illustration of happy shapes with googly eyes with arms and legs that look like they were drawn by a 4 year old (because they were).
Illustration of happy shapes with googly eyes with arms and legs that look like they were drawn by a 4 year old (because they were).
Illustration of happy shapes with googly eyes with arms and legs that look like they were drawn by a 4 year old (because they were).

Play Group

Play Group

This classroom is run in a mix of Finnish and English for ages 0-5 with parent participation.

Terveluloa Suomi Kouluun! Welcome to our Finnish School!

Contact us if you want to join the Portland Finnish School.

Terveluloa Suomi Kouluun! Welcome to our Finnish School!

Contact us if you want to join the Portland Finnish School.

Terveluloa Suomi Kouluun! Welcome to our Finnish School!

Contact us if you want to join the Portland Finnish School.

Finnish School Grants and Dontations

Finnish School Grants and Dontations

Portland Finnish School is supported by various grants and donations. Check with your employer for non-profit donation matching and grants. If you wish to donate or volunteer please contact us for additional information.

Finnish School Fundraising

Finnish School Fundraising

Our primary fundraising event happens once a year at the Nordic Northwest Scan Fair. Additional funds are raised through candy sales during the school day, and online sales of on-demand shirt and tote bags with Finnish School inspired designs.

Photo of Portland Finnish School booth at Scan Fair
Photo of Portland Finnish School booth at Scan Fair
Photo of Portland Finnish School booth at Scan Fair

Scan Fair is a nordic Christmas market in Oregon bringing sights, sounds, tastes, and tradition. We sell Finnish baked goods as well as diverse Finnish products, including candy, home goods, and seasonal decorations.

S-Kioski Logo and candy
S-Kioski Logo and candy
S-Kioski Logo and candy

S-kioski

S-kioski

Finnish candy and chocolates are sold at the Suomi Koulu Kioski (S-kioski) during Finnish School lunch. Supplies are restocked over summer with the most popular treats.

Product image of Finnish School inspired t-shirt

Shirts and Totes

Shirts and Totes

Proceeds from Cotton Bureau sales on designs created by DesignerGeeking for the Portland Finnish School are donated back to the school. More information available at pdxfinn.com

"I'm Finnish, but I'm not finished!"

A classic Finnish mom joke by Anja Kamppari, whenever she proudly explained what language we were speaking.

"I'm Finnish, but I'm not finished!"

A classic Finnish mom joke by Anja Kamppari, whenever she proudly explained what language we were speaking.

"I'm Finnish, but I'm not finished!"

A classic Finnish mom joke by Anja Kamppari, whenever she proudly explained what language we were speaking.