Christian school to open in Seinäjoki without ministry approval

A Christian school in Seinäjoki plans to begin operations this autumn as a homeschool, even though its latest application for a basic education licence remains under review by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

The Christian Growth in Seinäjoki association (Krase ry) has sought approval for years without success. If the licence is not granted, the school will proceed as a homeschool, provided enough students enrol.

No new basic education licences have been issued since 2018, according to Anne-Marie Brisson, a senior government adviser at the ministry. She cited Finland’s sharply declining birth rate as the primary reason, noting that student numbers are falling and municipalities are closing schools.

“A special need would have to be demonstrated for a new licence to be justified,” Brisson said.

The school would share facilities with the existing Christian Suvikello daycare in the Valkea conference centre in central Seinäjoki. Instruction would follow the national curriculum, with a part-time teacher hired for the initial small-scale start for first and second graders.

If the licence is again denied, the school will rely on donations for funding, said Kati Nummensalo, a member of the project’s working group.

Vaasa’s Christian school secured a permanent licence in May after nearly two decades of operating under temporary permits. Brisson noted that its professional and financial conditions were now in order.

Finland has 16 Christian schools, but none in South Ostrobothnia, a region often seen as religiously conservative.