Special classes

Special classes and school options starting from class 1 include: 

• Kanervala School, English-speaking primary school managed by the city
• School of Eastern Finland, a bilingual Finnish-Russian school managed by a foundation owned by the cities of Joensuu, Lappeenranta and Imatra https://www.itasuomenkoulu.fi/en
• Steiner pedagogy school managed by an association, in Finnish: http://jnssteiner.fi
• Language programs offered at university training schools (normally German and Russian starting from class 1) https://www.uef.fi/en/unit/university-of-eastern-finland-teacher-training-school.

Special classes starting from class 7 include: 

• sports, music and English language classes at Lyseo comprehensive school
• drama and sports classes at Pataluoto comprehensive school 
• science&maths and music classes at Pielisjoki comprehensive school. 
   

Language choices

First foreign language (A1)

The studying of the first foreign language starts in Joensuu from class 1. English as a foreign language is available in most schools. Other options are: 

• German or Russian according to the choice of the child at university training school
• English and Swedish as a foreign language start from class 1 at Steiner pedagogy school (in Finnish) 

Bilingual Finnish Russian School of Eastern Finland

In the School of Eastern Finland, Russian language and culture is present from pre-school to the upper secondary school.

Kanervala and Lyseo English speaking classes

Kanervala School is an English-speaking orientated primary school for classes 1–6. The language emphasis can be continued at classes 7–9 at Lyseo comprehensive school. English is not only a subject to be taught, but also the language that is used for teaching other subjects. The amount of English used increases gradually and is about 50–60% in 5th and 6th grades. However, the school follows the Finnish national core curriculum.

Voluntary foreign language from class 4 (A2)

Pupils can choose a voluntary foreign language from class 4. This language choice is binding for classes 4–9. In city schools the language options include German, French and Russian. Teaching starts if a minimum group size is reached. Voluntary foreign language choice limits other voluntary subjects available for classes 7–9. 

Swedish language (B1)

Swedish is the second official language in Finland, and in Joensuu city schools it is being taught at classes 6–9. 

Voluntary foreign language from class 8 (B2)

Pupils can choose a voluntary foreign language from class 8. In city schools the language options include German, French, Spanish and Russian. Teaching starts if a minimum groups size is reached.