Superintendent Press Release February 6, 2026
Dear Cedar Bluffs Families,
As many of you know, I was selected as a Fulbright Global Leadership Award recipient and spent the last two weeks in Finland studying their educational system. It was an honor to be chosen as one of twenty American administrators to represent our country. Finland consistently ranks among the top education systems in the world, frequently appearing in the top 5–10 internationally. Its strengths include strong student performance (as measured by PISA), highly qualified teachers, and a deep commitment to equity. The system is characterized by relatively short school days, minimal homework, no national standardized testing prior to upper secondary education, and a strong focus on student well-being.
Finland is a social democracy and, as such, provides fully or near-fully publicly funded education from pre-primary through university, with the vast majority of funding coming from public sources. Education is free for all students and includes meals, textbooks, and transportation through upper secondary education and, in many cases, higher education. Early childhood education is available from birth to age six and emphasizes purposeful play—blending intentional learning objectives with the natural joy of play to support children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
Comprehensive school begins at age seven, and students typically attend the school closest to where they live. At approximately age 15–16, students complete comprehensive education and apply to upper secondary education. Admission is based on academic performance and prior coursework rather than a single high-stakes exam. Students may apply to multiple schools, and acceptance—particularly into prestigious academic upper secondary schools—is competitive. This creates a culture where students are motivated to perform well in order to attend the school of their choice.
At age 16, students choose between general upper secondary education (academic track) or vocational education and training. Importantly, both pathways keep postsecondary options open. Graduation from upper secondary education is course- and credit-based, similar to a college system, rather than determined by one standardized test. Students in general upper secondary education who wish to pursue university study typically complete the national Finnish Matriculation Examination, while vocational students demonstrate competency through coursework, skills assessments, and required workplace learning.
Upper secondary education in Finland is intentionally flexible. While some students may complete their studies in approximately three years, there is no requirement to graduate within a fixed four-year timeframe. Students may take anywhere from three to five years to finish. Some choose to take a year to travel, others extend their studies due to participation in club sports or employment, while some complete their coursework more quickly by taking additional classes. Upper secondary schools operate much like colleges: students register for the courses required for graduation and often have highly individualized schedules. It is common for students to attend classes on alternating days, half days, or condensed schedules, making it easier to balance school, work, and personal responsibilities.
Vocational education includes extensive hands-on training and required workplace internships, and many students are offered employment shortly after graduation. Compulsory education in Finland now extends to age 18. I visited several vocational schools in the Helsinki area, each specializing in three to five vocational fields. Students select schools aligned with their career interests—for example, technical schools with strong industry partnerships for electricians. Students pursuing careers requiring university study, such as medicine, typically follow the general upper secondary academic pathway before applying to university. Finland’s vocational schools are exceptionally strong, integrating general education with practical training and real-world work requirements.
In addition, most Finnish males are required to complete military service or approved civilian service between the ages of 18 and 28, which many view as a meaningful way to contribute to their country. This was an incredibly enjoyable and meaningful experience. I learned a great deal not only from Finland’s educational experts but also from the other nineteen administrators in the cohort, as we shared and presented information about our respective school systems.
Have a great weekend! - Wildcat Pride