Finland International School
Parent Insights Rd Number 27, C Wing, Shree Nagar, Thane West, Thane, Maharashtra 400604
If you’re exploring international schools in South Mumbai, Finland International School – Race Course (Mahalaxmi) is one of the newest entrants that’s getting attention for its Finnish-inspired learning approach. This summary will help you understand what the school offers, what’s still evolving, and what you should check before applying.
- ✦Combines Finnish pedagogy with IB curriculum — rare in India.
- ✦Vocational skill rooms (woodwork, textiles, home economics) integrated into learning.
- ✦Early IB authorisation for DP and IBCP (April 2025).
Summary for Parents
Overview
- •Finland International School – Race Course (Mahalaxmi) is a new, premium international school that blends Finnish teaching methods with the IB framework. It offers a nurturing, hands-on environment but is still building its track record.
- •Best suited for: Children who thrive in creative, inquiry-based learning. Families who value emotional well-being and small class sizes. Parents comfortable with a newer school still establishing its reputation.
- •Strengths: Finnish-inspired, child-centric pedagogy; Small class sizes and personalised attention; IB-authorised programmes; Modern, activity-based classrooms.
- •Potential trade-offs / Things to check: Limited independent reviews due to newness; High fees and unclear official fee disclosure; Compact campus — confirm facilities in person; No long-term academic results yet.
- •Recommendations / Questions to Ask: Request the latest fee schedule and refund policy. Ask to meet teachers and observe a class. Confirm safety, medical, and transport arrangements. Check IB subject offerings for higher grades. Speak to current parents for real feedback.
School Information
Board / Curriculum
ICSE
Grades offered
Nursery - 12
Medium
English
Type
Co-ed
Students
approx 30
Student–Teacher Ratio
1:10
Boarding
Day school only
Established
2019
Pincode
400034
Leadership & Staff
- • Founding Principal: Nikke Keskinen; Head: Anna Hart; mix of international and local educators trained in Finnish pedagogy
Fees & Admissions
| Class / Category | Fee (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition | ₹11,50,000 | Reported on Edustoke and Schools18 (AY 2023–24) |
| Admission Fee (one-time) | ₹2,00,000 | Payable at admission |
| Security Deposit (one-time) | ₹2,50,000 | Refundable |
| Application Fee | ₹7,000 | Non-refundable |
| Transport | Not published | Confirm with school |
• These figures are from third-party listings, not the official site.
• Always ask for a written fee schedule and refund policy.
• Fees may change as the school expands.
Admission Process for Interested Parents
Steps
- 1.Submit enquiry form on the website or email admissions@fis-racecourse.com
- 2.Attend a school tour and meet the leadership team
- 3.Submit application form and pay the application fee
- 4.Child assessment or classroom observation
- 5.Receive admission decision and complete onboarding (transport, uniforms, parent handbook)
Eligibility
- 1.Nursery – 3 years as of August 1
- 2.Grade 1 – 6 years as of August 1
Documents Required
- 1.Birth certificate or passport
- 2.Proof of residence
- 3.Previous school reports (if applicable)
- 4.Passport-size photos
- 5.Parent and child ID proofs
- 6.Health and immunisation records
What Parents Say
Aggregated from parent reviews across platforms. Ask these questions during your school visit.
Academics & Curriculum
Positives
The Finnish-inspired, inquiry-based approach encourages creativity and critical thinking. Teachers focus on personalised learning plans and emotional well-being.
Watch out for
The campus is new, so there’s no long-term academic track record yet. Some reviews from other campuses mention teacher stress.
Ask: Ask how Finnish pedagogy is implemented daily and what training teachers receive.
Fees & Transparency
Positives
Parents appreciate the premium, boutique setup and small class sizes.
Watch out for
High annual fees and large one-time charges are reported, with limited official disclosure.
Ask: Request a written fee schedule and refund policy before paying.
Infrastructure & Campus Life
Positives
Classrooms and vocational rooms look modern and engaging. The school promotes arts and sports.
Watch out for
Some group-level reviews mention infrastructure issues; unclear if Race Course campus has all listed facilities.
Ask: Ask to see the full campus, including restrooms, safety systems, and medical room.
Admissions & Communication
Positives
The admissions process is structured and responsive.
Watch out for
Contact numbers differ across pages; minor administrative inconsistencies.
Ask: Confirm the correct contact details and admission calendar.
Campus & Facilities
Not publicly listed; compact urban campus located in Badamia Manor near Mahalaxmi Race Course.
Reviews from Other Platforms
Aggregated from public sources for reference. These are not verified by EduTribe.
What parents liked
"Jehhan... describes learning as FUN!!"
— Mr. & Mrs. Jajoo, founding parents
"As parents, we wanted more than just marks for our child. We wanted joy in learning, a safe environment, and teachers who truly care. At FIS, we found all of this and more."
— Aarti
"Excellent education with great values and skills are taught."
— Garima Poddar
Concerns raised
"Horrible, no proper toilets, teachers are puzzled as they are pressured, just a super expensive day care..."
— Madura
"Limited independent reviews for the Race Course campus — parents should visit and speak to current families."
—
"Fee transparency — official site doesn’t list detailed fee structure; third-party sites differ."
—
What Kind of Peer Group?
Age Range
Currently 3–14 years (Nursery to Grade 9), expanding to Grade 12.
Family Backgrounds
Predominantly South Mumbai professionals, entrepreneurs, and globally exposed families.
Socio-economic Profile
Upper-middle to affluent families, given the premium fee range and location.
Child Profiles
Children who enjoy hands-on, creative learning and benefit from smaller, nurturing environments rather than exam-heavy systems.
Verified Parent Reviews
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