Vaasa, Finland 2014

What makes the schools so wonderful in Finland? It all comes down to the national mindset about education. Because being well-educated is part of the national identity of Finland, it only makes sense that ALL students have access to the highest quality education possible. So, despite the fact that there is no standardized testing, very little homework, shorter school days and compulsory education in only grades 1-9, Finland continues to top the charts. And with free higher education, the learning rarely stops at grade 9. That's just "the way it is." We here in the U.S. could learn a lot...