Utö School and Daycare
Utö School

Utö School is the southernmost school in Finland. Its history stretches back more than 140 years.

The existence of a school on Utö makes it possible for families with children to settle on the island. The school is Finnish-speaking and offers education for grades 0–6. In addition to the island's children, the school also provides education for children from neighbouring islands in the outer archipelago. The number of students has varied between 5–10 in recent years.

The different grades are taught by the same teacher. This so-called combined teaching is managed by a class teacher and a school assistant. Some of the key focus areas in the education are outdoor pedagogy, creativity, and collaboration between the different grades.

The school on Parga's website
Daycare on Utö

Early childhood education in Utö is organized as family daycare. During the 2024–2025 season, Utö’s early childhood education emphasizes outdoor activities in nature, play, music, and creativity.

In 2024, Öjar Utveckling, a development company owned by the Local Heritage Society, launched a new collaboration with the city of Pargas to improve the operational conditions for family daycare. As a result of this collaboration, a building called Vapenlagret was repurposed for use as a space for family daycare and school meals. This has significantly enhanced the facilities for early childhood education in Utö.

Vapenlagret has a long history. The building originally served as a dining hall for the Russian army during the First World War. In 2010, Öjar Utveckling began a renovation project for the building. At the same time, the space was converted into a multipurpose and event venue for members of the Utö Local Heritage Society and other island residents. It continues to serve this purpose outside of daycare operating hours.

Read more about living on Utö