Groups all over the world force bad systems into place. One of them is the best. Not surprising.
Let's hear a better system then? One that has all the benefits of the Finnish system, and then some.
I've heard really good things about
Montessori schools, but I'm not sure what benefits you're looking for beyond "the children learn what they need to." What more should a school be obligated to provide?
I've had mixed experience with Montessori methodology. And that's what it is, a methodology, not a school system. You could use Montessori methods in the school system, and I think the Finns do that to some extent. If you read the article you'll see that they focus on educating while playing, something Montessori recognized the importance of very early.
My experience with Montessori is mixed like I said. They do teach some things very well, but they lack others, so moving from Montessori to higher education isn't always trouble free since there's often certain skills missing.
Well, I tend to agree, the methodology used is probably more important than the school system, since any given school system can use any given methodology (or take whichever parts it wants.) I could see some difficulty with going from a fairly unstructured setup straight to college/university without some prepping. But if the degree isn't that important for the intended occupation or field, I don't see why there should ever be a need to enter those institutions (and pay that $$$, or have someone else do so.)
I'm interested in your experience with Montessori. Did you learn under that methodology yourself, or aid in a school using it? Or have you been close to a family that dealt with it? I've only heard secondhand accounts, albeit positive ones; I'd love to hear an actual testimony.