Overview of the Education system

Menntun

• A fundamental principle of Icelandic education is that everyone shall have equal opportunities to acquire an education, irrespective of sex, economic status, residential location, religion, possible handicaps, and cultural, social or ethnic background.
• The Parliament (Alþingi), and the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture (Menntamálaráðuneytið), are legally and politically responsible for the education system and determine its basic objectives and administrative framework. There are few private schools in the system and almost all private schools receive public funding.
• School attendance is compulsory from the age of 6 to 16. Parents are obligated to ensure that their children of compulsory school age are registered and attend school. Pupils are in school for 180 days during the months of August – May.
• The school system has recently been decentralized and since 1996 local municipalities manage the schools. The municipalities are therefore responsible for providing access to pre-school and compulsory school facilities and also for all financial support of these facilities.
• Children living in Iceland that speak a language other than Icelandic have a legal right to special teaching in Icelandic. According to Icelandic law all students with a different mother tongue than Icelandic have the right to two hours a week of special teaching in Icelandic while they are getting a grasp of the language. In each school the headmaster and the special education teachers see to the organization and the implementation of the teaching.  The special teaching may vary depending on the mother tongue of the student and how different it is to Icelandic.

How to register a child

• To register your child in school you may go to the school that is nearest you. If you are not sure which school that is, contact your local school administration office.

When you register your child for school you should have the following information:

• Name and identification number (kennitala) of the child
• Previous school records
• Proof of a medical examination
• Proof of having received all necessary vaccinations

The transition into the Icelandic school system may take time, and may be difficult. It is important to remember that children may experience culture shock just as adults do.

Parents are the best advocates for their children, so do not be afraid to ask questions or express concerns. It is a good idea to be in regular contact with your child’s teacher and headmaster.

If communication is restricted because of language, ask that an interpreter be provided.

Links

Information about education on Island.is

The Educational Gateway - information about education and related services.