Preschools / Kindergartens

• Kindergartens are for children aged twelve months to six years but it varies between kindergartens and municipalities how old the children are when they get places.

• Parents are free to decide whether a child goes to kindergarten or not. The vast majority of children in Iceland go to kindergarten. Kindergarten is considered to be the first school stage and attendance in kindergarten is seen as important preparation for elementary school attendance. 

• Municipalities subsidise costs for kindergarten but parents pay a share of the costs themselves.

• You apply for a place at kindergarten at the applicable municipality.

• Sometimes there are waiting lists for places in kindergarten so people are advised to apply for a place as soon as possible, even before the child is old enough to get a place.

For more detailed information see:

Menntagatt.is (the Educational Gateway)

Primary schools - see map

The educational system in Iceland