Reykjavíkurborg - The City of Reykjavik

Compulsory Schools

Picture: School children in Reykjavik

Compulsory Schools are funded by the City Treasury and are service institutions for the residents. Laws, regulations and the main curriculum set the operating parameters, as well the policy and decisions of the city authorities on education. Within these parameters, the schools are free to organise and run themselves. The role of the city is to make policy, and to supervise the operation and the deployment of the financial resources contributed by the city.
List of compulsory schools in Reykjavik.

Core values for Compulsory Schools.
· That professional ambition shapes all the work at the school and the services that the city provides for the school.

· That the compulsory school is a lively centre in the district and has an active connection with its environment, nature, economy and culture in the city.

· The influence of schools on the life of the city will increase and that positive attitudes to compulsory schooling are encouraged through the publication of promotional material and the school’s connection with its immediate neighbourhood.

· That all the pupils receive a general education that is suitable for each and every one, that interests and consistent development are encouraged and comply with the legislation on compulsory schooling.

· That the pupils’ time at school is divided in a certain way into academic studies, vocational training, the pursuit of the arts and leisure activities. The pupils may have a meal at the school.

· That the compulsory education should provide pupils with a basis for life-long continuous learning.

School Districts
There are 10 districts in Reykjavik. Which school district the pupils attend is determined by where they live. However, parents may apply for a school for their children anywhere in the city, in accordance with the registration rules. It is possible to see a list of the schools by clicking on the districts below. Under each school is a list of streets in to the school district.

Information on compulsory schools for parents

Registration

The registration of children in the compulsory schools and after-school centres (childcare after the end of the school day) is done on the City of Reykjavik’s website, www.reykjavik.is, under the heading Rafræna Reykjavík (Electronic Reykjavik) The same applies to registration of pupils that have to move between schools the following autumn. Instructions for registration using Rafræna Reykjavík can be found here. The opening ceremony for Reykjavik’s compulsory schools for 2007 will take place on the Wednesday August 22. Enquiries can be sent by e-mail to Hafdís Gísladóttir.

Remedial teaching
At all Reykjavik’s compulsory schools children who have difficulties in learning due to abstract learning difficulties, emotional or social troubles and/or disability, are offered assistance. At the community service centres of Laugardalur and Háaleiti there is a kennsluráðgjafi (teaching consultant) (radgjof.sjonskertir@reykjavik.is) for blind and partially sighted pupils.

Parents apply for schooling at special schools.
Further information can be obtained from Reykjavik’s division of Education, email: hrund.logadottir@reykjavik.is

School canteens

The compulsory schools offer pupils the chance to buy a warm meal from the school canteen for lunch. The aim is to offer a diet that is both healthy and varied. Each school has a price list for the food in its canteen.

Leisure

The Division of Sport and Leisure operates after-school centres at all the compulsory schools in the City of Reykjavik. See further information on The Division of Sport and Leisure’s website.

Educational system
The Educational System in Iceland
Det islandske skolesystem - Danish
Grundskolens hovedlæseplan - Danish