Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

If there is anything that worries expats with families, this is probably where to enroll their children for the upcoming semester. Travel is especially burdensome for children who have no choice but to move from school to school every year.

When they have no other choice, expats usually send their children to international schools. There are other advantages and disadvantages to admitting your child to one of these schools. A known disadvantage is that a year at an international school can be pretty heavy financially. In addition, you are almost unfamiliar with the local culture and language in which you currently live. But if there is a chance that you foresee travel and relocation in a few months or years, then international schools are your best choice for a quality education.

In this article we will talk about the importance of international schools, are they worth your attention and your trust. We will try to compare them to local schools and point out the main things to make everything clear for you.

History of international schools

International schools offer expat children the opportunity to study, even if they live thousands of miles from home, immersed in a different language and culture.

International schools have been the most popular option for foreign children for a long time, as lessons are taught in English and they are more gently introduced to the social norms of the new way of life.

You will find international schools in almost every country in the world. Some major cities have several competing schools, all with outstanding accreditation and sometimes incredible tuition fees.

Other schools are smaller, perhaps more affordable, and may offer a blended curriculum.

There are so many questions to consider, for example:

• How will my children cope with foreign language lessons?
• Could moving abroad harm a child’s academic prospects?
• How much do we need to invest in a decent international school?

The key takeaway is that education is a global asset. In most countries, you will find a number of outstanding schools with dedicated teachers and excellent student support.

In 2000, about 2,600 international schools enrolled about one million students, mostly foreigners. Today that number is 5,700 schools with more than 2.5 million students; by 2021, it is expected that there will be over 11,000 international schools with over 5 million students.

The growing desire to send local children to international schools is based on the quality of teaching in these schools. Local wealthier families also recognize the value of teaching in English. Costs can be high even in countries with low cost of living.

One of the researches dedicated to mapping international schools of the world and analyzing changes in the market, monitors these numbers and trends. They predict further opportunities for parents looking to provide their children with an international education, wherever they live.

Asia has been a growth leader since January 2006 with 3,000 schools. This is 53 percent of all international schools worldwide.

Currently, the leading countries for international schools are China, India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand. Europe has also grown significantly and now has 1,324 schools. We look forward to future growth in South Asia, especially India and Pakistan; in Western Asia, in parts of the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia; in East Asia, especially China, Hong Kong and South Korea; and in Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore.

Local schools vs international schools

One of the first questions that most expats ask when planning a move is whether their children would be better off attending a local school or an international institution.

In short, the international school caters to foreign children, often teaching lessons in English and following a British or American curriculum.

They charge a commission, which can be high in some cases. However, the best schools often have long waiting lists but high standards and excellent results for their students.

Some countries also have requirements for international schools to reserve places for local children, so they can be a significant mixture of children of different nationalities, giving them the opportunity to explore the local culture and meet friends from all over the world. Both options have their pros and cons.

Benefits of choosing a local overseas school

• Public schools make it easier to learn a language or improve language skills.
• It is more natural to immerse yourself in the local culture by interacting with local children.
• Getting used to a new lifestyle can be tricky, but making friends with peers in a group of children can make life more manageable.
• International schools can be very expensive, while public schools are free in most countries.
• You will probably find local schools right on your doorstep, but depending on where you move, you may have to travel a lot to the nearest international school.

Benefits of choosing an international school

• International schools often teach primarily in English, so the transition is less difficult.
• Some offer UK curricula with familiar qualifications such as GCSE and A-Levels so that the changes don’t disrupt pre-existing learning for children.
• If you do not reside abroad permanently, an international school allows your child to continue their education in the same program and then continue their education upon returning to the UK.
• Sometimes there are several high quality international schools to choose from, with different specialties, but only one or two public schools.
• Many international schools offer extremely high standards of instruction, including local language lessons, to help expatriate children explore the culture.

While there are many benefits to choosing an international school, a lot depends on the country you are moving to and the local educational standards.

If you move somewhere where English is the primary language, for example, this may be less of a problem as public schools will be teaching in English, so your child will not try to study academic subjects in a language that they are not already. owns.

Likewise, a country with exceptional educational standards can offer world-class instruction in its local schools.

Choosing the International School that’s right for your child

The best starting point is to think about your child, let’s say they need additional support in a specific area of ​​study. In this case, you may well need an international school with smaller classrooms and more dedicated teacher support.

Academically gifted children will do well in alternative schools that excel in sports and creative subjects, so it is wise to consider the spirit and goals of any shortlisted school, not just practical considerations and costs.

Your intended moving location will also be an important factor:

• Moving to a densely populated city such as Bangkok, Mumbai or Dubai may mean choosing a school close to where you live so you don’t have to spend hours every day during rush hour.
• Some countries have religious schools, the rules of which can be very different from other ones. So, for example, if you move somewhere where corporal punishment is still legal, you probably don’t want to go to your local school.
• In many countries with warmer climates, more of the school day will be spent outdoors. As a result, you can find schools with fantastic sports facilities, stables, swimming lessons, and educational day trips.

If you are moving to a country with a strong expat community, you can consult with other parents in local forums to find out where most of your children go to school and therefore where your child is easiest to make friends.

Remember, the most prestigious international schools can have extensive waiting lists. However, while it may be necessary to quickly reserve a seat, parents should always do their due diligence first.

There are many ways to explore a school:

• Join forums and local groups to learn about the experiences of other expatriate parents in the area.
• Make sure the school has the appropriate accreditation from a recognized educational body.
• Ask about the teaching staff, their qualifications and abilities.
• Look at class size and teacher turnover. Schools with a longstanding management team and teachers who are an integral part of the community are best suited.
• Meet with the headmaster or headmaster and prepare questions about the school day, whether there are PTAs, extracurricular activities and clubs your child might want.
• Check out your high school university admission track record.
• Browse exam reports, peer grades and ask for average SAT scores.

Moreover, to be 100% sure on the school, try to find the answers of these questions:

Does the school have accreditation?

An accredited school has a curriculum that articulates and meets certain standards. The accreditation process ensures that the school has a supportive learning environment, a strategic plan for the future, that the school is mission-driven and that the school has high safety standards. Accreditation also allows students to transfer loans between schools. If the school is accredited by an American organization, this allows schools to offer diplomas that are valid, for example, for admission to an American university.

Is the school a member of educational organizations?

In Europe, high quality international schools are members of the European Council of International Schools. There are also councils for international schools in every country or region. To be part of these councils, the school must meet certain standards. For example, if a school in Germany is not a member of the Association of German International Schools, you can ask why.

What is the culture in the school?

When you have the opportunity to visit the school, ask your guide to describe the culture of the school. They should be able to give you a description of the school’s general values. Keep your eyes and ears open as you walk down the hallways during walkthroughs or breaks.

Is this a highly academic school? Does the school have a long tradition? Does the school respect the local culture and value the home culture of its clients? Do the students seem happy? Do they gather in places to talk and study? Do you see teachers walking alongside or talking to students?

Does the school value languages?

In most international schools, English is the main language of instruction. International schools often require students to learn the local language as well; Learning in the local language will help students adapt to their new home, so don’t underestimate the importance of this. Although most subjects in international schools are taught in English, you should hear other languages ​​being spoken in the hallway. If only the local language of the community is spoken in the corridors, then the school may not have an international orientation.

Choosing an international school curriculum

There is often a choice of study programs. For example, international schools may teach a British curriculum that is in line with British standards and is familiar to children already in their education.

This option is usually the most preferable because children can pick up where they left off in their previous school. In contrast, in some countries children start at the age of seven or eight, compared to four in the UK, so a different curriculum is likely to be at a different stage of learning.

Many private schools in the UK have opened their international schools abroad, mainly in countries with the upper price range.

Options include Harrow, Repton, Oxford School, Wellington College, Dulwich and Shrewsbury. There is also an International Primary Curriculum for children aged five to eleven, which is used in over 90 countries.

Another alternative is the International Baccalaureate School. The IB education system covers ages from kindergarten (starting at 3) to 19 years old, which is equivalent to A-Levels in the UK.

There are four IB programs, each offering a standardized curriculum that is used in over 158 countries and taught by 1.4 million students.

What are the most important points when choosing an international school?

While you need to be sure that the school you choose provides the right teaching, support, and community for your child to thrive, it’s important to think about the practical aspects.

Some of the main considerations are:

• When does the school day start and end? Some schools start classes as early as 7 am, especially in very hot countries. For example, schools in Pretoria and Berlin start at 7:30 am and graduation times vary depending on the day of the week.
• Do they offer workarounds? These can be after-school clubs, breakfast clubs or after-school sports that are a lifesaver for working parents.
• How far is the school from your home? Large cities can have messy roads, so is there a safe public transport network or does the school offer transportation?
• What will the school do in an emergency? Can you quickly get there from home or work if needed?
• The closer to home the better. This makes transportation more manageable, but it also means that your child can meet friends who live nearby and chat with them after school and on weekends.

The main benefits your child will get from International Schools

There are undoubtedly many advantages to studying in international schools. Its strength lies not only in the implementation of curricula that are better adapted to the demands of the modern labor market and a globalized society, but also in a multicultural environment. Below we list the most important benefits of studying in international schools.

1. International curricula

International schools offer education in accordance with foreign curricula. However, many of them combine elements of more than one system, for example, a curriculum based on the Polish core, enriched with elements of the British, American and other systems. Such training programs are often much better suited to the demands of the global labor market.

A particularly interesting option is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which prepares children for an international diploma. Its goal is a comprehensive education focused not only on expanding knowledge and skills (both academic and “soft” – communicative or social), but also on personal development and the formation of an attitude of tolerance, understanding and responsibility.

Poland also has private high schools offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These courses were created by the Council of Colleges, the American association of numerous US universities and schools that also administer the SAT. The AP program aims to transfer certain knowledge.

There are 38 subjects to choose from, including art history, biology, chemistry, psychology, music theory and others. It is an ideal choice for those students who want to gain in-depth knowledge in a specific field. Another big advantage is that some AP courses are recognized by prestigious universities in the US and Canada (including Harvard and Stanford). Thanks to this, you can significantly reduce costs and reduce training time. AP exams also make it easier to enter these countries.

2. Learning languages

Since classes in international schools are conducted in a foreign language (usually English), they provide exceptional opportunities for the development of language skills. These schools also offer a wide range of additional language courses: French, German and Spanish, as well as languages ​​less popular in Poland, such as Japanese. Knowledge of languages ​​is confirmed by appropriate certificates, respected all over the world, which is a great advantage in the labor market.

Both public and private schools with international classes are also required to teach Polish. This gives foreigners the opportunity to expand their communication skills, learn more about the culture and adapt to Polish society. It also ensures that children from Poland who attend an international class or school do not lag behind in learning their mother tongue, as well as Polish geography and history, because these lessons are mandatory for them.

3. Own grading system

International schools use not only foreign curricula, but also the assessment systems used in other countries. They are often more motivating and less stressful for children and adolescents than the classical system (scale from 1 to 6) used in Poland. It should be remembered that in primary schools, including international ones, children must take the Polish language exam in the 8th grade.

4. International environment

One of the biggest benefits of studying in an international school is the multicultural environment. Students get to know other cultures. Through this, they develop the ability to collaborate with people of different characteristics, customs and cultural norms. They also learn tolerance, mutual respect, empathy and understanding of others – their behavior, motivation, aspirations and values. This environment helps to shape the world’s citizens who will feel comfortable wherever they are.

5. Greater opportunities in the labor market

Graduating from an international school increases opportunities in the global labor market. This is especially true of the internationally recognized International Baccalaureate program. The IB diploma is recognized by most foreign universities, and employers are very positive about it.

A diploma from an international school allows a graduate to stand out and testifies to a high level of knowledge and competence, which gives its holder a significant advantage over graduates of ordinary schools.

6. A wide range of extracurricular activities.

International schools are not only interesting international academic programs. They also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities that include foreign language lessons, sports and art activities such as music, art, dance, and photography.

The wide range of these activities allows students to develop their interests, build their curiosity about the world and teach them a systematic approach to acquiring skills and achieving goals. Thanks to this, the student of the international school has the opportunity to acquire general and professional knowledge, as well as to develop socially and emotionally.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance, and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

This clean, safe city is embraced by the love of landscape and access to the Oslo fjord, making it one of the best places to raise a family. In the summer, the hills and island are a popular destination for people of all ages, while in the winter, it transforms into a skier’s paradise.

The country’s academic record is among the best in Europe, and most people believed it was because of the liberal system, which increased social life equality and reduced anxiety. However, this is due to children’s early socialization.

Schooling education begins at six when you enter the barneskole level, also known as elementary school. By the age of thirteen, The school will move you to ungdomsskole, or lower secondary school, where you will progress to the next level, videregaende Skole, or senior secondary school, after three years.

Oslo’s schools adhere to the country’s national curriculum, which includes math, English, science, and the environment, religion, and music, among other subjects. The secondary school focuses on vocational education, and students choose subjects that align with their future goals.

Norway’s educational standards are well recognized around the world. Still, there is a problem if you are an expat or have an expat child because the language used in teaching is Norwegian unless it is a private or international school, so let’s get to the point of this article “the best private schools in Oslo.”

Best University or School in Oslo

1. BI Norwegian Business School/Handelshyskolen BI

Looking for a new beginning to keep your mind fresh with a unique perspective and sense of business, balance, and mentorship?

One of the most significant benefits of attending a Norwegian business school is the opportunity to be a part of a network of academic and business professionals who work together to create a more sustainable future. Eighty percent of bachelor’s students and ninety percent of master’s students find work within 24 weeks of graduation.

The majority of the programs are taught in English, and 20% of the students are international.

Facilities

They have four campuses, which are;

• Campus Oslo: More than 13,000 people live on this campus, which offers all courses offered by the university. with lecture rooms consisting of 20 auditoriums and 28 classrooms all equipped with cutting-edge technology, over 2,500 study areas, group rooms, an open door policy where you can talk to a professor at any time, and food and drinks for all students
• Campus Bergen: the largest campus outside of Oslo, is located in a vibrant and engaging environment for students, and it is new and modern.
• Campus Trondheim: This campus has the best student environment, with over 32,000 students. The campus aspires to be one of the best in the Nordic region in terms of student environment. With 1,892 students available, the average age of students on this campus is 23.9. Its lecture halls include four auditoriums that can seat 150-300 people and seven classrooms that can seat 80 people. There are also reading areas available, which are always open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as long as scheduled exams or lectures, group rooms, and a cafeteria.

• Campus Stavanger: 799 students live on this campus for the duration of their studies. Everything on the schedule and in the courses is in Norwegian. We have nine large and modern classrooms and auditoriums, as well as a workspace and a cafeteria. This campus has a population of 1272 people and an average age of 27.5.

2. Høyskolen Kristiania

Hyskolen Kristiania, also known as kristiania University College, is a non-governmental higher education institution in Norway founded in 1914.

One of the campuses is the main draw in the Norwegian capital. Kristiania University College is one of Norway’s most prestigious universities, ranking among the top five in the country. Despite being one of Norway’s youngest educational institutions, kristiania University College is ranked among the best in the country.

Kristiania University College offers over 200 courses that can be used for your bachelor’s, master’s, and research degrees, which are available in English. Campuses are located in Bergen, Oslo, and online.

The school is very small in terms of facilities and population because it believes in the interaction between teachers and students. Because the school merged with Westerdale Oslo ACT, which provides an exciting education in 2017, they now have 10,000 students and 448 teachers.

3. MF Norwegian School of Theology

Det Teologiske Menighetsfakultet (MF Norwegian School of Theology) was founded in 1907 as a private non-profit higher education institution in the heart of Oslo. The Ministry of Education has officially recognized the university.

Det Teologiske Menighetsfakultet (MF) is a small university with a student body of 500 to 1,000. It is a mixed-gender Norwegian higher education institution that is officially affiliated with Christian Lutheranism.

Det Teologiske Menighetsfakultet (MF) provides courses and programs that allow you to obtain formally accredited higher education degrees, such as undergraduate degrees (i.e., certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, or foundations), bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in a variety of fields of study.

This 113-year-old university has an optional admissions policy based on student’s previous academic records and grades. The acceptance rate ranges between 70% and 80%, making this Norwegian higher education institution somewhat selective.

International students are welcome to apply. MF also provides a wide range of academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, such as libraries, study abroad and exchange programs, and administrative services.

4. VID Vitenskapelige Høgskole

VID University is a well-known and private university institution. Vid is Norway’s third-largest university, with approximately 525 employees and 5,290 students.

Vid University focuses on education and research in social and medical sciences, educational science, management, diaconia, and theology. The school offers approximately 50 programs at the Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. levels, and our goal is to grow as a national organization through regional collaboration. The school has locations in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Sandnes, and Troms.

VID is divided into three faculties, four strategic research centers, and two departments for shared resources.

The Faculties

Faculty of Health Studies

Faculty of Social Studies

Faculty of Theology, Diaconia and Leadership Studies

The Strategic Centres of Research

Centre of Diaconia and Professional Practice

Centre of Mission and Global Studies

Centre of Intercultural Communication

Centre of Learning in Professional Education and Practice

The Shared resources

Department of Academic Support

Department of Administrative Support

Top Private Schools in Oslo

Now let’s talk about the high school side of Oslo. here are some of the best private schools in Oslo

1. l

Karlsrude School Is a Nordstrand district 110 school with approximately 550 students and 106 employees. In Karlsrude, your job is defined by ambition and the desire to maximize the potential of every student.

They set up mixed-age projects many times during the school year to ensure the connection between different age groups. The intermediate project week and junior high school subject day are held during the fifth week of junior high school.

Teachers and students can collaborate at all levels beginning in elementary school. Students are immersed in these interdisciplinary projects, have time to apply new knowledge, and know each other well.

The school has implemented a systematic method for developing students’ reading skills, and teachers receive field training at the school. They must achieve good results, and then all teachers must follow suit.

Their goal is for all Karlsrude students to read different texts and use good reading strategies to learn.

Karlsrude School was established in 1963. The school was closed in 1991 due to a decrease in the area’s population. Karlsrude School reopened in 1997 for grades 1 through 4. Karlsrud had 1 to 10 schools as of the autumn of 2003.

The board completely renovated the entire school at the start of the school’s existence in 2005. The school’s special department serves children with autism spectrum disorder

2.The Kristeign Gymnasium (KG)

The school, founded in 1913, provides a three-year university preparation research program in science, languages, and social sciences and introductory classes in business and law. Furthermore, classes are required by Norwegian law, and classes 8, 9, and 10 (secondary school) are provided.

In national and standardized tests, students from all Norwegian private schools perform best. Religion and biblical studies are “required” courses for all students. The school has a staff, and daily Bible research conducted by students and teachers broadcast daily news and information through the news and daily report.

Every student and graduate receives a copy of the twin publication “Kgnytt.” Det Norske Misjonssselskap, Normisjon, and Norsk Luthersk Misjosamand are all owned by the school.

Because of the increased enrollment, the school built the third building and added a state-of-the-art lecture hall. The four facilities are located in the center of the city of Oslo. There are three main buildings around Homan Bocken.

3.The Tokerud

The Tokerud school is situated on the outskirts of the Stovner field, in a picturesque setting. Tokerud is a middle school with 400 students and 55 employees who work hard to see each student and provide a space for individual follow-up.

Joy, knowledge, and affection characterize the Tokerud school. We place a premium on open communication with students and their parents. The school has The learning environment for printing is critical to one’s happiness and career advancement. In 2018, Tokrude School joined the “Safe and Warm High School” project to create a safe learning environment, reduce absenteeism, and encourage students to be equally motivated throughout the high school stage.

On the last school day before summer vacation and Christmas, we organize school performances to perform artistic elements in front of the school. In addition, the school takes advantage of cultural backpack discounts.

The school’s primary goal is to spread knowledge, but we also want to make people happy and care for them.

We organize school performances on the last school day before summer vacation and Christmas, and students can perform artistic elements in front of the school. The school also takes advantage of cultural backpack discounts.

Their primary focus is knowledge, but we also strive to create happiness and provide care. In 1975, the Tokerud School was founded in Tokerud, Bydel Stovner.

In Liastua, the school is located on the outskirts of the forest, with access to a slalom trail with a ski lift, artificial turf, and four tennis courts. Artist Jon Torgersen created this bronze boy statue at the school.

The school complex was restored in 2007. Mold has been reported in the school, particularly in the gymnasium and housekeeping room. As a result, the school was demolished in 2014. Since the fall of 2014, the school has been housed on the grounds of Bredtvet School while Tokrod constructs its new school building. We relocated to a new school building in 2016/17.

Kindergarten or Daycare School

Kindergarten or daycare school is not required to send your child to daycare, which is normal, but it is not free; the government subsidizes a large portion. Kindergarten is only for children aged 0 to 5.

The kindergarten’s main goal is to focus on social skills, fun learning and to help bring out the potential in natural children’s curiosity, language skills, and creativity.

Enrollment and Admissions Requirements

Some private schools have their requirements, such as your nationality, language, and religion, to be enrolled in one of these schools, but this is generally what is required.

•         You must submit a completed application form.

•         School records are required to be submitted.

•         English proficiency (for some schools).

•         Entrance exam standardized test results (if applicable).

• examples of student work/portfolio.

To prepare the child for some entrance exams, here are some of the core subjects. The common core subjects for these programs are Norwegian, Mathematics, Natural Science, English, Social Science, Geography, History, Religion and Ethics, and Physical Education

School Fees/tuition Fees

People assume that because of the high cost of living in the country, school fees in private schools in Oslo will be high, but this is not the case. Living expenses in Norway are higher than in most countries because you must pay for other school supplies such as books and teaching materials. It is estimated that you will spend around a thousand euros, or NOK 9000, on living expenses in Norway, though this may vary from person to person. This estimated fee covers board and lodging, transportation, health, dentist, health, and clothing.

Private schools are free to charge whatever they want. These can range from 86,000NOK (US$9500) for undergraduate programs to 103,000NOK (US$11,300) or more for postgraduate programs.

As of 2019, the kindergarten price cannot exceed 333 USD, which is 3,040 NOK per month. Keep in mind that this limit is subject to change on an annual basis. It does not include food costs, ranging from 22–88 USD per month when converted from 200–800 NOK.

I cannot disclose fees for elementary, middle, and high school because they vary; you will only know when your application is approved; however, we can estimate that they can range from 700 to 2500 dollars, or NOK 5750 to NOK 2400. However, the government usually subsidizes it regardless of the price, and the amount varies year to year.

Grading System

As we all know, the grading system is not the same in every country; here are middle and high school grading systems, which use this number scaling.

• 6—Outstanding competence
• 5—Very good competence
• 4—Good competence
• 3—Fairly good competence
• 2—Low level of competence
• 1—Very low level of competence/fail

While the grading system of the university is

Private School holidays in Oslo

School holidays in Norway vary by region; the school year begins in mid-August and ends in mid-June; the most consistent holidays are five, including Christmas, autumn, Easter, winter, and summer break. The ministry of education and research sets these dates, which is why I said constantly.

Like in Norway, Christmas break lasts from before Christmas Eve to the first week of January. In February, schools close for another week for another winter break, and the next break is Easter, followed by the last break, Summer break, which begins a few days before summer.

Here’s a table to help you get a better and more concise understanding of the holiday dates.

 School Holidays in Oslo

Things to Consider When Choosing School

What’s the grapevine news?

The large expat population in Oslo will have ideas about how to approach enrolling in the available options.

What’s your period?

Because of the short notice expat received their next mission, the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting a spot in the school you prefer, which can be a big issue due to the long waiting list of Oslo big schools.

Are there any competitors?

Each school, both public and private, may employ a different method of instruction. People are open to Montessori, Steiner, and other theorist-influenced schools.

What subject do they offer?

The Norwegian schools mostly follow the primary curriculum, but some elective subjects are offered in different schools, particularly in high school. Try to figure out where your ambitions or your child’s ambitions lie, as well as their subject strength.

What does your reward package deal with?

Investigate this option thoroughly, and learn what your options are. Your options may include reduced fees at a specific school, finding the best school for the family, or a cash allowance. The subsidizing is possible because the majority of expat employers provide financial assistance to the family.

What can you afford?

All schooling activities are free in Norway for state schools, and it covers some of the best school conditions in the world. The best school for expats is the international school, but it is too expensive, so private is the only option available because it is in the middle.

Religion

The majority of private Oslo schools and universities have a Christian foundation. The reason is due to Norway’s strict law that states that a private school is illegal unless it has a religious or pedagogical alternative.

Facts about Private schools in Oslo

• Aside from the Christmas holidays, Oslo has three other school holidays: September or early October, February, and Easter.
• The academic year is divided into two terms, beginning in August and ending in June, and Christmas or winter break, from mid-December to early January.
• The majority of private schools use either English or Norwegian as their primary language.
• In each class, the teacher-student ratio is 17 to 1, whereas, in schools with fewer than 100 teachers, the ratio is 11 to 1.

• The school day in Oslo runs from 8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., with three breaks in between, making it one of the world’s shortest school days.
• The Young Person’s Right states that when a child reaches the age of 15, they have the right to continue their education into upper secondary school, which is valid until the child reaches the age of 24.
• There is an alternative school for students who have completed upper secondary school. These schools run from August to May, and while there is no grading system, exams, or curriculum, they help students achieve proficiency in a specific area. Norway’s folk high school is the name given to these institutions.
• Norway is the ninth most educated country in the world.
•  There are no school teams, most sports are played in private groups, and most Norwegians participate in local town teams where they must pay fees.
• Private school students are fewer than public school students; they are primarily Christian religion-based schools governed by the Independent School Act.
• In 2005, the Norwegian government declared that all private schools must provide a “religious or pedagogical” education.

Conclusions

There are several schools to choose from in Oslo. With what we’ve stated above, you should be able to pick the right one. Try to visit one or more schools and determine whether a school fits the atmosphere, ethics, discipline, and curriculum for you or your children.