Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Finding the right school when moving to Iceland with children isn’t just a logistical detail—it often makes or breaks an expatriation project. The country boasts a strong education system, free through university and built on equality and creativity, but the language of instruction remains overwhelmingly Icelandic. Within this landscape, a few international and bilingual schools play a key role for foreign families—diplomats, corporate executives, academics, NGOs—who need continuity in English, French, or a familiar curricular framework (IB, Cambridge, French or British system).
In Iceland, international schools are mainly located in the capital region, around Reykjavík, Garðabær, and Kópavogur. They are few in number and in high demand. These institutions offer high-quality learning environments, internationally recognized programs, and strong intercultural openness, covering all levels from kindergarten through high school.
Understanding the Icelandic education context
Before diving into the details of individual schools, it’s important to grasp a few contextual elements. Iceland organizes its system into four levels: preschool (leikskóli), compulsory school (grunnskóli), upper secondary (framhaldsskóli), and higher education (háskóli). Schooling is compulsory from ages 6 to 16, in predominantly public, coeducational, and free institutions, heavily funded by the state and municipalities.
Instruction is conducted in Icelandic, with English and Danish on the curriculum. The official philosophy emphasizes equity, health, well-being, democracy, human rights, equality, and creativity, following the principle of “a school for all.” While well-suited to local families, this system can pose a challenge for a child who does not speak Icelandic or who later needs to re-enter a French, British, or American high school.
In the Reykjavík area, the city itself notes that the educational offering is dense, with 12 major school districts and a good network of extracurricular activities (sports, music, arts, clubs). “School density” maps even exist to help parents choose a neighborhood where public schools, private schools, and sometimes universities coexist. But when it comes to instruction in a foreign language and international programs, the options narrow quickly: there are only a handful of specialized, very targeted schools.
It is within this context that a few flagship institutions stand out.
International School of Iceland: the heavy hitter of international education
At the top of the hierarchy, it’s hard to overlook the International School of Iceland (ISI), or Alþjóðaskólinn á Íslandi. Located in Garðabær, on the outskirts of Reykjavík, this private, non-profit, coeducational school has established itself as the benchmark for international education from kindergarten through middle school.
A historic school now a hub of the international network
The school’s history dates back to 1960, with the founding of the American Embassy School for the families of American diplomats. Over time, the school opened up to other nationalities, changed its name to Reykjavik International School in 2004, and adopted its current name in 2006. Today, it is housed in the modern building of Sjálandsskóli, at Langalina 8, in Garðabær, a five-minute drive from Reykjavík. Students in the youngest grades (K-3) are accommodated in an annex building called Thorsmork.
ISI educates children from kindergarten through grade 10 (roughly ages 5 to 16), covering primary and lower secondary school. It is the only compulsory school in the country officially recognized as operating with a fully foreign/international curriculum, under a specific regulation.
Carefully structured English and bilingual programs
One of ISI’s major strengths is its dual curriculum offering, designed for very distinct family profiles.
This program, taught entirely in English, specifically targets families on temporary stays of less than three years, often sent by embassies, companies, or universities. Instruction follows an international curriculum aligned with US standards (AERO Common Core Plus) and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), covering core subjects.
On the other hand, the “Bilingual Stream” targets families settling long-term. Students learn and work in both Icelandic and English, particularly in mathematics, and in addition to the international core, they cover content conforming to the Icelandic national curriculum. They thus take the national exams (Samræmd próf) in Icelandic and mathematics in grades 4 and 7, keeping them aligned with their peers in the local system.
This two-track structure allows the school to manage common expatriation situations: a child arriving without Icelandic who might eventually integrate into a regular Icelandic high school, or conversely, a child who will need to move on to another international system.
The IB Middle Years Programme, a decisive advantage
ISI plays a pioneering role in introducing the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Iceland at the compulsory school level. The school has been a member of the International Primary Curriculum since 2007 and is recognized as an IB World School. It now offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for younger students and, most notably, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 7 through 10.
The introduction of the MYP makes ISI:
It is the second school in Iceland to offer an IB curriculum and the first private school in the country to provide this specific program.
The MYP, taught in English, is designed as a springboard to high school-level programs such as the IB Diploma, or tracks oriented toward the US and UK systems. For families considering an IB Diploma elsewhere—for instance at Menntaskólinn við Hamrahlíð or in another country—this continuum is extremely valuable.
Accreditations and international network
ISI doesn’t just apply international curricula—it is also solidly accredited. The school is fully recognized by two major bodies: the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and the Council of International Schools (CIS), which is no small feat for a school of this size. It is also a full member of the European Council of International Schools (ECIS).
A long-standing link with the Office of Overseas Schools of the U.S. Department of State further reinforces this international dimension, through grants, training, and pedagogical support. The school uses Project AERO resources for curriculum development and regularly sends its staff to the AERO Summer Institute in Washington.
To give a concise overview of ISI‘s profile, here are some key parameters:
| Feature | Primary Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Garðabær (Reykjavík area), Sjálandsskóli building |
| Grade levels | Kindergarten to grade 10 (approx. ages 5–16) |
| Languages of instruction | English (English Stream), English + Icelandic (Bilingual Stream) |
| Programs | AERO Common Core Plus, IPC, IB PYP and IB MYP |
| Accreditations | MSA, CIS, ECIS member, IB World School |
| Status | Private, non-profit, day school |
| Enrollment (2020–2021) | 104 students, 7 full-time teachers, 7 part-time |
| Indicative tuition | Approx. USD 19,000–25,000/year depending on source and year |
| Services | Swimming pool, gym, library, cafeteria, playground, paid school transport |
School life, pedagogy, and cost
In practice, the school day at ISI resembles that of other Icelandic schools: roughly 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, five days a week, with long summer breaks and shorter breaks in October and February. On top of this are artistic and sports activities—design, visual arts, music, STEAM, swimming, physical education—integrated into the school day.
The school adopts a student-centered approach, characterized by small class sizes, individualized support, and a positive discipline climate. Its goal is to develop confident, creative, and respectful students who cultivate critical thinking and adaptability, easing transitions between countries or education systems.
The flip side is the cost. ISI is one of the most expensive schools in the country, with annual fees that, depending on the year and source, range from around USD 19,000 to over USD 25,000 for grades K-10, to which bus fees may be added. Municipal subsidy mechanisms exist for residents registered in the Icelandic system, and the school distinguishes between “non-residents,” residents whose employer pays tuition, and families paying out of pocket, each with a different rate structure.
For families who can afford it, ISI is, very clearly, the most comprehensive option for a continuous international pathway through age 16.
Landakotsskóli – The English School: Icelandic-English bilingualism under the Cambridge label
In Reykjavík proper, Landakotsskóli holds a unique place. It is the oldest private school in the country for kindergarten through 10th grade, and it has gradually built a bilingual identity, anchored in both the Icelandic curriculum and Cambridge programs.
A Catholic institution open to international profiles
Historically, Landakotsskóli is a Catholic school located not far from the city center and the University of Iceland. It welcomes students from kindergarten through 10th grade, in an environment known for its supportive atmosphere and academic rigor.
In 2015, the school took a further step by opening an International Department, sometimes referred to as IDL. This international section—which remains physically integrated within the school—was designed to meet the growing expectations of Reykjavík’s foreign and diplomatic community.
This International Department:
Discover the different educational options offered by the institution, from kindergarten to secondary school.
Welcomes students from kindergarten through grade 10 (equivalent to sophomore year).
Instruction remains anchored in the Icelandic national curriculum.
Offers tracks in English as well as Icelandic-English bilingual pathways.
Integrates Cambridge Assessment International Education programs.
A Cambridge, WIDA, and UNESCO school
Landakotsskóli checks several important boxes for families seeking a structured international framework. The International Department is an officially authorized Cambridge International School, meaning it follows Cambridge standards for certain subjects and can enroll students in assessments recognized in many countries.
The institution is also a member of the WIDA International School Consortium, a network focused on language teaching approaches in international schools, and is part of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network, underscoring an emphasis on universal values and international cooperation.
The profile of Landakotsskóli can be summarized as follows:
| Feature | Primary Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Reykjavík, near city center and University of Iceland |
| Grade levels | Kindergarten through grade 10 |
| Languages of instruction | Icelandic and English (bilingual), English-language sections |
| Programs | Icelandic national curriculum + Cambridge Assessment International Education |
| Status | Private Catholic school |
| International Department | Opened in 2015, bilingual and English-language, meeting expat demand |
| Networks | Cambridge International School, WIDA Consortium, UNESCO Associated School |
A daily bilingual environment and rich extracurricular life
In the classroom, students alternate between Icelandic and English, depending on the subject and level, building strong bilingual skills without disconnecting from the local framework. This approach attracts both Icelandic families seeking to strengthen their children’s English and expatriates who want to ensure local integration while maintaining a high level of English.
The extracurricular life is particularly well-developed. Landakotsskóli offers an after-school program (Frístund) for younger students, with workshops in arts, computing, drama, languages, music, or outdoor activities. Older students can participate in language clubs, cooking clubs, chess clubs, a school newspaper, or a homework club. Nearby, a municipal youth center, Frosti, supplements the offering for middle school students.
This combination of bilingual school time and varied after-school offerings makes it one of the most attractive schools for families who want to put down roots in Icelandic society without giving up an international framework.
Reykjavik International School: a small-scale school on a Cambridge foundation
In Iceland’s limited landscape of international schools, Reykjavik International School (RIS) represents another important alternative, particularly for families who prioritize an English-language environment and the Cambridge reference.
A 100% English school at the crossroads of Cambridge and IB
Located in Reykjavík, RIS enrolls students from the beginning of primary school through adolescence—depending on the source, from “Year 1” to “Year 11,” roughly ages 5 to 16, or through the end of lower secondary. The primary language of instruction is English, and all students also study Icelandic, with differentiation between native speakers and learners.
The school is officially accredited by the Icelandic Ministry of Education as the only institution in the country to operate “entirely with an international curriculum.” It is also accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), a recognized American body, and is a member of the Nordic Network of International Schools.
Icelandic Ministry of Education and New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
RIS has a strong focus on the Cambridge International Curriculum and, according to some descriptions, also incorporates elements of the IB program. The guiding principle is to offer an innovative, academically rigorous program in a multicultural environment where class sizes remain small to promote individualized attention.
| Feature | Primary Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Reykjavík, Dyrhamrar neighborhood |
| Grade levels | Years 1–11 (approx. ages 5–16) |
| Language of instruction | English (all subjects), Icelandic studied by all |
| Programs | International curriculum, strong Cambridge foundation, NEASC accreditation |
| Accreditations | Icelandic Ministry of Education (international curriculum), NEASC, Nordic Network |
| Class size | Small class sizes advertised |
| Indicative tuition | Approx. ISK 2,212,968/year + ISK 15,000 registration fee |
| Local subsidies | Partial subsidy for residents of the greater Reykjavík area |
An interesting compromise between international and local
For families living in the capital, RIS offers a compromise: all schooling in English, official recognition of the international nature of its program, and a foothold in a Nordic network of international schools. The fact that all students learn Icelandic, with adapted pathways, facilitates eventual access to local institutions—whether high school or university.
Childcare costs in Iceland are high, but residents of the Reykjavík area benefit from a municipal subsidy that reduces the direct financial burden on parents. Although the cost remains significant by Icelandic standards, it is lower than in some major European capitals.
National schools with international sections: French, British, Nordic
Families who want to closely follow a foreign national curriculum—for example, French or British—or stay within a Nordic linguistic environment also have options.
The French School of Reykjavik: continuity of the French system
The French School in Reykjavik (Lycée Français en Islande) primarily serves French-speaking families or students who wish to become fully bilingual in French and Icelandic. Located in Reykjavík, the school enrolls students from kindergarten through grade 9 and follows the official French national curriculum.
Classes are primarily conducted in French, with instruction in Icelandic and other foreign languages. The school belongs to the global network of French overseas schools, ensuring high portability: a student can generally transfer within this network or re-enter the school system in France without a gap in their educational path.
For French or French-speaking families posted to Iceland for a few years, this guarantees a smooth return to a French middle or high school.
British International School in Iceland: immersion in the English system
The British International School in Iceland (BISI), located in Kópavogur, south of Reykjavík, is dedicated to teaching according to the British model. The school welcomes children from kindergarten through grade 6 and follows the Early Years Foundation Stage followed by the National Curriculum for England.
Classes are taught in English within a British-style framework with an international perspective. The institution emphasizes each student’s individual development and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. This approach is designed to meet the expectations of British families as well as expatriates familiar with this type of curriculum.
Even though classes end before GCSE level, this foundation allows for a smooth transition to other British schools abroad or in the UK.
Nordic International School: a multilingual Nordic approach
For some Scandinavian families, or for mixed Nordic-international households, the Nordic International School in Reykjavík offers a slightly different option. It educates children from kindergarten through grade 6 in a setting that combines educational traditions of the Nordic countries with international practices.
Instruction is mainly conducted in Nordic languages, with a significant role given to English. This choice makes the school a natural fit for Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, or Finnish families, while remaining accessible to international families who want their children immersed in a Nordic environment.
These three “national schools with an international focus” can be quickly compared:
| School | Primary Language | Grade Levels | Reference Curriculum | Primary Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lycée Français en Islande | French | Kindergarten–9 | French national curriculum | French speakers, families aiming for return to France |
| British International School in Iceland | English | Kindergarten–6 | Early Years Foundation Stage, National Curriculum for England | British families, those familiar with the UK system |
| Nordic International School | Nordic languages + English | Kindergarten–6 | Blend of Nordic systems + international practices | Nordic families, Nordic/English bilingual |
Other players and emerging options
Alongside these major names, other Icelandic schools are developing international or bilingual sections, sometimes still modest but growing.
International Department of Landakotsskóli: a structured entry point
As we’ve seen, the International Department of Landakotsskóli constitutes a full-fledged gateway into the world of international schools in Reykjavík. Its combination of Icelandic national curriculum, Cambridge track, and English-Icelandic bilingualism appeals to families who are less looking for a break from the local system than for international enrichment.
A child arriving without knowledge of Icelandic can join a class with a strong English-language focus. They can then gradually move toward instruction that includes more Icelandic, ultimately joining a mainstream track in the local school system. This pathway illustrates the department’s flexibility, welcoming students from kindergarten through 10th grade.
ABC International School and other English-language sections
In Reykjavík, ABC International School recently created an international division where instruction largely follows the Icelandic program but delivered in English. This approach may appeal to families for whom the idea of a fully foreign program is less important than the possibility of schooling in English while staying closely aligned with Icelandic standards.
Other traditional schools in the capital are beginning to open bilingual or international sections, evidence that demand from foreign families—but also from Icelanders anticipating their children studying abroad—is steadily growing.
Upper secondary: aiming for the IB at Menntaskólinn við Hamrahlíð
Once students turn 16, the landscape changes. Compulsory school (grunnskóli) ends and framhaldsskóli (upper secondary) begins—non-compulsory but attended by nearly 97% of lower secondary graduates. It is at this level that the country’s main IB offering is located: Menntaskólinn við Hamrahlíð, better known by its nickname MH.
MH, pioneer of the International Baccalaureate in Iceland
Hamrahlíð College, in Reykjavík, is a public upper secondary school that joined the International Baccalaureate Organization in May 1997. It was the first Icelandic school to offer an IB program and remains the benchmark today for students aged 16 to 19 who wish to pursue a globally recognized diploma.
MH offers a two-year IB Diploma program, taught in English, for students aged 16 to 19. This course culminates in standardized exams recognized internationally by universities. The school also offers a ‘pre-IB’ preparatory year in English, designed to bridge the gap between the Icelandic 10th grade and the academic demands of the IB Diploma.
| Feature | Primary Detail |
|---|---|
| Type of institution | Public upper secondary school (menntaskóli) |
| Location | Reykjavík |
| International program | IB Diploma Programme (2 years) + pre-IB preparatory year |
| Language of instruction (IB) | English |
| Target audience | Students aged 16–19, returning Icelandic students from abroad, and international students |
| Local recognition | IB accepted by Icelandic universities as equivalent to the stúdentspróf |
A bridge between the local world and universities worldwide
Most students in the IB section at MH are Icelanders who have lived abroad for long periods in English-speaking systems, or foreigners holding residency permits in Iceland. There are also Icelandic students directly from the local system who wish to experience an international environment.
To be admitted, candidates generally need to have completed lower secondary (equivalent to 10th or 11th grade) with good results. Sufficient proficiency in English is required. Admission can be directly into the first year of the IB Diploma, or for some, may require passing through the preparatory pre-IB year.
One major advantage is that Icelandic universities—including the University of Iceland—accept MH IB graduates as equivalent to local matriculation (stúdentspróf). In practice, an IB student thus has pathways open to North American, European, and Icelandic institutions alike.
For families looking for a combined “childhood in an international school, then IB locally before university”, a typical trajectory might look like this:
| Approximate Age | Recommended School Type |
|---|---|
| 5–16 | International School of Iceland, Landakotsskóli ID, RIS, Lycée français, BISI, etc. |
| 16–19 | Menntaskólinn við Hamrahlíð – IB Diploma + possible pre-IB |
| 19+ | University in Iceland or abroad |
Choosing between schools: key criteria for expatriate families
Faced with this relatively small but very diverse selection, how does one navigate? Families can rely on several analytical axes, in light of the available data.
Language of instruction and family project
The first criterion, almost obvious, is the primary language of schooling. For a child who has long been schooled in French, the advantage of the French School of Reykjavik is clear. For a student who will later enter a British system, BISI is more natural. For more uncertain trajectories, English remains the most sustainable option, leading many parents toward ISI, RIS, or Landakotsskóli’s International Department.
One must also consider the ambition for Icelandic proficiency. Schools like ISI (Bilingual Stream) or Landakotsskóli, which strongly integrate the local language, are better suited for a long-term settlement project.
Type of curriculum and international recognition
Another structuring question: what curriculum do you want to see on your child’s academic record?
Several education systems are offered to guide students’ schooling. The IB PYP/MYP at ISI prepares for the IB Diploma or further study in US or UK systems. The Cambridge program offered at Landakotsskóli ID and RIS is a solid reference widely recognized by many universities. An accredited French program is available to ensure a smooth return to the French education system. Finally, the National Curriculum for England is taught at BISI.
In all cases, accreditations act as quality assurance and transferability.
Costs and local financial aid
In Iceland, public education is free, but international and private schools come with significant fees relative to the local cost of living. As an indication, figures from various sources show:
| Type of Institution in Iceland | Indicative Annual or Monthly Cost (Order of Magnitude) |
|---|---|
| Public primary / lower secondary school | Free (excluding meals, activities, supplies) |
| Private “local” school | USD 5,000–15,000/year depending on level |
| International school (IB/British/French program) | Approx. USD 10,000–20,000/year, sometimes more |
| Examples from Reykjavík | Application fee ~USD 500, ~USD 1,800/month for some international schools |
Icelandic municipalities sometimes subsidize tuition at non-municipal schools, particularly at the compulsory level. Municipal “vouchers” may be deducted from fees for registered residents, with amounts varying from one municipality to another. Some schools, like ISI, have specific fee scales depending on whether tuition is paid by the employer or the family.
To accurately assess the budget, it is essential to contact each school directly, specifying your residency status, whether an expatriation contract includes schooling, and to investigate possible municipal subsidies.
Location within the capital area
Since most international schools are concentrated in or around Reykjavík, the issue of daily commutes quickly arises. Neighborhoods like Vesturbær, Laugardalur, or Grafarvogur offer a high density of schools and activities, but international schools are sometimes located just outside the immediate city (Garðabær for ISI, Kópavogur for BISI).
Some schools offer a paid bus service, like ISI. In a city where public transportation is less developed than in other European capitals and where winters can be harsh, the duration and practicality of commutes become an important factor.
Beyond school: a structured extracurricular offering
A point often underestimated by foreign families is the wealth of extracurricular activities organized by Icelandic municipalities. The city of Reykjavík, like other towns in the country, funds music, sports, arts, or tutoring classes for children up to age 18 through “leisure grants.”
Extracurricular activities such as sports clubs, music schools, or municipal arts workshops are open to all children, including those enrolled in international schools. They are often offered at a reduced cost through subsidized leisure cards. In this country, where public health issues like overweight are taken seriously, these physical and creative activities are considered an essential extension of education, not a luxury.
For a child enrolled in an international school that doesn’t have as many internal clubs as a large local high school, this external offering helps restore balance and provides immersion in Icelandic society.
A limited but high-quality offering
Iceland does not pretend to rival, in numbers, major international hubs like London, Paris, or Singapore when it comes to international schools. Yet the country has managed to establish, in the Reykjavík area, a tight-knit group of very high-quality institutions, well integrated into the local system and solidly connected to international standards.
Iceland offers a network of international schools covering most major global educational models. Among them: International School of Iceland (bilingual curricula and MYP), Landakotsskóli (Cambridge and UNESCO departments), Reykjavik International School (English-language program), Lycée Français de Reykjavik, British International School in Iceland, Nordic International School, and at the upper secondary level, Menntaskólinn við Hamrahlíð (IB program).
For families, the challenge lies less in quality—generally high—than in availability of spots and managing costs. Enrollment procedures must be anticipated, school calendars taken into account, and family strategies (length of stay, higher education plans, home languages) clarified.
In a country known for its stability, safety, and massive investment in education, these international schools serve as a bridge between Icelandic culture and the rest of the world. For a child, they can guarantee a schooling that is both locally rooted and internationally open—a valuable asset in a world where educational boundaries are constantly shifting.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
