grunnskólar

Grunnskólar are the institutions that provide the ten-year compulsory education in Iceland, covering primary and lower secondary education. Students typically begin at age 6 or 7 and complete grunnskóli by age 16. Most grunnskólar are public and administered by municipalities, though independent (private) grunnskólar operate under national guidelines with the same curriculum and oversight.

The curriculum is governed by national curriculum guidelines set by the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. Grunnskólar offer a broad program that includes Icelandic language and literature, mathematics, natural and social sciences, English as a foreign language, arts and crafts, music, physical education, and other subjects. The curriculum emphasizes inclusive education, student well-being, and support for learners with special educational needs. Teaching approaches often focus on universal design for learning, project-based learning, and ongoing assessment to monitor progress and inform instruction.

Upon completing grunnskóli, students may continue to framhaldsskóli, the system of upper secondary schools, which typically runs for three to four years and offers general and vocational programs. Successful completion is followed by eligibility for higher education through the matriculation examination (stúdentspróf) or through vocational qualifications, depending on the chosen track.

The Icelandic system aims to provide equal access to high-quality education and to prepare students for further study, work, and citizenship. Grunnskólar are continually evaluated through national assessments, school inspections, and public reporting to ensure standards are maintained.