How early should I apply?

Prospective parents are advised to begin the application process for the following school year as soon as possible by submitting an enquiry form. 

ISS has a rolling admissions process, which means applications are accepted, and students are admitted, throughout the academic year. Currently applications for ISS Early Years Programme for 1-4 year olds are waitlisted. 

Are tests required during the application process?

Admission to the International School of Stavanger is based upon completed application forms, previous school records, confidential recommendations and, as necessary, a meeting with the Principal. Assessment tests are not required for admission, however, we may administer placement tests to aid with class placement.

What grade will my child enter?

As one of the largest international schools in Scandinavia, ISS has five sections to support students in their stages of growth and learning: Early Years, Early Childhood, Primary School, Middle School and High School. The ISS Grade (Year) Level Placement Chart outlines placement for children of different ages.

Grade (Year) placement decisions take into consideration: a child’s birth date, previous school records, the years of equivalent schooling successfully completed and a possible consultation with the Principal.

Do you have assessments for grade placement?

New Middle and High School students may be asked to undertake mathematics, English, French, Norwegian or Spanish placement tests prior to or during their first week of school. These are not requirements for admission, but simply to aid our faculty in determining the best class fit for accepted students. Placement tests can also be given when application records are incomplete.

What is the tuition?

For information on our tuition rates and fees, see the Tuition Fee Schedule. 

A limited number of Category 2 places for Kindergarten (Year 1) – Grade 12 (Year 13) applicants are available based on financial need. 

Scholarships based on academic merit are available for Grade 10 (Year 11) – Grade 12  (Year 13) (High School/Videregående) applicants.

How can I visit the school?

We warmly welcome all families to visit, discover the quality and value of an ISS education and why so many families choose ISS.

We will gladly show you around the school. You can either call ahead for an appointment at +47 51 55 43 00, schedule a visit online or stop by Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 16:00.

My child does not speak English. Are we still able to apply?

Yes! ISS welcomes students from many countries and language backgrounds. ISS has an English as an Additional Language programme to assist students with their English development. To determine the appropriate level of support at ISS, students whose first language is not English or who have been in an EAL programme in a previous school are evaluated by the EAL teacher once they start school using language tests. Proficiency is not an admission requirement.

What foreign languages do you offer?

Language – and access to language learning – is essential in international education:

Early Childhood and Primary School Kindergarten (Year 1) – Grade 5 (Year 6)

Students take Norwegian as a first or foreign language. 

Middle School (Grade 6 (Year 7) – Grade 8 (Year 9))

Students can choose between French or Spanish as a foreign/modern language (beginner, intermediate, advanced). All students take Norwegian as a first or foreign language.

High School (Grade 9-12)

Students can enrol in French or Spanish as a foreign/modern language and/or Norwegian as a first or foreign language.

Additionally, Primary, Middle and High School students can take first language/mother tongue courses after school for credit. Depending on demand, these can include Dutch, German, French, Italian and Mandarin. Spanish and Russian conversational groups (informal) have also been offered in the past, based on interest.

Will my child learn Norwegian?

“Ja!” Norwegian for “yes.” All children in Kindergarten (Year 1) – Grade 9 (Year 10) learn Norwegian as a first or foreign language.

The Norwegian offering provides an introduction into the local culture for foreign language speakers and an opportunity for native speakers to advance their proficiency.

In High School, students can take Norwegian A or B for the IB Diploma Programme.

Do you offer learning support?

We believe everyone is capable of learning and achieving. The International School of Stavanger welcomes students with mild to moderate learning difficulties who are able to work toward the successful completion of ISS’ academic requirements. Students may be admitted if their educational needs can be met within the scope of the school’s Learning Support programmes, resources and personnel. Parents must provide accurate and relevant information about their child’s needs.

What curriculum do you offer?

With students coming from various educational backgrounds and preparing for higher education, ISS provides an internationally accredited and university preparatory curriculum:

• Early Childhood, Primary and Middle School: Cross-cultural curriculum with standards and benchmarks based on intentional systems from Europe, North America and Australia
• High School: International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) for Grade 9 (Year 10) – Grade 10 (Year 11) and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Grade 11 (Year 12) – Grade 12 (Year 13).

Will my children be well prepared to move back to a school in our home country or another international school?

Families come and go in international schools. It is at the core of what we do to ensure that students are well prepared for their next academic move, whether that is to another international school or education system in a home country.

As we have been told by parents, ISS’ internationally accredited curriculum and language programmes provide the strong fundamentals necessary to set students up for success in their new school.

We ensure this by continually updating standards and benchmarks. Additionally, ISS administers the International School Assessment test annually and the results demonstrate our students have the content knowledge similar to or above students from comparable schools in all grade levels.

To help with the transition from ISS, our staff helps by providing the next school with any requested documentation. They also administer testing, explain grading systems and communicate needs/abilities to the appropriate personnel. As one former Primary and Middle School parent said, “You … were key in my children’s education (academic and pastoral), and their transition, so thank you from a very grateful parent!”Kindergarten (Year 1) – Grade 9 (Year 10)

What makes ISS unique?

Over the years, our parents and students have shared many reasons for why ISS was a special, unforgettable experience for them. Find out why families in greater Stavanger choose ISS.

Is ISS accredited/inspected?

The International School of Stavanger is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). ISS is also approved by the Kingdom of Norway under the Kindergarten Act & Education Act.

What are the nationalities represented at ISS?

Nearly 50 nationalities are represented at ISS. From New Zealand to Norway, ISS students come from all around the world. They are a culturally diverse and well-traveled group.

Is ISS an American or a British school?

ISS is an international school representing the very best of educational approaches around the world.

ISS caters to expatriate families and Norwegian citizens who wish for their children to have an international education in a school that celebrates diversity, respects intercultural understanding and encourages global citizenship.

The curriculum is internationally accredited and our graduating students are well prepared to succeed in universities around the world.

To which universities/colleges have ISS students been accepted?

Operating for 50 years, ISS has a long list of graduates who have attended institutions of higher education around the world. Our university and career counselling team takes pride in helping our students successfully secure acceptances from their top choices.

Recent graduates were accepted by leading universities and colleges in Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the United Kingdom and United States. More on university destinations.

What are the school hours?

8:30 – 15:15

What is your school year?

The school year runs from mid-August to mid-June with a number of holiday breaks. View the school calendar.

Do you have before- or after-school care?

ISS offers extended care for children in Early Years, Early Childhood and Primary School. See the Tuition Policy for more details. 

Do you have after-school activities?

ISS has an extensive extra-curricular and athletic programme. We believe a significant amount of learning takes place outside classroom walls and that students benefit from leading active and balanced lives. 

Can a hot lunch be purchased at school?

Yes. Many calories are burned during the school day so providing a nutritious lunch selection is important. The Cafeteria offers cold sandwiches and salads as well as a hot lunch and soup-of-the-day. Daily vegetarian options are also available.

Where do most of your students live?

Located in beautiful Hafrsfjord, families have access to city and country living. Additionally, with ISS bus routes around the greater Stavanger region, families have options with neighborhoods. Many families choose to live near school, including the Madla, Hafrsfjord, Stokka and Revheim areas.

Do you have school buses?

ISS has 10 established school bus routes. Parents can choose whether they want a country or city lifestyle. ISS uses comfortable, coach busses to transport students to and from school around the greater Stavanger region. Parents also choose to drop off and pick up their children and many ride their bikes.

Do you have a uniform?
It is unusual for schools in Norway to have uniforms. For safety and security reasons, we feel it is important that ISS students blend in with the environment in which they live. Students are expected to wear appropriate clothes, per our handbook.