Compare International Schools in Arendal, Norway

Instructs in English

Ages 6 - 16 years

Fees NOK 26,000 - 27,700

Pupils 330

Type Co-educational

Arendal International School is a private, co-educational day school in Norway that delivers English-language instruction within the International Baccalaureate framework. It offers IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 6 to 16. All lessons are taught in English, with Norwegian and Spanish offered as language classes. The diverse student body represents more than forty nations, and learners are guided by the IB learner profile to develop multilingual communication and global citizenship. The academic year runs from mid-August to late June. Facilities include a well-equipped library with English, Norwegian and other language titles, a media room, and digital tools to support research and creativity. An on-site After School Care (SFO) operates for younger students, and a School Nurse serves under the National School Health Programme. AIS is governed by a Board of Trustees within the Norwegian educational system. The library supports Accelerated Reader targets.

Location

The school is located at Julius Smiths vei 40, 4817 His, Norway. It is in Arendal municipality in southern Norway. Arendal has a long history of international trade and maritime activity.

Stages

AIS offers an English-language private elementary and middle school for students aged 6 to 16 (grades 1–10). The school participates in the International Baccalaureate program.

Type

Private, co-educational day school. English-language instruction; IB World School.

Pupil Nationality Mix

The student body originates from more than forty nations and cultures.

Country affiliation

Norway; governed by the Norwegian educational system.

Bus service

Free school bus cards are available for students who live more than 4 km from AIS (2 km for Grade 1). Applications are submitted via the OpenApply Parent Dashboard, Student Details.

Application fees
- No separate application or registration fee amount is published in the school's public admissions materials.

Tuition fees by programme / year group
- PYP (Primary Years Programme, Grades 1–6): NOK 26,000 per academic year.
- MYP (Middle Years Programme, Grades 7–10): NOK 27,700 per academic year.

Equivalent billing breakdowns (for reference)
- Monthly (published billing option):
- PYP: NOK 2,600 per month (annual divided into 10 monthly instalments).
- MYP: NOK 2,770 per month (annual divided into 10 monthly instalments).
- Per term (equivalent figures shown for reference only — the school bills either annually or by instalments as above):
- If divided into three academic terms (equivalent): PYP ~ NOK 8,666.67 per term; MYP ~ NOK 9,233.33 per term.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school accepts either a single annual instalment or ten monthly instalments for payment of tuition.
- School fees are reviewed and adjusted annually each August in line with the consumer price index; the school reserves the right to revise fees at the start of a calendar year with notice to parents/guardians.

Boarding fees
- The school does not offer boarding; no boarding fees apply.

Other costs and fees
- After‑school care (SFO) is provided and is charged separately under the municipality's system (payments are monthly for 11 months, with a 25% sibling reduction available for siblings attending SFO five days). SFO is an additional cost to tuition.
- Families with more than two children receive a discount on school fees.
- No separate uniform fee, materials fee, or other mandatory ancillary charges are itemised in the school's published fee summary.

Refunds and withdrawal / notice terms
- To withdraw a student, three months' written notice of withdrawal must be given to Admissions using the school's withdrawal form; notice commences on the 1st of the month following submission. Three months' school fees are payable during the notice period whether or not the student remains enrolled. Where no notice is received, current students are automatically allocated a place for the following academic year.

Fee payment methods / options
- The published materials specify the available billing frequencies (single annual payment or ten monthly instalments). Specific payment instruments (for example: credit card, bank transfer, direct debit) are not itemised in the public fee summary; payments and invoicing are managed through the school's admissions/account system.

Notes for budgeting
- Annual tuition by programme: NOK 26,000 (PYP) and NOK 27,700 (MYP). Budget additionally for any SFO (after‑school care) charges, and allow for the three‑month notice payment requirement on withdrawal. Fees are subject to annual adjustment each August.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school provides a Counsellor & SEL Teacher who works with individual students, small groups and whole classes to develop social skills, emotional regulation and overall wellbeing. The Student Council is a key communication tool and decision‑making body, with representatives from each class who meet regularly to discuss school life and student relations. The School Nurse delivers the National School Health Programme and promotes the physical, mental and social health and welfare of our students. The nurse is a member of the school's child development team and maintains confidentiality. The school aims to develop local and global citizenship and life-long learning through its curriculum to support international-mindedness.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

If a child requires extra help, PPT will be contacted and an Individual Plan will continue at AIS. All students can transfer to Norwegian schools in the future, with IB grades converted to the Norwegian system for high school applications. The school coordinates with PPT to support students in need.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

AIS is an English-language private elementary and middle school. All lessons are conducted in English, apart from Norwegian and Spanish lessons. Norwegian language education includes Language and Literature for native speakers and Language Acquisition for language learners.

Mental Wellbeing

The School Nurse delivers the National School Health Programme and promotes the physical, mental and social health and welfare of our students. Mental health education is taught in 5th grade and wellbeing conversations occur in 8th grade as part of health education. The Counsellor & SEL Teacher supports emotional regulation and wellbeing.

Safeguarding

The School Nurse is a member of the school's child development team and maintains confidentiality. The Counsellor & SEL Teacher supports safeguarding through social and emotional development. Mental health education and wellbeing conversations are part of the health programme to protect student welfare.

Admissions

1. AIS is an English-language private elementary and middle school for students aged 6–16 and welcomes both Norwegian and international students. The academic year runs from mid-August through late June, and AIS is governed by the Norwegian educational system. The school aims to enroll up to 330 students, with typical class sizes around 24 (23 in grades 1–3). When applications exceed capacity, a prioritized waiting list is used based on established admission criteria.

2. Priority for admission is determined by a defined order. The criteria include categories such as children of permanently employed AIS staff; students from Grimstad International School (grades 6–7); former students returning from abroad; international students with specific nationality or residency attributes; siblings of current AIS students; and students returning to Norway after studying abroad. If multiple applicants are tied on these criteria, gender balance is considered and, if still tied, a random draw is conducted. In some cases, if founding companies relocate hires to Arendal, an extra place may be allocated with preference to international hires, and documentation may be requested to verify eligibility.

3. Application deadlines are set for the current and next academic year on multiple dates: January 20, February 1, March 15, May 20, June 15, August 10, September 15, and December 1. All deadlines are at 12:00 (noon). The main admission deadline for grade 1 (and for grades 2–10) is December 1. Applicants admitted must be able to start before the next admission deadline unless otherwise stated.

4. Submitting the online New Students Application form is required. The form is accessed via the AIS application portal (OpenApply). AIS is open to Norwegian and international students, and the admission policy was approved by the AIS Board on September 24, 2025. The policy states that accepted applicants receive an individual enrollment decision; those not admitted are offered a place on the waiting list. Documentation may be requested to verify eligibility.

5. Enrollment decisions are issued individually. If accepted, an enrollment is offered; if not, a waiting list is offered. If a space becomes available due to withdrawals or other changes, waiting-list candidates are prioritized according to the stated criteria. In some cases, if founding-company hires relocate to Arendal and create a vacancy, AIS may enroll one additional student, with preference given to international hires.

6. Withdrawal and visa considerations. To withdraw a child from AIS, three months' notice must be given using the Withdrawal Form; notice starts on the 1st of the month following submission, and three months of school fees must be paid during the notice period. AIS is not a boarding school and cannot arrange housing. A place at AIS does not guarantee a visa to move to Norway; parents must have a valid employment contract and work permit.

7. Language of instruction and grade placement. All lessons are conducted in English, with Norwegian and Spanish offered. Norwegian language lessons support native and international students. Grade placement is determined by birth year according to a published table; students' Norwegian grades can be converted if they transfer to Norwegian schools later.

Waitlist

When AIS approaches full capacity, a prioritized waiting list is applied for students. If a space becomes available due to withdrawal or other openings, candidates on the waiting list are considered for enrollment according to the priority criteria. In certain cases, extra spots may be made available (for example if founding companies relocate hires to Arendal), with preference given to international hires.

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Arendal Videregaende Skole

Instructs in English, Norwegian

Ages 16 - null years

Fees NOK 43,400

Pupils 1000

Type Co-educational

Arendal Videregaende Skole operates across two campuses in Arendal, Tyholmen (Kirkebakken 8) and Barbu (Mølleheia 12). It offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) alongside Norway's national university-preparatory studies, vocational education and adult education. The school dates back to the early 19th century and today serves over a thousand students with a broad subject choice, including General Studies with a researcher track and with internationalization. Facilities include two libraries at Barbu and Tyholmen, open weekdays with free four-week textbook loans and staff support from librarians Ann-Katrin Knudsen and Miriam del Carmen Rannekleiv. Extracurricular life centers on UKM, a culture platform for youth, and a student Elevråd that represents all classes. The school also administers public examinations for external candidates. Nutritious dining is provided via two cafeterias offering breakfast, with renewed emphasis on healthy options. Opportunities include cultural, academic and leadership activities across both campuses. Librarians support study and sourcing.

Location

The school is located in Arendal, Norway. It operates from multiple sites: Tyholmen and Barbu, with Kirkebakken 8 (4836 Arendal) and Mølleheia 12 (4841 Arendal) as additional addresses. The mailing address is Arendal videregående skole, Postboks 788 Stoa, 4809 Arendal. Packages and periodicals are addressed to Kirkebakken 8, 4836 Arendal.

Stages

Upper secondary education (VG1–VG3) with the national university preparatory program, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) taught in English, a vocational program for service sector professions, and adult education with theoretical studies for apprentices.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Many nationalities are represented among the student body.

Country affiliation

Norway

Application fees

- There is no application fee for applying to Arendal videregående skole through the national VIGO admissions system. Applicants use VIGO (national admissions) to register preferences; normal application deadlines apply.

Tuition fees (by year group / study type)

- Vg1, Vg2, Vg3 (regular upper secondary students with statutory rights): Tuition is NOK 0 per term and NOK 0 per year for standard videregående opplæring; public upper secondary education is provided free of charge subject to the legal "gratis" principle.

- Voksenopplæring (adult education) – participants who do not have statutory right to free education: Fees apply per semester. Example published fees for Arendal adult programmes include:
- "Bli klar til videregående" program: NOK 21,700 per semester.
- Norskkurs (Arendal voksenopplæring) examples: NOK 16,050 per semester for 20 hours/week groups; NOK 11,920 per semester for 15 hours/week groups. These rates apply to participants who must pay for the course.

- Privatisteksamen (private candidates): A separate exam fee is charged per exam session when registering as a privatist. Current regional exam fees for Agder are set by the exam office and are charged at registration; payment is required for the registration to be valid. Typical published fees (Agder) are approximately NOK 1,403 per exam for subjects where the candidate does not already have a passed grade, and higher rates for improvement/duplicate registrations as set by the exam office. Payment is required at registration.

- Equipment and individually required items: The school/fylkeskommune may require individually necessary equipment for certain vocational subjects (tools, protective clothing, subject-specific uniforms). Students with youth-right may apply for equipment stipend from Lånekassen to cover certain necessary items; learners without youth-right or specific categories (e.g., some apprentices) may not be eligible for that stipend and may have to cover specified equipment costs themselves.

Per-term / per-year presentation (summary)

- Regular Vg1–Vg3 (resident students with youth-right): Tuition per term: NOK 0. Tuition per year: NOK 0.

- Adult programmes (examples): Fees per semester (example figures): NOK 21,700 (Bli klar til videregående); NOK 16,050 (Norskkurs 20 h/wk); NOK 11,920 (Norskkurs 15 h/wk). Billing is per semester for these courses.

- PC lease (mandatory for Vg1 students in Agder): annual user contribution NOK 1,427 for the 2026/2027 school year; this is charged each year for up to three years (one annual payment per year). This is an equipment own-payment, not tuition.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Regular tuition: No billing for tuition for Vg1–Vg3 students with statutory rights.

- PC lease (eigenandel): An annual invoice is issued after 1 October; the contribution is due when invoiced. The annual contribution is billed each school year for up to three years; non-payment may be forwarded to collection. Inpaid contributions are not refunded.

- Adult-course fees: Course fees for paying participants are billed per semester; for some courses payment must be made on the first course day (card payment at reception) unless other arrangements (employer payment or agreed instalments) are arranged in advance. Refunds of course fees are restricted; for example, course fees for paid Norwegian daytime courses are refundable only for documented illness (doctor's certificate).

- Privatist exam fees: Payment must be made at the time of registration in the Privatistportal; payment by card is required for the portal transactions. If a candidate withdraws or fails to attend without valid reason, the exam fee is not refunded.

Boarding / residential fees

- Arendal videregående skole does not operate boarding (internat) services for ordinary upper secondary students; there are no boarding fees for standard programmes. School facilities are provided at the Tyholmen and Barbu sites. (Internat arrangements would be listed explicitly if offered; none are advertised for the regular school sites.)

Other costs and typical additional charges

- Personal protective equipment, tools, subject-specific clothing or uniforms for practical/vocational programmes: Students are responsible for individually required equipment where the programme demands it. Youth-right students may apply for an equipment stipend; some student groups (e.g., certain apprentices/lærlinger) do not qualify for the stipend and must cover specified items themselves.

- School trips and excursions: Activities that are part of the compulsory curriculum are covered by the gratis principle; optional or extracurricular trips outside the scope of compulsory instruction may carry participant costs. Specific published excursions or overnight fieldwork in some subjects may involve costs for travel, accommodation or specialized materials when such elements lie outside the compulsory provision.

- PC-related costs: Repair or replacement costs that are not covered by the lease insurance (e.g., damage from negligence, lost charger) are the financial responsibility of the student/guardian. The PC lease agreement details which damages/claims are insured and which are not.

Refund information

- PC lease own-payments: Annual contributions that have been paid are not refunded if the lease is terminated; the lease agreement states that paid contributions will not be refunded.

- Adult-course fees (paid participants): Course fees are refundable only for documented illness (doctor's certificate) for the ordinary Norwegian daytime course examples; refund rules for other adult programmes may vary.

- Privatist exam fees: Exam fees are not refunded if the candidate withdraws or fails to attend without valid reason; valid absence (e.g., documented illness) may permit re-registration without a new fee depending on rules and timing.

Fee payment options

- Card payment: Accepted for many on-site adult course payments and for Privatistportal registrations (privatist exam fees are paid by card in the portal).

- Invoice / billing (faktura): The PC user contribution is invoiced (invoice issued after 1 October). Institutional or supplier invoices use the school's EHF invoicing details (Agder fylkeskommune EHF/org.nr. provided in official contact/faktura information).

- Employer payment or special arrangements: For some adult-course enrollments an employer may be billed if prior confirmation is provided; instalment arrangements can sometimes be agreed if clarified before course start.

Practical notes on who pays what

- Regular upper secondary students (with youth-right, under statutory conditions) do not pay tuition; they may still need to contribute to individually required equipment, PC user-contribution, or optional activity costs if applicable.

- Adults and other participants without statutory right to free education are charged per advertised course/semester fees as published for each adult programme. Refund and payment terms differ by course and are specified for each programme.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school has a school nurse (helsesykepleier) who promotes physical, mental, and sexual health through support and guidance, with confidential conversations and referrals when needed. The school provides mental health support through the Pedagogical-Psychological Service (PPT) and the Follow-Up Service (OT), including assessment, counseling, and guidance on education and career options. The Tankevirus course is offered by the school nurses as a three-session resilience program to help students become aware of their thinking patterns and how to change negative thoughts. The Youth Health Clinic (HFU) is available on-site at Altisenteret with regular hours; the service is free for youths up to 24 years old and no appointment is required. Mangfoldsrådgivere provide counseling and practical help to students facing cultural pressure or discrimination; there are two Mangfoldsrådgivere (one in Kristiansand and one in Arendal) who work to support equal opportunities and rights. The Rusforebyggende arbeid program emphasizes student voices in wellbeing initiatives and includes a dedicated ruskontakt for handling drug-related incidents.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school can tailor support and instruction to you so you can participate and learn as well as possible. You or your parents can request individualized tilrettelegging by contacting a counselor and applying in InSchool. Before anything is decided, the school must obtain an assessment from the Pedagogical-Psychological Service (PPT) regarding individually tailored education, and you must consent in InSchool. When tilrettelegging is approved, an Individual Education Plan (IOP) is created and reviewed annually. Individual tilrettelegging may include personal assistance, physical accommodations, or adapted teaching methods to ensure mastery in subjects.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Engelsk is taught as Engelsk 1 and Engelsk 2 within Studiespesialisering. Engelsk 1 develops advanced English skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and intercultural understanding of English-speaking cultures; Engelsk 2 deepens analysis of literature and the English-speaking world's influence on society. The courses emphasize self-directed work, with opportunities for independent study of literary texts and cross-disciplinary work in English. Internasjonal Vg1 has an extra hour per week, reflecting the program's international orientation and broader perspectives.

Mental Wellbeing

The school supports mental wellbeing through regular counseling and health services. The school nurse provides conversations about physical, mental, and sexual health and can refer students to other health services, with confidentiality. The Tankevirus course offers resilience training to help students identify thinking patterns and learn how to change negative thoughts, with three one-hour sessions. The Youth Health Clinic (HFU) is free and open to youths up to 24 years old, with no appointment required. The Pedagogical-Psychological Service (PPT) provides counseling and support for learning and mental health concerns, with confidentiality.

Safeguarding

The school's health and support staff operate with strict confidentiality; the school nurse offers confidential conversations about health and can refer to other services. Mangfoldsrådgivere address safeguarding by supporting students facing cultural pressure, discrimination, and rights issues, providing counseling and guidance. Oppvekstombudet in Agder provides safeguarding and guidance to ensure every child's right to education and a safe learning environment. The school collaborates with the Pedagogical-Psychological Service (PPT) and the Oppfølgingstjenesten (OT) to support at‑risk students and ensure appropriate accommodations. Rusforebyggende arbeid involves student input in safety and wellbeing and includes a dedicated ruskontakt for handling drug-related incidents.

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Compare International Schools in Arendal, Norway

Location

Stages

Type

Pupil Nationality Mix

Country affiliation

Bus service

Boarding Arrangements

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

Admissions

Waitlist

Location

Stages

Pupil Nationality Mix

Country affiliation

Food Options

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

Admissions

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