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International School of Hellerup

Denmark, Copenhagen

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Danish
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 700
Type Co-educational
Opened 2009
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, Danish, Spanish, French
Strengths STEM, Languages, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

The International School of Hellerup is an international day school in Denmark offering the full IB continuum for students aged 3–19: PYP, MYP, and DP, with a Danish high school pathway (STX) also available. The primary language of instruction is English; Danish is taught as a specialist subject and through the Danish Extracurricular program. The school operates two campuses: the Primary and Middle School Campus in Hellerup (Pre-K–MYP4) at Rygårds Allé 131, and the High School Campus in Copenhagen (MYP5–DP2, STX) at Præstøgade 17. Facilities include the Hellerup Campus Library and the Matematikcenter, which offers free math tutoring and a tutoring cafe on Wednesdays. Restudy provides learning videos for students and teachers. A broad after‑school program includes Model United Nations, Creative Writing, chess, and sports, with After School Care for ages 3–10. Language development is supported by the Home Language Programme and Danish language offerings.

Rygårds Alle 131, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark

The Essentials

International School of Hellerup has 700 pupils, instruction in English, Danish.

Location

Primary and Middle School Campus (Pre-K–MYP4) is at Rygårds Allé 131, 2900 Hellerup. High School Campus (MYP5–DP2, ISH STX) is at Præstøgade 17, 2100 København Ø. ISH operates across two campuses in the Copenhagen area.

Stages

IB Continuum: Primary Years Programme (ages 3–11), Middle Years Programme (ages 11–16), Diploma Programme (ages 16–19), plus the Danish STX high school programme for upper secondary students.

Type

International day school offering IB programmes and the Danish STX high school programme.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Over 700 students representing more than 70 nationalities.

Additional learning support

English Language Support (EAL) is provided across PYP, MYP and DP. Learning Support offers three levels—Inclusive Access Arrangements, Mild, and Moderate; Intensive level is available in Primary and Middle School with associated fees.

Country affiliation

Denmark

School day structure

Morning Club (7:00–8:20) and after-school care until 17:00 for children aged 3–10.
Diving Deeper

Food Options

ISH provides a daily lunch service for all students with two options (general and vegetarian) and salads; all meat used is halal and vegan lunch is not offered. The lunch is prepared on-site at the Hellerup campus, and the weekly menu is published; lunch is compulsory for Pre-K students.

Governance and Ownership

The School Board governs ISH; the School District consists of parents and former parents who helped establish the school; bylaws are available in Danish and English translations.
Fees
One-time fees (payable with application / acceptance)
- Application fee: DKK 2,000 (non‑refundable).
- Enrollment fee: DKK 1,500 (non‑refundable, due upon acceptance).
- School deposit: DKK 9,000 (refundable subject to withdrawal conditions and settlement of outstanding fees).

Tuition / monthly programme fees (amounts shown are monthly; fees are charged for all 12 months: August–July unless otherwise noted)
- Pre‑Kindergarten: DKK 5,295 per month (mandatory lunch fee applies). Note: Pre‑K may have municipal subsidy conditions that affect this rate.
- Kindergarten – PYP5 (Primary Years): DKK 3,785 per month with valid CPR registration; DKK 6,500 per month if CPR registration/subsidy conditions are not met.
- MYP 1–5 (Middle Years): DKK 3,990 per month with valid CPR registration; DKK 6,500 per month without CPR/subsidy.
- DP 1–2 (Diploma Programme): DKK 4,190 per month with valid CPR registration; DKK 6,500 per month without CPR/subsidy. DP2 students are charged from August through June (not July). An additional monthly IB registration fee applies (see Other fees).

Sibling discounts
- Second child: DKK 350 discount per month.
- Third child: DKK 650 discount per month.
- Fourth child: DKK 1,150 discount per month.

Annual and programme-related fees
- Parent Teacher Association (PTA) fee: DKK 250 per family per year.
- Materials fee (Pre‑K through DP2): DKK 400 per student per year.
- Class activity fees:
- Pre‑K – PYP5: DKK 300 per student per year.
- MYP 1–4: DKK 500 per student per year.
- Core Week (MYP 1–3 and MYP 5): approximate amounts charged per student and paid in instalments (examples shown): MYP1 ≈ DKK 1,700; MYP2 ≈ DKK 4,600; MYP3 ≈ DKK 5,600; MYP5 ≈ DKK 4,000.
- High School orientation fees: MYP5 ≈ DKK 700; DP orientation ≈ DKK 1,300 (charged in August).
- Diploma Programme (IB) monthly fee: DKK 300 per month (covers IB registration/administration across the two‑year DP). This fee is non‑refundable if a student withdraws early.

Optional services and recurring extras
- Lunch service: DKK 750 per month (August fee DKK 375; charged Aug–Jun). Lunch is mandatory for Pre‑K.
- After School Care Programme (ASCP) — Full‑time: DKK 1,630 per month (Aug–Jun; includes Morning Club).
- Morning Club only: DKK 510 per month (Aug–Jun).
- After School Care (Middle School): DKK 650 per month (Sep–Jun; minimum numbers apply).
- Learning Support Services (LSS): from DKK 3,000 per month (Aug–Jul), based on assessment.
- Therapy services: DKK 1,800 per month (Sep–Jun) plus DKK 4,000 assessment fee.
- DP Pamoja online course (optional): approximately DKK 13,000 per course per year; late registration fees may apply (approx. DKK 3,800).

Other incidental fees and charges
- After School Care late pickup fee: DKK 200 per instance.
- Emergency lunch fee: DKK 50 per instance.
- Small music items (e.g., recorder PYP4–5): DKK 60.
- Documentation services: retrieval of archived report cards DKK 400 per report; certificates DKK 250 per document.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Monthly invoicing in advance; school fees are due no later than the first day of each month. Fees cover every month from August through July (12 months). DP2 students pay from August through June only. The full monthly fee is charged for any month in which the student is enrolled, regardless of start date.
- Direct Debit (PBS / Betalingsservice) registration is mandatory for enrolled families and must be completed within three months of the student's first day. Failure to register within this period may incur a DKK 500 monthly administration fee. For families unable to register for Direct Debit, quarterly, biannual or annual payment schedules may be arranged without the administration fee. Registration for Direct Debit uses NemID/MitID credentials and payer CPR/account details.
- Late payment process: up to three payment reminders are issued for overdue invoices; continued non‑payment for three months may result in loss of the student's place. Unpaid amounts are carried forward to the next invoice.

Withdrawal, deposit and refund rules
- Withdrawal notice: parents must provide three months' notice via the official withdrawal form. Final fee calculations depend on the submission date and special conditions apply during the re‑enrolment period (February–August). The school deposit is refundable provided proper notice is given and all outstanding fees are settled. The deposit may be used to cover the required notice period and will be applied to cover July fees for families not returning the following academic year.
- Programme‑specific non‑refunds: the monthly IB fee for Diploma Programme students is non‑refundable in case of early withdrawal. When external trips or core week activities are booked and paid for in advance, refunds are not possible once bookings are made; some trip refund exceptions apply for withdrawals before published cut‑off dates. Parents remain responsible for costs if withdrawal occurs after the school has committed financially for the activity.

Boarding / residential provision
- The school operates as a day school (no boarding provision). No boarding fees apply.

Accepted payment methods and bank details for one‑time payments
- Regular payments: mandatory Direct Debit via Betalingsservice (PBS). Alternative instalment schedules may be arranged where Direct Debit cannot be set up.
- One‑time payments (application fee, enrollment fee, deposit and other one‑off invoices) may be paid by bank transfer to the school's account. Bank details for transfers are:
- Bank: Merkur, Den Almennyttige Andelskasse
- Reg. Nr.: 8401
- Account/Konto Nr.: 0001192154
- SWIFT: MEKUDK21
- IBAN: DK7784010001192154
- Account name/address: International School of Hellerup, Rygårds Allé 131, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark.
- Credit card payment is not listed as a standard payment method in the school's payment terms; families should plan for Direct Debit or bank transfer for fees and one‑time charges. Alternative arrangements can be discussed with the school office if Direct Debit cannot be set up.

Indexing and annual adjustments
- Monthly programme fees and After School Care fees are subject to annual indexing, with a minimum increase of 2% per year.

Contact for billing enquiries
- Billing enquiries email: schoolfees@ish.dk. General IB programme email: info@ish.dk.
Academics

International School of Hellerup teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

The International School of Hellerup is an IB World School offering the full IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 3–19.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social and emotional learning is woven into everyday school life at ISH. A dedicated wellbeing framework supports student welfare and development. A dedicated child/student protection team meets biweekly to discuss and address safeguarding concerns. Student Support Services provides counseling, learning support, EAL, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and the school health service. English Language Support and Learning Support are available to help students access the IB and learn effectively. Students are encouraged to express concerns and seek help from trusted adults.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Learning Support is provided to remove barriers and maximise potential. Support may be individualised for part or all of the school day. Inclusive access arrangements include additional time, a scribe or reader, and assistive software, based on the IB Inclusion Policy. The school's Student Support Services coordinates these supports in collaboration with families. Counselling and other therapies available through SSS support students' wellbeing and learning.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English Language Support is available for students who need it. EAL is provided as part of Student Support Services. English and Danish language offerings are integrated within the IB language and literature curriculum. The school's EAL provision is designed to help students access and succeed in the IB programmes.

Mental Wellbeing

Social and emotional learning is embedded in daily practice at ISH. Wellbeing is prioritized to ensure students feel secure and heard. A safeguarding and student protection framework supports mental wellbeing across the school. Student Support Services offers counseling and access to wellbeing-related therapies as part of holistic care.

Safeguarding

All adults working in or on behalf of the school have a fundamental responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of our students. A dedicated child/student protection team with specific safeguarding responsibilities meets every two weeks or as required to discuss and address safety concerns. Staff induction includes safeguarding training and orientation to expectations. Any safeguarding concerns must be reported and recorded promptly. The safeguarding framework underpins ISH's commitment to a safe and secure learning environment.
Parent Experience

History

International School of Hellerup is a combined self-governing and independent educational institution with two departments in the Municipality of Copenhagen. The activities include an international primary school department (PYP & MYP, established in 2009), an international high school department (Diploma Programme, established in 2014), an international kindergarten (Early Years Programme, established in 2015), and a Danish high school department (ISH STX) established in 2022. The school changed its name from Østerbro International School to the International School of Hellerup in 2016. The primary language of instruction is English.

Community

ISH aims to develop thoughtful, engaged global citizens. The community helps each student develop the confidence to learn, question, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. ISH operates across two campuses: Primary and Middle School Campus (Pre-K - MYP4) at Rygårds Allé 131, 2900 Hellerup, and High School Campus (MYP5 - DP2, STX) at Præstøgade 17, 2100 København. The PTA coordinates welcoming activities and events, with monthly online meetings in the evenings and meeting slides and minutes shared in the weekly parent newsletter.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The PTA is a volunteer organisation that support parents, teachers and students. We aim to nurture a positive relationship between home and school, to welcome and help our school community and to support initiatives that enrich school life and promotes a sense of community at ISH. Each class has its own PTA Representative (all parents are eligible for this role), and we have a PTA committee that helps with welcome activities and special events. All ISH parents are automatically members of the PTA, and each family is required to pay an annual DKK 250,- PTA fee at the beginning of the school year, which is used to fund PTA initiatives and events throughout the year. In order to efficiently coordinate and carry out PTA projects, a PTA Committee is elected at the beginning of every school year. We hold monthly PTA meetings, where all parents are welcome to attend and take part in discussions about school-related issues together with participating teachers and student representatives. Please see this page for dates of our upcoming PTA meetings. There are many ways that ISH parents interact with each other and the school: ISH Community Facebook Group, Buy/Sell/Swap groups, etc. At ISH, we encourage you to follow the school's social media for updates.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The International School of Hellerup operates two campuses: Primary and Middle School Campus (Pre-K - MYP4) at Rygårds Allé 131, 2900 Hellerup, and High School Campus (MYP5–DP2, STX) at Præstøgade 17, 2100 København. The Primary and Middle School Campus is located in a residential area in Hellerup, while the High School Campus is located in Copenhagen. Both campuses are easily accessible by bike, bus, and train.

Academic Facilities

The Hellerup campus has the Hellerup Campus Library. Matematikcenter provides free math tutoring for ISH STX students, with a tutoring cafe on Wednesdays from 15:30 to 17:30. Restudy is a learning video portal available to ISH STX students and teachers, offering learning videos for all subjects.

Extra Curricular Facilities

We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities that allow students to discover and pursue their passions and develop their skills and interests. Please click on the link below to view the extracurricular activities available to students and to sign up for an activity. New activities may be added throughout the school year. Parents will be notified in the weekly school newsletter when a new activity is available.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

ISH offers a broad range of academic electives across Early Years through Middle School. Middle School provides the Junior Math Talent Team for national math contests with 13 weeks of coaching, and a Math Talent/Review & Homework Help Club. Science-focused electives include Discovering dinosaurs and Exploring science that promote hands-on inquiry. Language development is supported through the Home Language Programme and a Danish Extracurricular program.

Arts & Creative

ISH offers a wide range of arts and creative electives. Early Years features Natural Casting & Pigment Workshop and a Danish Extracurricular to foster art and language development. Ballet introduces basic dance and movement, while Ceramics Club fosters pottery. Middle School hosts Creative Writing Club and Mandala & More, supporting writing and traditional art forms.

Cultural & Language

Danish Extracurricular helps strengthen Danish language skills, and the Home Language Programme supports language development. Danish is a specialist subject in Primary School, complementing homeroom learning. The program emphasizes language development across the curriculum.

Social & Hobbies

ISH offers a vibrant array of after-school clubs that promote social interaction and hobbies. Clubs include Chess Club, MUN Club, Creative Writing Club, and Mandala & More. Sports clubs include Basketball, Tennis, Hockey, and Mini-Football providing after-school athletic opportunities. The MYP Multi-Sport Program supports team-based activities.

Community & Service

The Primary Years Programme emphasizes student-initiated action including advocacy and social justice. Model United Nations and other clubs provide platforms for students to engage with global issues and contribute to communities. These experiences support service-minded actions.

Leadership & Professional

Model United Nations strengthens leadership, public speaking, and teamwork. Creative Writing Club and Chess Club offer opportunities to lead peers within clubs. The PYP Exhibition develops project leadership and presentation skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Swimming classes in English are organized in collaboration with Hovedstatens Svømmeklub. After School Care provides Morning Club and after-school care for children aged 3-10. A broad range of physical activities including the MYP Multi-Sport Program, tennis and hockey promote fitness and well-being.
Languages

Language Provision

The school uses English as the language of instruction. Danish is taught as a language (Danish B) and Danish literature is offered. An additional world language is offered, including Spanish B; French B is offered depending on enrollment. Home language programs are available after school to support students' home language development.
Admissions

Admissions

ISH follows a five-stage admissions process: Stage 1 Enquiry, Stage 2 Apply Online, Stage 3 Review Process, Stage 4 Admissions Decision, Stage 5 Complete Enrollment. Applications are completed online via the OpenApply Admissions Portal, and a non-refundable application fee of 2,000 DKK per child is required. Stage 3 involves an English and Mathematics assessment and an interview for PYP4–DP1 applicants; other applicants may be invited for interviews or assessments as needed. Admissions decisions can be Admitted, Waiting Pool, or Not Proceeding; if a place is not available, a place may be offered from the Waiting Pool. Enrollment is completed through an online enrollment agreement with a mandatory deposit. Primary School and Middle School applications are open year‑round; High School DP admissions close on September 1 each year, with transfers from IB DP available afterward. Upcoming admissions events are listed in the admissions section.

Scholarships

ISH offers scholarships to talented students entering MYP5 (Grade 10) and above who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and active community engagement. Internal applicants (current ISH students) entering MYP5 or higher can apply; eligible candidates are invited for assessment and interview, and scholarships of 25% or 50% of school fees are awarded for one year (renewable each year). External applicants (not currently at ISH) entering MYP5 or above must first complete a general ISH application before applying for a scholarship; applications are accepted year-round and processed within about one month; start dates are determined individually. The Scholarship Committee, comprising the Deputy Head, the High School Principal, and IB Coordinators, makes all final award decisions. ISH also offers Temporary Financial Assistance for students not qualifying for scholarships, reviewed every four months and available for up to one year.

Waitlist

The Waiting Pool is used instead of a Waiting List. When a place becomes available, ISH selects the most suitable candidate from the Waiting Pool using a Best‑Fit Approach that considers both the applicant's profile and the class context. Factors include enrolled sibling priority and direct IB transfer priority, gender, nationality, English proficiency, level of proficiency in other languages, academic performance and abilities, extracurricular talents, learning support needs, desired start date, and whether the applicant is already enrolled elsewhere. Applications for PYP–MYP4 are accepted year‑round (January entry for August start); DP admissions close September 1 each year; after that ISH accepts new students transferring from an IB DP program with available subjects. Letters of Offer are issued via OpenApply. Waiting Pool decisions follow ISH and IB standards and policies.
School Events
The school has not added events