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Arendal International School

Norway, Arendal

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NOK 26,000 - 27,700
Ages 6 - 16 years
Pupil numbers 330
Type Co-educational
Opened 2006
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP)
Taught languages Norwegian, Spanish
Typical class size 24
Strengths Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Leadership and Professional, Social and Hobbies
Stages Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

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.

Julius Smiths vei 40, 4817 His, Norway

The Essentials

Arendal International School has 330 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.

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.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
No boarding facilities. AIS is not a boarding school.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a private school governed by the Norwegian educational system. It operates within the Norwegian framework for private schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at Arendal International School ranges from NOK 26,000 to NOK 27,700 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

Arendal International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP) for students aged 6 to 16.

Curriculum
The school is an International Baccalaureate World School and offers an international curriculum for students aged 6 to 16 (grades 1–10). The language of instruction is English. The student body comprises learners from more than forty nations and cultures, learning in an international setting and guided by the IB learner profile with multilingual communication. The academic year runs from mid-August through late June. The curriculum promotes local and global citizenship.
Wellbeing

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.
Parent Experience

History
Arendal International School was founded as AIS Foundation (Stiftelsen Arendal International School). The Founding members of the AIS Foundation are Gard, APL/NOV, Sevan Marine, K-Line Offshore, GRID, and UiA. The school is governed by the Board of Trustees, chaired by Bjørn Christian Heimdal Larsen, with board members Line Dahle (GARD), Anette Sørensen (GRID), Ben Boiling (NORSE), Audun Raen, Niels Kaastrup Thorbjørnsen, and Secretary Bente Pedersen. Observers include Teacher Representative Carmela Gundermann, Non-teaching staff Representative Gerrick Robinson, Parent Representative Mathilde Haraldsen, Student Representative Mohammed Safer, Arendal Municipality Political Representative Torill Rolstad Larsen, and Assistant Head of School Marius Sommer Strand.

Community
Arendal International School is located in Arendal, a town with a long history of international trade and maritime activity, which celebrated 300 years in 2023. The school maintains an activity calendar and separate school calendars for 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 outlining term dates, holidays and school events.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The AIS Parent Committee (AISPC) represents parents; at the start of each school year, each class elects two parents to serve as class representatives and as AISPC contact points. The AISPC meets about four times per term and organises a broad range of social activities for the class and the school. The AISPC elects a parent to represent the parents on the AIS School Board.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
AIS is an English-language private elementary and middle school open to all students from 6 to 16 years. AIS has a well-stocked library with English, Norwegian and other language books and magazines. A range of digital tools supports the library, including computers, iPads and a media room for film and audio work. The library is used by both PYP and MYP classes and is visited weekly by PYP students. AIS provides After School Care (SFO) with premises and a playground on site, open 14:00–16:30 for Grades 1–4. A School Nurse delivers health services under the National School Health Programme with an open-door policy.

Academic Facilities
The IB program at AIS is challenging and emphasizes independent learning and inquiry. Teaching is adapted to each student's ability, with teachers helping learners reach their potential. The School Counselor and SEL Teacher provide individual and group support for wellbeing and social-emotional learning. The AIS library serves as a core academic resource with English, Norwegian and other language books, Accelerated Reader targets and a media room for film and multimedia work. The library is used by both PYP and MYP students, integrating learning resources across programs.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Student Council is a crucial communication tool and decision-making body, with two representatives from each class elected to represent their peers for the year. The council meets regularly to discuss school improvements, student relations and issues that arise. After School Clubs provide opportunities for students to engage beyond class, with examples such as Math Club meeting weekly on Mondays from 14:15 to 15:00. AIS also offers After School Care (SFO) with a variety of clubs and activities linked to the school day. These extracurricular offerings complement classroom learning and student leadership initiatives.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program for students aged 6 to 16 (grades 1–10). The IB program is challenging and demanding; it emphasizes independent learning and inquiry with teaching adapted to each student's ability. All lessons are conducted in English, with Norwegian and Spanish taught as language classes.

Arts & Creative
The library provides a range of English, Norwegian and other language books and magazines, and features a media room for film and audio work. English-language titles are registered on the Accelerated Reader system to support reading targets. The library is used by PYP and is available to MYP classes, and the school maintains a library podcast.

Cultural & Language
The student body consists of students from more than forty nations and cultures. AIS is an English-language private elementary and middle school open to all. Norwegian language education is provided with Language and Literature for native speakers and Language Acquisition for language learners; all Norwegian teachers are bilingual in Norwegian and English. All lessons are conducted in English, with Norwegian and Spanish taught.

Social & Hobbies
After School Clubs offer opportunities for social learning after the school day; the Math Club is one example and meets Mondays from 14:15 to 15:00. The selection of clubs varies to provide informal learning contexts and social engagement.

Community & Service
The Student Council is a key communication tool and decision-making body. Two representatives from each class are democratically elected to represent students' interests for the year. Councillors pursue various initiatives, including fundraising and school spirit events, and learn through processes like drafting agendas and keeping minutes.

Leadership & Professional
The Student Council provides opportunities to develop leadership and professional skills, including understanding committee processes, preparing meeting agendas, and recording minutes under teacher supervision.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The School Nurse provides the National School Health Programme, promoting physical, mental and social health with an open-door policy and referrals as needed. The counsellor/SEL teacher supports social-emotional learning and wellbeing. After School Care (SFO) runs for Grades 1–4 (and spaces for some 5–6 students) from 14:00 to 16:30 on weekdays, with meals provided; SFO operates on school days and includes summer availability.
Languages

Language Provision
The language of instruction is English for all lessons. Norwegian language lessons are essential for student inclusion and culture, with Norwegian teachers bilingual in Norwegian and English. Language and Literature is taught for native Norwegian speakers and Language Acquisition is taught for language learners. Spanish lessons are offered as part of AIS's language program.

Bilingual Teaching
Norwegian teachers are bilingual in Norwegian and English. Norwegian language lessons are provided for native speakers and language learners, with Language and Literature taught to native speakers and Language Acquisition for language learners. All lessons are conducted in English, apart from Norwegian and Spanish lessons.
Admissions

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.
School Events
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