Children's Education
A community-curated guide by Iranian-Icelandic Community
Compulsory Education
Compulsory schooling in Iceland runs from age 6 to 16 (10 years total), free of charge. All children are entitled to appropriate education at their local school. Non-Icelandic-speaking children have a legal right to proper Icelandic language instruction. Special education support is available for children with learning disabilities.
Preschool and Leisure Centers
Preschools (leikskólar) accept children from 18 months to 6 years; fees are subsidized by municipalities. After school, leisure centers (frístundaheimili) operate from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM for grades 1–4. The Mentor platform (www.mentor.is) connects parents with the school for attendance, grades, and communications.
Secondary School
After completing 10th grade, students move to secondary school (menntaskóli) for 3–4 years. State schools are free; private schools charge tuition. Four schools particularly serving youth of foreign origin: Tækniskólinn, FÁ, FB, and Kópavogur College MK. Student counselors are available at all schools.