Reykjavík has standardized applications for all preschools, both city-operated and private. Following agreements signed with private preschools in December, all preschool applications must be submitted through the Vala system.
Parents who previously submitted private preschool applications through other systems must submit new applications through Vala. The city websitehas details about all private preschools in Reykjavík and applications are accepted through Vala. The same waitlist policies that apply to city-operated preschools generally apply to private ones, as outlined in the preschool service regulations. For fall 2025 enrollment, private preschools may continue following their existing admission policies. The agreement with private preschools gives priority to children with legal residence in Reykjavík who select a private preschool as their first choice between March 1 and April 15.
Parents must carefully review their children's applications
Parents can include both city-operated and private preschools in a single application. Applications must include between two and seven preschool choices. Some private preschools may only accept children who list them as their first choice.
The Preschool Admission Tracker helps parents of preschool-age children by displaying real-time waitlist data for city preschools. The Preschool Admission Tracker currently includes only city-operated preschools. Parents can check their child's current estimated waitlist position by entering their birth date.
Fall 2025 preschool placement begins March 3, and parents must complete their Vala application review before this date. No application changes or new submissions will be accepted during the placement period from March 3 to April 15. Parents may select up to seven preschools and should indicate their top choice as their first preference.