Classes off to a strong start at the temporary school campus in Laugardalur
Students and staff have settled in nicely since moving into the temporary school campus in Laugardalur on Wednesday, April 8th Fifth and sixth graders from Laugarnesskóli returned from Easter break to begin school at the new location.
The temporary school campus currently features 10 buildings that serve the school's two oldest grade levels, totaling nine classes. One building houses special education and staff facilities. Bright, spacious, and well equipped, these buildings are perfectly suited for this age group.
Additional buildings and a main facility expected this fall
Six more classroom buildings will arrive this fall, bringing the total to 16. A 900-square-meter main building will also be constructed to house a kitchen, cafeteria, an office, a staff lounge, a home economics room, and four classrooms.
Laugarnesskóli principal Björn Gunnlaugsson notes that the buildings are a fantastic fit for the school—well lit, roomy, and fully resourced. "Once these additions are in place, the plan is to temporarily relocate all of Laugarnesskóli's school operations from the current building, which will undergo extensive renovations," Björn says. In addition to the temporary school campus, seven portable classrooms on the Laugarnesskóli grounds will also host classes.
Relocating school operations essential for comprehensive renovations
The oldest section of the school building is roughly 90 years old. After recent efforts to mitigate ongoing moisture damage and mold, it became clear that all school operations had to relocate so crews could comprehensively repair the building.
Björn notes that the past few weeks have challenged the staff, who had to move the entire school operation on a tight timeline. "Staff cleared out classrooms before Easter break, the move took place during the week leading up to Easter, and educators held a planning day on the Tuesday after Easter. By the very first day back, the space was ready for students to walk into fully set-up classrooms on the very first day back."
Both staff and students are thrilled with the temporary school campus, according to Björn. "Students have embraced the change enthusiastically—full of excitement and joy—and the school grounds have proven very popular."
Acoustics and lighting set a high standard
The active portion of the temporary school campus consists of five buildings previously located at Sæmundarskóli. Crews inspected those buildings and installed modern ventilation systems. Built abroad, the other five buildings are brand new and were shipped to Iceland.
"The acoustics, lighting, and ventilation are excellent, and administrators want to be clear that this is a carefully designed, high-quality learning environment—not a stopgap solution," Björn adds.
