Primary schools

Children in Iceland start compulsory primary school in the year they turn six. They will be placed in their district school, and the guardian will have to confirm the enrollment electronically.

Primary school enrollment All primary schools

Is your child starting primary school?

If your child turns six during the year, you will receive an email from the City of Reykjavík asking you to confirm your child's enrollment in your district school. But what is a district school?

On this page, you will find useful information about starting primary school. As, for example, what the children have to take with them to school and whether the children will get food during school hours.

Please note that you need to apply specifically to an after-school program for children ages 6 through 9.

School meals

Most primary school students take part in the lunch program. The cost of school meals is the same at all schools. And, you do not need to pay for school lunch for more than two children from the same household. 

Sign my child up for school meals More about primary school lunch

Schooling in another municipality

You can apply for your child to attend school in another municipality, even if the child is legally resident in Reykjavík. You must apply before April 1 of each year. 

Transferring between primary schools

In Reykjavík, there is a choice of primary school, but if the number of pupils in individual schools has to be limited, students have priority in their school district.

Reykjavík City Education Policy – Let Dreams Come True

City of Reykjavík primary schools follow the National Primary School Curriculum with reference to the Reykjavík City Education Policy. The main objective of the Policy is for all children to grow, develop and feel happy in a democratic society that is based on human rights and respect for the diversity of human life.

Through robust school and recreation activities, children and young people gain education and experience to realize their dreams and have a positive impact on their environment and society. The Education Policy is based on five fundamental elements: social skills, empowerment, literacy, creativity, and health.

Education and recreation in Northern Grafarvogur

In the fall of 2020, changes in schooling where implemented in North Grafarvogur with the aim of strengthening future school and recreational activities in the district. This was in response to a steady decline in student enrollment over the past few years. The amended arrangements for school and recreation were implemented in mid-February 2020 with the organized work of four induction groups, one for each school, led by the school management. The fourth group oversaw the entire transition process.