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

Availability Not shared by this school

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.

www.aischool.no

Julius Smiths vei 40, 4817 His, Norway

Gallery

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Vibes and Culture

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The Essentials

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

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Fees

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

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

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Parent Experience

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Facilities

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Extra-Curricular Activities

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Languages

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Reputation

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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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FAQs

Where is Arendal International School located and what age range does it serve?

AIS is located at Julius Smiths vei 40, 4817 His, Norway, in the Arendal municipality of southern Norway. The school serves students aged 6 to 16, covering grades 1–10.

What curriculum and language of instruction does AIS use?

AIS is an International Baccalaureate World School offering an international IB curriculum. All lessons are taught in English, with Norwegian and Spanish offered as language classes.

When was AIS established and how many students does it serve?

AIS opened in 2006 and currently serves around 330 pupils. It is a private, co‑educational day school with a diverse international student body from more than forty nations.

What are the tuition fees for PYP and MYP?

PYP (grades 1–6) tuition is NOK 26,000 per academic year; MYP (grades 7–10) is NOK 27,700 per academic year. Fees can be paid as a single annual payment or in ten monthly installments, and they are reviewed each August in line with the consumer price index.

Are there discounts or sibling reductions?

There is a 25% discount on after‑school care (SFO) for families with siblings attending SFO five days a week, and families with more than two children receive a discount on school fees.

How does AIS handle admissions and waitlists?

AIS uses a prioritized waiting list when capacity is reached. Applications are submitted online via OpenApply with multiple deadlines, and admission decisions are issued individually; space becomes available based on the defined criteria.

What IB programs are offered and what is the language of instruction?

AIS offers the International Baccalaureate program for students aged 6–16 (grades 1–10). All lessons are in English, with Norwegian and Spanish offered as language classes.

What are typical class sizes and how does AIS support high school transitions?

Typical class sizes are around 24 students, with 23 students in grades 1–3. All students can transfer to Norwegian schools in the future, with IB grades converted to the Norwegian system for high school applications.

What facilities does AIS have on campus for learning and student life?

AIS features a well‑stocked library with English, Norwegian and other language books, plus a media room for film and multimedia work. The library is used by both PYP and MYP and supports Accelerated Reader targets. On campus there is on‑site After School Care (SFO) for Grades 1–4 with a playground, and a School Nurse provides health services.

Are there digital resources and wellbeing facilities on campus?

The library offers digital resources and a podcast, and students have access to computers and iPads for learning. The School Nurse provides health services, and a Counsellor/SEL Teacher supports wellbeing.

What wellbeing and safeguarding support is available to students?

The School Nurse runs the National School Health Programme and promotes physical, mental, and social health with an open‑door policy. The Counsellor/SEL Teacher supports social‑emotional learning and wellbeing, and safeguarding is integrated into the health and wellbeing program.

What extracurricular activities are available at AIS?

AIS offers After School Clubs and an After School Care (SFO) program with activities, including a Math Club that meets Mondays from 14:15 to 15:00. The SFO provides additional clubs and activities beyond the regular school day.

How does student leadership and governance work at AIS?

The Student Council has two representatives from each class who are elected to represent peers and meet regularly to discuss school improvements. Councillors can lead fundraising and school spirit initiatives under teacher supervision.

What social or cultural opportunities exist outside class at AIS?

The library and Accelerated Reader program support reading targets, and After School Clubs provide social engagement and collaborative opportunities for students.

What wellbeing and safeguarding support is available?

How does AIS support EAL and language learners?

AIS is conducted in English; Norwegian language education supports native speakers and language learners, with Language and Literature for natives and Language Acquisition for language learners, and Spanish is taught as part of the language program.

Is AIS bilingual or multilingual in its teaching?

Norwegian teachers are bilingual in Norwegian and English, and all lessons are conducted in English; Norwegian and Spanish are offered as language classes.

How is Norwegian language education integrated at AIS?

Norwegian Language and Literature is taught to native Norwegian speakers, while Language Acquisition is taught to language learners as part of the program.

Is AIS a boarding school?

No, AIS does not offer boarding facilities and operates as a day school.

How is AIS governed and who leads the school?

AIS is a private school governed within the Norwegian educational system. It has a Board of Trustees and a Head of School, Bente Pedersen, with observers and a governance structure that includes the AIS Parent Committee.

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