Gjesdal has several public schools, and most children attend their local neighbourhood school. In addition, there is a Christian private school (Kongstun Kristne Friskole) and an international school nearby in Figgjo, Sandnes (Sandnes International School).

Attending a local public school can offer important social benefits. It makes it easier for children to build friendships with others in their neighbourhood, walk to school together, spend time with classmates after school, and participate in local leisure activities.

You can find an overview of all public schools in the municipality
here. 

For other school-related information: Skole - Gjesdal kommune

In Norway, all children have the right to free public education. Children usually start school in the year they turn 6.

School from Years 1-10 (grunnskole) is compulsory and has two stages: Children attend primary school (barneskole) from Years 1–7, followed by lower secondary school (ungdomsskole) from Years 8–10.

Students are not separated into different classes based on their academic level, and there are no exams required to enter a school. Instead, schools aim to adapt teaching to each student’s needs within the same classroom. Students also move to the next year together with their classmates. This means that even if a student struggles in some subjects, they will continue with their class and receive support along the way.

Norwegian schools are built on values such as equality, inclusion, and respect. Teaching methods often involve dialogue, group work, and active participation, rather than only listening to the teacher. Students are encouraged to think critically, express their opinions, and take responsibility for their own learning. Teachers focus on both academic progress and social development. This means helping students build confidence, cooperation skills, and a sense of belonging. The goal is that all children feel safe, included, and able to succeed in their own way.

You can read more about the Norwegian school system here. 

If you are staying in Norway for more than three months and have a child of school age, you must contact the municipality to enrol your child in school.

If your child will be starting in first grade, you will automatically receive information about which school your child will attend (usually depending on your address) in January of that year. 

All students follow a national curriculum with both academic and practical subjects. These are designed to support learning, creativity and social development. In public schools, lessons are given in Norwegian.

Subjects include Norwegian, mathematics, science, history, geography, social studies and KRLE studies. Other subjects can be physical education, arts & crafts, music, and food & health. 

Parents may send a message to the school to request exemption from specific parts of the teaching in KRLE studies, but not from the entire subject or its learning objectives.

Schools adapt teaching to each student’s needs. If a child needs extra support, the school will work together with parents to provide appropriate support. For students with extensive and complex needs, there is also a specialized provision (Alternativ tilpassa opplæring - ATO). You can find more information here.

Newly arrived multilingual students may receive extra support in learning Norwegian. In Gjesdal, many of these students attend a language introduction program (Språkstasjon) for a period of time before joining their local school full-time.

Each school is a little different, but most days follow a structured routine. A school day may include:

• Teaching in different subjects
• Breaks and outdoor time
• Group activities and individual work

Students usually receive a weekly plan (ukeplan) with information about lessons, homework, and activities. Students receive feedback on their learning, but this is usually without grades in primary school.

Students usually bring their own lunch (matpakke) to school. At some schools, parents can order fruit and/or milk for their child. This is usually a paid subscription, and availability may vary, so you should check with your child’s school for more information.

Schools provide teaching materials and equipment needed for learning, but students are expected to bring basic items such as a school bag and clothes suitable for the weather.

SFO (Skolefritidsordning) is a voluntary before and after-school programme for younger students (typically Years 1–4). SFO offers:

• A safe place to stay before and after school
• Play, activities and social interaction

For more information on attending SFO and the parental fee, please visit Skolefritidsordning (SFO) - Gjesdal kommune.

Children attend school for about 190 days each year. There are several holidays during the year, including:

• Autumn break (høstferie) – October
• Christmas break (juleferie) – late December to early January
• Winter break (vinterferie) – late February (sometimes early March)
• Easter break (påskeferie) – March or April
• Summer break (sommerferie) – late June to mid-August

Schools also have planning days when students do not attend school. Information is shared with parents in advance.

If your child needs time off outside school holidays, you can apply for leave. The school will provide information about how to apply. Students also have the right to take time off for important religious holidays.

School and parents work closely together to support the child’s learning and well-being. This cooperation may include:

• Parent meetings
• Individual meetings with teachers
• Digital communication and weekly plans

It is important to inform the school if your child is absent or needs special support.

Schools in Norway work actively to ensure that all students feel safe, included and respected.

If a student does not feel safe or is experiencing challenges, the school will follow up and work closely with parents to find good solutions.

All students have the right to a safe and supportive school environment. If you are concerned about your child or another student, you are encouraged to contact the school.

• Some students are entitled to school transport depending on distance and safety.
• In certain situations, such as moving or if a child is not thriving at their current school, parents can apply for a transfer to another school. The reasons must be clearly explained, and each application is assessed individually, so approval is not guaranteed.
• Schools use digital tools to communicate with parents and share information:
  • eDialog
  • Flyt Skole
  • MyKid

After lower secondary school (Year 10), youth can apply for upper secondary education (videregående skole, ‘VGS’).

Upper secondary education is voluntary, but most youth choose to attend. There are different study programmes, and schools are located outside Gjesdal municipality. Students receive information and guidance about their options during lower secondary school.

For a list of upper secondary schools in the Rogaland region, please visit Videregående skoler i Rogaland - Rogaland fylkeskommune

FAU (Foreldrenes arbeidsutvalg)
Parents’ committee – a group of parent representatives who work together with the school to support the learning environment and represent the interests of all parents.

Foreldremøte
Parent meeting – a meeting for all parents in the class or school.

Foreldresamtale
Individual meeting with the teacher – a meeting where parents and teacher talk about the child’s learning and well-being.

Fravær
Absence

Friminutt
Break / recess – time between lessons when students can relax and play.

Karakter
Grade – marks given for academic performance (mainly from lower secondary school).

KFU (kommunalt foreldreutvalg)
Municipal parent committee – this committee represents all parent committees (FAU) and is a voluntary initiative. 

Klassekontakt
Class contact parent – a parent who helps represent the class and supports communication between parents and the school.

Kontaktlærer
Contact teacher – the main teacher responsible for the student and communication with parents.

Lekser
Homework – schoolwork that students do at home.

Matpakke
Packed lunch – food brought from home, usually sandwiches and fruit.

Planleggingsdag
Planning day – a day when the school is closed and staff have training or planning.

SFO (Skolefritidsordning)
Before and after-school programme – a voluntary offer for younger students with play and activities before and after school.

Skolerute
School calendar – overview of holidays and days off during the school year. Forskrift om skulerute Gjesdal kommune - Gjesdal kommune

Skoleår
School year – the period from August to June.

Timeplan
Timetable – shows what subjects the student has each day and at what time.

Ukeplan
Weekly plan – information about what students will learn, homework, and important messages for the week.

Vurdering
Assessment – feedback on the student’s work and progress.

You can always ask the school staff if you are unsure about a word or routine. They are used to explaining and helping new families.