Education

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The educational system in Iceland consists of four levels: playschool, compulsory, upper secondary, and higher. Education for children and adolescents between the ages of six and sixteen means that 10 years of schooling is mandatory, and parents are responsible for their children's attendance. All four levels of education in state-run institutions are free, while private institutions charge fees.

The school year starts between August 21 and September 1 and ends between May 31 and June 10, lasting approximately nine months. Similar to the United States, there is a five-day school week from Monday to Friday. School hours generally begin between 8:00 and 9:00 am and end around 2:00 to 4:00 pm. During lunch time most schools offer hot meals that parents can buy at a fair price for their kids. During compulsory education, students have between 30 and 37 lessons per week depending on age range, however, students spend between 20 and 25 hours per week. In upper secondary education, students attend between 32 and 40 weekly lessons that last 40 to 80 minutes each. 

Students take various classes, including Icelandic, foreign languages, arts and crafts, natural science, physical education, social sciences, mathematics, information technology, and elective subjects.


https://www.iamreykjavik.com/education-in-iceland

Data: 

  • Data on the number of high school students who went to university are not available.

  • About 57% of Icelandic students get a secondary diploma (Wikipedia) 

  • Data about any division about race, gender, or democratic factors are not available.


The education system in America and Iceland is significantly different in many aspects. Icelanders spend more time on classes at school, but they are assigned much less or no homework at all. The aim is to encourage students to spend more time with their families and outdoors. Moreover, their school insurance is free. In the US, it is the opposite. Students spend less time in school classrooms, but their homework takes up a significant amount of their free time after school. Insurance is a noticeable expense for every family. 

https://images.app.goo.gl/pgCws3dGXAjh82jeA

When it comes to relationships with teachers in the US are more structured than in Iceland. Close relationships with teachers are expected due to the supportive and collaborative learning environment.

Testing knowledge is a crucial element of education. In some countries, such as the US, this system is rigorous and standardized, while in Iceland, students and teachers have more freedom to choose what is most practical and fascinating.

These elements depend on culture. In Iceland, there is a strong emphasis on family and community bonds and time spent in nature. Their education system supports and encourages students to continue these habits. 


If you would like to get more detailed information about the Icelandic system of education I would recommend visiting: https://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-education-systems/iceland/overview/ 

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