Stavanger, Norway: International School of Stavanger: 2023-2024 Fact Sheet

The International School of Stavanger (ISS) is a coeducational, English-language, day school enrolling students ages one through 18+. The school was established in 1966. Approximately 80% of its students are from families associated with NATO and the energy industry. The school year extends from mid-August to mid-June. ISS is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and holds membership with the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).

Organization: ISS is an independent, nonprofit Norwegian foundation administered by the Director and supervised by the Board of Trustees, which is composed of six representatives from the oil companies and NATO, two parent representatives, one employee representative, and the ISS Director.

Curriculum: The Early Years Program for ages 1-4 is based on the Reggio Emilia curriculum. The Early Childhood and Primary School (EC/PS) Kindergarten (Year 1) to Grade 5 (Year 6) for ages 5-10 offers an international curriculum which draws upon the best practices of both North American and United Kingdom curricular models. Children are taught by qualified teachers. Specialist instructors teach art, music, band, physical education, library, and Norwegian. A learning support team, including a speech and language therapist, is available for students who need additional assistance. The core required subjects for the middle school (ages 11-13) include mathematics, English, science, social studies, physical education, health, Norwegian, and either Spanish or French. Various elective courses, such as computer, design technology, art, and drama, are also offered. The high school (ages 14-18+) offers a broad range of IGCSE examinations (Grade 9 (Year 10) – Grade 10 (Year 11)) including art, English, English literature, French, Spanish, geography, history, mathematics, coordinated science, and information and design technologies. Since 1997, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program has been offered in Grade 11 (Year 12) – Grade 12 (Year 13)) and includes subject choices in English, mathematics, history, economics, psychology, biology, chemistry, physics, French, German, Spanish, Norwegian, art, design technology, and information technology. A wide range of clubs, sports, music, and drama offerings are available for students of all ages at the school. The school frequently organizes trips to school-related events in Europe. There is also a Norway-based outdoor education program for primary and middle school students. An active Parent Association provides a wide range of services and activities as well.

Faculty: In the 2023-2024 school year, ISS has 120 total staff including 81 teachers, 22 of whom are U.S. citizens, 7 host-country nationals, and 52 third-country nationals.  In addition to US and Norwegian, our faculty and staff represent many different nationalities, including UK, French, Mexican, Australian, Canadian, Belgian and Dutch.  All teaching staff hold teaching qualifications and degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.

Enrollment: At the beginning of 2023-2024 school year, enrollment was 514. Of the total, 117 were U.S. citizens, 87 were host-country nationals, and 310 were third-country nationals.  Across the school around 60 nationalities are represented and as such provides a rich international feel in the school.

Facilities: The school is located on a 15-acre site and includes special areas for art, music, drama, and design technology; two libraries; a 1:1 iPad program in middle school and 1:1 laptop program in high school; a 370-seat theatre; four indoor gyms; a fitness gym; a rock-climbing gym; nine science laboratories; a cafeteria with healthy daily hot lunch service; a 400-meter track; football/baseball pitches; basketball courts; and extensive play areas.

Finances: The tuition rates are available on our website. https://isstavanger.no/admissions/tuition-fee-schedule.

Special Needs: Review the Special Needs Profile for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.

This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information. Information and statistics are current as of September 2023 and are provided by the school.