Students in Norway generally attend public schools for secondary education. Until 2005, Norwegian law stated that private secondary schools were illegal unless they offered a 'religious or pedagogic alternative', so the only private schools in existence were religious (Christian), Steiner/Waldorf, Montessori and Danielsen schools. The first 'standard' private upper secondary schools opened in the autumn of 2005.

There are a number of private schools in Oslo, teaching different curricula. Private schools are popular with expats, as the language of instruction is often a mix of English and Norwegian, and taught at a more affordable price than international schools.

Below are some of the more popular private schools in Oslo.

Private schools in Oslo

Karlsrud Skole

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Norwegian
Ages: 6 to 16
Website: karlsrud.osloskolen.no

Kristelig Gymnasium

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Norwegian
Ages: 8 to 19
Website: www.kg.vgs.no

Tokerud Skole

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Norwegian
Ages: 12 to 15
Website: tokerud.osloskolen.no

Further reading

►See International Schools in Oslo for more schooling options suited to expats

►For an overview of the education system in the city, see Education and Schools in Oslo

Expat Interviews

"I work for an international school (International School of Bergen) which is a great place to send your kids, especially if you are not planning to be in Norway for the long haul. Other than that the school system in my opinion is fantastic. All schools are generally equal when it comes to quality, so any school you choose will probably be great."

Learn more about the expat experience in Oslo in our interview with Selina.

Are you an expat living in Oslo?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Oslo. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.