Alternative forms of provision at the compulsory school level in Iceland. 

Private and independent schools 

Private compulsory schools exist but are few in number. In the 2024–2025 school year, 13 private schools operated at the compulsory level, enrolling almost 1,560 pupils — the largest number of pupils ever attending private compulsory schools in Iceland. Private schools are governed by the Compulsory School Act and must follow the National Curriculum Guide. They receive public subsidies and are subject to municipal and state oversight. 

Home schooling 

 School attendance is compulsory in Iceland for pupils aged 6-16, and pupils are required to attend compulsory school, according to the Compulsory School Act. Compulsory school attendance can be fulfilled in compulsory schools run by municipalities, in independently run compulsory schools, or in other recognized ways according to the Act. 

Parents who wish to be exempted from Article 3 in order to be able to teach their children at home, in whole or in part, can apply for such permission to their municipality according to Regulation no. 531/2009 on Home schooling. The school principal may grant an exemption after consultation with the school board and school services.  Children who receive home education are exempt from compulsory school attendance, but shall be subject to supervision and regular assessment and undergo compulsory uniform assessment.  Home schooling remains rare in Iceland. 

Experimental and innovative schools 

Education authorities may authorize experimental schools or innovative educational approaches. Such authorizations are typically time-limited and subject to evaluation. Experimental schools operate within the framework of the Compulsory School Act but may be granted flexibility in how they organise teaching, curriculum delivery, or school structure. 

The Hjalli pedagogical model 

The Hjalli model (Hjallastefnan) is an Icelandic pedagogical approach that uses gender-separated education for parts of the school day, with the aim of broadening children’s interests and capabilities beyond traditional gender roles. The model operates primarily at the preschool level but is also applied in some compulsory-level schools in select municipalities. Hjalli schools follow the National Curriculum Guide while integrating their distinctive pedagogical methods. 

Distance learning 

Distance learning provisions exist for pupils in remote areas or those unable to attend school in person. The National Curriculum Guide allows for distance education and web-based learning to form part of pupils’ schoolwork. Distance education is particularly relevant for pupils in sparsely populated regions where school consolidation has reduced the number of local schools. 

Special needs education 

Iceland follows an inclusive education model. Pupils with special educational needs are generally educated within mainstream compulsory schools, with appropriate support. Three public special education schools operated in the 2024–2025 school year, serving 186 pupils. Special education units or classes do also exist within mainstream schools. The emphasis is on providing all pupils with education suitable to their needs in the least restrictive environment, in accordance with the Compulsory School Act and international conventions to which Iceland is a party.