1 best private schools in Sweden for international students. Description, rankings, 2023 fees

The history of the emergence of private schools in Sweden dates back to the 10th years of the XIX century, but the mass phenomenon became only with the introduction of compulsory general education almost a hundred years later. But even then, against the background of schools established by municipal authorities, non-governmental organizations of primary education were uncompetitive. The situation changed only after the next reform of the education system in 1992: it provided all educational institutions in the country with state funding, which made school education in Sweden as accessible and adaptive as possible.

The Swedish school system is built in such a way that children are engaged for at least ten years, starting to attend classes at the age of six (seven) and finishing the ninth grade at 16-17 years, respectively. Attendance is mandatory, such a requirement is established by the Swedish law on education.

In Sweden compulsory 9-year school education has been established:

• Primary school – from 1 to 3 grades
• Intermediate stage – from 4 to 6 grades
• High school – from 7 to 9 grades.

The highest school level is a gymnasium, where studying lasts for three years. There are 3 options for the foreign student to choose from:

• Professional programs
• Technical programs
• Academic programs.

From 1st to 3rd grade and from 4th to 6th grade of the private schools in Sweden, the students are taught by one teacher. In many schools, it is customary to divide boys and girls into different groups from grade 5. From grade 7 to grade 9, the students study according to their specialization. They have the opportunity to choose disciplines and alternative courses that they will need to get a profession.

In primary school in Sweden, the main focus is on the social development of the child: communication and games with peers, the establishment of friendly contacts. At the same time, science education takes a back seat.

Up to and including 5th grade, students do not receive grades. They don't leave children for the second year. The teacher holds individual meetings with parents several times a year so that they can track the progress of children.

From the 6th grade, the students receive grades, which are given from A to F, where A is the highest and F is the lowest. At the end of each school week, the students submit a written report on the work done, in which they write about how to complete the task and what they have learned.

The school year in Sweden starts at the end of August. It consists of two semesters: autumn and spring. Classes usually start at 08:30 and end at 14:30, but the exact time depends on the school and class.

After graduating from grade 9, the vast majority of students continue their studies in gymnasiums. To enter the gymnasium, it is necessary to graduate from school and successfully pass three final national exams: Swedish, English, mathematics. The level of requirements for graduation grades depends on the prestige of the gymnasium.

Teenagers graduating from grade 9 are offered a variety of areas of further education, which number is more than 20. School graduates can consult with a school guidance counselor on the choice of direction. The duration of study at the gymnasium depends on the direction, but on average it is 2-3 years.

The study of subjects is divided into levels. Physics can be studied at two levels of difficulty, mathematics — at five levels, and English — at seven. The higher the level, the more academic hours are given on the subject.

• Thea Private Grundskola

A private school offers bilingual Swedish-English education. The school has government accreditation, its program is based on the national standard. It is believed that it is here that the best school education in Sweden is given. An ancient school with the best teachers, an excellent level of amenities and comprehensive education, a rich extracurricular program of events from music and art to sports studying is the best choice for foreign students.

• Tanto School

The history of the educational institution dates back to 1983. It is one of the few Stockholm educational institutions which have a license for full international education in English, teaching children and adolescents from the age of six. A small independent school values its reputation very much, making high demands on applicants, which makes it possible to create a special, almost family atmosphere in the institution.

• Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet Södermalm

One of the best co-educational gymnasiums, located in the central part of Stockholm, offers an enhanced university preparation program in a friendly and cohesive team. The school cooperates with the private gym Pro civitas, on the basis of which students can improve in sports. Teachers and coaches demonstrate a high level of studying and knowledge, are ready to help in a difficult situation, give advice and listen. It offers four Swedish programs and an international Baccalaureate. Teaching of all disciplines is conducted in English, special attention is paid to law and social sciences.

Tuition is paid, the cost is about 6 thousand euro per academic year. Prices are higher in private schools. The exact price depends on the ranking of educational institution, its location, number of extracurricular activities, chosen studying program.

If the studying does not exceed 3 months, a regular visa is issued. Otherwise, it is necessary to issue a residence permit in connection with the education. The foreign students need to provide the following list of documents:

• Questionnaire in Swedish or English;
• Certificate of enrolment in a gymnasium or other educational institution;
• Confirmation of the financial ability of the student or his sponsor;
• International passport, photocopies of all pages of this passport;
• 2 colour photos for documents;
• Medical insurance.