Established in 1963, Oslo International School (OIS) is a coeducational, English-language, day school enrolling students ages three to 18 years. Approximately 70% of students are from international businesses and embassies in the Oslo region. The school year extends from mid-August through mid-June. Admission to OIS is open to students of all nationalities who demonstrate the ability to access and benefit from the school’s challenging international program. OIS strives to develop culturally competent students with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The community celebrates growth and active, ethical engagement with the world around us.
Organization: OIS is an independent, non-profit educational trust under Norwegian jurisdiction. It is led by a head of school and an administrative team. The school is governed by a board of trustees with responsibility for the financial health and long-term strategic direction of the school. Board membership is by appointment and includes members from the local business and diplomatic communities, as well as two school employees. Most board members are parents at the school.
Community Activities Manager is a full-time resource that is dedicated to facilitating the transition to Norway of both students and families. This person is responsible for the family benefit program (covering settling in support, volunteering and networking opportunities, and a wide range of activities) and a comprehensive student after-school program.
Curriculum: The OIS program is academically rigorous and delivered by attentive and nurturing staff. Class sizes are small, usually fewer than 18, providing for valuable individual attention to student needs. Support teachers are available for students acquiring English language proficiency or in need of academic assistance. The school is organized into two divisions: primary (from age of three to grade 6) and secondary (grade 7 to the IB Diploma Program). The primary school teaches mathematics, literacy, music, art, drama, information communication technology (ICT), and Norwegian as “stand alone” subjects. The school also instructs other subjects through the International Primary Curriculum, which integrates social studies and science with an international focus for each unit of study. Specialist teachers are utilized for physical education, music, art, ICT, and Norwegian instruction. The secondary school is organized into two sections, lower secondary (grades 7-10), and upper secondary (“Pre-IB” through the IB Diploma Programme). The lower secondary follows a comprehensive academic program aligned with the philosophy and aims of the International Baccalaureate Program that prepares students well for the IB Diploma Programme. The school is accredited by both the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) as well as a successful five-year program evaluation through the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Graduates successfully pursue post-secondary education at colleges and universities around the world. Extracurricular activities including sports are offered after school hours. An active Parents’ Association provides a range of services and activities for the school as well.
Faculty: In the 2022-2023 school year, OIS has 130 total staff including 104 teachers, 18 of whom are U.S. citizens, 14 host-country nationals, and 72 third-country nationals. Our faculty and staff represent over 20 nationalities. All staff faculty have earned relevant degrees and/or certifications.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, enrollment was 610. These include 167 Norwegians and 359 third-country nationals. There are 88 students from the U.S. at OIS.
Facilities: The school is located about a 15-minute drive from the center of Oslo and is easily accessible by public transportation or the extensive school bus service. There is adequate playground space on the site as well as sports fields, a sports hall, and a swimming pool right next door. Specialist rooms include four science labs, two computer labs, three arts rooms, two music rooms, a drama room, a library/media center, a food science kitchen, and three gymnasiums. The primary school introduced a 1:1 iPad program in January 2015. The secondary students have access to a variety of learning technology hardware. A wireless Internet network furthermore services OIS, and all classrooms are equipped with digital projectors and interactive whiteboards.
Finances: In the 2022-2023 school year, 97% of the school’s income derives from regular tuition. Annual tuition rates for grades K-12 are NOK 239,650. For preschool, annual tuition is NOK 109,750. The school also charges an application fee of NOK 2,500, a bus fee (round trip) of NOK 17,600 and a registration fee of NOK 15,000 per student. (All fees quoted in Norwegian kroner).
Special Needs: Download the Special Needs Profile (2023 Special Needs Profile- Norway, Oslo) 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 accurate as of September 2022 and provided by the school.