It is typical that both parents in a Swedish family work, at least part-time. Thus the state has made provision for this, and now nearly all Swedish children attend both daycare/nursery (förskolan, "dagis", age 1-5 years) and pre-school (förskoleklass, age 6 years). Families can also apply for before/after school care for their children (fritidsverksamhet, "fritids"). School is free, but dagis and fritids incur costs, which are subsidised. This means parents will pay up to around 1000 kr/month per child (less for subsequent children).

Dagis

If you have children, you should find a school or dagis as early as possible. Dagis is available to all from the age of 12 months to 6 years, and opening hours are usually between 0700 and 1800. Many parents adapt their work schedules so that children arrive at 9 and are picked up around 15. Although longer hours are also common.

School

In Sweden, children start compulsory school in the autumn term of the year they turn 7, and stay until age 16. There is a pre-school year (förskoleklass) for 6-year-olds. The school day is from around 0830 to 1230 for the youngest children, with later hours for older children.

Outside these hours, your child may attend supervised fritids (free activities) which are usually run within the school premises. Fritids is available in the morning before school (including breakfast for early-birds) and during the after-school period. The service is also offered during the summer vacation period to continue to enable parents to work or study. It is common for children to arrive at school at 0800 and be collected at around 1600, although longer hours are often possible. Fritids is less common for children aged 10 years or more.

Gymnasium

Optional gymnasium is available from ages 17-19 and is attended by nearly all Swedish youngsters in this age group. 

More information

You can find addresses of schools, including international schools, via Skolverket, the Swedish National Education Agency. Most Swedish-language schools are free, as are pre-schools. The website has extensive information on schooling in Sweden.

The Swedish state school system comprises compulsory school and various types of voluntary schooling. Compulsory school includes compulsory basic school, school for the Saami peoples of northern Sweden, special school (for children with impaired sight, hearing or speech), and compulsory school for mentally handicapped. Voluntary schools comprise upper secondary school, municipal adult education and education for mentally handicapped adults. Neither pupils nor their parents usually incur any costs for teaching materials, school meals, healthcare, school transport, etc.   

Folk High Schools

There are today nearly 150 Folk High Schools in Sweden. Despite being separate, Folk High Schools are now a popular, important and established part of the Swedish education system. A majority of the schools are run by various popular movements, organisations and associations (NGO´s), whilst others are run by county councils or regions.