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Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction
Located in Sandsli, The International School of Bergen (ISB) is a private, coeducational day school for ages 1 to 16 offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). The Early Childhood Centre teaches in English and blends the Norwegian Framework Plan for Kindergartens with the IB PYP. Lower School follows the PYP, while Upper School delivers the MYP. Founded in 1975 as the American School, ISB now serves a diverse community and operates from a modernised campus (renovated in 2019) that includes a welcoming library, art rooms, a science laboratory and dedicated visual arts spaces. On-site gym facilities are complemented by neighborhood swimming pool and ice rink, with Bergen's countryside used as an extended classroom. ISB maintains partnerships with the City of Bergen and local organizations, supports a wide range of ASAs, and runs the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award for Grade 9 participation.
International School of Bergen has 250 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.
Location
ISB is located at Sandslihaugen 36, 5254 Sandsli, Norway. The school provides an internationally accredited education serving the business and Bergen communities, and fosters intercultural understanding and respect for human rights toward a more tolerant, peaceful and globally responsible society. The school is organized into three sections: Early Childhood Centre (Preschool 1&2, Preschool 3&4 and Kindergarten), Lower School (grades 1–5), and Upper School (grades 6–10).
Stages
The school is divided into three sections: Early Childhood Centre; Lower School; Upper School.
Type
Private, coeducational day school offering IB programmes (Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme).
Additional learning support
Learning Services and Learning and Wellbeing Support Services (LWSS) provide support for learners and wellbeing.
School day structure
After-School Activities start at 15:05 and finish at 16:05 unless otherwise stated.
Fees
Annual tuition at International School of Bergen ranges from NOK 13,200 to NOK 202,700 for 2026/27.
Application / Admission fees - Admission fee for all new students admitted to Grades 1–10: NOK 2,500 per child. If two or more children are admitted at the same time the admission fee is NOK 5,000. The admission fee is a one-off, non-refundable charge and does not apply to families who already have a child enrolled at the school.
Early deposit / acceptance - An initial deposit is billed together with the admission fee when a family accepts an offer of placement. The early deposit is non‑refundable. Acceptance of an offered place must be completed through the admissions portal within the school's stated acceptance period.
Tuition fees (school year 2026/27) — structure and billing - Billing structure shown below applies to invoices issued for the 2026/2027 academic year. Annual tuition, the amount if settled in August (2.5% rebate where applicable), and the invoiced monthly amount (invoices issued August through June) are shown for each category. Monthly invoicing is arranged as 11 monthly invoices (August through June); payment due dates are indicated below.
Early Childhood Centre (ECC) - ECC (5 days): Annual tuition NOK 13,200; August settlement NOK 13,200; invoiced monthly NOK 1,200 (August through June). ECC tuition is aligned with Bergen Kommune rules and may be subject to municipal regulation. ECC before- and after-school supervision (07:30–09:00 and 15:00–16:30) is provided free of additional charge. Students who enrol after the start of a month are charged for the entire month; no tuition refunds are given for incomplete fractions of a month.
Grades 1–10 — tuition categories (annual / August settlement / monthly) - Tuition B1 (Internationally mobile families residing in Bergen kommune, residing in Norway fewer than three years): Grade 1–10 — Annual NOK 149,044 / August settlement NOK 145,418 / Monthly NOK 13,550. Sibling reduction (second sibling) 25%: Annual NOK 111,783 / August settlement NOK 108,988 / Monthly NOK 10,163.
- Tuition B2 (Families residing outside Bergen kommune): Grade 1–10 — Annual NOK 202,700 / August settlement NOK 197,633 / Monthly NOK 18,428. No sibling reduction for B2.
- Tuition C1 (Local fee for families working for not‑for‑profit organisations; prioritized ahead of C2): Grades 1–7 — Annual NOK 84,857 / August settlement NOK 82,736 / Monthly NOK 7,715. Grades 8–10 — Annual NOK 95,935 / August settlement NOK 93,537 / Monthly NOK 8,722. Sibling reduction of 25% applies for C1 families; sibling C1 annual and monthly amounts are shown in the published schedule.
- Tuition C2 (Local fee for families with Norwegian citizenship or families resident in Norway more than three years): Same published figures as C1 for 2026/27 (Grades 1–7 and Grades 8–10) with sibling reductions where indicated in the published schedule. Families in C2 are lowest priority for seat allocation.
Discounts and sibling reductions - A 2.5% rebate is applied to annual tuition for Grades 1–10 if the annual tuition account is settled by the August settlement date (payment by August 15). The August settlement column shown above reflects that rebate amount. Sibling reductions (25%) apply for specified categories (B1 where stated and C1/C2 where stated) and do not apply to Tuition B2.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoices for annual or monthly tuition are issued for the period August through June. Annual settlement is due on August 15; monthly invoices are due on the 15th of each month (August through June). Students enrolling after the start of a month are charged for the entire month in which they enrol. No tuition refunds are given for uncompleted fractions of a month. Supervision (where charged) is billed monthly and is non‑refundable for partial months.
Supervision / before-and-after-school care (Grades 1–4) - Extended supervision for Grades 1–4 (paid service): Morning & Afternoon — Annual NOK 20,267 (invoice per month NOK 1,843). Morning only — Annual NOK 12,156 (invoice per month NOK 1,106). Afternoon only — Annual NOK 12,156 (invoice per month NOK 1,106). Supervision hours: 07:30–08:45 and 15:00–16:30. Payment for supervision is billed separately on a monthly basis; no refunds for partial months. ECC supervision within standard hours is provided free of additional charge.
Other costs and optional charges - After-school activities (ASAs): ASAs are run by independent providers and are charged separately. Parents sign up and pay ASA providers directly on a term‑by‑term basis. ASAs are therefore an additional, optional cost outside published tuition.
- Trips and specialist excursions: Certain school trips, expedition staffing (for programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh adventurous journey) and some extracurricular trips incur additional charges. The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze-level registration carries a registration charge equivalent to GBP 50 (the registration fee for the award). Expedition staffing and specific trip costs are charged as required.
- School supplies and kit: Parents are expected to supply standard stationery, swim kit, PE kit and appropriate outdoor clothing as listed on the supply lists published for ECC, Lower School and Upper School; these items are an additional parental cost. No mandatory school uniform or uniform fee is specified in the published supply lists; the published supply lists request that all clothing and personal items be labelled.
Refunds and non‑refundable items - The admission fee (NOK 2,500 per child or NOK 5,000 for two or more children) is non‑refundable. Early deposit charged at acceptance is non‑refundable. No tuition refunds are given for uncompleted fractions of a month for students who depart mid‑month. Supervision fees are billed monthly and are non‑refundable for incomplete fractions of a month. These non‑refund rules apply across the published fee schedule.
Boarding - Boarding is not available; the school operates as a day school only.
Fee payment: invoicing and how payment is processed - The school issues invoices for the admission fee, deposits and tuition according to the billing schedule (annual August settlement or monthly invoicing August through June). An invoice for the admission fee and initial deposit is issued after an offer of placement is accepted. Specific payment methods are arranged through the invoice and the school's admissions/finance office as part of the enrolment and billing process. Parents receive invoice details and payment instructions from the school's admissions and finance offices.
Important notes for parents - All published prices above are shown in Norwegian kroner (NOK). Tuition category placement (A/B1/B2/C1/C2) is determined by the school's eligibility rules (residence, nationality, employer sponsorship, etc.) and the family is responsible for providing documentation to support allocation to a tuition category. The school reserves the right to adjust fees when an offer is confirmed and to review fees annually. There are no in‑term tuition refunds for partial months.
Academics
International School of Bergen teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP) for students aged 1 to 16.
Curriculum
ISB uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum across its divisions. Lower School (Grades 1–5) follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). The Units of Inquiry make up ISB's Programme of Inquiry and use the IB's Transdisciplinary Themes to structure learning. Upper School (Grades 6–10) follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). The Early Childhood Centre blends the Norwegian Framework Plan for Kindergartens with the IB Primary Years Programme, and the language of instruction in the ECC is English.
Exam Results
Norwegian national tests are carried out in Grades 5, 8 and 9 in Numeracy, Reading and English, with ISB students exempt from English tests. ISA (International Schools' Assessment) is administered annually in Grades 3, 5, 7 and 9; ISA results indicate ISB students compare favourably with peers in other international schools and with the PISA results for individual nations.
Higher Education Progression
ISB prepares students for Diploma programmes and United World Colleges (UWC). The Erasmus+ exchange programme provides opportunities for international experience.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Learning and Wellbeing Support Services (LWSS) team provides support for every student's personal, social, emotional and educational needs. The LWSS team includes the School Counselor, the IENS Coordinator, and the English Learning Support (ELS) Coordinator, and works closely with the School Nurse. The LWSS emphasizes early contact with students and parents to discuss wellbeing and progress. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing a healthy approach to school, work, and life through self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills. ISB enables students to respect themselves, others, and the learning, social, and natural environments, aims to maintain positive social relationships, develop emotional intelligence, and achieve personal success in school and life, and delivers this through the International Baccalaureate programme.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
At ISB, students may experience learning challenges or additional needs. The Individual Educational Needs Support Coordinator (IENS) works with home room and subject teachers to ensure appropriate support. This includes differentiated resources, in-class support, team teaching, and 1:1 programmes, including writing and providing Individual Student Support Plans. The IENS Coordinator acts as facilitator between the school, parents and outside services, such as Pedagogisk Psykologisk Tjeneste (PPT) and Barn og Ungdoms Psykiatri (BUP).
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the language of instruction at ISB. Students who come to ISB without fluency in English are given the help necessary to ensure that they can fully benefit from the school programme as quickly as possible. Help may be in-class support, special ELS classes with a specialist teacher, an English Language-focused programme, or a combination of the two. English Language Support (ELS) is offered to all students who have been recognised as needing additional support in reading, writing or speaking English, and the ELS Coordinator and teachers work closely with subject and homeroom teachers to develop individualised learning plans.
Mental Wellbeing
The School Counselor provides personal counselling as well as academic and whole-class counselling support and acts as an advocate for student concerns. The LWSS coordinates Social-Emotional Learning programs with Home Room teachers. The team also supports transitioning students and their families to promote wellbeing and stability throughout school life.
Safeguarding
The Child Protection Policy places the safety and well-being of our students at the heart of ISB. It outlines procedures for child protection, legislation and guidance, and related policies, and appoints a Child Protection Officer. Staff receive ongoing training, including ECIS Level 2 Certificate in Child Protection, with robust referrals to relevant agencies. The policy recognises that some students are at increased risk, including those with SEN or English as an additional language, and commits to anti-discriminatory practices and safeguarding for all students.
Admissions
Admissions
The Admissions Process involves three steps: 1. Application Process, 2) Placement Process, 3) Welcome and Transition. 1. Application Process: Pre-school and Kindergarten admissions are in collaboration with Bergen Kommune's central database; parents apply using the ISB application form at isbergen.openapply.com in addition to the Bergen Kommune application forms; if Norwegian is difficult, information is available in other languages or contact the School Office; Grades 1–10 must complete the ISB application form in addition to submitting school records for two complete years showing evidence of formal schooling, including any available Individual Education Plans; ISB Admission Fee: new students in grades 1–10 accepting a place for the school year 2023–2024 or later will be charged 2500 NOK; admission and enrolment fees are non-refundable; if two or more students are admitted at the same time, the admission fee is 5000 NOK. 2. Placement Process: The Placement Process determines the grade a student will enter, based on learning needs, social development and chronological age, using an age-to-grade mapping. A formal offer of enrolment may be made after information from Steps 1 and 2 is received and validated. For placement, required items include samples of student work/portfolio (which can be brought on the day of the visit), information about previous placement and anticipated length of stay in Norway, standardised test results if available, and for students in grades 2–10 the specified form will be sent electronically to the previous school through Open Apply. 3. Welcome and Transition: Once assigned to a class, ISB informs the teacher about the new enrolment and appoints a buddy to help the student adjust to the new environment.
Scholarships
ISB does not offer scholarships. In Grade 1–10 a sibling reduction of 25% is offered for families who pay Tuition C.
FAQs
Where is International School of Bergen located and what is the campus like?
ISB is located at Sandslihaugen 36, 5254 Sandsli, Norway. The campus is organized into three sections—the Early Childhood Centre, Lower School, and Upper School—and the building was modernised in 2019 to include a library, art rooms, a science laboratory, and a gym, with opportunities to use neighborhood facilities like a swimming pool and an ice rink.
What age range does ISB serve and how is the school structured to accommodate different stages of learning?
ISB serves students aged 1 to 16 and is divided into the Early Childhood Centre (preschool to kindergarten), Lower School (grades 1–5), and Upper School (grades 6–10). The school offers IB programmes across divisions, with the ECC blending Norwegian and IB approaches and teaching in English.
What curriculum does ISB follow and what language is used for instruction, especially in the ECC?
ISB uses the International Baccalaureate curriculum across all divisions. Lower School follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Upper School follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the ECC blends the Norwegian framework with IB PYP, with English as the language of instruction.
What is the admission fee and when is it due?
The admission fee is NOK 2,500 per child (NOK 5,000 if two or more children are admitted at the same time). It is a one-off, non-refundable charge and does not apply to families who already have a child enrolled at the school.
How is tuition billed for the 2026/27 academic year, and what are the payment options?
Tuition can be paid as an annual amount with an August settlement or as 11 monthly invoices (August through June). An 2.5% rebate applies if the annual tuition is settled by August 15. Schedules show separate amounts for each category (B1, B2, C1, C2) and payments are due on the 15th of each month for monthly invoicing.
Are scholarships available or are there any family discounts?
ISB does not offer scholarships. A 25% sibling reduction applies for certain categories (B1 for eligible families and C1/C2). Other discounts are described in the published fee schedule and are contingent on category eligibility.
Is boarding offered at ISB?
No. ISB operates as a day school only, with no boarding facilities.
Are there any costs beyond tuition I should budget for, such as uniforms or trips?
Yes. After-school activities (ASAs) are run by independent providers and billed separately; trips and some excursions may incur extra charges; and families should budget for school supplies, PE kits, swim kit, and outdoor clothing as listed in the supply lists. There is no mandatory school uniform mentioned in the published lists.
What IB programmes are used at ISB for the different school sections?
Lower School follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), and Upper School follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). The ECC blends the Norwegian framework with IB PYP and uses English as the language of instruction.
What assessments do ISB students undertake, and how do they perform on national and international assessments?
Norwegian national tests are conducted in Grades 5, 8 and 9 in Numeracy, Reading, and English, with ISB students exempt from English tests. ISA (International Schools' Assessment) is administered in Grades 3, 5, 7 and 9, and ISB students typically compare favorably with peers from other international schools and with national benchmarks.
What opportunities exist for higher education and international experiences at ISB?
ISB prepares students for Diploma programmes and United World Colleges (UWC). The Erasmus+ exchange programme offers opportunities for international experiences and learning outside Bergen.
What on-site facilities does ISB offer?
ISB has a library, art rooms, a well-equipped science laboratory, and a gymnasium. The building was modernised in 2019 and houses the ECC, Lower School, and Upper School, with spaces tailored to each division.
Do students access facilities outside the campus for sports or field learning?
Yes. Students access neighborhood facilities including a swimming pool and an ice rink, and Bergen's countryside is used as an extended classroom for outdoor and experiential learning.
What local partnerships support the ISB campus and learning spaces?
ISB has a long-standing partnership with the City of Bergen to provide premises and facilities, and it collaborates with local organizations such as the Bergen Chamber of Trade and Commerce and Business Region Bergen.
What extracurricular activities and clubs does ISB offer beyond the classroom?
ISB offers a diverse range of after-school activities, including drama, coding, robotics, and art. Clubs include Guitar Lessons, Drawing Class, STEAM Robotics, YoungCoderz Coding, Chess, Basketball, Origami, Kids Art Club, and a Math & Technology Club.
What is the Duke of Edinburgh International Award at ISB and how does it work?
ISB offers the Bronze level of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award to all Grade 9 students, including an adventurous journey. A £50 registration fee applies, and progress is logged in an Online Record Book; students can continue to Silver and Gold at other institutions if they choose.
Are there leadership or international opportunities (like internships or partnerships) for ISB students?
Yes. ISB hosts student and university internships through its internship program and participates in Erasmus partnerships, providing leadership development and international experiences.
What wellbeing and support services are available at ISB?
ISB has the Learning and Wellbeing Support Services (LWSS), which include a School Counselor, IENS Coordinator, and an English Language Support (ELS) Coordinator, in collaboration with the School Nurse to support students' well-being.
How does ISB support English language learners and students with additional learning needs?
ISB provides ELS (English Language Support) with in-class support or dedicated ELS classes for students needing English help. The IENS Coordinator works with teachers to implement Individual Student Support Plans, and there is strong collaboration with external services when needed.
How does ISB handle safeguarding and child protection?
ISB has a Child Protection Policy with a designated Child Protection Officer, ongoing staff training (including ECIS Level 2), and robust safeguarding procedures to protect all students, including those with SEN or EAL needs.
