Q&A

How to Apply for Preschool Placement?

Application to all our preschools is done through Stockholm City's queuing system. If you have questions about waiting times, parent visits, and availability of placements, you can contact the respective principal. All preschools follow the same selection rules: sibling priority and time in the queue.

Stockholm City's contact center can be reached at 08-508 00 508.

How to Apply for School Placement?

Application to Engelska School Norr and Engelska School Novia is done by both registering with each school's own queue (via the website) and through Stockholm City's school selection, which is open from January 15th to February 15th. Application to Tanto International School is made directly through the school's website.

Do You Get Priority for Schools If Your Child Attended One of Our Preschools?

Yes, if your child attended one of our preschools, you have priority for Engelska School Norr and Engelska School Novia.

Can You Attend Our Preschools and Schools Even if You Live in a Different Municipality?

Yes, you can. You apply as usual through Stockholm City's queuing system, but it's also good to contact your home municipality and inform them of your preference. Municipalities have slightly different processing procedures and generally appreciate contact well in advance.

Do You Organize Tours or Open Houses?

Preschools arrange individual tours by appointment with the respective principal. Our schools host Open Houses during the school selection period; please check each school's website for upcoming dates.

Do Parents Have Opportunities for Involvement in Preschool and School?

Collaboration with parents is vital. In addition to parent meetings and development talks, you have the opportunity to participate in the preschool's/school's parent council, where representatives from groups/classes, together with the preschool/school, discuss current topics and collaborations.

How Do You Work with Bilingualism?

In our preschools, each child group always has at least one English-speaking and one Swedish-speaking educator. Educators adhere to the "one educator - one language" principle, which aids in children's language development. In schools and after-school programs, students encounter both English-speaking and Swedish-speaking teachers.

What Are the Operating Hours for Preschools and After-School Programs?

Both our preschools and schools follow Stockholm City's guidelines regarding operating hours. Preschool hours are based on the care needs that families declare each term. Changes to care needs are to be reported to the respective principal with at least 30 days' notice.

How Much Are the Fees for Preschool and After-School Programs?

Fees are based on Stockholm City's max fee system, and you can easily calculate the fee on their website. For more information on fees, please refer to Stockholm City's website.

How Long Is the Waiting Time for Preschools?

The waiting time is typically quite long, often more than 12 months. Vacancies at preschools are most common in August, coinciding with the start of school for older children. Once you are in the queue, you can contact the respective institution to get more information about the waiting time based on your queue position and desired start month.

How Long Is the Waiting Time for Schools?

Current information on waiting times is provided by each school.

How Are Preschool Settling-in Periods Organized?

When you accept a placement offer, one of our educators will contact you. Typically, the settling-in period spans two weeks, with the first week starting with shorter visits where parents are present. The duration is gradually extended, and often, children can stay at the preschool on their own by the end of the first week. We always prioritize the child's well-being, and there's flexibility to continue the settling-in period into the second week. Details of the settling-in period are agreed upon in discussion with the educator to ensure it's as comfortable as possible for your child.

How Are Transitions from Preschool to School Managed?

If a child attends one of our preschools and continues to our schools, we organize several settling-in meetings before the summer. This allows prospective school children to become familiar with the new teachers, environment, and their future classmates. These meetings take place during school hours. Children who attend our preschools and choose other schools are directed to those schools' settling-in routines. For children transitioning from other preschools, there is a meeting in May where both parents and children are welcome to meet their teachers and receive useful information.

What Is Your Approach to Meals?

Our children and students should have access to good and nutritious meals throughout their day at preschool, school, and after-school programs. In our preschools, we serve plant-based meals three days a week, and our meal pedagogy closely follows the updated recommendations of the National Food Agency.

What Does It Mean to Have a Health Profile?

For us, physical and mental health and well-being are crucial. We work in various ways to ensure that our children and students feel well through daily physical activity, yoga, healthy learning environments, good and nutritious food, security, and a conducive atmosphere for learning. Add to this our projects related to the Sustainable Development Goals and Green Flag, such as the preschools' work on "Rörelseglädje" (Movement Joy)!

Does My Child Need to Know Anything Before Starting Preschool?

No, all children develop at their own pace!

Can I Apply for a Place Without a Personal Identity Number?

For all questions regarding preschool waiting lists, please contact Stockholm City's contact center at 08-508 00 508. For questions about school waiting lists, please contact the respective institution.

I'm on parental leave with a sibling at home. What times can my child attend preschool?

In accordance with Stockholm City's guidelines, you are entitled to 30 hours of preschool per week. The hours can be distributed over 4 or 5 days, with drop-off between 8-9 am and pickup between 2-4 pm. For the complete guidelines, please see additional information on Stockholm City's website.