Compulsory school
Primary and secondary education is mandatory and free where all children have the duty to participate in the education system. All children have the right and duty to participate in school regardless of residence status as long as they are living which also applies for children who are waiting for their response of their residence status here.
Schools are located across different city areas where the child is assigned school according to their living address in the municipality. This is a part of what we call "Nærskoleprinsippet" in Norwegian which means close in proximity to the school according to living address in the municipality. Public schools are owned and maintained by the municipality, while private schools usually charge a fee but provide special and adapted education to children.
Go to the English webportal to the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training (UDIR) to find facts, dictionary, curricula and framework plans, quality and wellbeing, and contact information if you need guidance.
Schools in Rana
There are seven public primary schools and two combined primary and secondary schools, and one secondary school, and two private schools in Rana municipality. Schools are geographically located according to city areas in terms of school districts in Rana municipality.
Go to Rana municipality's website to find information specifically about schools in Rana municipality.
Entrollment into Compulsory school
Enrollment into school is a right and duty for all children under compulsary school age in Rana municipality. The child enroll into school according to living address in terms of school district where they receive a letter from the school about starting school in Rana. This happens automatic when it is registered a move to Rana municipality.
However, those who are planning and preparing to relocate to Mo i Rana, and have children under compulsary school age, must contact the Team Leader Staff for Education and Culture in Rana municipality.
For those with temporary living address, find the nearest school by searching online for it, where you select the nearest school according to school district, and contact the school directly by using official contact information.
Language
The main teaching language is Norwegian, Sami, and English, in the Norwegian compulsary school. Children have the right to adapted teaching such as language training if they need it.
Use Rana municipality's website to find more information about bilingual education in schools in Rana municipality. Contact the head of bilingual unit (to-språklig enhet) if you have any questions or concerns about bilingual education, or if your child is enrolling into Compulsory school as an international pupil in Rana.
Resources
In the Norwegian education system, children are typically provided with essential and necessary school resources, including digital tools, in the learning environment. However, it is not common for public schools to offer free or paid school lunch during school hours. Private schools may vary in their policies, but there is no guarantee that they provide school lunches either.
In some cases, schools in places like Rana may occasionally offer fruit and snacks to pupils during school hours. Nonetheless, it is the standard practice for pupils to bring their own lunch, a Norwegian phenomenon known as "Matpakke." A Matpakke is typically a cold lunch consisting of sandwiches along with fruit, snacks, water, juice, or milk.
Additionally, it is customary for pupils to spend time outdoors during the free sessions between classes or subjects throughout the school day. Parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring that their children have the appropriate clothing, shoes, accessories, and equipment for school.
Nature & Outdoor life in School
In contrast to some other European countries, it is customary for children in primary and secondary schools in Norway, especially in regions like Rana, to actively engage in nature and outdoor activities during school hours. This practice includes teachers, assistants, and children participating together in various outdoor activities such as hiking, grilling, cycling, and sledding.
The integration of outdoor experiences into the educational process is considered an integral and valuable part of the teaching and learning environment. This approach aligns with what is often referred to as "The Nordic Model," a hallmark of Scandinavian education. Emphasizing the importance of connecting with nature and outdoor life is a shared value, and it is particularly prominent in schools within the Rana municipality.
Healthcare and other services
Children are given free healthcare and other services in compulsory school in Rana municipality. Children have the right to free school health service, school bus, facilitation at school, and other adjustments if they need it.
Visit the Rana municipality's website for information and guidance regarding Rana's schools.
School and Leisure Programme (SFO)
The School and Leisure Programme, known as "Skole og Fritidsordning" (SFO) in Norwegian, is a specialized arrangement designed to support children, including those with special needs, by providing before and after-school programs. The primary aim of this program is to enhance children's academic and social development through a variety of activities offered within the program.
Children are eligible to participate in the SFO program from the first to the fourth grade of primary school. This program is available year-round, with the exception of national holidays and vacation periods. It is worth noting that there is a fee associated with attending the SFO program.
Go to Rana municipality's website about SFO to find more information and guidance about this programme.