Denmark’s primary education system is designed to be inclusive, student-centred, and focused on both academic and personal development. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16, with most students attending the Folkeskole, or public primary school. Thus, it’s important to have a good sense of primary schools in Denmark if you have moved to Denmark with your kids.
For foreigners, understanding the Danish school system is crucial for integrating children smoothly and ensuring they receive the best possible support. Danish schools emphasize collaboration, creativity, and independent thinking, which may be different from more exam-focused education systems abroad.
In addition to public schools, Denmark offers private and international school options, which often provide instruction in English or other languages and may follow alternative curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Montessori approaches. For younger children, childcare and after-school programs (SFO) play a key role in supporting learning and social integration.
In this guide, we give a comprehensive overview of primary education in Denmark, while more detailed recommendations for specific institutions can be found in our guides best child care, best international schools, and best private schools for foreigners.
Here are the key points in this article:
- Denmark’s Inclusive Primary Education System: The Folkeskole provides free, inclusive education for children aged 6-16, emphasizing collaboration, creativity, and social skills, with support for non-native Danish speakers.
- Alternative School Options for Expats: Private and international schools offer diverse curricula like IB and Montessori, instruction in English, smaller classes, and may charge tuition ranging from 20,000 to 150,000 DKK annually.
- Childcare and After-School Programs: Pre-school care (Vuggestue and Børnehave) and after-school programs (SFO) support early childhood development, language integration, social skills, and offer a safe environment for working parents.
- Cost and Funding of Primary Education in Denmark: Public schools are free for all children, while private and international schools have varying tuition fees; subsidies and scholarships are available to assist families.
- Performance and Social Inclusion in Danish Schools: Denmark ranks highly in PISA assessments, maintains small class sizes, fosters parental involvement, and promotes student well-being and social inclusion, especially for children of foreign background.
Understanding the Folkeskole, Primary Schools in Denmark
The Folkeskole is Denmark’s public primary school system, providing free education to all children regardless of nationality. Schools typically cover grades 0–9, with optional 10th grade in some areas.
Key features of the Folkeskole include:
- Inclusive and egalitarian education: Schools focus on equal opportunities and collaboration rather than ranking students competitively.
- Curriculum: Core subjects include Danish, mathematics, science, history, English (from grade 1), and social studies. Creativity, arts, and physical education are also emphasized.
- Language support: For children who are non-native Danish speakers, schools provide Danish as a second language programs to help them catch up.
- Learning approach: Teaching emphasizes group work, critical thinking, and independent problem solving, rather than frequent standardized testing.
- Parental involvement: Schools encourage parents to participate in school life through parent-teacher meetings and local school boards.
For foreigners, the Folkeskole offers a strong foundation in both academics and social skills, helping children integrate into Danish society while developing language and cultural competencies.
Private and International Schools
For families seeking alternatives to the public Folkeskole, Denmark offers private and international schools. These schools provide different teaching approaches, smaller class sizes, and instruction in English or other languages.
Private schools often follow alternative pedagogical models, such as Montessori, Steiner (Waldorf), or other specialized curricula. Tuition fees vary depending on the school, ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 DKK per year, and some schools offer financial aid or scholarships for families in need.
International schools are particularly popular among expat families. They provide instruction in English and prepare students for international qualifications like the International Baccalaureate (IB) or IGCSE, allowing for smoother transitions if families move abroad again. International schools also typically offer robust support for non-native speakers and culturally diverse students.
For a more detailed guide in which we dive deep into private and international schools, you may want to read best international schools in Denmark for foreigners and best private schools in Denmark for foreigners.
Child Care and After-School Programs (SFO & Clubs)
In Denmark, education and child development start early, often before children enter school. Child care options include:
- Vuggestue (nursery) for children 0–3 years old
- Børnehave (kindergarten) for children 3–6 years old
After primary school hours, children can attend SFO (Skolefritidsordning) programs, which provide after-school care for grades 0–3. These programs combine homework support, creative activities, and outdoor play, helping children develop social skills and independence.
Many foreigners find SFO programs especially useful, as they:
- Offer structured support for Danish language development
- Help children integrate socially with Danish peers
- Provide a safe and engaging environment while parents work
If you are looking for additional childcare options, we cover the topic in more detail in our guide best child care in Denmark for foreigners.
The Costs of Sending Your Child to Primary Schools in Denmark
One of the advantages of the Danish education system is that public primary schools are free for all children, including foreigners. This includes tuition, teaching materials, and most extracurricular activities. Families only need to cover costs for optional trips, school supplies, or special programs.
For those opting for private or international schools, tuition fees vary widely depending on the school, program, and grade level. Many schools also charge additional fees for extracurricular activities, uniforms, or international programs. Financial support, scholarships, or payment plans may be available to help offset costs for some families.
Here’s an overview of typical costs:
| Type of School / Program | Average Cost (DKK per year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public Folkeskole | Free | Covers all core education; small fees may apply for trips or materials |
| Private school | 20,000 – 100,000 | Depends on pedagogy, location, and grade level |
| International school | 60,000 – 150,000 | Some schools offer IB or other international programs; additional fees may apply |
| After-school program (SFO) | 1,500 – 3,500 per month | Subsidies available depending on family income and municipality |
| Extra-curricular programs (sports, arts, language courses) | 500 – 2,000 per term | Optional; varies by activity and school |
What the Numbers Say About Primary Schools in Denmark
Denmark consistently ranks highly in international assessments for education quality, inclusivity, and student well-being. Key research and statistics for foreigners to keep in mind include:
- PISA Performance: According to the OECD’s PISA 2018 report, Danish students perform above the OECD average in reading, mathematics, and science, reflecting strong foundational skills in primary education (OECD, 2019).
- Integration of foreign children: Statistics Denmark (2022) reports that about 13% of children in Danish primary schools have a non-Danish background, and schools provide specialized programs, such as Danish as a Second Language, to support integration.
- Class sizes and teacher-student ratio: On average, Danish primary schools have 20–25 students per class, allowing for individualized attention and a focus on group collaboration (Danish Ministry of Education, 2021).
- Parental involvement: Studies show that active parental participation in school life—through meetings, committees, and school events—positively impacts student achievement and social integration (Andersen & Nielsen, 2020).
- International school growth: The number of international schools in Denmark has grown steadily, reflecting the increasing number of expatriates and global mobility. According to the Council of International Schools (CIS, 2021), Copenhagen alone hosts over 15 international primary schools catering to diverse nationalities.
- Happiness and well-being in schools: Denmark ranks among the top countries for student well-being. The Danish National Institute of Public Health notes that students benefit from schools emphasizing collaboration, creativity, and social skills over competitive ranking.
Takeaway for foreigners: Denmark’s primary education system is not only academically strong but also socially inclusive. Programs for non-Danish speakers, combined with a focus on student well-being, make it an effective environment for expat children to integrate, thrive, and develop holistically.
FAQ About Primary Schools in Denmark for Foreigners
Do children need to speak Danish before starting school?
No. Public schools provide Danish as a Second Language programs to help non-native speakers integrate into regular classes. Many international schools teach in English, so Danish is not required initially.
At what age do children start school in Denmark?
Children typically start grade 0 (kindergarten class) at age 6. Education is compulsory until age 16.
Are public schools free for foreigners?
Yes. Public primary education, including the Folkeskole, is completely free for all children, regardless of nationality.
What are private and international schools like?
Private schools may follow alternative pedagogical approaches (e.g., Montessori, Steiner) and charge tuition. International schools teach in English or other languages and often prepare students for IB or other international qualifications.
What is SFO and after-school care?
SFO (Skolefritidsordning) is after-school care for children in grades 0–3. It provides homework support, social activities, and play. Many SFO programs also support language development for non-Danish speakers.
How much do private or international schools cost?
Tuition varies: private schools typically cost 20,000–100,000 DKK per year, while international schools can range 60,000–150,000 DKK per year depending on grade level and program.
How can parents support their child’s integration?
Encourage participation in school activities, engage with teachers, and consider extracurricular programs or language support. Connecting with other families and the local community also helps.
Are there financial aids or subsidies available?
Yes. Municipalities may offer subsidies for SFO and childcare, and some private/international schools offer scholarships or discounts.
