Relocating to Denmark can be an exciting chapter in the lives of many international families. With its high quality of life, safe cities, and excellent healthcare, Denmark is among the most attractive destinations in Europe for expats. However, one of the most pressing and often complicated concerns for families moving to the country is finding the best private schools in Denmark for foreigners. Especially for non-Danish-speaking parents, the task of navigating the school system can be overwhelming.
Here are the key points on the best private schools in Denmark for foreigners:
- Language barriers, varying curricula, and tuition costs make school selection a complex process for international families.
- Also, international schools in Denmark commonly offer IB, British, or American curricula, with instruction in English and optional Danish courses for integration.
- Additionally, private and international school tuition can range from DKK 30,000 to 160,000 per year, depending on the school and location.
- Moreover, top-rated schools include Copenhagen International School, Rygaards International School, and Aarhus International School.
- Admission often involves long waits and competitive processes, especially in popular cities like Copenhagen, so early planning is essential.
- Lastly, various support services, from private tutors to relocation advisors, can greatly ease your family’s transition to Danish life.
Find the Best Private Schools in Denmark for Foreigners
You don’t have to read to the end to know what the right private school for you is. We have gathered a collection of essential links to online services that can help you find the best private schools in Denmark for foreigners.
Why Finding the Right Private School in Denmark is Challenging for Foreign Families
The Language Barrier
Most public schools in Denmark teach solely in Danish. While this is excellent for long-term integration, it can be daunting for a child who speaks zero Danish. Moreover, assignment deadlines, parent-teacher conferences, and school communications are often in Danish, making it hard for parents to keep up.
Private and international schools solve many of these challenges by offering bilingual programs or entirely English-medium instruction. However, finding a school where your child can thrive academically—and socially—without facing cultural or linguistic isolation is where the real challenge lies.
Limited Availability at Top Schools
Popular private schools like Copenhagen International School or Rygaards International School often have long waiting lists for admission, especially for the early years and primary grades. Schools typically prioritize siblings and returning students, leaving new expat families with limited options unless they plan well in advance.
The availability of slots is also geographically limited, with most international and English-speaking schools concentrated in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and a few select towns. Besides, if you’re being posted to a city like Odense or Aalborg, the number of high-quality private options tends to shrink dramatically.
Curriculum Confusion: IB vs. British vs. American
Another major concern is choosing the right curriculum—one that aligns with your home country’s education system or paves the way for a smooth transition if you’re moving again in a few years. Furthermore, the most common international curricula available in Denmark include:
– International Baccalaureate (IB): Focused on critical thinking and a global perspective—popular among internationally mobile families.
– British Curriculum (IGCSE and A-Levels): Structured, rigorous; familiar to UK and Commonwealth nationals.
– American Curriculum (Common Core, AP): Emphasizes continuous assessment and breadth of study; preferred by North Americans.
Choosing the wrong curriculum could mean added stress during future moves or difficulty getting into universities back home.
Tuition Costs and Hidden Fees
Quality international education comes at a price. Private and international school tuition in Denmark ranges from DKK 30,000 to DKK 160,000 per year (approx. EUR 4,000–21,500), depending on age group, city, and language program. Some schools receive municipal subsidies (subsidized “free schools”), while others charge full fees.
And then there are additional costs—registration fees, school lunches, field trips, after-school care, and more. If your employer isn’t covering educational costs, the financial commitment can be significant.
Making the Right Social and Emotional Fit
Beyond academics, foreign parents are often concerned about the emotional well-being of their child in the new environment. Will they make friends easily? Will the school nurture both local integration and international mindset? These softer factors are incredibly difficult to measure from afar or during quick school visits.
Denmark Offers a Range of Quality Options—If You Know Where to Look
Despite the challenges, Denmark is home to some truly excellent private and international schools that cater well to expat families. These institutions offer high academic standards, language flexibility, and a global outlook—all while fostering a sense of community for your child and your family.
Best Private Schools in Denmark for Foreigners
Choosing the best private schools in Denmark for foreigners is a pivotal decision for expat families. Not only will it set the academic trajectory for your child, but it can also significantly influence how well the entire family adapts to life in Denmark. Here’s what you need to consider before enrolling and a list of the top schools that have earned the trust of thousands of international families.
What to Know Before Enrolling for the Best Private Schools in Denmark for Foreigners
1. Curriculum and Qualifications
Not all private schools in Denmark offer the same curriculum. International families need to select a curriculum that aligns with their long-term plans:
– International Baccalaureate (IB) is ideal for globally mobile families and widely accepted by universities across the world.
– IGCSE and A-Levels are recognized for their academic rigor, ideal for students coming from or moving to the UK.
– American curriculum schools generally include Advanced Placement (AP) programs, popular among US nationals.
Parents should also verify which language is used in instruction, especially for core subjects like mathematics and science.
2. Language Programs
While international schools offer classes in English, knowing whether the school also provides Danish language integration is crucial. Schools that incorporate Danish as part of the curriculum can help children integrate socially and navigate life in Denmark more seamlessly. Some institutions even require basic Danish lessons—even for international students.
3. Accreditation and Reputation
Make sure the school is accredited by relevant international bodies such as:
– The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)
– Cambridge Assessment International Education
– Middle States Association (MSA) or Council of International Schools (CIS)
Accreditation ensures quality in teaching, facilities, and student support. Additionally, reading reviews from other international parents and asking for school inspection reports can give a clearer picture of the day-to-day realities.
4. Admissions Process and Deadlines
Many international schools operate on a rolling-admissions basis, but spaces are limited. Especially for entry years (Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 6), early application is critical. Some schools require entrance exams, interview assessments, past school reports, and reference letters.
Most institutions charge an application or registration fee ranging between DKK 2,500 and DKK 5,000, which is often non-refundable. Plan ahead and budget appropriately.
5. Tuition Costs and Financial Aid
When budgeting for education in Denmark, keep in mind that private and international tuition can range from DKK 30,000 to over DKK 160,000 per year per child. Some schools offer sibling discounts or payment plans. Additionally, expat families working for large corporations might have education benefits as part of their relocation packages.
Also, a few private institutions are “free schools” (friskoler) that, while private, receive state subsidies, keeping their tuition lower.
6. School Culture and Extra-Curricular Activities
It’s easy to focus on academics, but factors like diversity, arts, sports, and afterschool activities are equally critical for a child’s holistic development. Many international schools boast over 40 nationalities among their student bodies and offer extracurricular activities from soccer leagues to music programs and robotics clubs.
Book tours or virtual walkthroughs if you’re still abroad. Talk to existing families and explore how active the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is—this often reflects the level of engagement and community within the school.
The Top Private and International Schools for Foreigners in Denmark
- Copenhagen International School (CIS) – Copenhagen
Arguably the most famous international school in Denmark, CIS offers the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) and boasts world-class facilities including its state-of-the-art Nordhavn campus. With students from over 80 countries and a uniquely global teaching staff, CIS is the first choice for diplomatic families and international professionals in the Copenhagen area.
Tuition: Approx. DKK 140,000–160,000/year
Language: English instruction, Danish taught as a second language
Website: cis.dk - Rygaards International School – Hellerup (Copenhagen)
This attractive choice offers both a Danish and an international section. The international department follows the British curriculum up to IGCSE and is known for outstanding results and small classroom sizes. Rygaards prides itself on a close-knit, community environment ideal for newly arrived families.
Tuition: Approx. DKK 90,000–110,000/year
Language: English instruction, Danish as a subject
Website: rygaards.com - International School of Hellerup (ISH) – Copenhagen
Accredited as an IB World School, ISH offers the full IB programme and has a strong reputation for academic rigor and pastoral care. It’s popular among families seeking a high-quality, English-speaking education in a more intimate setting.
Tuition: Approx. DKK 120,000–135,000/year
Website: ish.dk - Aarhus International School (AIS) – Aarhus
AIS provides the IB Primary Years and Middle Years Programs with plans to grow into the IB Diploma Programme. Located in Denmark’s second-largest city, AIS is a go-to for expat families relocating due to corporate, academic, or healthcare postings in Jutland.
Tuition: Approx. DKK 70,000–95,000/year
Website: ais-aarhus.com - International School of Billund (ISB) – Billund
Supported by the LEGO Foundation, ISB offers IB PYP and MYP and embraces creative learning aligned with play and innovation. Its links to the LEGO Group make it a unique expat-friendly school for families working in or near Jutland.
Tuition: Approx. DKK 60,000–90,000/year
Website: isbillund.org
Bonus: Apps and Services to Support Your School Search
In addition to school websites, consider using these platforms to streamline your research and application process:
– SchoolApply.org – Identify and connect with international schools worldwide; Danish schools like CIS and ISH are listed.
– ExpatFinder.com – Allows side-by-side comparison of tuition, curriculum, and facilities.
– Facebook Groups like “Expats in Copenhagen” or “International Parents in Denmark” are great for honest reviews and on-the-ground insights.
Choosing the right international or private school in Denmark may seem like a high-stakes endeavor, but with the right information and planning, you can find a wonderful fit that supports your child both academically and emotionally.
Related Services for Expats in Denmark
Finding the right private school in DeMany international parents also need access to a range of complementary services to ensure their family’s transition is smooth, stable, and comfortable.
Below are six service categories frequently sought after by expat parents alongside private school enrollment:
1. Relocation Services: Help with finding housing, setting up utilities, registering with the municipality, and navigating the Danish taxation system.
2. Private Tutoring: Personalized support for children struggling with transitions between curricula or learning Danish as a second language.
3. Language Schools: Danish language classes for both adults and children, with options for beginners and intensive learners.
4. After-School Programs and Childcare: Providers of supervised activities and homework assistance for working parents.
5. Healthcare Registration & Insurance: Assistance with registering for the public healthcare system and arranging supplementary private health insurance.
6. International Moving Services: Specialized moving companies that handle customs, packing, and transferring your household goods to Denmark.
Conclusion: Best Private Schools in Denmark for Foreigners
For foreign families relocating to Denmark, education is one of the most important – and emotionally loaded – decisions you’ll face. Lastly, navigating the system can feel overwhelming without insights into curriculum differences, tuition structures, application timelines, and general fit for your child.
FAQs: Best Private Schools in Denmark for Foreigners
1. What age can children start private school in Denmark?
Children typically start private or international school at age 5-6, similar to public schools. Some schools also offer preschool or early childhood programs for children aged 3 and up.
2. Are the best private schools in Denmark for foreigners better than public schools?
It depends on the child’s needs. Public schools emphasize integration into Danish society and come at no cost, but are taught in Danish. Private schools offer international curricula in English or other languages and may better suit non-Danish-speaking families.
3. How much do the best private schools in Denmark for foreigners cost?
Tuition generally ranges from DKK 30,000 to DKK 160,000 per year. Some partially subsidized private schools (friskoler) charge less, while fully private international schools charge more and may add registration and material fees.
4. Are the schools listed here also suitable for long-term stay in Denmark?
Yes, most offer strong academic programs that meet international standards, making them suitable for both short- and long-term expat families.
5. Is admission to private schools in Denmark competitive?
Yes. Many popular schools have long waiting lists, so early application is crucial.
6. Are there any free international school options in Denmark?
Yes. Schools like the European School Copenhagen offer international education in English or French at no tuition cost, though admission is highly competitive and usually reserved for EU citizens or children of EU-affiliated workers.
7. Do private schools help children integrate into Danish society?
Many do. Some schools offer Danish classes, and multicultural settings help students understand both local and international perspectives. However, integration varies by school and curriculum.
8. Can expat parents get financial aid or scholarships for private schools?
While rare, some private schools offer need-based aid or sibling discounts.
