In Garðabær, a part of the wider Reykjavík area, the International School of Iceland (Alþjóðaskólinn á Íslandi, or ISI) stands out as a hub for multicultural learning. Since its founding in 1960, ISI has played a prominent role in serving families who call Iceland home temporarily or long-term, adapting over the decades in response to the evolving needs of international and Icelandic society.
Originally known as the American Embassy School, ISI began with a focus on meeting the educational needs of diplomatic families. Its early years took place in central Reykjavík, later relocating to Grafarvogur, before setting roots in Garðabær. The school adopted its current name in 2006, after a period as the Reykjavik International School, reflecting its broadened identity.
The school’s academic reach has grown steadily over the years. Initially serving young children, ISI eventually extended its offerings up to grade 10. As of 2026, students can now attend ISI through all of compulsory schooling (grunnskóli), and transition directly to Icelandic upper secondary education (menntaskóli). The lower grades are based in the Thorsmork building, while upper grades use facilities at Ægisgrund 7, with shared amenities like lunchrooms and swimming pools located in the nearby Sjálandsskóli building.
ISI offers two main academic tracks. The English stream supports transient families, such as those stationed in Iceland for work with embassies or companies, often for several years. The Bilingual stream is designed with more permanent residents in mind, centring lessons in both English and Icelandic. The younger years include a varied curriculum across subjects like mathematics, humanities, art, gym and, previously, activities such as woodwork and textiles. Older students enter an international middle years pathway comparable to the International Baccalaureate (IB) model.
A distinctive aspect of ISI’s upper years is a strong project-based approach. Students take part in long-term research projects, with grade 9 learners focusing on community involvement (such as fundraising and pen pal exchanges with Zambia), and grade 10 students engaging in a capstone “Personal Project” that demands self-driven inquiry, thorough documentation and public presentation.
ISI was the earliest private institution in Iceland to offer the IB Middle Years Programme, having started in 2023, and remains the country’s sole school with this IB curriculum for grades 7–10. Assessments are a blend of international benchmarks and Icelandic national exams, ensuring students are prepared for further study in diverse education systems.
Accreditation for ISI includes membership and recognition by international school organisations, among them the Council of International Schools and the European Council of International Schools. A joint accreditation with both CIS and the Middle States Association was achieved in 2017.
Beyond academics, annual school traditions create a sense of community and connection with Icelandic nature and society. These range from berry picking excursions and tree planting outings to an annual ski trip at Bláfjöll if the Icelandic winter allows. Social and charitable activities, such as fundraising runs for UNICEF and collective letter-writing for Amnesty International, participate in global and local causes. Cultural festivities include an autumn Halloween party, winter holiday celebrations, and communal dinners and themed gatherings in spring. Creative collaborations, like a collective artwork for the school’s 20th anniversary, reinforce the values of inclusion and expression that define ISI’s ethos.
