Folkeskole

What is Folkeskole?

The Folkeskole, or “people’s school,” is Denmark’s system of compulsory education that includes:

• 1 year of pre-school (0. klasse)
• 9 years of primary and lower secondary education (1.–9. klasse)
• An optional 10th year

It aims to provide equal opportunities for learning, personal development, and democratic participation.

Public Schools in General

Children aged 6 to 16 can attend public schools (Folkeskole) for free.

To enroll in a public school, the following conditions apply:

• You and your child must have a registered address 
• Your planned stay must be for more than six months

A CPR number is not required to begin the enrollment process—unlike private schools, you can register your child immediately after registering your address. Your child is guaranteed a spot in your local district school. You may apply to a school outside your district, but placement is not guaranteed.

 Enrolling Your Child in School – Copenhagen Municipality

Most schools use a system called “Intra”, the school’s internal intranet platform. It is used for all communication between school and home, including:

• Emails and general notices
• Calendar and school events
• Parent-teacher meeting bookings
• Homework assignments

Parents and students receive access information upon enrollment.

Common rules or requirements

• Compulsory education for children aged 6 to 16.
• Curriculum includes core subjects like Danish, mathematics, and English.
• Emphasis on personal development and democratic values.

Example

For instance, if you move to Denmark with your family, your child will enroll in Folkeskole, where they will learn not only academic subjects but also social skills and values that are important in Danish society.

👉 International Schools in Copenhagen

Quick Tips for Expats

• Visit local schools and meet with teachers to get a feel for the school environment.
• Make sure to ask about Intra access and how communication works.
• Consider public vs. private school options depending on your family’s needs.

Data and Statistics