Breiðagerðisskóli Intake Unit

Breiðagerðisskóli operates one of two intake units in Reykjavík for students seeking international protection. 

The intake unit was originally established in spring 2019 and was located at Álftamýrarskóli for its first few years. In spring 2022, the program was relocated to Seljaskóli. In fall 2024, the division was split in two — placing the intake unit for students in grades 1–5 at Breiðagerðisskóli and the unit for students in grades 6–10 at Seljaskóli. 

Goals and priorities

On the school grounds, the intake unit has two spacious classrooms, an outdoor classroom, and the division head's office, which is used for parent meetings and other activities. The unit's goal is to provide a welcoming environment for children, many of whom come from very difficult circumstances. Some have been refugees for extended periods and have disrupted or even no formal schooling. The focus is on helping children adapt to the Icelandic school system gradually and safely so their education will be as successful as possible.

Illustrated image of a teacher in a red sweater with shoulder-length black hair standing at a board.

Staff of the intake unit

The intake unit is staffed by a head of division, two primary school teachers and one learning support assistant. The unit's staff brings extensive experience working with students from complex backgrounds.