Special schools in Kópavogur and Reykjavík unable to accommodate students with disabilities

Both special schools in the capital region are unable to accommodate many students with disabilities. Due to limited space, Arnarskóli and Klettaskóli, which cater to children with developmental disabilities, have had to turn away numerous applicants for school enrollment this year, just as they did in the previous spring.

Arnarskóli in Kópavogur serves children with developmental variations, including autism, with a capacity for 37 students. However, while two students graduated this past spring, over 20 applications were received. School principal Rafn Emilsson highlighted that the facility cannot accommodate an increase in student numbers, resulting in several children being denied enrollment.

Similarly, Klettaskóli in Reykjavík faced its own challenges, having to reject eleven applicants this spring because of space constraints. Students who are not admitted must enroll in their local neighborhood schools, which have varying resources for these specific needs.

A group of parents established Arnarskóli in 2017 to provide better educational services for children with significant special needs. Over the years, the demand for such specialized education has proven to be greater than initially anticipated.

Plans are underway to expand Arnarskóli, potentially increasing its capacity to 50 students, contingent on securing additional space. Currently, Arnarskóli operates in rented facilities from Landspítali, where a third of the space is used for hospital operations. The school’s goal remains to enhance its services and meet the growing need in the community.