Ies Kista

The school is built on three core pillars: a command of both Swedish and English, high academic expectations for all students regardless of their background, and a safe, orderly environment. It promotes traditional educational values and routines, believing that structure and safety are essential prerequisites for effective learning. The school aims to prepare students to navigate an international environment while maintaining a strong foundation in Swedish culture.

The schools follow the Swedish national curriculum, with bilingual instruction where up to 50% of lessons are taught in English. Students study Swedish, English, and a third modern foreign language such as Spanish, French, or German. As an associate of Cambridge Assessment International Education, the school also provides opportunities for students to pursue extra challenges, such as the Cambridge IGCSE.

The schools aim to prepare students for success in Sweden and internationally by fostering bilingualism and high academic aspirations. Students are encouraged to reach their full potential, with many schools reporting high rates of qualification for upper secondary education (Gymnasiet). The curriculum emphasizes both Swedish and English, with national test results in core subjects often exceeding national averages.

Each school has a dedicated student health team, including school doctors, nurses, counsellors, psychologists, and special educators, to promote learning and prevent illness. Teachers provide extra support outside of regular lessons, allowing students to revisit topics in more detail. The school system emphasizes identifying student needs quickly to ensure all children can thrive.

Places are allocated based on queue time, with the earliest registration possible from 1 February in the year after a child is born. Sibling priority may apply if the sibling is already enrolled or attending an IES school. Families can join the queue regardless of their current residence, though school places are only offered to registered residents in Sweden. No entrance exams or selection tests are used for admission.

The school year typically begins in August. Specific events, such as Open House days, are managed at the individual school level and communicated through each school's website and news section.

Campuses are designed to be safe and orderly environments, often featuring closed schoolyards with supervised activities during breaks. Facilities typically include libraries for reading and study, dining areas for school lunches, and various recreation spaces. Some schools are mobile-free environments, utilizing mobile pouches to support focus and wellbeing.

Schools offer a variety of activities to enrich student life, which may include clubs such as chess, gardening, music lounges, and reading circles. Some schools also host choir competitions, sports teams, and student-led projects. Fritids and Junior Club programmes provide supervised care and activities for students before and after the school day.