Schools and Childcare
Universal education for all
Universal education is a cornerstone of Piteå's commitment to fostering a thriving community. Schools play a pivotal role in shaping fundamental values such as democracy and equality, providing every student with the opportunity to acquire new knowledge, skills, and the foundation for an independent and fulfilling life.
Welcome to Piteå's educational landscape, where children take center stage, inspiring a future built on inclusivity and learning.
Universal Education
In Piteå's municipal elementary and high schools, education is entirely free for all students. We believe in ensuring equal access to books, writing materials, and tools essential for their educational journey.
Our commitment extends to providing all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, unrestricted access to health and sports activities. Piteå municipality endeavors to minimize costs associated with sports and outdoor activities by lending the necessary equipment, fostering inclusivity.
Free School Meals
Ensuring that no child goes hungry, all school meals in Piteå are provided free of charge. Students are never required to bring their own packed lunches. Even during field trips or activities where regular lunches may not be feasible, complimentary packed lunches are offered.
Childcare during Nontraditional Hours
Piteå proudly offers parents childcare services during nontraditional hours, catering to those working evenings, night shifts, or weekends when standard school and preschool services are closed. This service is available for children aged 1 to 13 who are currently enrolled in either preschool or daytime recreation centers in Piteå.
For questions regarding childcare during nontraditional hours, email barnplacering@pitea.se.
Designed for students from six to 13 years old, daytime recreation centers in Piteå operate both before and after regular school hours. These centers, open year-round and often located on school premises, aim to support parents working or studying full-time, providing students with a comprehensive platform for personal development and education.
Preschool
Piteå's preschool system, caring for children aged one to five, serves as the first step in the Swedish educational journey. With a curriculum governed by the Education Act, Piteå boasts a high number of authorized preschool teachers, offering bilingual options.
Read more about Preschools here.
Primary School
In Sweden, education is compulsory for children aged 7-16, and it's both free and inclusive. Students at compulsory school receive complimentary lunch, with the option for special dietary considerations based on medical, ethical, or religious reasons. While most schools offer a general curriculum, some have specialized profiles.
Reserved spaces are ensured for children within a school's catchment area, prioritizing their enrollment. Legal guardians can choose alternative schools, but registration depends on available spaces. Preschool pupils, integrated into lower years, enjoy a seamless transition.
Free school transport is available for preschool and compulsory school pupils meeting distance criteria. Exceptions include cases where legal guardians choose alternative schools, incurring their own transport costs. Pupils in shared custody may apply for transport under specific conditions, renewable annually. Students with disabilities or special circumstances may qualify for free school transport with proper documentation.
Read more here.
High School
Strömbackaskolan, located in the center of Piteå, is a municipal upper secondary school with approximately 1500 pupils and 230 staff members. The school offers 14 national programs, including the individual program. Notably, Strömbackaskolan has an international profile, emphasizing student exchanges to Europe for in-depth study or cultural experiences. This initiative aims to enhance students' knowledge, understanding, and language skills while fostering a global perspective.
Additionally, upper secondary school students at Strömbackaskolan enjoy free school meals, and eligible pupils can receive complimentary bus cards. For further information, contact the school office at +46 (0)911-69 63 00.
Additional Educational Opportunities
- Music & Dance School: Piteå Music & Dance School enriches the community with creative and cultural activities, providing free courses in various artistic disciplines.
- Digital Education: Recent investments in digitalization ensure students have access to digital tools, promoting a highly digitalized education environment.
Choosing Schools
In Piteå, your child is guaranteed a place in a municipal elementary school based on your home address. However, as a parent, you have the right to choose a school other than the designated one, ensuring residence doesn't dictate your child's education.
Private Schools
For those seeking private education, Piteå offers private schools for children 0-12 years. Contact the specific school for application procedures, as they manage admissions independently of the municipality.
Here is some further information regarding private schools.