Moving to Södermalm with Kids – Preschool & School Guide

When international parents move to Sweden, they are often surprised by the concept of “öppen förskola” (o

When it's time for regular preschool (usually starting at age 1), the city's central waiting list system kicks in. Applications for all kindergartdens/preschools in the City of Stockholm - both municipal and most independent ones - are submitted through the same portal.

Important Rules for the Preschool Waiting List:

Warranty valid for 4 months: The City of Stockholm has a placement guarantee, which means that you will be offered a spot within four months of the date you wish to start.
Waiting time is based on the personal identification number: You can place your child on the waiting list starting when they turn 3 months old. The waiting period is calculated from the date you submit the application (if the child is older than 3 months) or from the child’s 3-month birthday.
Five choices: You may select up to 5 preschools on your application.

Preschools in Södermalm: Public vs. Private

Södermalm has a huge selection of kindergartens/preschools, ranging from traditional municipal preschools to private options with approaches such as Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Ur och Skur (outdoor preschools), or bilingual/English-language preschools.

Tips for expats: Search for a mix of municipal and independent preschools in your local area (e.g., around Katarina-Sofia or Högalid) to maximize your chances of getting your first choice.

The school system in Sweden is free of charge (funded through taxes) and ranges from kindergarten/preschool to high school.

Age	Type of School	Comment
1–5 years	Preschool	Enrollment is voluntary, but about 85% of all children attend this school. The maximum fee applies.
6 years	Preschool Class	Mandatory. A transitional year between preschool and school.
Ages 7–16	Elementary School	Compulsory 9-year schooling.
Ages 16–19	High School	Optional 3-year secondary education.

The School Election

Before the year your child turns 6, you must complete the administrative school selection process (approximately January–February).

If you do not make an active choice, your child will be assigned to a school based on relative proximity (usually the nearest public school). In Södermalm, there are several well-known elementary schools like Katarina Norra, Katarina Södra, Sofia School and Södermalm School, as well as popular independent schools such as International English School (IES).

Moving to Södermalm with Children: Open Preschools, Preschool Waitlists, and the School System Explained

Expat Favorites: What Is "Open Preschool"?

Popular Open Preschools in Södermalm:

How the Preschool Waiting List Works in the City of Stockholm (and in Södermalm)

Important Rules for the Preschool Waiting List:

Preschools in Södermalm: Public vs. Private

From Preschool to Elementary School in Södermalm

The School Election