International School Telemark

"International School Telemark is a private international school situated in Sandefjord, Norway, offering the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) to its students."

Founded in 1991, the school has established itself as part of the broader group of international schools at Skagerak, a community of private institutions that together span early childhood through secondary education, including a kindergarten, primary school, middle school, and high school. One of the most striking aspects of International School Telemark is its setting. The school occupies the prestigious premises of the former shipyard administration buildings at Framnes, a historic waterfront location in Sandefjord. This campus carries a sense of place and character that few schools can match, combining architectural heritage with a position on the water that reflects the maritime identity of the region. For families arriving from abroad, the campus itself makes a memorable first impression and provides a distinctive backdrop for daily school life. The school follows the International Baccalaureate framework, a globally respected curriculum known for its emphasis on inquiry-based learning, international-mindedness, and the development of well-rounded, critically thinking young people. The PYP serves younger students and focuses on nurturing curiosity and a love of learning through structured exploration across subject areas, while the MYP challenges older students to make meaningful connections between disciplines and to engage with complex ideas in preparation for further academic study. Families relocating from virtually anywhere in the world will find the IB framework familiar and transferable, making transitions into and out of the school relatively seamless. As part of the Skagerak group of international schools, students at International School Telemark are part of a wider community that supports continuity of education from the earliest years through to secondary school. The high school within the Skagerak group holds recognition as an IB World School, providing a natural pathway for students progressing through the system. This sense of community and continuity is particularly valuable for expat families and relocating professionals who want their children to experience stability and consistent academic development despite the disruptions that international moves can bring. Sandefjord itself is a coastal city in the Vestfold region of southeastern Norway, historically known for its whaling heritage and today recognized as a comfortable, well-connected community within reasonable distance of Oslo. For international families, the city offers a high quality of life, natural surroundings, and a welcoming environment. The waterfront campus at Framnes places the school within this appealing setting in a way that feels both grounded in local character and open to the wider world. For families evaluating their options, International School Telemark offers the combination of an internationally recognized curriculum, a storied and distinctive campus, and integration into a broader network of like-minded schools. It represents a thoughtful choice for parents seeking academic rigor, international community, and a school environment shaped by a genuine sense of history and place.