'As if the universe decided this for us': New school planned for Reykjavík

A significant milestone has been reached for Hjallastefnan, an educational institution, as it signed a letter of intent with Reitir to develop and construct a new kindergarten and primary school at Nauthólsvegur in Reykjavík. This agreement marks the end of a protracted period of housing instability for the schools, which have been without a permanent home since 2022.

“

It is as if the universe has decided this for us.

The new facility is slated for construction to commence in 2027. Margrét Pála Ólafsdóttir, founder of Hjallastefnan, expressed her profound satisfaction, likening the development to a cosmic decision. She highlighted the strong demand from parents for their children to continue with Hjallastefnan through the primary school level, a demand that will finally be met in Reykjavík. Hjallastefnan's primary school operations have previously been limited to Garðabær and Hafnarfjörður.

“

It is great that this is finally becoming a reality, but it is as if the universe has decided this for us. Since the school lost its premises in 2022, it has been difficult at times, and we have felt that children and schools are not always put first. Hjallastefnan was born under a lucky star, and I believe now that this will finally become a reality.

The planned schools will cater to approximately 250 students, a deliberate choice to maintain smaller class sizes and ensure high-quality, personalized education. This project aligns with the new city majority's emphasis on diverse and innovative educational solutions, encouraging private sector involvement in school development. Reykjavík Mayor Hildur Björnsdóttir welcomed the initiative, noting that the permanent school buildings will break a long-standing stagnation in the sector for this part of the city.

“

This is the first time new kindergartens and primary schools are permanently built in this part of the city, and thus we are breaking the stagnation that has existed in the sector in recent years. This is also in line with the new majority's emphasis on enabling private entities to participate in school activities.