Founded in 1949, Lundheim Folk High School is the first adapted folk high school in Scandinavia. Located in the southwest of the country, the school has inclusion and accessibility for students with different support needs at the forefront of its philosophy.

Lundheim’s entire campus is universally designed, making it physically accessible for all students. Today, it is one of Norway’s most inclusive schools, both physically and socially, offering a supportive learning environment for everyone. The mix of students makes the community unique, with many students without the need for accommodation choosing Lundheim precisely because of its environment.

Making skiing accessible for all is especially important in Norway. | A year of opportunities at Lundheim Folk High School

Making skiing accessible for all is especially important in Norway.

The school offers a wide range of courses, from creative computing to sports and outdoor life, photography and film to global studies, with study trips to Africa and Asia. “Students have the opportunity to combine two courses during the school year, giving them flexibility and variety,” says Julia Rachel Frøytland, communications manager at Lundheim.

A year of opportunities at Lundheim Folk High School

Lundheim’s teachers come from diverse backgrounds and have extensive practical experience in their fields. Staff also have experience working with people with special support needs. There is a strong emphasis on relationship-building and adaptive teaching, with teachers closely following student progress throughout the year. As with other schools in the Norwegian folk high school system, there are no exams or grades. Instead, Lundheim focuses on personal development, both academically and socially. At the end of the year, each graduate receives a vitenmål, or diploma, which includes a written evaluation of personal development and learning goals achieved.

A year of opportunities at Lundheim Folk High School

Student housing is located on campus and is fully inclusive, with Lundheim placing great emphasis on safety, comfort and a strong sense of community. International students become part of school life from day one, learning the language naturally through daily use, social activities and classroom participation. “We provide support and guidance along the way, and most students experience rapid language development through immersion in the school’s social and academic environment,” says Frøytland.

A year of opportunities at Lundheim Folk High School

The academic year runs from August to May, with many opportunities for student travel. Lundheim organises a trip to the winter sports village of Rauland, and optional international trips to New York and Seoul. Within Norway, several shorter excursions take students to mountains, fjords, cities and the coastline. Students can also join a football trip to England and a design and music trip to London.

A year of opportunities at Lundheim Folk High School

Reflecting on their experiences, students often highlight the inclusive community, the safe environment, and the sense of belonging and confidence they gain. Many describe it as the first time they have been able to be fully themselves. As Frøytland explains; “The freedom to learn without pressure and the ability to explore their interests are what students remember most from their time here.”

A year of opportunities at Lundheim Folk High School

Web: www.lundheim.fhs.no
Facebook: lundheimfhs
Instagram: @lundheimfhs
YouTube: Lundheim Folkehøgskolelundheimfhs
TikTok: @lundheimfhs

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