A small school
with big ambitions
Diversity is our greatest asset
At Sandnes International School, we embrace the power of individuality together with inquiry-based innovative teaching approaches.
In an ever-changing world, students and teachers need to be adaptable and resilient. Committed to a strong, social-emotional curriculum, with a focus on creativity, critical-thinking, collaboration and communication, we are preparing our students for the 21st century.
SDIS is an International Baccalaurette World School and a proud member of both the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) and the Norwegian International Baccalaurette Schools (NIBS). SDIS is also approved by the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training.
Inspiring growth – enriching lives
Our vision
To provide a unique and culturally diverse educational experience to the local and expat community in the greater Sandnes area. We aim for our students to be kind, caring, and respectful young people who, by practicing resiliency and a growth mindset, thrive in meeting their individual learning needs and goals. We strive to develop confident global citizens who will be prepared to meet the needs and challenges of the future and help make the world a better place for everyone.
Our mission
Sandnes International School contributes to making the world better by providing its students with a holistic international education. To this end, students are encouraged to take meaningful action and lead change in a safe and positive learning environment. Every individual learners’ needs are supported, their differences are respected and their unique qualities are valued and nurtured.
Next stop, next level!
As a small international school, we offer a learning environment with a family feel – together with global ambitions and standards.
We aim to develop:
1. Global leaders with a mindset that enable them to initiate, lead and participate in socially responsible actions
2. Entrepreneurs and innovators that will generate and apply new ideas designed to impact on the world in positive ways
3. Effective communicators who manages to exchange ideas in a clear and concise way, in addition to being a good listener.
Head of School/Director’s Welcome
Welcome to Sandnes International School (SDIS) an International Baccalaureate World School in Figgjo, Norway.
At SDIS we have a distinct Vision and Mission. In essence, we strive to develop confident global citizens who will be prepared to meet the needs and challenges of the future
and help make the world a better place for everyone. At SDIS every individual learners’ needs are supported, their differences are respected and their unique qualities are
valued and nurtured.
We are dedicated to having all students reach their full potential while learning essential 21st-century skills. Creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication are part of our daily routines. We are committed to health and wellness for students and teachers alike. Our low student-to-teacher ratio at SDIS is one of our greatest strengths because we can focus on meeting the students’ individual learning needs and nurturing their social-emotional growth.
Our talented faculty, staff, and leadership come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Representing over ten different countries from around the world, it provides our students a lens through which we can develop international mindedness and global citizenship.
Founded in 2015 and relocated to Figgjo in 2022. We are set alongside the beautiful Figgjo River nestled between the peaks of Aslandknuten and Krossfjellet where our students have access to hiking trails, reinforcing the importance for children to be connected to nature. We are easily accessed from Sandnes Sentrum, Figgjo, and Ålgård and we have a dedicated stop on the Ålgård #23 bus route (Sandnes International School). Our new location provides much more indoor and outdoor space for learning
We are partially funded by the Norwegian government which allows us to keep our fees affordable and offer discounts for families enrolling two or more children. We are a non-profit school governed by a diverse group of caring individuals who value education and the well-being of children. Lastly, we are a United Nations UNESCO school and a member of the Norwegian Association of IB Schools (NIBS).
If you are looking for a school that teaches much more than academics, SDIS is here for you and your family. Please email or call to schedule a tour.
Thank you,
Best always,
Matt Manfredi
Head of School/Director
Driven by the IB mission statement
As an IB World School, we share the International Baccalaureate’s mission and philosophy to empower young people:
The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can
also be right.
