Preschool
Apply through the municipality's preschool queue. Place guarantee is normally within four months; fees are income-based.
Go to Karlstad e-service for preschool application (opens in a new window)
Schools in Karlstad municipality
154 school unitsSkolkoll's statistics include school units that are open/active in Skolverket's register. Dormant units (Vilande — temporarily without students) and discontinued units (Upphörd — permanently closed) are excluded. in Karlstad, Värmland County. The three most common school forms: 77 preschool, 40 compulsory school, 32 after-school care (+6 more) (a school can have multiple forms).
Data updated: 6 October 2026. School data covers 2025/26; Kolada data may cover different periods.
The school landscape in Karlstad
Start here to understand the local offer. The main list on this page shows compulsory and upper-secondary schools with comparable metrics, while preschools and deeper statistics open in separate views where data exists.
- Compulsory
- 40
- Upper secondary
- 21
- Preschools
- 77
- Municipal
- 118
- Independent
- 36
School-form counts come from Skolverket's school-unit register for 2025/26. Kolada municipal metrics usually cover compulsory school and may use different periods.
Karlstad has 154 schools with a merit value of 228.7 (Compulsory school, Kolada 2025), which is near the national average. Teacher qualification: 80.4% (Compulsory school, Kolada 2025) (above the national average of 73.3%; National compulsory-school value, Kolada 2025).
154 schools19,049 pupils80.4% qualified teachers (Compulsory school, Kolada 2025)Growing municipality (+0.9%)
Apply for a place in Karlstad
Short guide to how to apply by school form in Karlstad.
Compulsory school
School choice is usually handled by the municipality. Dates vary; check the municipality's own calendar.
Go to Karlstad e-service for school choice (opens in a new window)Upper secondary
Apply through the regional upper-secondary admissions system. Admission results are normally published in July.
Go to Karlstad e-service for upper-secondary application (opens in a new window)Practical info
Summary — Karlstad
Five key insights about the municipality's education system.
- Schools perform on average 3.5 merit points below expectations (SALSA model).
- The share of qualified teachers (compulsory school, Kolada 2025: 80.4%) is 7.1 percentage points above the Kolada national value for the same year and school type.
- The number of compulsory school pupils is projected to decrease by 13% by 2035 (SCB forecast).
- Population is growing: +0.9% change (2025).
- Highest merit value: Nyeds skola with 259.9 points.
Key metrics — Karlstad municipality
Overview of the municipality's education system.
- Active schools
- 154
- 118 municipal, 36 independent
- Total pupils
- 19,049
- 40 compulsory, 21 upper secondary
- Average year-9 merit
- 228.7
- Compulsory school, Kolada 2025 (national avg 2025: 228.5)
- How to read the merit value
- Qualified teachers
- 80.4%
- Compulsory school, Kolada 2025 (Kolada national value, compulsory school 2025: 73.3 %)
- Pupils per teacher
- 12.8
- Compulsory/upper sec. in this municipality
Karlstad municipality has 154 schools. The municipality year-9 merit value is 228.7 points (Compulsory school, Kolada 2025) compared with national avg 228.5. Teacher qualification (80.4%, Compulsory school, Kolada 2025) is above the Kolada national value for compulsory school, 2025, of 73.3%.
Development over time
The municipality's key school metrics for the last 6 years (2020–2025). Source is shown per metric.
Merit value yr 9↓ -1.8 %
Trend: 232.8 to 228.7, down2020: 232.8 p2025: 228.7 p
Merit values have decreased by 4.1 points since 2020.
Source: Kolada, compulsory school 2020–2025
Qualified teachers↓ -1.3 %
Trend: 81.5 to 80.4, down2020: 81.5 %2025: 80.4 %
Share of qualified teachers has decreased by 1.1 percentage points since 2020.
Source: Kolada, compulsory school 2020–2025
Cost per pupil↑ +22.6 %
Trend: 115,119 to 141,174, up2020: 115,119 SEK2025: 141,174 SEK
Cost per pupil has risen by 26,055 SEK since 2020.
Source: Kolada, compulsory school 2020–2025
Common questions about schools in Karlstad
- How many schools are there in Karlstad?
- Karlstad municipality has 154 school units (open; dormant excluded). A unit can offer more than one school form; 40 of the units offer compulsory education, 21 offer upper-secondary education and 77 offer preschool. 118 of the units are municipal and 36 are independent. A total of 19,049 pupils attend schools in Karlstad.
- What are the merit values in Karlstad?
- The municipality year-9 merit value in Karlstad is 228.7 points (Compulsory school, Kolada 2025). The highest school-unit merit value belongs to Nyeds skola with 259.9 points.
- Which school in Karlstad has the highest teacher qualification rate?
- Sundsta-Älvkullegymnasiet 4 has the highest school-unit share of qualified teachers in Karlstad at 99.6%. The municipality value is 80.4% (Compulsory school, Kolada 2025).
- How much does a school place cost in Karlstad?
- The cost per pupil in compulsory school in Karlstad is 141,174 SEK per year (2025). In municipal schools the cost is 139,702 SEK per pupil.
Municipal support functions for schools
Practical information about how Karlstad organises school choice, mother-tongue teaching, student health and school transport.
The municipality has its own e-service for compulsory-school choice.
School choice window: usually 15 Jan–15 Feb. Check the municipality's own calendar.
School choice in KarlstadThe municipality has an e-service for the preschool queue and place applications.
Preschool in KarlstadThe municipality is responsible for school transport to and from compulsory school where distance, traffic safety or disability warrants it. Regulated by the Education Act (Skollagen) 10:32.
About school transport21.4% of compulsory-school pupils have a mother tongue other than Swedish. The municipality must offer mother-tongue tuition where at least five pupils request the same language (Education Act 10:7).
Cost per pupil in municipal compulsory schools: 5,267 SEK/year (2025).B
Nurse, counsellor, psychologist and special-needs teacher per Education Act 2:25.
Independent schools that admit pupils with special needs can apply for supplementary funding ("tilläggsbelopp") on top of the basic grant. The municipality of residence decides on each application from the provider.
How supplementary funding worksHow does Karlstad compare to neighbouring municipalities?See the full table ↓
- Merit value 2025
- 1/7
- Qualified teachers 2025
- 3/7
- Cost/pupil 2025
- 4/7
Skolkoll score in Karlstad
Where schools sit on the national 0-100 scale. Compulsory schools and upper secondary are shown separately because scores are calibrated by school stage.
Compulsory schools in Karlstad
Skolkoll score · compared with all compulsory schools in Sweden
Compulsory schools in Karlstad: 37 schools on the 0–100 national scale. Highest: Nordic International School Karlstad with Skolkoll score 63 out of 100. Municipal average 54, neutral midpoint 50.
37 compulsory schools with Skolkoll score
Upper secondary schools in Karlstad
Skolkoll score · compared with all upper secondary schools in Sweden
Upper secondary schools in Karlstad: 20 schools on the 0–100 national scale. Highest: Sundsta-Älvkullegymnasiet 5 with Skolkoll score 74 out of 100. Municipal average 54, neutral midpoint 50.
20 upper secondary schools with Skolkoll score
See compulsory schools in Karlstad ranked by Skolkoll score →
Compulsory schools and upper secondary in Karlstad
Compare schools| School | Forms | Provider | Pupils | Qual. teachers | Skolkoll score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backa Friskola | Adapted compulsory school, After-school care, Compulsory school, Preschool class | Nyed Friskola Ekonomisk förening | 60 | 74.8% | Skolkoll score 58 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Drottning Blankas Gymnasieskola Karlstad 1 | Upper secondary school | AcadeMedia AB | 120 | 86.3% | Skolkoll score 51 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Drottning Blankas gymnasieskola Karlstad 2 | Upper secondary school | AcadeMedia AB | — | 85.1% | Skolkoll score 55 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Färjestadsskolan | After-school care, Compulsory school, Preschool class | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 520 | 89.3% | Skolkoll score 60 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Fredricelundsskolan | After-school care, Compulsory school, Preschool class | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 250 | 60.9% | Skolkoll score 46 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Fria Läroverken Karlstad | Upper secondary school | Watma Group AB | 580 | 75.7% | Skolkoll score 51 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Friskolan Stellatus | After-school care, Compulsory school, Preschool class | Friskolan Stellatus Ekonomisk förening | 100 | 73.7% | Skolkoll score 54 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Frödingskolan | After-school care, Compulsory school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 290 | 79.1% | Skolkoll score 45 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Frödingskolan AG | Adapted compulsory school, After-school care | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | — | — | No score |
| Hagaborgsskolan | After-school care, Compulsory school, Preschool class | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 160 | 84.6% | Skolkoll score 56 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Herrhagsskolan 4-6 | After-school care, Compulsory school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 170 | 78.6% | Skolkoll score 52 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Herrhagsskolan AG | Adapted compulsory school, After-school care | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | — | — | No score |
| Herrhagsskolan F-3 | After-school care, Compulsory school, Preschool class | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 180 | 82.1% | Skolkoll score 55 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Hultsbergsskolan | After-school care, Compulsory school, Preschool class | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 590 | 82.4% | Skolkoll score 54 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Hultsbergsskolan AG | Adapted compulsory school, After-school care | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | — | — | No score |
| Ilandaskolan | Compulsory school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 510 | 85.2% | Skolkoll score 55 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Ilandaskolan AG | Adapted compulsory school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | — | — | No score |
| Internationella Engelska Skolan Karlstad | Compulsory school, Open leisure-time activities | Internationella Engelska Skolan i Sverige Holdings AB | 550 | — | Skolkoll score 55 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Karlstads Globala Gymnasium | Upper secondary school | 5592340144 | 410 | 98.3% | Skolkoll score 61 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Karlstads gymnasieingenjörsutbildning | Upper secondary school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | — | — | No score |
| Kronoparksskolan | After-school care, Compulsory school, Preschool class | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 210 | 70.3% | Skolkoll score 47 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Kronoparksskolan AG | Adapted compulsory school, After-school care | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | — | — | No score |
| Kroppkärrskolan 4-6 | Compulsory school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 200 | 81.1% | Skolkoll score 55 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Kroppkärrsskolan F-3 | After-school care, Compulsory school, Preschool class | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 170 | 91.3% | Skolkoll score 59 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Kvarnbergsskolan | After-school care, Compulsory school, Preschool class | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 290 | 90.9% | Skolkoll score 61 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Lillerudsgymnasiet AB | Adult education, Upper secondary school | LILLERUDSGYMNASIET AB | 270 | 71.9% | Skolkoll score 58 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Mariebergsskolan | Compulsory school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 460 | 83% | Skolkoll score 50 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Nobelgymnasiet 1 | Adult education, Upper secondary school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 290 | 98.8% | Skolkoll score 57 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Nobelgymnasiet 2 | Upper secondary school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 310 | 57.6% | Skolkoll score 43 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Nobelgymnasiet 3 | Adult education, Upper secondary school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 250 | 58% | Skolkoll score 38 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Nobelgymnasiet 4 | Upper secondary school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 150 | 86.7% | Skolkoll score 46 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Nobelgymnasiet 5 | Adapted upper secondary school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | — | — | No score |
| Nordic International School Karlstad | Compulsory school | Watma Group AB | 340 | — | Skolkoll score 63 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Norrstrandsskolan 4-6 | After-school care, Compulsory school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 200 | 82.6% | Skolkoll score 57 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Norrstrandsskolan 7-9 | Compulsory school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 520 | 83.1% | Skolkoll score 55 out of 100. Composite index. |
| NTI Gymnasiet Karlstad | Upper secondary school | AcadeMedia AB | 160 | 71.4% | Skolkoll score 38 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Nyeds skola | After-school care, Compulsory school, Preschool class | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 320 | 63.1% | Skolkoll score 55 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Orrholmsskolan | After-school care, Compulsory school, Preschool class | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 130 | 80.5% | Skolkoll score 58 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Praktiska Gymnasiet Karlstad | Upper secondary school | AcadeMedia AB | 370 | 72.5% | Skolkoll score 31 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Råtorpsskolan | After-school care, Compulsory school, Preschool class | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 200 | 81.4% | Skolkoll score 56 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Realgymnasiet Karlstad | Upper secondary school | Gen Futura AB | 150 | 61.4% | Skolkoll score 52 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Resursskola Marieberg | Compulsory school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 10 | 62.4% | Skolkoll score 50 out of 100. Composite index. Limited confidence. |
| Resursskola Orrholmen 4-6 | Compulsory school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | — | — | No score |
| Resursskola Orrholmen 7-9 | Compulsory school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | — | — | No score |
| Resursskola Rud | Compulsory school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 10 | 57.1% | Skolkoll score 48 out of 100. Composite index. Limited confidence. |
| Rudsskolan | Compulsory school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 540 | 85% | Skolkoll score 63 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Skåreskolan | After-school care, Compulsory school | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 190 | 85.2% | Skolkoll score 60 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Skattkärrsskolan | After-school care, Compulsory school, Preschool class | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 420 | 88.8% | Skolkoll score 61 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Södra Råtorps skola | After-school care, Compulsory school, Preschool class | KARLSTADS KOMMUN | 70 | 85.2% | Skolkoll score 57 out of 100. Composite index. |
| Solstadens skola | After-school care, Compulsory school, Preschool class | Edukatus Alliance Holding AB | 120 | 50.8% | Skolkoll score 29 out of 100. Composite index. |
Preschools in KarlstadKarlstad has 77 preschools. Group sizes, staff and after-school care are listed separately.
See preschools Neighbouring municipalities
The 6 closest municipalities by geographic distance. Each comparison cell shows both a value and status: better than neighbour average / in line with neighbour average / worse than neighbour average (±3 %).
| Municipality | Distance | Merit value (2025) | Qual. teachers (2025) | Cost/pupil (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karlstad you | — | 228.7Better than neighbour average | 80.4%Better than neighbour average | 141,174 SEKBetter than neighbour average |
| Hammarö | 8 km | 225.4Better than neighbour average | 83.5%Better than neighbour average | 150,726 SEKIn line with neighbour average |
| Forshaga | 17.7 km | 210.4In line with neighbour average | 75.8%In line with neighbour average | 138,641 SEKBetter than neighbour average |
| Kil | 17.8 km | 220.1Better than neighbour average | 73.3%Worse than neighbour average | 135,851 SEKBetter than neighbour average |
| Grums | 25.6 km | 194.4Worse than neighbour average | 84.8%Better than neighbour average | 152,340 SEKWorse than neighbour average |
| Kristinehamn | 36.7 km | 205.6In line with neighbour average | 67%Worse than neighbour average | 140,086 SEKBetter than neighbour average |
| Säffle | 44.4 km | 206.7In line with neighbour average | 75.4%In line with neighbour average | 165,163 SEKWorse than neighbour average |
| Neighbour avg | 210.4 | 76.6% | 147,134 SEK |
Merit value, qualified teachers and cost/pupil in the neighbour comparison come from Kolada, compulsory school. Only neighbour values from the same Kolada year as the selected municipality are compared (merit value 2025, qualified teachers 2025, cost/pupil 2025).For statistical peers (KNN) and SCB peer-group benchmark, see municipal data.
Explore the statistics in depth
Detailed statistics for Karlstad municipality, organised by school form and theme. Click for full tables, trends and comparisons.
Compulsory schoolsAll compulsory schools with merit values, teachers and grade distribution.Upper secondaryProgrammes, graduation rates and pathways to higher education.Preschool and childcarePreschools, fritidshem and pedagogical care with key metrics.Safety and study environmentSchool Inspectorate survey results for safety and study peace.Demographics and youthPopulation, household types, child welfare and economic conditions.All municipal dataEconomy, society, environment, adult education and SCB peer benchmark.
Statistics: school year 2025/26. Source: Skolverket, SCB, Kolada.Glossary · About the data.
— = data not available from source.
National comparison
See how Karlstad municipality compares in a national perspective.
Timeline — school events in Karlstad
Sundsta-Älvkullegymnasiet 1: Address changed from Sundstavägen 27, 65463 Karlstad to Sävegatan 7, 65463 Karlstad
Sundsta-Älvkullegymnasiet 2: Address changed from Sundstavägen 27, 65463 Karlstad to Sävegatan 7, 65463 Karlstad
Nyeds skola: Address changed from Skolgatan 3, 65560 Molkom to Graningevägen 2A, 65560 Molkom
Herrhagsskolan 4-6: Address changed from Karlagatan 28, 65346 Karlstad to Karlagatan 28, 65223 Karlstad
Herrhagsskolan AG: Address changed from Karlagatan 28, 65346 Karlstad to Karlagatan 28, 65223 Karlstad
Herrhagsskolan F-3: Address changed from Karlagatan 28, 65346 Karlstad to Karlagatan 28, 65223 Karlstad
Mariebergsskolan: Address changed from Rosenborgsgatan 28, 65461 Karlstad to Rosenborgsgatan 28, 65230 Karlstad
Resursskola Marieberg: Address changed from Rosenborgsgatan 28, 65461 KARLSTAD to Rosenborgsgatan 28, 65230 KARLSTAD
Råtorpsskolan: Address changed from Fagerstagatan 6, 65469 Karlstad to Fagerstagatan 6, 65449 Karlstad
Södra Råtorps skola: Address changed from Råtorps parkgata 9, 65224 Karlstad to Råtorps parkgata 9, 65348 Karlstad
Vallargärdets skola: Address changed from c/o Orrholmsskolan, Tullhusgatan 41, 65227 Karlstad to Diamantvägen 12, 65593 Karlstad
Skåreskolan: Grades changed from 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to 3, 4, 5, 6
Resursskola Orrholmen 4-6: Status changed from PLANERAD to AKTIV
Resursskola Orrholmen 4-6: Start date changed from not_registered to 2026-08-01
Resursskola Orrholmen 7-9: Status changed from PLANERAD to AKTIV
Resursskola Orrholmen 7-9: Start date changed from not_registered to 2026-08-01
Västerstrandsskolan: Status changed from PLANERAD to AKTIV
Västerstrandsskolan: Start date changed from not_registered to 2026-08-01
MORKULLANS FÖRSKOLA: Address changed from KARMGATAN 117, 65347 KARLSTAD to Morkullevägen 27, 89140 ÖRNSKÖLDSVIK
Skåreskolan: Grades changed from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
FÖRSKOLAN FRÖET: Status changed from UPPHORT to AKTIV
FÖRSKOLAN KULSKOLAN: Status changed from UPPHORT to AKTIV
KULSKOLAN: Status changed from UPPHORT to AKTIV
ROMSTADS FÖRSKOLA: Status changed from UPPHORT to AKTIV
RUDSDALENS FÖRSKOLA: Status changed from UPPHORT to AKTIV
RÅTORPS FÖRSKOLA: Status changed from UPPHORT to AKTIV
SOLÄNGENS FÖRSKOLA: Status changed from UPPHORT to AKTIV
FÖRSKOLAN FRÖET: Status changed from UPPHORT to AKTIV
FÖRSKOLAN KULSKOLAN: Status changed from UPPHORT to AKTIV
KULSKOLAN: Status changed from UPPHORT to AKTIV
… and 419 older events.
Related
Move from the municipality page to the county, nearby municipalities, and the statistics views that help explain the local pattern.
Värmland CountyOpen the county page for a broader regional view around Karlstad.Merit value year 9Compare Karlstad with other municipalities on merit values.Upper secondary schoolsSee how upper-secondary provision and outcomes vary between municipalities.Teacher certification by countyFollow teacher qualification and regional differences.Municipality profileCompare municipality profiles across multiple dimensions at once.Best compulsory schoolsTop compulsory schools ranked by Skolkoll score.Sweden's best compulsory schoolsThe national top 100 by Skolkoll score.Independent vs municipalCompare schools by provider type.Best independent schoolsTop independent compulsory schools ranked by Skolkoll score.Upper secondary schoolsAll upper secondary schools in the municipality.Best upper secondary schoolsTop upper secondary schools ranked by Skolkoll score.PreschoolsAll preschools in the municipality.Best preschoolsTop preschools ranked by staffing density.ÅrjängCompare nearby schools and municipality-level results.ArvikaCompare nearby schools and municipality-level results.EdaCompare nearby schools and municipality-level results.FilipstadCompare nearby schools and municipality-level results.ForshagaCompare nearby schools and municipality-level results.
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