A new school for children with autism, Þorláksskóli, is set to open in Garðabær, Iceland, aiming to provide a better educational environment for students like Vigdís Gunnarsdóttir's son, who is among the first five students.
In Garðabær, Iceland, a new school focused on children with autism, called Þorláksskóli, is scheduled to open this autumn. Vigdís Gunnarsdóttir, who has been instrumental in the establishment of the school, recognizes that her son would not thrive in a traditional school environment. Her early recognition of this fact led her to collaborate with local authorities to set up a specialized educational facility for her son and other children with similar needs.
Vigdís shares that they signed a memorandum of understanding with the municipality of Garðabær last summer, which initiated the extensive paperwork and preparation needed to establish the school. As they approach the completion of this process, there is a strong emphasis on finding a qualified principal to lead the new institution. The municipality has committed to providing the necessary facilities, and applications for the principal position were recently announced, with a deadline set for the 15th of the month.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition in Iceland of the need for specialized education options for children on the autism spectrum. As new schools like Þorláksskóli emerge, it highlights the importance of tailoring educational experiences to better serve the diverse needs of all students, especially those who have struggled within traditional schooling systems.
