The Olympica free school in Skålö, Vansbro municipality, will close its elementary school after the spring term. The news came as a surprise to the municipality, which now must find new school places for about 70 students. The school had previously been criticized by the Schools Inspectorate for a lack of qualified teachers.
The Olympica free school, also known as Olympicaskolan, in Skålö in Vansbro municipality will shut down its elementary school after the spring term, meaning closure this summer. The school currently has just under 70 students from preschool class to year 6. The Olympica group has operated the school since 2006, but the closure affects only the elementary school and not the associated preschool in Skålö.
The reason for the closure is a declining student base and organizational challenges, according to reports. Earlier this year, the school received sharp criticism from the Schools Inspectorate, including for a lack of qualified teachers and shortcomings in physical education despite the school's focus on sports and movement.
The announcement came suddenly to Vansbro municipality, which now has the task of arranging new school places for the students. Olympica also runs schools and preschools in other Dalarna municipalities such as Gagnef, Hedemora, Ludvika, and Leksand. No further information on impacts to these operations has emerged.
