Aim and ideology of the Folk High School

This means that they diverge from ordinary schools in many ways. There is no centrally established, standard curriculum for the Folk High Schools, each school makes its own decisions regarding teaching plans within the limits set by a special ordinance.

Folk High Schools offer a unique opportunity to enhance each individual's human resources. The students' experiences of working life and society are put to use, and their contribution is very vital. The schools constitute small, educational societies where each individual makes a difference. Studying in a warm and open environment, working closely with other students and staff stimulates personal growth and development. The traditional freedom of the Folk High School has led to ample experimentation and educational innovation. Problem orientated and thematic studies for longer or shorter periods are quite common.

The overall object of the Swedish folk high schools is to give general civic education. Each year about 27 000 students take part in the long courses. The Folk High Schools receive financial support from the state. A certain interest has been directed towards groups with special educational needs, e.g. people with short basic education, people with various disabilities and immigrants and the unemployed. The minimum age for admission to the general courses is 18 years. There is no upper age limit.