Norwegians start school at the age of six. Everybody has to complete 13 years of elementary school. High school consists of three years, and this is a preparation for higher education.

Students have a number of compulsory subjects, but they can also choose among a range of subjects depending on their interests. The school year is divided into two semesters, from August to January and from January to June.

The relationship between teachers and students is usually friendly and informal. Students in their final year of high school go under the name of «russ». Those graduates tend to make themselves heard and seen around in towns and communities throughout the year, and especially in spring. Dressed in red or blue, the «russ» have their special cars, clothes, whistles etc. They participate in a number of activities such as trips, parties, shows, parades etc. It's a fun year although hard studying is necessary for the final exams.