Founded in 1909 by the Sisters of the Assumption, Rygaards is a co-educational day school amalgamated within the Danish School System. It is a private state-subsidized school directed by a school board.

There is a Danish Department serving a community permanently resident in Denmark and an International Department serving those who are in Denmark on a temporary basis.

The International school accepts students from all nationalities and creeds; over 60 different nationalities are presently on roll. All members of staff (excepting language teachers) have mother tongue English and are fully qualified and experienced.

Education is given a Christian spirit with particular emphasis on mutual understanding and respect. Religious education is offered to all students. Roman Catholics are given separate religious instruction. Class numbers are limited, helping to ensure individual attention.

The teaching programme is based on the National Curriculum of England and Wales. All classes follow core courses in English, mathematics, science, social studies, information technology, gymnastics and Danish. Art, music and handwork are taught throughout the school.

At the beginning of Key Stage 3 level - year 7 - French or German is introduced. At Key Stage 4, years 10 and 11 students follow courses leading to GCE O level or GCSE examinations from London University's Edexcel.

Examination choices can be made from a range of 13 subjects, including physics, chemistry, biology, business studies and geography.

Non-examination options offered are art, ceramics, and information technology. New non-English speaking students are initially given an intensive English course before mainstreaming into appropriate classes.

The school is situated in park surroundings, five kilometres from the centre of Copenhagen. The facilities include a well-equipped library, two gymnasia, two computer rooms, science laboratories and specialized teaching rooms.

The school begins in August and ends mid-June - making a 200-day year. Overseas trips and visits in Denmark are arranged during the year.

Admission is made by application to the International Department. All students are given placement tests before acceptance.