Spjelkavik videregående skole is an upper secondary school with students aged 16 to 19. The courses prepare students for examinations within the Programme for Specialization in General Studies (previously referred to as Examen artium). These examinations give entrance to universities and other higher learning.

Upper secondary education covers all education and training between lower secondary school and higher education. After 1994 all young people between the ages of 16 and 19 have a legal right to three years of upper secondary education.

One of the main goals of the school is to create a flexible system that provides a general education and a wide range of skills and prepares the students  for a society in constant change.

The main goals of the school are based upon the general and specific programmes of learning common for all upper secondary education.
 
The aim of upper secondary education is to prepare students for life in the outside world. It lays the foundation for higher education, and provides students with the opportunity for personal development. It promotes an understanding of Christian values, the Norwegian cultural heritage, democratic ideals, logical thinking and  scientific methods, and emphasizes the importance of ideals such as equality, tolerance and freedom of thought. All school activities are characterized by a democratic approach.

It is essential to:  

In addition to compulsory subjects Spjelkavik Upper Secondary School offers a wide range of courses within: