International kindergartens, elementary and primary schools in Croatia
UPDATED: 30.04.2023.
In Croatia, there are both public and private schools. International schools in the private sector offer programs in foreign languages including Chinese, English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish.
For parents who have moved to Croatia with their families, enrolling your child in a school that teaches in your native language may be preferable over public schools that only teach in Croatian.
In addition to the wide variety of languages offered by these schools, some offer intensive internationally-recognized curriculums based on technology, sports, and arts.
In this post, we go over all international kindergarten, elementary and primary schools in Split and Zagreb, including what programs they offer and how to find them.
Jump to a school:
- Split
- Zagreb
- American International School of Zagreb
- British International School of Zagreb
- British International School of Zagreb Bright Horizons
- Deutsche Internationale Schule Zagreb
- Ecole Française Internationale de Zagreb
- International Kindergarten “Mala kuća”
- Dječji vrtić zvjezdica (Little Star kindergarten)
- Dječji vrtić Obzori (Kindergarten Horizons)
- Matija Gubec International School
- The International Baccalaureate at MIOC
- The Learning Tree International Kindergarten
The facts are these…
International kindergartens, elementary and primary schools in Croatia
Split
#1 Bravo!
Bravo! is a cultural center that offers foreign language programs for children from 3 years of age and older. Their programs help children to develop their social, physical, intellectual, creative, and emotional skills.
The curriculum covers classes from the alphabet, numbers, shapes, weather, colors, geography, science, and everyday life. They approach children through singing, reading, writing, drawing, storytelling, and rhymes.
Languages
- English
- French
Programs
- CNED program
- Full day program (English, French)
- Half day program (English, French)
- 1 1/2 hrs of French all week (school aged)
- Evening program (school aged-English)
Contact Information
Address: Križine 4, 21 000 Split – view map
Phone: +385 (0)91 568 0354; +385 (0)97 654 4262
E-mail: mikaela.buzov@gmail.com, hana.duma@gmail.com
Contact the school directly for cost information
#2 Fun2Learn
Fun2Learn is a kindergarten and elementary school for early learning of foreign languages. Children learn English, German and Spanish through playing, singing, story-telling, cartoons, toys, and other stimulative games and requisites.
Fun2Learn’s programs promote respect and understanding towards other cultures, nations, languages, and traditions.
Languages
- English (primary)
- German
- Spanish
Programs
- Playschool – 2-6 years of age
- Pre-primary – 2-6 years of age
- Primary – 7-12 years of age
- English Through Science – 7-12 years of age
- Primary Plus – 7-12 years of age
Contact Information
Address: Kralja Zvonimira 48, 21 000 Split – view map
Trondheimska 25, 21 000 Split – view map
Phone: +385 (0)95 111 13 33
E-mail: info@fun2learn.hr
Information on costs is available here
Harfa International School
Harfa International School is the first international school in Split. It was opened in September 2020.
Harfa’s curriculum includes language acquisition, science, social studies, mathematics, music, and visual art. They encourage students to learn through various methodologies and different contexts, with a focus on holistic learning, intercultural awareness, and communication.
Languages
- English
- Croatian
Programs
- Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate
Contact Information
Address: Poljudsko šetalište 2, 21 000 Split – view map
Phone: +385 (0)91 9000 444
E-mail: info@posh.hr
Information on costs is available here
#4 Split International School
Split International School is open for both local and foreign students living in Split. All courses are taught in English. The school’s curriculum follows a globally-recognized and well-respected curricular framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. This program is taught using the Harkness teaching methodology – a discussion-based and student-driven teaching method that improves learning outcomes.
While the program is taught in English, the school offers additional language support for non-native English speakers to follow the program. In addition to language support, students will also be able to learn Croatian and other foreign languages at Split International School.
The school will also offer a FIRST Robotics program. FIRST Robotics is a global robotics community preparing young people for the future by developing both technical skills and well-rounded life capabilities.
Languages
- English – Primary language
- Croatian – Additional language
- French, German, Spanish
Programs
- Primary school (1st – 5th grade)
- Middle school (6th – 8th grade)
- High school (9th – 12th grade)
Contact Information
Address: Kninska ulica 9, 21204 Dugopolje – view map
Phone: +385 (0)91 618 2877
E-mail: admissions@splitinternational.org
For cost information contact the school directly
Zagreb
#1 American International School of Zagreb
American International School of Zagreb – AISZ was founded in 1966. Their new campus at Bundek is the most energy-efficient building in Central and Eastern Europe. The school currently has 274 students of 36 nationalities enrolled. The average class size consists of 18 students and more than 50 mentors are employed.
AISZ employs a licensed doctor of general medicine and a physical trainer for athletics. The school offers a bunch of sports, academic, and cultural activities for its students. It is equipped with 2 libraries, a full-size gym, fitness room, dance studio, music room, 3 art rooms, 2 adventure playgrounds, a football pitch, a handball court, and 4 tennis courts.
Languages
- English – basic
- Croatian – instructional
- French, German – optional
Programs
- Lower school (pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, 1st – 5th grade)
- Middle school (6th – 8th grade)
- High school (9th – 12th grade)
Contact Information
Address: Ulica Damira Tomljanovića Gavrana 3, 10 020 Zagreb – view map
Phone: +385 (0)1 7999 300
E-mail: aisz@aisz.hr
Information on costs is available here
#2 British International School of Zagreb
The British International School of Zagreb – BISZ began in 2013 as a sister school of Kreativan razvoj private primary school, which has been operating for 24 years.
It is the first school in Croatia to offer a Cambridge Secondary and Advanced qualification, which enables students to enroll in any university in the world. BISZ’s teaching is organized in small classes to encourage students’ creativity and talents.
Extra-curricular activities include table tennis, yoga, basketball, swimming, and soccer. The school provides 3 meals during the day. All students wear school uniforms.
The international environment is made of students representing more than 50 different nationalities. BISZ is located in a valley only 5 kilometers from the city center of Zagreb, surrounded by green areas and sports courts.
Languages
- English – basic language
- Croatian, Italian, German – additional languages
Programs
- Preschool
- Stage 1 – Years 1 and 2 of the primary school
- Stage 2 – Years 3, 4, 5 and 6
- Stage 3 – Years 7, 8 and 9
- Stage 4 – Years 10 and 11
- Stage 5 – Years 12 and 13
Contact Information
Address: Dedići 102, 10 000 Zagreb – view map
Phone: +385 (0)1 4611 007
Information on costs is available here
#3 British International School of Zagreb Bright Horizons
The British International School of Zagreb Bright Horizons – IBSZ Bright Horizons is a modern school with large, bright classrooms located at Sveti Duh. It offers international education based on UK educational standards with a challenging learning environment.
School children wear unique uniforms to prevent discrimination based on dissimilarities. The school promotes both modern and traditional values.
Some of the extracurricular activities offered are robotics, theater, music, art, drama, zoo visits, eco trips, chess club, bridge club, and tennis lessons.
IBSZ offers bus transport for their students. They also provide a lunch service and additional nutritious snacks during morning and afternoon breaks.
Languages
- English – basic language
- Croatian, Spanish, German – additional languages
Programs
- Years 1-6
- Year 7-8
Contact Information
Address: Sveti Duh 122, 10 000 Zagreb – view map
Phone: +385 (0)1 37 45 146
E-mail: info@britishschool-zagreb.hr
Information on costs is available here
#4 Deutsche Internationale Schule Zagreb
Deutsche Internationale Schule Zagreb – DIZS belongs to a network consisting of 140 German international schools. The school’s focus is on the German language and literature, education, meetings, and exchanges.
DIZS collaborates with École Française de Zagreb, and together they form the Eurocampus. They share the school building and implement joint programs.
The school laboratory is the center for activities in the STEM field. They offer computer education from the 3rd grade and every student gets their own laptop. Other available activities include drama workshops, afro-Latino dance, astronomy, rugby, and origami. The school has a small library and a school kitchen.
Languages
- German – basic language
- Croatian, English, French – additional languages
Programs
- Kindergarten
- Primary school
- High school (gimnazija)
Contact Information
Address: Fratrovac 36, 10 000 Zagreb – view map
Phone: +385 (0)1 2347 655
E-mail: info@deutscheschule.hr
Information about costs is available here
#5 Ecole Française Internationale de Zagreb
Ecole Française Internationale de Zagreb – FISZ (French International School of Zagreb) was founded in 1996 and offers French education within the Zagreb Eurocampus. Within this international campus, French students are able to interact with students from the German International School and other international schools in Zagreb.
Students have the opportunity to participate in after-school activities from sports, language courses, outings, and trips to recreation, lunches, parties, and evening events.
FISZ is attended by approximately 120 students of 20 different nationalities. Some of the extracurricular activities include comic workshops, English club, German club, tennis, origami, soccer, and basketball.
Languages
- French – basic language
- Croatian, English, German – additional languages
Programs
- Ecole Maternelle (kindergarten) – 3-6 years of age
- Ecole Elementaire (primary school) – 6-11 years of age
- Collège – 11-14 years of age
- Lycée (secondary school) – 14-18 years of age
Contact Information
Address: Fratrovac 36, 10 000 Zagreb – view map
Phone: +385 (0)1 234 77 10
E-mail: info@efz.hr
Information on costs is available here
#6 International Kindergarten Mala kuća
Mala kuća (Small house) is an international kindergarten that offers an English curriculum for children from 1 to 7 years of age. They offer half-day and full-day programs as well as extracurricular activities.
The kindergarten is equipped with modern facilities, a garden, and a small vineyard. Teachers work with children on music and drama activities, cooperative learning, art activities, role play, multimedia activities, and field trips.
Languages
- English
Programs
- Kindergarten – from 1 to 7 years of age
Contact Information
Address: Vrhovec 81, 10 000 Zagreb – view map
Phone: +385 (0)1 390 6669
E-mail: info@kindie.hr
For cost information contact the school directly
#7 Little Star kindergarten
Dječji vrtić zvjezdica (Little Star kindergarten) is a part of the Croatian-American Society in Zagreb. Their teachers are highly-educated with experience teaching in Croatia or abroad. Many of them are native English speakers and speak several languages.
The kindergarten program encourages children to develop their intellectual and social skills from early age. It teaches them about world history, arts, geography, and other fields of general culture. Classes are made up of small groups of 10 children.
Languages
- English
Programs
- Kindergarten
Contact Information
Address: Petrova 119, 10 000 Zagreb – view map
Phone: +385 (0)1 2422 356
E-mail: kindergarten@cas.hr
For cost information contact the school directly
#8 Kindergarten Horizons
Dječji vrtić Obzori (Kindergarten Horizons) is intended for children who come from international, diplomatic, business, and Croatian communities. Horizons has been a part of a multicultural project whose aim is to work on pedagogically-relevant projects with other European schools since 2012.
Within the project Active in Europe, they collaborate with kindergartners from Slovenia, Greece, Denmark, Germany, Spain, and Hungary. They offer extracurricular activities such as dance, arts and crafts, a Spanish club, theater, zoo trips, and ski school.
Languages
- English
Programs
- Kindergarten
Contacct Information
Address: Kraljevečki ogranak 14, 10 000 Zagreb – view map
Phone: +385 (0)1 457 8702
For cost information contact the school directly
#9 Matija Gubec International School
Matija Gubec International School offers education based on lifelong learning and globally relevant concepts. It is the only school in Croatia that works according to the International Baccalaureate, an extensive international program for primary and middle school.
In addition to standard classes, the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. Available activities include cheerleading, creative studio, coding, debate club, extra sport, food technology, free climbing, photo group, piano, reading club, chess, and tennis.
Languages
- English – official
- English, Croatian, German, French, Italian, Chinese – language acquisition courses
Programs
- Preschool (PYP0)
- Primary years (PYP1-PYP4)
- Middle years (MYP 0-3) – from 11 to 16 years
Contact Information
Address: Davorina Bazjanca 2, 10 000 Zagreb – view map
Phone: +385 (0)1 383 6571
E-mail: ured@os-mgupca-zg.skole.hr
For cost information contact the school directly
#10 The International Baccalaureate at MIOC
MIOC – XV. gimnazija in Zagreb offers The International Baccalaureate program. MIOC is one of the best high schools in Zagreb as well as in Croatia.
The International Baccalaureate program encourages students to be active, compassionate, and lifelong learners. MIOC offers the last 2 years of the IB Middle Years Program. It is aimed at students between the age of 11 and 16.
Languages
- English
- Croatian
Programs
- IB Middle Years Program – 11-16 years of age
Contact Information
Address: Jordanovac 8, 10 000 Zagreb – view map
Phone: +385 (0)1 2328 485
E-mail: xvg@mioc.hr
For cost information contact the school directly
#11 The Learning Tree International Kindergarten
The Learning Tree International Kindergarten was established in 2004. Its staff is experienced professionals in early childhood education and English as a second language.
The kindergarten has a nature-inspired playground and a high-tech security system that guarantees safety. Their program includes early math and science, art and crafts, geography, social studies, blocks and construction, and early literacy. Music and gym classes are offered optionally.
Languages
- English
Programs
- Kindergarten
Contact Information
Address: Lovćenska 38, 10 000 Zagreb – view map
Phone: +385 (0)1 464 6566, +385 (0)91 464 6666
E-mail: contact@tltkindergarten.com
For cost information contact the school directly
View our other education posts
- Biggest Croatian language schools in Croatia
- Education system in Croatia
- How to apply for temporary residence based on language study
- How to enroll kids in kindergarten (vrtić)
- How to enroll (or transfer) your child in a Croatian public school
- How to get school books for your children
- How to study and gain student residence in Croatia
- Most significant Croatian children’s books
- School shifts, explained
Please note: Information provided by Expat in Croatia is only for the purposes of guidance. It does not constitute legal or financial advice in any form. Croatian laws and bureaucratic rules often change, and each personal case is individual, so different rules may apply. For legal advice, contact us to consult with a licensed Croatian lawyer. For financial advice, contact us to consult with a licensed Croatian tax advisor or accountant.
