Education in Croatia
Primary and secondary public education is compulsory and free in Croatia – children start primary school at the age of 6 or 7, and finish at 14 or 15 (8 grades).
A typical school day starts around 7 or 8 a.m., and finishes around midday, or later, depending on how many classes there are that day. Some schools also switch between morning and afternoon schedule each week. Each subject is taught for 45min, after which there are 5 min breaks, as well as a 15 min recess after the 2nd or 3rd class.
Children have only one teacher for all subjects in grades 1-4, and usually there are 6-7 obligatory subjects, such as Croatian, Maths, Science, and a foreign language, and also optional subjects, such as an additional foreign language, or IT.
In grades 5-8 different teachers teach different subjects, and new subjects like History, Geography, and Biology are added.
After that they choose a secondary school. It can be a vocational school, or the so called gymnasium, which puts a strong emphasis on academic learning and is similar to grammar schools and sixth form colleges in the UK, and preparatory high schools in the USA. Secondary education can last 3 (for some vocational schools) or 4 years (gymnasium and some vocational schools).
International kindergartens
Kindergarten Horizons
Kindergarten Horizons provides high quality education to children from the international, diplomatic and business as well as the Croatian community of Zagreb. Their English language program is verified by the Ministry of Education and Science of Croatia.
The colourful interior and the quiet and green exterior provide a stimulating environment for children to learn and grow up in.
https://www.facebook.com/kindergartenhorizons
Zelengaj 6, Zagreb
Phone: +385(1) 457 8205
Kraljevečki ogranak 14, Zagreb
Phone: +385(1) 457 8702
Little Star Kindergarten
Founded by the Croatian American Society in 1991, the aim of this kindergarten is to promote English language and culture for children aged 3 to 6. English is the language of instruction, but it’s used for learning about various other subjects as well, such as science, music, or maths.
Petrova 119, Zagreb
Phone: +385 1 2422 343
Email: [email protected]
www.cas.hr/vrtic/?lang=en
https://www.facebook.com/littlestarkindergarten
The Learning Tree
This kindergarten offers balanced academic and non-academic learning programs in an English speaking environment and aims to promote the creative and physical development of children aged 2 to 7. Small groups guarantee that enough attention is given to each child.
Lovćenska 38, Mlinovi, Zagreb
Phone: +385 1 4646 566
Email: [email protected]
www.tltkindergarten.com/eng
https://www.facebook.com/tltkindergarten
