WHERE TO GO
Family dilemma: Is my child in the right school?
Every expat mum knows that very often choosing the right school for your child can be almost as stressful as moving overseas. Although the list of international schools in Croatia is not exhaustive, it is advisable that you explore all of them before you finally decide on one. There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration, before you judge them on their individual merits. It is advisable to take into consideration your child's interests, style of learning, previous educational background, social skills, abilities and interests.
Don't be shy to ask
Try to visit the schools if you can. Use the opportunities presented by the school or the school's open days to see what the school has to offer, or if you prefer, make an appointment yourself and take the time to tour the school with a member of the staff, or even the principle, who should be more than happy to answer all of your questions and show you parts of the school that open days might not allow. You may like to join various expatriate forums and chat rooms to try to find out more about the school you like.
It is a good idea to talk to your child and take him or her to the school for a tour. Don't disregard your child's comments and allow him or her to participate in the final choice. After all, it is them who will be spending most of their time at school. If it looks right and feels right, then it more likely will be, but if your child isn't going to be happy there then the whole process can only end in dissatisfaction.
It is important to be street-smart about your school's location as well. Where is the school located, in comparison to your/your partner's work office and other key amenities? Is personally taking your child to school (by foot, bike or car) an option, or will you choose to rely on school transport? Where are the after-school activities located? Would you like to live in the area around the school? Where do the other families attending each school live?
Ornela Prskalo, CDC Columnist on expat life in Croatia
You also need to ask yourself whether you would like your child to attend a multi-cultural school or would you prefer a majority of one particular nationality or religion? Do you expect the teaching staff to be foreign-trained and expatriates themselves, or would you prefer local teachers, or a combination of both?
Also, talk to other mums and try to find out from them what their experiences are and what their kids think of the school. You would be surprised at how unbiased and informative children can be about their schooling. And, more importantly, trust your own instincts, as the mother always knows best!
Don't be shy to ask about the facilities and after school activities the schools have to offer. Remember that the school is not only a place of learning but also a place where your child will meet his or her friends, have fun and socialize. Also ask about the school trips, competitions and school events, as this can be a great opportunity for you to meet the other parents.
And last but not least, the international school fees can be high, but if you are lucky, your company or embassy will be prepared to pay the entire costs. Don't be shy to ask for sibling discounts or to pay in installments - it is worth a try! And, don't forget that you can get a great academic education and a happy environment for your child in Croatia for a very decent price!
Below are the contacts for all the international/foreign schools in Croatian capital Zagreb:
The American International School Zagreb (IB Diploma)
Voc'arska 106, Tel: 4680-133, Fax: 4680-171, Email: aisz@aisz.hr
Web-site: http://www.aisz.hr/
XV Gimnasium (High School-English Programme)- (IB Diploma)
Jordanovac 8, Tel: 2302-255 , E-mail: xvg@mioc.hr
Web-site: http://www.mioc.hr/site/ibdiplomaprogram46/ibdiplomaprogram46
Deutsche Internationale Schule
Pantovcak 180A, Fax: 6155-536, Mobile: 098-439-846, Email: dis-zagreb@zg.t-com.hr
Web-site: www.deutscheschule.hr
French School
Jordanovac 110, Tel: 2348-001, Fax: 2348-001, Email: efzagreb@hotmail.com
Web-site: http://www.ecolefrancaisedezagreb.hr/pages/bienvenue
Matija Gubec Primary School
Davorina Bazjanca 2, 10000 Zagreb, CROATIA
Tel. +385 01 3836-571 Fax. +385 01 3836-573
e-mail: os-zagreb-066@skole.t-com.hr
Web-site:http://www.ibo.org/school/002363
Web-site: http://www.mioc.hr/site/ibdiplomaprogram46/ibdiplomaprogram46