Admissions & Enrolment
Enrolment documentation is different for each programme and subject to statutory regulations of the Republic of Croatia. Information about the necessary documentation and enrolment procedure are available at Admissions or on request.
The admissions process at Adria International School is designed to be straightforward and personalised. Once we have received all the required documentation and completed the admissions process, enrollment can often be finalised within a few days.
However, the timeline may vary depending on the student’s age and previous school.
- Early Years and most Primary and Middle Years students can usually be enrolled relatively quickly once all required documents have been submitted and any admissions assessments have been completed.
- Students entering Grade 1 must also meet the Croatian legal requirements for starting compulsory education. This includes completing the mandatory school readiness assessment and obtaining approval from the relevant Croatian authorities before enrollment can be finalised.
- Students entering Grade 9 (the first year of secondary school in Croatia) who are transferring from abroad must complete the Croatian recognition process for their previous education. This includes submitting their school records and the required documentation before enrollment can be confirmed.
Our Admissions Team will guide your family through every step of the process, liaise with the relevant authorities where needed, and ensure the transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
The International Baccalaureate is designed for students who are curious, motivated, and willing to challenge themselves. Rather than focusing solely on memorising content, the IB encourages students to ask questions, think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, and make meaningful connections across disciplines.
Every child is different, and choosing the right educational pathway depends on their individual strengths, interests, and aspirations. Our admissions process helps families determine whether the IB is the best fit for their child, and we work closely with students to support them throughout their learning journey.
Yes. Late enrolment is possible, subject to programme-specific deadlines, available places, and student readiness.
In exceptional circumstances, the School may review individual cases. All decisions are made with the student’s wellbeing and academic success as the priority.
Tuition is calculated according to the stage of the school year at the time of enrolment, using the School’s published late enrolment tuition structure.
Yes. A minimum tuition fee of 30% of the annual tuition fee applies to all late enrolments, regardless of the enrolment date.
No. Admission, membership, and capital fees are payable in full for all students, regardless of the enrollment date.
Learning & Support
The IB is academically rigorous, but it is designed to challenge students in meaningful ways rather than simply increase workload. Students are encouraged to develop strong organisational skills, resilience, independence, and critical thinking while receiving ongoing support from their teachers.
Learning in the IB is about understanding concepts, applying knowledge, and reflecting on learning—not simply preparing for exams. With appropriate support and good study habits, students from a wide range of backgrounds are able to thrive in the programme.
We believe that most learning should happen during the school day. Our teachers plan lessons so that students complete much of their work in class, where they can receive guidance, collaborate with classmates, and ask questions.
In the Primary Years Programme (PYP), homework is minimal and usually consists of reading or occasional activities that encourage curiosity and family involvement. As students move into the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), they gradually take greater responsibility for independent study, research, and long-term assignments to prepare them for university expectations.
To further reduce students’ workload outside the regular school day, we have built dedicated supervised study time into the MYP and DP timetable. During these sessions, students can complete assignments, revise, and seek support from their teachers while having access to all school resources. This approach allows much of their independent work to be completed before they go home.
For students who require additional support or wish to extend their learning, the school also offers optional online or on-site tutoring with experienced IB teachers for an additional fee.
Our aim is to maintain a healthy balance, allowing students time for family, sports, hobbies, and wellbeing while developing the study skills they will need in later education.
Many of our students join us with different levels of English, and this is a natural part of being an international school.
As part of the admissions process, students complete an English Placement Assessment, allowing us to gain a clear understanding of their current language proficiency. This helps us develop an individualised language support plan tailored to each student’s needs.
Students who require additional language support are enrolled in our English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme. Support is personalised and may include small-group instruction, individual sessions, and in-class support, depending on each student’s language profile and learning needs.
Rather than teaching English in isolation, our EAL programme is fully integrated into students’ daily learning. The EAL teacher works closely with classroom and subject teachers to ensure that language development is directly connected to what students are learning across the curriculum. This collaborative approach enables students to build both everyday communication skills and the academic language needed to participate confidently and successfully in all aspects of school life.
Our goal is to help every student become an independent, confident communicator while feeling supported, included, and successful from their very first day at Adria International School.
If a student is struggling, the school responds early and supportively. Teachers monitor student progress closely and communicate with students, parents, and support staff when additional help is needed.
Support may include differentiated instruction, additional explanations, small-group support, individual guidance, personalised learning plans, regular progress monitoring, and additional assistance during the scheduled Study Time sessions in the MYP and DP. These supervised study periods provide students with the opportunity to ask questions, receive immediate feedback from teachers, and consolidate their learning while using the school’s resources.
For students who require more intensive or individualised support, the school also offers optional online or on-site tutoring with experienced IB teachers for an additional fee.
Our aim is to identify the reasons behind any learning difficulties and provide timely, appropriate support before challenges become overwhelming, while helping students develop the confidence and independent learning skills needed for long-term success.
Teachers at Adria International School get to know students as individuals. Small learning communities allow teachers to understand each student’s strengths, needs, interests, and learning style.
Support may include differentiated tasks, individual feedback, regular check-ins, additional guidance, and close communication with families. Students are encouraged to ask questions, reflect on their learning, and take an active role in their progress.
Yes. If a student needs extra explanation, teachers provide additional support whenever possible. This may happen during lessons through differentiated instruction, individual feedback, small-group work, scheduled Study Time sessions, or other planned support opportunities.
Teachers regularly adapt the pace, level of challenge, learning activities, and teaching strategies to meet students’ individual needs, strengths, and learning profiles. This differentiated approach helps ensure that every student is appropriately challenged while receiving the support they need to succeed.
Our Study Time programme in the MYP and DP provides dedicated time within the school day for students to ask questions, revise, complete assignments, and receive guidance from their teachers while using the school’s learning resources. This helps reduce the need for extensive work at home while ensuring that support is available when it is most effective.
For students who require more individualised or ongoing assistance, the school also offers optional online or on-site tutoring with experienced IB teachers for an additional fee.
Our approach is based on helping students develop a deep understanding of concepts rather than simply moving through content. When students need more time, clarification, or practice, teachers work closely with them to build confidence, close learning gaps, and foster increasing independence as learners.
In the MYP and DP programmes, students gradually develop independence, responsibility, and digital literacy skills that prepare them for further education and real-world learning.
Using a personal laptop allows students to:
- manage their own learning tools and workflows
- build responsible technology habits
- work more effectively across subjects and assessments
- occasionally work on projects outside of school, with consistent access to their own device.
Yes. At Adria International School, English is the language of instruction across all IB programmes. At the same time, we believe that learning the language of the host country is an important part of an international education.
As a school in Croatia, all students study Croatian as a subject. For students who are new to the language, we provide a Croatian acquisition pathway with instruction tailored to their age, language proficiency, and previous learning experience. Lessons are designed to gradually develop students’ confidence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while supporting meaningful communication in everyday life.
Learning Croatian enables students to engage more fully with the local culture, participate in the wider community, and develop a deeper understanding of the country in which they live. It also reflects the IB’s commitment to multilingualism, intercultural understanding, and international-mindedness.
Our goal is for every student to leave Adria International School not only with a strong command of English but also with an appreciation of the Croatian language, culture, and community, enriching their experience as internationally minded learners
Will my child miss any parts of the Croatian education system by attending an international school ?
Adria International School follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum rather than the standard Croatian national curriculum. The IB approach places a strong emphasis on inquiry, conceptual understanding, critical thinking, research, communication, and the development of internationally minded young people who are prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
At the same time, as a school in Croatia, we recognise the importance of the host country’s language, culture, and heritage. All students study Croatian. Native speakers of Croatian follow the Croatian National Curriculum for Croatian Language, ensuring they continue to develop age-appropriate literacy skills and maintain continuity with national educational expectations. They also study the Croatian history and geography content prescribed by the national curriculum.
Students who are learning Croatian as an additional language follow a Croatian Language Acquisition pathway tailored to their age, language proficiency, and previous learning experience. This enables them to communicate confidently, participate fully in school life, and develop a meaningful connection with the local community and Croatian culture.
Because Adria International School is recognised within both the Croatian and IB educational frameworks, students may transfer from a Croatian school into our IB programmes—or from our school back into the Croatian national education system—at any stage of their education. Families who may later decide to continue their child’s education in the Croatian system should therefore have no concerns about making this transition. Our Admissions Team provides individual guidance whenever needed to ensure a smooth and well-planned pathway.
At the end of each academic year, students receive two official school documents:
- an IB academic report, reflecting their progress and achievement within the International Baccalaureate programme, and
- an official Croatian end-of-year report card, issued in accordance with the requirements of the Croatian Ministry of Science, Education and Youth.
This dual reporting provides families with internationally recognised IB feedback while also ensuring continuity within the Croatian education system.
By combining the strengths of the IB framework with the educational requirements of Croatia, Adria International School offers students a truly international education while helping them remain connected to the language, culture, and educational context of their host country.
Yes, students learn one other obligatory foreign language (German or Italian) and they have the option of learning an additional foreign language (Italian, German, Spanish) as part of their elective courses or extracurricular activities. Foreign students are required to learn Croatian as a foreign language, and the school strongly encourages learning of one’s mother tongue both within and outside the school.
Fees & Policies
Tuition covers the full academic programme, meals, learning support, technology licenses, testing, two cultural outings per year, guest workshops and talks, in PYP iPads and laptops and in all programmes school supplies and required reading books and community and project-based learning events.
No. Uniforms are optional from 2026/27 and no longer included in tuition
Drama and Choir are included. Other clubs and excursions are paid separately.
Early payments support responsible financial planning and help the School secure resources in advance.
Moving & Settling In
The timeline varies depending on your nationality, visa requirements, and personal circumstances.
Some families complete the process within a few weeks, while others require additional time for residency permits, work documentation, or other administrative procedures. We have supported many international families through this journey and are happy to share our experience and guidance throughout the process.
Relocating to a new country is a significant step, and we understand that choosing a school is only one part of the journey.
From your first enquiry, we are here to support your family. We guide you through the admissions process, answer questions about school life and relocating to Croatia, and, whenever possible, connect families with helpful local resources and our school community. Our goal is to help every new family feel informed, supported, and welcomed from day one.
Student Life & Community
The school year calendar is aligned with the Decision on the Start and End of the School Year issued each year by the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia, and it coincides with the operating calendar of other schools in the country.
The school day at Adria International School begins with breakfast, which is served between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. This gives students time to settle in, socialise with their classmates, and start the day in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
The academic programme begins at 8:30 a.m. During the morning, students have a longer break that includes time to relax, play, and enjoy a fresh fruit snack.
Around midday, students have a lunch break, which lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the students’ age. Freshly prepared meals are served each day in the school’s dining hall, providing students with a balanced and nutritious lunch in a calm, social environment.
Lessons then continue during the afternoon block. At approximately 3:00 p.m., students have another extended break with time to relax and enjoy an afternoon snack before completing the academic programme.
The regular school day finishes between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m., depending on the students’ age. Wednesdays are our short day, and students of all age groups finish the academic programme at 2:00 p.m.
Outdoor time is an important part of school life. Our younger students spend part of each day participating in outdoor learning and play, while older students enjoy their breaks outdoors whenever weather conditions allow.
From 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., the school offers a variety of after-school clubs and enrichment activities. These clubs are optional and are based on students’ interests and personal choice, providing opportunities to explore new skills, develop talents, and enjoy learning beyond the classroom.
Throughout the day, we aim to create a balanced rhythm of learning, movement, healthy meals, outdoor time, and opportunities for rest and social interaction, supporting both students’ academic success and their overall wellbeing.
We welcome both local Croatian families and international families living in or moving to Croatia. Our school community currently brings together more than 20 nationalities, creating a truly international learning environment.
The balance of our student body is approximately half Croatian and half international, with a slight majority of international families, although this may vary somewhat from year to year and across age groups.
This diversity is one of the greatest strengths of our school. Students learn alongside peers from a wide range of linguistic, cultural, and educational backgrounds, developing intercultural understanding, open-mindedness, and global perspectives in line with the IB philosophy. At the same time, they build lasting friendships and experience the sense of belonging that defines our close-knit school community.
International schools naturally welcome students who arrive from or move to different countries, so some mobility is a normal part of school life.
At Adria International School, however, student turnover is relatively low. While we do see a somewhat higher number of new students joining at the beginning of each academic year than students leaving at the end of one, the majority of our families remain with the school for many years, contributing to a stable, close-knit community.
We work carefully to make transitions smooth for new students while maintaining continuity for those already enrolled. Because the IB is taught in schools around the world, students transferring from another IB World School often find the learning approach familiar. For students joining from other educational systems, our teachers provide thoughtful guidance to help them adapt successfully.
At the same time, we place strong emphasis on relationships, wellbeing, and a strong sense of belonging so that every student quickly feels welcomed, included, and ready to thrive both academically and socially.
Most students settle in socially quite naturally, especially because international school communities are accustomed to welcoming new students. Many of our students have experienced moving or changing schools themselves, which often makes them open, friendly, and supportive of new classmates.
Teachers actively support integration through class routines, collaborative learning, buddy systems, projects, play, and school activities. Our goal is for every child to feel known, included, and part of the school community.
Absolutely. We believe that learning extends far beyond the classroom and that students thrive when they have opportunities to explore their interests and passions.
In addition to academic learning, Adria International School offers a variety of after-school activities, many of which are developed based on our teachers’ expertise and our students’ interests. These may include activities such as Art Club, Choir, Drama, Model United Nations (MUN), sports, and other enrichment opportunities, with the programme evolving each year according to student interests and staff expertise.
Many of our students also participate in activities outside of school, and we encourage a healthy balance between academics, creativity, physical activity, and family life
Learning beyond the classroom is an important part of the educational experience at Adria International School. Trips and learning experiences are designed to connect classroom learning with the real world and give students opportunities to explore ideas in authentic settings.
Depending on the programme and year level, students may visit museums, cultural and historical sites, nature areas, universities, exhibitions, theatres, local organisations, and community partners. These experiences encourage curiosity, deepen understanding, and help students apply their learning in meaningful ways.
In addition to local educational visits, every programme includes at least two excursions each academic year to destinations beyond the local area, giving students the opportunity to experience different regions, environments, and cultural settings within Croatia and abroad, where appropriate.
The school also organises an annual winter ski trip, which has become a valued tradition within our community. Open to students of appropriate age, the trip combines outdoor learning, physical activity, personal growth, and community building, while giving students the opportunity to develop confidence, resilience, and independence in a new environment.
These experiences reflect the IB philosophy that meaningful learning extends beyond the classroom and that education should inspire curiosity, intercultural understanding, and lifelong learning.
Families should inform us of any allergies, dietary restrictions, medical needs, or food requirements during the admissions process or as soon as they arise.
We review each case carefully and work closely with families to support every child’s wellbeing and safety. Clear communication helps us ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place.
Future & Opportunities
Yes. One of the IB’s greatest strengths is that it prepares students not only for university admission but also for success once they are there.
The Diploma Programme develops skills such as independent research, academic writing, critical thinking, time management, collaboration, and effective communication. Through components such as the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), students learn to manage long-term projects, analyse complex ideas, and become reflective learners—skills that universities consistently value.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is one of the world’s most respected educational frameworks, offered in more than 6,200 IB World Schools across 163 countries and territories, providing students with a globally recognised education and a seamless pathway for international mobility.
Many universities have specific admissions policies for IB students and recognise the academic rigour of the Diploma Programme.
IB graduates study at universities across Europe, North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, Asia, and many other parts of the world.
Yes, the process depends on the student’s age, year level, previous subjects, language background, and the requirements of the receiving school or national education system.
Families considering a transfer are encouraged to speak with us. We can provide the necessary academic documentation, explain the student’s educational pathway, and help families understand the available options.
Students can join the IB Diploma Programme if they are entering Grade 11 (DP Year 1) and meet the school’s admission requirements. Because the Diploma Programme is a two-year integrated curriculum, students cannot normally begin the programme directly in Grade 12 (DP Year 2), as they would have missed essential coursework, Internal Assessments, and the development of the IB Core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service).
Students who are already enrolled in an IB Diploma Programme at another IB World School may be able to transfer, depending on their previous course selections, completed assessment requirements, and timing of the transfer. Each application is reviewed individually.
This depends on the student’s future plans. Students completing the IB Diploma Programme normally take IB examinations as part of their diploma requirements.
Whether the Croatian national exams (Državna matura) is also required depends on where the student intends to continue their education and the admission requirements of the universities they apply to. We advise students and families individually to ensure they choose the pathway that best supports their future goals.
More at the link: IB graduation exam and state graduation exam
An international learning environment helps children develop academically, socially, and personally. Students learn alongside peers from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds, strengthening communication, empathy, adaptability, and global awareness.
International-mindedness is part of everyday school life. Students learn to appreciate different perspectives, collaborate across cultures, and approach challenges with curiosity and respect.
This environment also supports language development, confidence, independence, and preparation for universities and future careers in Croatia and around the world.
Absolutely. One of the greatest advantages of the IB is its international recognition. Because the curriculum is consistent worldwide, students who relocate during their education often experience a smoother transition between IB World Schools.
For university applicants, the Diploma Programme is widely respected and provides access to higher education institutions around the world. Many universities also recognise the depth of IB courses and, in some cases, award advanced standing or university credit for strong IB results.
