Picking the right kindergarten is a vital step in setting up your child’s future education. More and more international and local kindergartens in Croatia are providing excellent early childhood education to both local and expatriate families. These schools frequently include classrooms where students may speak two languages, use new ways of learning, and be among people from many different cultures. Here are some of Croatia’s best kindergartens, known for their creative ways of teaching and caring environments.
Magic world international kindergarten
Čarobni Svijet, or Magic World International Kindergarten, is one of the best kindergartens in Zagreb. It offers a full English-language curriculum. It may take kids from 1 to 6 years old and above, and it classifies them by age into groups like Caterpillars and Butterflies. The school teaches STEM, art, sports, and early academic skills via play. Magic World is different because it has a friendly environment that encourages creative and emotional growth. Because it focusses on English immersion, it’s a great choice for international families that want to move to Croatia without any problems.
The learning tree international kindergarten
The Learning Tree is a kindergarten in the centre of Zagreb that teaches kids aged 2 to 7 how to speak English. It is based on the High/Scope educational idea, which stresses learning by doing in well-equipped learning facilities. The classes are kept small on purpose so that each student may get personal attention. The curriculum includes music, social development, physical education, and topic study. The school also likes to help students become more independent, learn how to communicate, and feel good about themselves in a multicultural setting. Because it focusses on the whole growth of children, it is especially popular with families from other countries.
Horizons kindergarten
Horizons Kindergarten, often known as DV Obzori, is another great English-language kindergarten in Zagreb. It has a curriculum that has been approved by the Croatian Ministry of Education, thus it is good for families from both Croatia and other countries. The school has a diverse and welcoming environment where children may benefit from small class numbers, individualised instruction, and modern facilities. One of its strengths is that it takes part in international programs like Comenius and Erasmus+, which provide students a chance to learn about other cultures at an early age. Horizons is noted for getting students ready for both Croatian and international primary schools.
Zvončić kindergarten
Zvončić Kindergarten, located in Osijek, is noted for its multicultural and educational values. The school uses traditions from both the area and other countries in its daily activities, which helps pupils see things from a different point of view. Zvončić puts language development first and provides classes in both Croatian and English. The activities are meant to help people get along better, solve problems better, and be more emotionally intelligent. Parents like that the school values diversity and that its instructors are experts in their fields.
Maslačak kindergarten
Families that want a hands-on, nature-based learning environment will love Maslačak Kindergarten in Pula. The school wants pupils to learn about science and the environment by doing things like gardening and working on projects outside. Its STEM-focused curriculum teaches kids the basics of arithmetic, technology, and environmental science while also encouraging them to learn through play. The kindergarten’s location near natural parks and the ocean makes it possible for students to go outside often, which is a crucial part of how they learn.
Zvjezdica kindergarten
Zvjezdica, in the beautiful city of Zadar, teaches kids about the environment as they learn. The school teaches marine ecology, recycling, and gardening every day, which makes sustainability an important part of the kids’ early education. Because it is near the shore, students often do beach activities that encourage curiosity and care for the environment. Zvjezdica is a great place for families who want to send their kids to school in a place that cares about the environment and is near the beach.
What to think about when choosing between public and private
Croatia provides both public (state-funded) and private kindergartens for kids aged 3 to 6 all around the nation. You may choose freely, although spaces tend to fill up fast, especially in cities. Private international schools may cost more, but they may provide a high-quality bilingual or English-first education with smaller classes and a range of extracurricular activities.
Choosing the Right Fit
Here are important things to consider when choosing a kindergarten for your kids in Croatia:
Language environment
Magic World, Horizons, and TLT are all private kindergartens in Zagreb that do a great job of teaching English.
Curriculum focus
Choose a curriculum based on your child’s interests, such as art, STEM, nature, or diversity.
Teacher ratio
Smaller groups (6–9 students per teacher) let each student study in their own way.
Outdoor space
It’s crucial to have the right location, such as big schoolyards in Zagreb or coastal gardens in Zadar and Rovinj.
Community and continuity
Many private kindergartens maintain tight-knit parent partnerships, easing transitions.
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Preparing for the immigration interview in Croatia
Getting a job as an expat in Croatia
Understanding the impact of criminal records on immigration to Croatia
