Moving to a new country comes with a lot of decisions and if you’re a parent, one of the biggest ones is education. Choosing the right school for your child is about more than academics; it’s about helping them feel safe, seen, and supported in a brand-new environment. For expat families in Albania, that choice can feel even more challenging, especially when you’re navigating different systems, languages, and educational approaches.
That’s where Montessori Tirana comes in. Located in the capital and inspired by the globally recognized Montessori philosophy, this school offers something many parents are searching for: a nurturing, bilingual space where children can grow in their own rhythm.
With thoughtfully prepared classrooms, a nature-based approach, and an emphasis on independence and emotional well-being, Montessori Tirana has become a trusted choice for both local and international families.
To better understand what makes the school unique, how it supports expat transitions, and why the Montessori method is still so relevant today, we spoke directly with the team behind it. Here’s what they shared with us.
Can you tell us a bit about the story of Montessori Tirana? What inspired its founding and mission?
We are committed to an individualized, quality education, outside the traditional standards of the current educational system. Children at our school acquire at least the “same final product” as in a traditional center but are fully prepared and for everything necessary in their lifelong adventure, as they are used to freely exercising their own judgment and will, guided by their imagination and their enthusiasm to learn. Only children like these are able to fully exercise their tasks as citizens of a civilized community.
Our Vision
We acknowledge that all members of our community including children, families and teachers have rights and all interactions.
Unser Auftrag
Montessori Tirana is a vibrant learning community where families and staff and together.
What makes Montessori Tirana unique compared to early childhood schools in Tirana?
Montessori Tirana stands out among early childhood schools in Tirana for several key reasons:
1. Authentic Montessori Method: It applies the Montessori philosophy with fidelity – offering a child-centered, hands-on, and individualized learning experience that supports natural development.
2. Prepared Environment: Classrooms are thoughtfully designed with Montessori materials that promote independence, concentration, and a love of learning from an early age.
3. Bilingual Exposure: Children are immersed in both Albanian and English, helping them develop strong language skills in a global context.
4. Nature-Based Learning: The school emphasizes outdoor education, incorporating nature into the daily routine, which fosters curiosity, creativity, and a connection to the environment.
5. Holistic Development: Montessori Tirana supports not only academic growth but also emotional, social, and physical development, building confident and respectful individuals.
6. International Standards: It aligns with global Montessori practices and often attracts families who seek an international-quality education within Albania.
7. Strong Community: There’s a deep partnership with parents and a warm, respectful school culture where children feel safe, valued, and understood.
For families who may be unfamiliar with the Montessori method, how would you explain its core benefits for young children?
What is Montessori?
The Montessori pedagogy is based on Maria Montessori’s work in understanding the developmental needs of the child. Maria Montessori (1870 – 1952) was born in Italy and was one of the first female Doctors in Italy. She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times in 1949, 1950 and 1951. Today Maria Montessori is seen as one of the most influential thinkers on childhood education for the 20th and 21st century. Her methods and philosophies are still being practised over a 110 years later in Montessori schools world-wide.
Maria Montessori’s theories and understanding of brain development in childhood is now being scientifically proven with the help of modern technology. Our growing understanding of how a brain develops is resulting in more and more new ideas on how we should be educating children where Maria Montessori had already spoken about these exact theories over 100 years ago.
The Montessori method of education aims to foster within the child independence, self-discipline, self-motivation, concentration, self-esteem, confidence, a love of learning and respect for all forms of life and nature.
Can you tell us more about your educators; what kind of training do they have, and how do they help support children’s individual development?
All Lead Teachers are Montessori trained.
Do you currently have expat families enrolled at the school? If so, how do you help them during their transition?
Yes we have some families.
What age groups do you accept, and what does a typical day at Montessori Tirana look like for a child?
Nido 6 months – 18 months
Toddler 1.5 – 3 years old
Casa 3 – 6 yeas old
How can new families book a visit or apply, and what’s the admissions process like?
Via our WhatsApp number: +355602020436; Email: info@montessoritirana.al https://montessoritirana.al/ oder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montessoritirana/
Are there any upcoming projects, open days, or school events that you’d like to share with our readers?
We do school tours when families are free to visit us, this is a way of supporting expat families.
That Being Said…
If you’re an expat parent looking for a school that understands your child’s needs and your journey Montessori Tirana is worth considering. With its individualized approach, bilingual learning, and strong community values, it offers much more than just a place to study. It’s a place where children are given the space to grow into confident, curious, and independent individuals.
Autor
Sara verkörpert die Definition von Kreativität in ihrer Rolle als Inhaltserstellerin in unserem Team. Als albanische Muttersprachlerin konzentriert sie sich auf das Verfassen von qualitativen Beiträgen, meist gut recherchierte Artikel und informative Blogbeiträge. Sie spielt auch eine Schlüsselrolle bei der Erstellung von ansprechenden Beiträgen in den sozialen Medien, um eine gleichgesinnte Gemeinschaft von Albanisch-Liebhabern aufzubauen und sie bei der Stange zu halten. Zu ihren Qualifikationen gehören unter anderem ein von Reuters anerkanntes Zertifikat in Journalismus, ein Sprachzertifikat, ein Praktikum in Bukarest und eine Ausbildung in digitalem Marketing. Wenn Sara nicht an ihrem Schreibtisch sitzt und Inhalte erstellt, kann man sie beim Lesen eines guten Buches oder beim Aufschreiben ihrer Gedanken in ihrem Tagebuch antreffen.
Sie können ihre Worte auch bei Momentum Group, Bulls Media Albania, 112hub und Ajroni finden.