If you’re planning to move to Albania and have children, there are several international schools in Tirana. These schools provide a range of curricula, English (mostly) language instruction, and a global learning environment.
In this guide, we will outline key information about these international schools to assist you in making informed decisions about your children’s education.
Below we will list one of the most prestigious international schools in Tirana that offer a curriculum in English, German, French, etc.
| School Name | Age Specification | Languages | Accreditation/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tirana International School (TIS) | Kindergarten, Primary, High School | English | Focus on critical thinking, leadership, digital literacy |
| World Academy of Tirana (WAT) | Kindergarten, Primary, High School | English | First IB school in Albania, EAL support |
| Deutsch-Albanische Schule (DAS) | Kindergarten, Primary, High School | Albanian, German | Follows German education system |
| International Montessori School | Kindergarten | English | Montessori philosophy, international team |
| GDQ International Christian School | Kindergarten, Primary, High School | English | MSA-CESS, ACSI accredited, Christian values |
| Albanian International School (AIS) | Kindergarten, Primary School | English | Follows Common Core Standards, WASC accredited |
| Albanian College Tirana (ACT) | Kindergarten, Primary, High School | English | IB curriculum |
| Ecole Francaise De Tirana (EFIT) | Kindergarten, Primary, High School | French, Albanian, English | French educational standards |
| Scuola Italiana a Tirana | Kindergarten, Primary, High School | Italian, Albanian, English | Trilingual, multicultural environment |
| Arsakeio Greek School in Tirana | Kindergarten, Primary, High School | Albanian, Greek | European education, fosters Greek-Albanian understanding |
| Albanian Qatar College in Tirana | Primary, High School | English | Day and boarding options |
1. Tirana International School (TIS)
Tirana International School welcomes over 400 students from 35 different countries. Their Preschool to Secondary School programs focus on developing crucial skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, collaboration, cultural awareness, and digital literacy.
- Tuition/Annual Cost: View fees for Tirana International School
- Age Specification: Kindergarden, Primary school, High school
- Languages: English
- Contact details for Tirana International School
2. World Academy of Tirana (WAT)
The World Academy of Tirana (WAT) stands as Albania’s first authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) school since 2013.
Recognized for its comprehensive approach to education, WAT places a strong emphasis on subjects like Maths and Science, while also offering robust Arts and Health programs.
WAT fosters a natural mix of children from both expatriate and local communities, cultivating a cosmopolitan and intellectually stimulating learning environment. The primary language of instruction is English, and additional support is available for students requiring assistance with English as an additional language (EAL).
- Tuition/Annual Cost: View fees for World Academy of Tirana
- Age Specification: Kindergarden, Primary school, High school
- Languages: English
- Contact details for World Academy of Tirana
3. Deutsch-Albanische Schule (DAS) – German-Albanian School
In 2012, the concept of establishing the First German School in Albania took place. For the academic year 2023-24, Deutsch-Albanische Schule Tirana is providing education for lower cycle grades 1-4, the 9-year cycle grades 5-9, and the lower secondary cycle for grades 10 and 11.
Following the model of the German education system, the German-Albanian school is dedicated to pioneering an innovative educational approach within the Albanian education landscape.
- Tuition/Annual Cost: View fees for German-Albanian School
- Age Specification: Kindergarden, Primary school, High school
- Languages: Albanian, German
- Contact details for German-Albanian School
4. International Montessori Schools Albania
International Montessori School was established in 2007, the International Montessori School of Albania (IMSA) stands as the pioneering Montessori School in the country, proudly holding international accreditation. With a commitment to nurturing children aged 9 months to 5 years, IMSA is dedicated to providing a holistic education rooted in the Montessori philosophy within a globally-oriented environment.
The school boasts an international team of Montessori-trained staff, delivering top-tier education aligned with Montessori principles and methodology. All curriculum and activities are conducted in English, creating a comprehensive and immersive learning atmosphere.
- Tuition/Annual Cost: View fees for International Montessori School
- Age Specification: Kindergarden
- Languages: English
- Contact details for International Montessori School
5. GDQ International Christian School
GDQ International Christian School extends an invitation to the missionary and international business community, offering students aged 5 to 19 an internationally-oriented, academically enriching, and biblically grounded education. The curriculum and teaching resources draw from both British and U.S. standards, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. With a commitment to personalized attention, class sizes are limited to 16 students, fostering individualized and small group interaction between students and teachers. Prospective parents and guardians are encouraged to explore GDQ for a holistic educational journey that integrates academic excellence with Christian values.
Accreditation: MSA-CESS and ACSI accredited, compliant with the Albanian Ministry of Education, and recognized by Cambridge International Examinations.
- Tuition/Annual Cost: View fees for GDQ International Christian School
- Age Specification: Kindergarden, Primary school, High school
- Languages: English
- Contact details for GDQ International Christian School
6. Albanian International School (AIS)
Albanian International School proudly follows the Common Core Standards developed in the United States, with slight adaptations to suit the international context of the institution. Geared towards preparing students for success beyond high school, these standards provide clear and consistent guidelines for knowledge and skills in math, English language arts, and history from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Prioritising critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, the Common Core standards are integral to equipping students for academic success. Widely adopted, these standards are voluntarily embraced by forty-two states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA).
Accreditation: WASC accredited, following Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.
- Tuition/Annual Cost: View fees for Albanian International School
- Age Specification: Kindergarden, Primary school
- Languages: English
- Contact details for Albanian International School
7. Albanian College Tirana (ACT)
Albanian College Tirana, fully embraces the IB curriculum, focusing on inquiry and collaboration throughout PYP, MYP, and Diploma studies. It offers services for children from 1 to 12 years old, focusing on a holistic education.
- Tuition/Annual Cost: View fees for Albanian College Tirana
- Age Specification: Kindergarden, Primary school, High school
- Languages: English
- Contact details for Albanian College Tirana
8. Ecole Francaise De Tirana
Ecole Francaise de Tirana, was founded in 2011, the French International School of Tirana (EFIT) currently accommodates 150 students from nursery to secondary school. Since September 2019, the school has enjoyed a new campus, strategically located in the dynamic district of Tirana East Gate (shopping mall).
Recognized as one of the most prestigious French schools in Albania, EFIT harmoniously integrates high educational standards with a focus on student well-being. Opting to join the school signifies a commitment to an international education that embodies the epitome of French educational excellence.
- Tuition/Annual Cost: View fees for Ecole Francaise De Tirana
- Age Specification: Kindergarden, Primary school, High school
- Languages: French, Albanian, English
- Contact details for Ecole Francaise De Tirana
9. Scuola Italiana a Tirana – Italian School of Tirana
Established in 2017 through the vision of three Italian educators and backed by the Società Dante Alighieri, the Scuola Italiana a Tirana is a paritary comprehensive school that provides an enriched trilingual and multicultural learning environment. The structure of the school reflects a commitment to a continuous learning journey, accommodating children from their early educational stages through to their preparatory years for higher education.
- Tuition/Annual Cost: View fees for Italian School of Tirana
- Age Specification: Kindergarden, Primary school, High school
- Languages: Italian, Albanian, English
- Contact details for Italian School of Tirana
10. Arsakeio Greek School in Tirana
The Arsakeio Greek School in Tirana is a notable educational institution founded in 1998 through a collaborative effort of Philekpaideutiki Etaireia, various donors, and the support of the Foreign Office’s development programmes for the Balkans.
With a mission to provide avant-garde European education, the Arsakeio School in Tirana has been pivotal in fostering multicultural understanding, particularly between Greece and Albania. It stands as a beacon of qualitative education, melding historical values and modern educational principles.
- Tuition/Annual Cost: View fees for Arsakeio Greek School
- Age Specification: Kindergarden, Primary school, High school
- Languages: Albanian, Greek
- Contact details for Arsakeio Greek School
11. Albanian Qatar College in Tirana
Albanian Qatar College in Tirana was founded in 2010, this elementary and high school operates in tandem with the Albanian public schools program, offering both day and boarding options to its students. It is a forward-thinking institution, recognising the need for such an educational model within Albanian society.
- Tuition/Annual Cost: View fees for Albanian Qatar College
- Age Specification: Primary school, High school
- Languages: English
- Contact details for Albanian Qatar College
Conclusion
In conclusion, families moving to Tirana have a variety of options when it comes to registering their children in international schools. The city offers institutions with good standards and diverse curricula, making the transition for expat families smoother. It’s worth noting that while international school options may be more limited outside Tirana, the capital city provides extensive choices for a quality education for your children.
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