Embarking on your child’s educational journey in Croatia can be both exciting and overwhelming—especially for expat families and newcomers. Gaining a clear understanding of the Croatian school system is essential for a smooth transition and ensuring the best possible education for your child.

Once you’ve relocated to Croatia, enrolling your child in school becomes a top priority. In this guide, we break down the key stages of the Croatian education system, admission requirements, and schooling options to help you make informed decisions and navigate the process with ease.

Schools in Croatia

Croatia offers a structured and accessible education system, comprising:

• Kindergarten (Vrtić): Non-compulsory, available from ages 1 to 6.
• Primary School (Osnovna škola): Compulsory, starting at age 6, lasting 8 years.
• Secondary School (Srednja škola): Optional, typically 3–4 years, with various educational tracks.

Public education is free for all children residing in Croatia, including those with temporary residence permits.

Kindergarten in Croatia

While not mandatory, kindergartens (vrtić) in Croatia accept children from the age of one. These institutions focus on early childhood development, preparing children for primary education.

Primary education

Primary education is compulsory in Croatia and starts at the age of six. Primary school is divided into two levels:

• First through to fourth grade: the lessons are with one teacher per class. Lessons focus on subjects such as Croatian, mathematics, visual art, nature and society, physical education, music, religion, and at least one foreign language (this is normally English).
• Fifth grade onwards : is taught by specialized teachers for each subject. New subjects are also introduced such as history and geography, chemistry, physics, biology, informatics, and a second language such as German, Italian or French.

Secondary schooling

Secondary schooling is optional in Croatia, however there is movement to make it compulsory for children. The types of secondary education in Croatia is:

• Gimnazija: General education schools with tracks in mathematics, science, languages, and classics.
• Vocational Schools: Focus on specific trades and professions.
• Art Schools: Specialize in visual arts, music, and related fields.

School terms and holidays

School Terms 

The academic year in Croatia is divided into two semesters:

• First Semester: September to mid-January.
• Second Semester: Late January to mid-June.

School Holidays

School holidays include:

• Winter Break: Approximately two weeks around Christmas and New Year.
• Spring Break: One week in April.
• Summer Break: Mid-June to early September.

Types of schools and classes

Croatia offers various schooling options to cater to different needs:

• Public Schools: State-funded and free for residents.
• Private Schools: Tuition-based, offering alternative curricula.
• International Schools: Cater to expatriate communities, often following foreign curricula.

Enrollment process

Each school may have its own set of admission requirements and procedures, which can vary depending on factors such as location and school type.

To enroll your child in a Croatian school, you’ll  need:

• Proof of residency.
• Child’s birth certificate.
• Immunization records.

It’s advisable to contact the desired school directly to understand specific admission requirements and deadlines.

LetsGo2Cro resources

To make your move easier, We has created a comprehensive e-Guide designed to walk you through every step of the Croatian school system. From understanding school holidays and admissions to choosing between public, private, or international schools, our resources are tailored to support expat families settling in Croatia.

Download our comprehensive e-Guide. to the Croatian School System that will give you clarity and confidence as you plan your child’s education in Croatia.

Need personalized assistance?

If you have further questions about the Croatian school system or need guidance tailored to your family’s needs, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

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