Navigating your child’s education 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 smoother transition and helping you make informed education choices for your child.

Once you’ve relocated to Croatia, enrolling your child in school becomes a top priority. In this guide, we outline the main stages of education, different schooling options and key enrolment considerations to help you understand what to expect.

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 school 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 education is generally optional and usually lasts three or four years, depending on the programme.

The main types of secondary education in Croatia include:

• 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.

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

LetsGo2Cro resources

Preparing for your child’s education is one of the many practical considerations when moving to Croatia. Our Croatian School Guide e-Guide provides further information about school types, enrolment considerations, school holidays and education options for families settling in Croatia.

Download our e-Guide to the Croatian School System to help you plan your child’s education in Croatia.

Have Questions About Moving to Croatia with Your Family?

Every family’s circumstances are different, and planning a move involves more than choosing a school. If you have questions about relocating to Croatia, residency options or the practical steps involved in settling your family,

📩 Book a personalized consultation with LetsGo2Cro to discuss your family’s move to Croatia and explore the guidance that may be relevant to your circumstances.

Explore our relocation services or browse our e-Guides and resources as you plan your move.

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