International Schools in Montenegro – all the information you need on a few of the top schools in the main areas. The information in the post is from each schools website. This is an abbreviated version to help you compare the 3 schools.
Every child is different, and ultimately the decision will be the parents as they know their child best. The more information you have the better equipped you will be to answer the “which school is best” question.
- Knightsbridge School International – Montenegro – In Tivat
- Arcadia Academy Private International School – Near Tivat and Kotor
- QSI International School of Montenegro – In Podgorica
1. Knightsbridge School International – Montenegro
- About the School
- Discovery Week
- The IB Programmes – Primary, Middle years and Diploma Programs
- Uniform
- Fees
- The Prospectus
About
This is a day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3-18 years. The only IB World School in Montenegro, the School belongs to a global network of international schools united through a shared ethos and curriculum and modelled on the Knightsbridge School in London.
Founded in 1968, it is a non-profit educational foundation.
It is an International Baccalaureate school, which is highly regarded as the ‘gold standard’ in education throughout the international community and highly respected by leading universities.
“KSI believes each child is unique and they encourage students to achieve their learning potential. New students are assessed on entry and those requiring additional learning support are identified and appropriate structures put in place.
Discovery Week
Discovery Week – they extend the curriculum beyond the classroom walls by assisting the children to realise their personal growth with planned activities, whilst they strengthen friendships, develop team and leadership skills, and experience independence and responsibility.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes
It offer Primary, Middle years and Diploma Programmes.
KSI Montenegro is an IB world school offering the International Baccalaureate curriculum for children aged 3-18.
- Early Years Programme
- Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) – Ages 3 -12
- Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) – Ages 11 – 16
- Diploma Years Programme (IB DP)
Early Years Program
They have an Early Years /Nursery school is part of the IB Primary Years Programme.
There are 2 stages/ age groups in the Early years:
- Focus on social and emotional skills for students aged 3 and 4 years old with a curriculum tailored to cater individually for each child based on early literacy, numeracy skills and a strong play-based philosophy.
- The Reception year (age 4-5) is critical in building a strong learning foundation through a stimulating, warm and nurturing environment which incorporates all areas of the curriculum creating a genuine love of learning.
Primary Years Programme (IB PYP)
For students aged 3 to 12, with focus on the development of the child as a whole. It has 6 subjects/themes:
The 6 Subjects
- Languages
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Arts (Music, Drama & Visual)
- Personal, Social and Physical Education
The 6 Themes
- Who we are
- Where we are in place and time
- How we express ourselves
- How the world works
- How we organise ourselves
- Sharing the planet
Each theme or Unit of Inquiry lasts approximately 6 weeks for Years 1 through 6, and 9 weeks for Kinder classes.
Assessment
Students are continuously assessed by their teachers throughout the unit of inquiry and they receive a formalised end of unit assessment to record their progress of subject specific knowledge, understanding the central idea and learner goals.
Assessments particularly focus on mathematics and literacy development.
To help measure progress, children will take MAP assessment tests 3 times a year, to monitor their growth and ensure any “needs” are highlighted in Mathematics or English. For more information on MAP assessments NWEA website.
Middle Years Programme (MYP)
For students aged 11 to 16.
The Curriculum
It consists of eight subject groups with subject teachers teaching and learning, and developing conceptual understanding within their own discipline and across subject groups.
- Minimum 2 languages,
- individuals and societies,
- sciences,
- mathematics,
- arts,
- physical and health education,
- and design.
In Year 10, students undertake a small group ‘community project’ a service /action in the community. This helps them to prepare for their final years independent ‘personal project’ which demonstrates the development of their skills and understanding to this point.
The 8 Subjects in the MYP:
- Language acquisition
- Language and literature
- Individuals and societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Arts
- Physical and health education
- Design
In the final two years , carefully-defined subject group flexibility allows students to meet local requirements and personal learning goals.
Assessment
MYP assessment standards are consistent around the world and are a criterion-related assessment model. Tasks are assessed against established criteria, not against the work of other students.
These include:
- open-ended, problem-solving activities and investigations
- organised debates
- tests and examinations
- hands-on experimentation
- analysis and reflection
Students will do MAP assessment tests 3 times a year to assess their progress in Mathematics and English.
Diploma Programme (DP)
For students aged 16-18. It is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations, preparing students for success at university and life beyond and is designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students.
Six subject Groups:
- Studies in language and literature
- Language acquisition
- Individuals and societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- The Arts
Students must choose one subject from groups 1 to 5. Student can select an arts subject from group 6, or a second subject from groups 1 to 5. There are different courses within each subject group.
For the IB Diploma, a candidate needs to complete 6 courses, exams and internal assessments and three core requirements:
The Diploma Programme core is:
- The extended essay: This asks students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the DP subjects they are studying.
- Theory of knowledge: A course on critical thinking, students inquire into the nature of knowing and deepen their understanding of knowledge as a human construction.
- Creativity, action, service (CAS): This involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies throughout the Diploma Programme. Creativity encourages students to engage in the arts and creative thinking. Action seeks to develop a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. Service with the community offers a vehicle for a new learning with academic value. The three strands of CAS enhance students’ personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning and enable journeys of self-discovery.
Examinations
Students take written examinations at the end of the programme, which are marked by external IB examiners. Students do assessment tasks in the school.
Uniform
Uniform Policy
Students are required to wear an uniform during school hours. One set of School and Sports Uniform are included in the school fees.
The uniform policy is to encourage learners to feel like a part of the KSI community by wearing their KSI uniform with pride, as their peers around the world do. It encourages learners to focus on their studies and “work hard”, It encourages them to “be all they can be” and put into action the KS Code throughout their school day.
FEES
2. Arcadia Academy Private International School
About Arcadia Academy
Can be found near the Tivat airport on 5,000 square meters of beautiful, secluded land, and about halfway between Tivat, Kotor and Krasici. The school is situated in a green zone with surrounding non-urbanized land and accessed via a private road.
Arcadia Academy is a British International School in Kotor municipality, Montenegro. It is for both boys and girls aged 3-18. Arcadia Academy is the first and only Cambridge International School (IGCSE) in Montenegro, as well as the first and only COBIS (Council of British International Schools) full member, also licensed by the Montenegrin Ministry of Education.
Cambridge Programme
Arcadia Academy is a Cambridge International School, accredited by Cambridge International Examinations, the world’s largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications for 5 to 19 year olds, and part of the University of Cambridge.
Primary and Lower Secondary (Secondary 1) programme (Years 1-9, age 5-14), IGCSE programme (Years 10 and 11, age 14-16) and A-levels (Years 12 and 13, age 16-18).
Cambridge Preschool
The preschoolers are part of the school but they benefit from a beautiful, spacious and well-resourced classroom of their own with a tailor-made curriculum combining a Montessori approach with the Early Years Programme as dictated by the National Curriculum of England and Wales.
With a wide range of resources and – most importantly – the care and support of committed, trained staff, our pre-school programme provides young learners with a safe and vibrant environment in which to learn, develop and adjust to school life.
Children are prepared for the challenges they will face later on; with focus on literacy, maths, practical life, personal, social, physical and emotional development as well as expressive arts and design.
The school follows Jolly Phonics schemes of work. Tasks for children help to develop their muscular coordination and sensorial skills and education aims to accommodate a range of learning styles.
A typical day in pre-school:
08:30-09:15 Circle time and early morning activities
09:15-10:00 Free play
10:00-10:30 Snack time
10:30-11:15 Teacher-guided activities
11:15-12:00 Story time
12:00-13:00 Lunch time and supervised outdoor activities
13:00-14:30 Afternoon activities
Cambridge Primary
Arcadia Academy has fully implemented the Cambridge Primary Curriculum Framework for English, Mathematics and Science.
English, Mathematics & Science
A typical school day:
- 08:30-10:00 Lessons Block 1
- 10:00-10:30 Snack time
- 10:30–12:00 Lessons Block 2
- 12:00-13:00 Lunch time and supervised outdoor activities
- 13:00-14:30 Lessons Block 3
- 14:30-14:40 Snack time
- 14:40-15:30 Homework Club / Afterschool activities
Cambridge Secondary 1
Cambridge Secondary 1: For the first 3 Years: develops skills and understanding in English, Mathematics and Science
English, Mathematics & Science
English
Cambridge Primary English enables learners to develop a first language competency in English based on a curriculum designed to be successful in any culture and to promote cross-cultural understanding.
Mathematics
The mathematics curriculum: 5 areas:
- number,
- geometry,
- measure,
- handling data
- problem solving
This curriculum focuses on principles, patterns, systems, functions and relationships so that learners can apply their mathematical knowledge and develop a holistic understanding of the subject.
Science
This curriculum framework covers 4 areas:
- scientific enquiry,
- biology,
- chemistry
- physics
Wider Curriculum
The National Curriculum for England and Wales (Key Stages 1 and 2) is used for the wider curriculum subjects: Design & Technology, Computing, History, Geography, Art & Design, Modern Languages, Music and PE.
Cambridge Secondary 2
Cambridge Secondary 2 includes Cambridge IGCSE, international qualification for 14 to 16 year old’s. It is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide.
The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum offers a variety of routes for learners with a wide range of abilities, including those whose first language is not English.
IGCSE subjects:
Group 1 – Languages:
0500 English as a First Language
0530 Spanish as a Foreign Language
Group 2 – Humanities:
0408 World Literature
0457 Global Perspectives
Group 3 – Sciences:
0610 Biology
0620 Chemistry
0625 Physics
Group 4 – Mathematics:
0580 Mathematics
Group 5 – Professional and Creative:
0413 Physical Education
Cambridge offers an ICE (International Certificate of Education) group qualification for candidates who achieve 7 subject passes A*-C.
Cambridge International A-Levels:
– In-depth subject content
– Independent thinking
– Applying knowledge, understanding to new/familiar situations
– Handling and evaluating different types of information source
– Thinking logically and presenting ordered and coherent arguments
– Making judgements, recommendations and decisions
– Presenting reasoned explanations, understanding implications, communicating logically, clearly
– Working and communicating in English
Cambridge A levels offers a choice of 55 subjects and allows learners to specialise in a particular subject area or study a range of subjects. Cambridge International A Level is typically a two-year course, and Cambridge International AS Level is typically one year. Some subjects can be started as a Cambridge International AS Level and extended to a Cambridge International A Level.
ESL
Alongside provision for additional learning any pupil may have, Arcadia also supports a number of pupils for whom English is an additional language where this presents as a barrier to their learning until their language acquisition fully develops and until they can follow the lessons for their age. The flagged students are identified early in the year and from September they are asked to attend ESL lessons after school where they are divided into several groups according to their age and English level. This information is transparent and students, teachers and parents are all timely informed.
Cambridge International Examinations
Cambridge International Examinations
Cambridge International Examination diplomas are recognized for admission by UK universities (including Oxford and Cambridge), as well as universities in the United States (Stanford and all Ivy League universities), Canada, European Union, Australia and around the world.
Students enrolled at other schools and educational systems may apply to pass Cambridge exams at Arcadia, a certified Cambridge International Examination center.
Sports
Students have access to onsite all-weather football pitch, tennis court and running track, which was opened in September 2017 and full use of a brand new, state of the art sport center.
Arcadia Football Academy, weekly practices with travel to European tournaments
Physical Conditioning, Track and Field, Harvard Bleep Test, Cross-Country fitness training
Rugby, Archery, Basketball, Field Hockey, Boxing, Sailing, Kayaking
Extra Muriel Activities
Arts, Music, Dance
The school offers lessons in art, music and dance (ballet and street dance), and an opportunity to perform in musical theatre, concerts and dance shows.
“”Five years ago, at our small school house, we set out to make a movie called ‘Queen Teuta’s Treasure’, where the students played historical characters. Looking at it now reminds us of the passion and dedication that we stood for when we started Arcadia. We take pride in knowing that this spirit is still with us today, challenging us to create the best learning experience for our students. Watch till the end to see how we have progressed on our journey!””
Computer Design, Robotics, 3D Games, Archeology, Media
They have an after school programme offering students extra classes in:
– Robotics, educational robots that are smart with coding, programming, math
– 3D Games Creation, game design and creation
– Archeology with digs for Roman and Illyrian artifacts in our locality
– Media and Broadcasting, news channels, video editing
– 3D printing, making STEM subjects fun and engaging
QSI International School of Montenegro
They have students from over 24 different nationalities, and offer from Preschool through to Secondary School programs.
They offer a full curriculum, including core subjects(math, reading language arts, science and cultural studies) and special area subjects (music, art, physical education, library, technology and Montenegrin language).
Students are placed according to their achievements in core subjects, rather than age to ensure that each student reaches his or her personal potential.
All classes are taught in English and our Intensive English program ensures that non-native English speakers learn academic English well enough to be successful in a short period of time.
About
QSIM has a unique learning model with a motto of “Success For All” recognizing that all students are unique – build the environment where all students succeed. Internationally recruited teachers are well trained and equipped and adept at working with each student as an individual rather than seeing them as one person in a group. View school video at https://www.qsi.org/montenegro/mtg/our-school/school-video/.
As the only registered and accredited elementary & secondary school in Podgorica, students come from 23 different countries. English is the language of instruction. With families from multi-national companies and local Montenegrin students.
Curriculum
Preschool
The school offers preschoolers participation in a variety of play-related and hands-on experiences to develop learning readiness, physical coordination and development, and the social skills necessary to be successful in a classroom setting. Students develop foundational skills in literacy, math, and science that help prepare them for success in elementary school through purposeful play.
Elementary
Elementary School caters for 5 to 11 years old’s with programs related to each age group.
QSI Curriculum is developed for each age group:
Ages 5-11
Elementary School caters for 5 to 11 years old’s with programs related to each age group.
QSI Curriculum is developed for each age group:
Middle School
Project-Based Learning. Collaborative Classrooms.
Ages 12-13
The Middle School program at QSI International School of Montenegro caters for students from 12 -13 years of age. They place students in active group learning environments that support the development of 21st Century Learning skills including collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem solving.
Secondary School
The Secondary School Program at QSI International school of Montenegro focuses on equipping students with the skills, knowledge and behaviors required to be a success in a post-secondary environment. Students set individual learning goals, receive instructional support, and demonstrate achievement.
Contact Details
BB Donja Gorica, Podgorica 81000, Montenegro
Tel: +382 20-641-734
montenegro@qsi.org