Albanian College Tirana I vs World Academy of Tirana
Albanian College Tirana I and World Academy of Tirana are both in Tirana, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Albanian College Tirana I also offers American. Published annual fees are ALL 4,000 - 10,450 at Albanian College Tirana I and ALL 7,300 - 14,370 at World Academy of Tirana, which puts World Academy of Tirana roughly 50% higher. Albanian College Tirana I takes pupils from 3 to 18, and World Academy of Tirana from 5 to 18. Albanian College Tirana I is the larger school, with around 1,100 pupils to World Academy of Tirana's 500.
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).
School type
School type
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School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
38 nationalities represented; expatriate and local students mix in a cosmopolitan learning environment.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is provided for students who need it.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
Albania
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fee
- A non-refundable application fee of EUR 70 is payable when the application form is submitted; this covers administrative costs including any required testing.
Tuition fees by programme and year group (annual and installment breakdowns)
- ACT American Programme (annual tuition): - Early Years: EUR 4,000 per year. - Grades 1–5: EUR 4,800 per year. - Grades 6–12: EUR 5,800 per year.
- ACT International Baccalaureate (annual tuition): - Early Years: EUR 7,000 per year. - Grades 1–5: EUR 9,250 per year. - Grades 6–9: EUR 9,450 per year. - Grades 10–12: EUR 10,450 per year.
- Standard billing schedule: three installments with due dates on 1 August, 1 December, and 1 April. Payments must be received by the due date to avoid penalties. - Late payment penalty: interest charged at 2% compounded monthly on amounts not received by the due date. - New enrolments: a five-day grace period applies for students enrolling after a scheduled payment date before late fees are applied. - Re-enrolment: students are considered re-enrolled automatically unless the school is notified in writing by 1 August of the coming school year. Late fees apply thereafter. - Sibling discounts: - For the IB Programme there is a 10% discount for additional children in the same family (the oldest child pays full fees). Early Years students do not receive tuition discounts. - No sibling discount is offered for the American Programme.
Boarding fees
- There is no boarding programme or boarding fees listed as part of the published tuition procedures; fees reflect day-school provision only.
Other costs and optional fees
- School uniform: a uniform set is not included in tuition and is charged at EUR 150. - Transportation: an optional transport service is charged at EUR 1,200 per year; transportation may be paid in three installments. - Textbooks and learning materials: - For the IB Programme, textbooks are offered on loan; parents are responsible for replacement costs and a 20% restocking fee if books are returned damaged. Textbook costs vary by grade and are not included in tuition. - For the American Programme, textbooks are not included in tuition and vary by grade. - Calculators: Grade 11 students are required to have a TI-84 Plus; the school may supply one for purchase at up to EUR 300. Grade 12 students in the IB Programme may also incur calculator-related charges. - Examination fees: Grade 12 IB students have examination fees in addition to tuition; the specific amount is charged separately. - After-school activities: most after-school activities are included in tuition, but certain activities may have additional charges when advertised by activity organisers.
Refund information
- The application fee is explicitly non-refundable. There is no separate tuition-refund schedule detailed in the published tuition procedures. Refunds or charges for lost/damaged loaned textbooks and other specific charges are handled as described (e.g., replacement price + 20% restocking for damaged IB textbooks).
Fee payment options and instructions
- Accepted payment channel: bank transfer to the school's accounts at OTP Bank Albania or Raiffeisen Bank, in EUR or ALL, using the beneficiary name “ALBANIAN COLLEGE SHPK.” Parents are asked to forward the payment receipt to accounting@actirana.edu.al after making the transfer. Specific account numbers and SWIFT codes are supplied for EUR and ALL payments. - Transportation may be paid in three installments in line with the tuition installment schedule.
Approval and fee-setting note
- The published tuition procedures indicate that fees for succeeding years are released by the end of March of the current academic year and that fees are set annually in accordance with related costs.
Fee details
Application & initial charges - Registration Fee (per child): EUR 550 — payable once at registration. This fee is non‑refundable. - Guarantee Fee: EUR 1,000 — charged in April and treated as a non‑refundable guarantee added to the tuition; no discounts apply to this fee.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Place‑holding guarantee (EUR 1,000) is due by 01‑Apr‑2026. First term instalment is due by 01‑Jun‑2026; second instalment is due by 10‑Dec‑2026. Full payment deadlines and specific instalment dates are applied as above. - Full annual tuition paid in advance by 15‑Apr‑2026 receives an 8% discount on the annual tuition (discount excludes guarantee fee, application/registration fees, admission fees and transport). - Late payments: a 2% commission applies to the total outstanding obligation for each month of delay beyond contractual deadlines, until full settlement. - New enrolments occurring after 15‑Jun‑2026 must pay the registration fee plus the first term tuition including the guarantee fee within five days to secure a place.
Transport, meals and other payable items - Transport: EUR 1,400 for the entire school year if paid in one instalment (payment before 15‑Aug‑2026). If paid per semester the total is EUR 1,600 with instalments due 15‑Aug‑2026 and 10‑Dec‑2026. Separate bank account details apply for transport payments. - Meals: included for Early Years (3 meals/day) and for PYP/MYP groups (2 meals/day). DP students do not have meals included; meals are available upon request and would be charged separately. - IB DP external examinations fee of EUR 1,000 is included in the DP tuition and is excluded from discounts. Additional costs such as optional field trips or subject‑specific expenses may be charged separately.
Sibling discount - For families with two or more children enrolled simultaneously: 5% reduction on the annual tuition for the second child and 10% reduction for the third and any additional children. Discounts exclude the guarantee fee, application/registration/admission fees and transport.
Refunds and early‑departure reimbursement - Refunds for withdrawal during the school year are calculated according to the Early Departure Reimbursement table and the guarantee fee of EUR 1,000 is non‑refundable. Reimbursement percentages of the applicable tuition portion are as follows by month of departure: September 70%; October 60%; November 50%; December 40%; January 30%; February 20%; March 15%; April 10%; May 0%; June 0%.
Fee payment options and bank details - Bank transfer (EUR) — payments may be made to the school's tuition bank account; IBAN and SWIFT details are provided for euro transfers. Example tuition account: IBAN AL11 2051 1557 6037 13 CLCPCFEURJ; SWIFT NCBAALTX. A separate IBAN is provided for transport payments. Card payments are accepted at the school front desk.
Boarding - Boarding is not applicable; there are no boarding fees in the school's fee schedule for 2026–27.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
Boarding is an option on certain Albanian College campuses. Students in Grades 6 and above seeking boarding must complete additional documents.
Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
Students wear a clean Albanian College uniform every day.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
There is an on-site cafeteria. A range of foods is offered, including soup, fish, meat, and fruit; special dietary needs must be documented by a pediatric doctor's note.
Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Governed by the Albanian College Board of Governors. The school operates as Albanian College SHPK.
Governance and ownership
The school is part of the Orbital Education group.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The Albanian College Tirana 1 offers IB Primary School Programme (PYP), IB Middle School Programme (MYP), IB Diploma Programme (DP), and the American Programme (AMP). The DP is fully authorised as an IB World School for students aged 16–19, with six subject groups and a Core (Theory of Knowledge, CAS, Extended Essay). PYP and MYP are inquiry-based, transdisciplinary programmes with Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills; language of instruction is English with Albanian language classes. Albanian Literature and English Language and Literature are offered within the DP, and English B is available through Language Acquisition. The American Programme provides Cognia-accredited, standards-based education for grades 6–12 with core subjects and electives (including German, Albanian, the arts, and technology) and supports college/university pathways.
Curriculum details
The World Academy of Tirana is the first authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Albania and operates as an IB World School with an IB continuum. The curriculum emphasises inquiry-based learning across Arts, Health, Maths, Science and other core subjects. English is the language of tuition, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support available. The school welcomes a cosmopolitan student body from expatriate and local communities and fosters intercultural understanding. It prepares students for university and beyond.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
IB Diploma results for the Class of 2024 show an average diploma score of 33 points, above the world average of 30.6. The diploma pass rate was 83%, above the world average of 81.3%. Six graduates earned a Grade A in Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and the Diploma subject average surpassed the world average of 4.9. Graduates gained offers to universities worldwide including University of Geneva, University of Bordeaux, University of Vienna, University of York, and several others.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
The American Programme is Cognia-accredited, ranks grades 6–12, and supports college/university pathways worldwide with an advisory program to help students identify and pursue higher education opportunities; many students also supplement their studies with Albanian Matura for local university access.
Higher education progression
Graduates attend universities worldwide, including University of Geneva, University of Bristol, City, University of London, Maastricht University, University of Vienna, and University of York.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
Enrichment options include Pamoja online DP courses (Economics HL/SL, Digital Society SL/HL, Philosophy SL, Psychology SL/HL) offered to Diploma Programme students.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
The school values the whole child. The PYP includes social and emotional education. The PYP fosters growth mindset and agency in an internationally minded child. The Approaches to Learning include social and self-management skills to help students become self-regulated, lifelong learners. The MYP emphasizes social, emotional, and physical well-being as part of the learning, and staff promote after‑school clubs and activities to support holistic development.
Social & emotional learning
The school fosters the social and emotional growth of the whole child through its programmes and co-curricular activities. Students are taught to respect others and to develop an awareness of global issues through school and community service.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
A Special Educational Needs policy identifies needs early, ensures teachers understand inclusion, and requires consultation with parents and students to best meet individual needs. It provides guidance and training for teachers, and accommodations are made within the school's means. Pull-out support for special education needs is not provided. The school follows its Admissions Policy regarding special educational needs.
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school is inclusive and admits students with additional physical or learning needs on a case-by-case basis.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The language of instruction is English. English Language Acquisition / English as an Additional Language (EAL) instruction is recognised and language support is provided across Primary and Secondary, including immersion models and classroom support. In Early Years through Grade 5, Albanian-speaking teaching assistants support English skill development. A language profile is developed as part of admissions to determine language support.
English as an additional language
English is the language of tuition, and English Language support is provided to students who need it.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The MYP emphasises social, emotional, and physical well-being as part of the holistic approach to learning. This emphasis supports students' overall mental and physical health as they develop as global citizens.
Mental wellbeing
Youth mental health is addressed through workshops for students and teachers, and safeguarding measures are integrated across the school.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is at the heart of the recruitment process because the safety and well-being of students is the top priority. The school is committed to rigorous safeguarding standards, including teaching references and criminal records checks for all teachers joining the school.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is integrated with education; safeguarding and well-being are supported through staff training, with collaboration with government authorities to improve national safeguarding policies.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
There are two football pitches on campus.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
There are two football pitches.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Extracurricular opportunities and competitions are available.
Extra curricular facilities
Athletics program develops caring, competitive student-leaders. We support our student-athletes 'Lions' in their mission to succeed on and off the field.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
The Albanian College brand has been established in Albania for over 11 years. It started with Albanian College Durres and expanded to include Albanian College Tirana, which has reached full capacity. To meet growing demand, a second Tirana site, Albanian College Tirana 2, opened in 2024. The largest school in central Tirana is located at Rruga Dritan Hoxha, nr. 18, Tirana 1057.
History
The World Academy of Tirana is the first authorised International Baccalaureate school in Albania and has operated since 2013. It offers the IB Continuum across the Primary, Middle Years, and Diploma programmes. English is the language of tuition, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students who need it. The school is part of the Orbital Education group.
Community
Community
The school maintains a photo gallery of events and travels, showcasing moments from school activities and trips.
Community
World Academy of Tirana has a cosmopolitan community with students from 38 nationalities, blending expatriate and local families. The campus hosts community events and open days via the Events Calendar, including a Community IB Event. The school emphasizes inquiry-based learning centered on local and global issues, encouraging students to become caring global citizens. Facilities include libraries, science labs, art and design studios, a dance studio, an indoor gym, a music hall, and outdoor spaces that support a broad programme of arts, sport, and recreation.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Albanian College Tirana I offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3 to 10, with inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning that builds conceptual knowledge and a growth mindset. Instruction is in English, with Albanian language classes and Albanian culture celebrated weekly. The curriculum includes eight subjects: Language (English and Albanian), Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Personal, Social and Physical Education, Music, and Visual Arts. Learners can experience the programme with either international or local teachers within the Programme of Inquiry.
Academic & intellectual
The World Academy of Tirana offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, including the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme. Learning is inquiry-based and centered on issues and ideas of local and global significance. The curriculum emphasises interdisciplinary connections and cooperative, experiential learning to foster globally minded learners.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Artistic learning is integrated through Music and Visual Arts as core subjects in the PYP. The school also promotes after-school clubs and activities that extend creative exploration beyond the classroom.
Arts & creative
Arts are a central part of WAT's programme, with strong Arts and Health programmes integrated into the curriculum. Creative and aesthetic development is prioritised as part of the IB education. Students are encouraged to express themselves creatively through arts activities.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Language of instruction is English, with weekly Albanian language classes and celebration of Albanian language and culture. The PYP subjects include Language (English and Albanian), Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Personal, Social and Physical Education, Music, and Visual Arts.
Cultural & language
English is the language of tuition at WAT, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support available. The school hosts a cosmopolitan community with 38 nationalities, fostering intercultural understanding. Students are taught to respect others and to develop awareness of global issues through school and community service activities.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Staff promote after-school clubs, activities and learning beyond the classroom walls. The school emphasises a welcoming environment where students can explore social and hobby interests through clubs and activities.
Social & hobbies
Cooperative and experiential learning experiences are central to WAT. Students participate in group activities that develop collaboration and social skills, along with community service experiences. The Athletics programme fosters teamwork, leadership, and resilience through sport.
Community & service
Community & service
The school is proud of its community and the great service, action, and learning happening on and off campus.
Community & service
School and community service activities are integral to learning at WAT. Students develop awareness of global issues through service projects and action. Service as Action is coordinated within the school to support student engagement.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
The school leadership includes a Director and Heads of Primary and Secondary.
Leadership & professional
Scholarships recognise leadership potential as part of eligibility. Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and involvement in extracurricular activities or community service. The selection process includes submitting a personal statement detailing leadership experiences and an interview. A Career Counselor supports university and career planning at WAT.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Personal, Social and Physical Education is a core subject addressing wellbeing and social-emotional learning. ACT emphasises a safe, friendly and welcoming environment and fosters independence, collaboration, and ownership of learning.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Pastoral care ensures student well-being and emotional growth. Athletics and health programmes support physical well-being and healthy lifestyles. The school's values—Excellence, Respect, Responsibility, Integrity and Compassion—underpin a caring environment that supports wellbeing.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English and Albanian are languages taught. In the PYP, the language of instruction is English and Albanian language classes are included; other mother tongue languages used in the learning community are incorporated. The Diploma Programme offers English Language and Literature and Albanian Literature. The American Programme provides English as a core subject and electives such as German and Albanian.
Language provision
The school teaches in English. English as an additional language (EAL) support is provided for students who need it.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The language of instruction is English. Albanian language and culture are celebrated through Albanian language classes, and other mother tongue languages used in the learning community are incorporated. The programme can be taught by international or local teachers within the Programme of Inquiry.
Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Step 1. How to apply and obtain information. The school provides a How to Apply section to guide prospective families and to learn more about Albanian College Tirana. The section clarifies how to apply and where to access additional information. The links available are APPLY HERE, MORE INFORMATION, and SCHOOL PROFILE. Step 2. Submit an Expression of Interest. An online Expression of Interest form is available via the APPLY HERE link. The form is titled "Expression of Interest Form" and is hosted on Google Forms, with fields including the Programme and Grade Level, School Year, Student's Full Name, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Gender, Age, Nationality, Previous School, Home Address, Parent Name, English Speaker, Parent's Phone Number, Parent's Email, and School Transport Requested. Step 3. Access the School Profile and contact information. The School Profile is available via a linked resource, and the page provides contact details such as the address and email: Rr. Dritan Hoxha, nr. 18, Tirana, 1057, Albania; info@actirana.edu.al.
Admissions
1. Contact our Admissions Team. Register interest by completing the online enquiry form. After submission a member of the Admissions Team will contact you to provide further information and arrange a visit to the school. You may also be invited to community events and open days. 2. School Tour. The Admissions Team will take you on a personal tour of the facilities, classrooms and specialist spaces. A virtual campus tour is available if preferred. The school teaches in English. 3. Start your Application. Submit your child's application via the online admissions portal. The portal stays open for the duration of the admissions journey and provides progress updates. You will upload documents including the student application form and summary of academic history, the enrolment agreement, medical questionnaire, two photos, passport copies, school reports for the past two years, and any letters of recommendation or psychological-educational evaluations if available. Edits are not possible after submission. 4. Assessment & Interview. Students applying to join the Secondary School participate in an interview and take an English language test that covers listening, writing, speaking and reading. The English language assessment determines the level of English language support and does not affect admission. Some maths and science assessments may be required depending on documentation. WAT is an inclusive school and admits students irrespective of gender, religion and nationality; additional physical or learning needs are considered on a case by case basis with safety and program impact in mind. 5. Offer & Acceptance. If the application meets all conditions and a place is available, a formal offer is made and issued via the admissions portal along with the contract to sign. The student receives a school account for necessary information. If there are more applicants than places, admission is determined by the date of application and a waiting list is formed.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
Partial scholarships are offered to existing students and to students applying in MYP 5 and DP 1. Eligibility criteria include demonstrating academic excellence, leadership potential, active involvement in extracurricular activities or community service, and commitment to the values of the school and/or International Baccalaureate Programme. To apply, students submit a personal statement and take two exams (English and Maths) and an interview with the Secondary Principal. The application deadline is June 30. A scholarship selection committee of four members reviews all applications and selects recipients. Successful applicants will be notified by July 15.
Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
A waiting list is formed when there are more applicants than available places. Admission decisions follow the order of the application date and all conditions are met; openings are filled as they arise.
