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Albanian International School

Albania, Tirana

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum
Taught languages Albanian, French
Typical class size 5
Strengths Languages, Academic Enrichment, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

Albanian International School (AIS) is a private international school in Tirana, Albania, offering an English‑medium American curriculum from preschool through Grade 9. The Preschool program for ages 3–5 develops early literacy and numeracy through art, storytelling, movement, and songs, supported by four teachers as enrollment grew from 6 to 30. K–4 uses Engage NY CCSS ELA and GO MATH! aligned to CCSS, with emphasis on reading, writing, and mathematical fluency; Science Fusion supports NGSS. Grades 5–9 are taught by specialist teachers; ELA follows Write Source, Math uses Big Ideas Math with a pathway to advanced courses, and Science Fusion continues to NGSS. French is taught from Grade 1 through 9; Albanian is compulsory for native Albanian students and optional for others. AIS participates in CEESA and is WASC-accredited through 2028, with a 5:1 student–teacher ratio and MAP assessments shared with parents. The school fosters a multilingual environment, field trips, and enrichment programs such as the AIS International Schools Spelling Bee, the Tirana Eco‑Fashion Show, and the AIS International Fair.

Rr. "E Elbasanit" / Rruga Elbasanit, No.24, Ish‑Rezidenca Franceze, Njesia Administrative Nr. 2, 1010 Tirana, Albania

The Essentials

Albanian International School has typical class sizes of 5, instruction in English.

Location
Located in Tirana, Albania, on Elbasanit Street (Rr. Elbasanit). Address: Elbasanit Street, Administrative Unit No. 2, Ish-Rezidenca Franceze, 1010 Tirana. The school is opposite the American Embassy.

Stages
Preschool (ages 3-5); Kindergarten through 4th Grade; 5th Grade through 9th Grade

Type
Private international school

Country affiliation
Albania

School day structure
School hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 am–3:00 pm; Friday 8:00 am–4:00 pm.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a uniform. Students wear blue shirts for lessons and orange shirts for PE. AIS recommends a minimum of three blue shirts and two orange shirts.

Food Options
Meals are provided via a canteen with an optional monthly food fee; parents who do not pay may pack food from home. A sample weekly menu includes breakfast items such as baguette with butter and jam, French toast, and cereals, and lunches such as creamy chicken soup with salad, chicken fillet with pasta, and vegetables. There are separate lower- and upper-grade lunch options.

House System
The school has a House system. AIS communications highlight House at AIS as a feature of student life.
Fees
Application and registration fees
- Registration fee for new students: EUR 200.
- Re-registration fee for current AIS students: EUR 100.

Book and learning-material fees
- Book fee: EUR 250 for Preschool 2.
- Book fee: EUR 300 for Kindergarten through Grade 9.

Tuition fees by year group (amounts per term / per year)
- The school's public materials list registration and book fees and explain billing and contract options, but do not publish a grade-by-grade or per-term tuition schedule for the 2026/27 academic year (2025/26 materials were also checked and do not contain a published tuition table). Exact tuition amounts by year group and by term are not available in the school's publicly posted documents.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Enrollment contracts are available as either a full academic-year contract or a semester contract. Yearly contracts offer a 10-month payment option. Semester contracts require the full semester tuition to be paid on or before the first day of that semester. Monthly payment options are available only to parents who sign a yearly contract. The school operates on a trimester academic reporting system.
- Sibling discounts applied to tuition: 10% discount for families enrolling two children; 15% discount for families enrolling three or more children.

Boarding fees
- No boarding program or boarding fees are published; school information and published schedules describe AIS as a day school with normal school hours and do not list room-and-board charges. No boarding fees are listed in the publicly available materials.

Other costs and recurring optional charges
- Uniforms: school uniform shirts (blue for lessons, orange for PE) and recommended minimum quantities are specified; uniforms may be ordered through the school office. The cost of uniforms is not listed.
- Food / lunch: lunch is optional and charged as a separate monthly fee when chosen; the amount of the monthly food fee is not published in the available materials.
- Specialist activities, field trips, external exam fees, and certain extracurriculars may generate additional charges; specific amounts for these items are not published in the documents reviewed.

Scholarships and fee exclusions
- Scholarship awards may cover tuition (examples of 75%, 50%, 25% awards are published), but scholarships explicitly exclude registration, books, uniforms, food, and paid outdoor activities from coverage.

Refund information
- Registration and book fees are listed with their amounts, but no public, detailed refund schedule for tuition, registration, or other fees is published in the school's publicly posted materials for the 2026/27 or 2025/26 year. Refund terms and any prorating or deadlines for refunds are not specified in the documents reviewed.

Fee payment options (methods)
- The school's publicly posted materials describe available billing frequencies and payment timing (yearly/semester/10-month/monthly options) but do not specify accepted payment methods (for example: bank transfer, credit card, online payment provider) in the documents available online. Payment method details are not published in the materials that list fees and billing terms.

Notes on special programs that affect fees
- Ambassador/referral credits: AIS operates an Ambassador Program that offers tuition credit for successful referrals; the program awards a tuition credit equal to a percentage of the referred student's annual tuition (terms and credits specified in program terms). This can affect net tuition charged to a referring family.

Summary of missing published items
- A detailed published tuition schedule showing amounts by grade/year group and by term is not available in the school's publicly posted admission, parent resource, or handbook documents for the 2026/27 or 2025/26 academic years. Specific amounts for the optional lunch program, uniform pricing, payment-method instructions, and an explicit refund schedule are also not published in the documents reviewed.
Academics

Albanian International School teaches American Curriculum.

Curriculum
AIS provides an English‑medium education from preschool through Grades 5–9. The Preschool program is American English and develops early literacy and numeracy through activities in art, games, storytelling, movement, and songs. The curriculum for K–4 uses Engage NY curricula aligned to Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and GO MATH! aligned to CCSS, with emphasis on reading, writing, and mathematical fluency. Science instruction uses the digital and print Science Fusion program, aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Grades 5–9 are taught by specialist teachers; English Language Arts follows the Write Source series aligned to CCSS, Math uses Big Ideas Math with a pathway to advanced courses beginning in middle school, and Science Fusion continues to NGSS; French is taught from Grade 1 through Grade 9; Albanian is compulsory for native Albanian students and optional for others. Social Studies, Music, Art, Physical Education, and Information Technology are offered as specialist subjects. The school participates in CEESA and is Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited.

Student Teacher Ratio
Preschool student‑teacher ratio is approximately 7.5 to 1 (30 students with 4 teachers).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
AIS has a Schoolwide Learning Outcomes framework focused on leadership, collaboration, listening, trustworthiness, and initiative. A dedicated SEL & Social Worker (Matilda Peci) supports student well-being. ESLR indicators describe growth in MAP scores, timely homework, critical thinking, and strong English communication as well as proficiency in the native language. Global citizenship and respect for diversity are emphasized, including community service as a demonstrated outcome. Regular emotional and social check-ins are conducted to monitor student well-being.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
AIS uses English as the language of instruction, including an American English Preschool program for 3- to 5-year-olds. Students are proficient in written and spoken English, as well as in their native language.

Mental Wellbeing
A School Counselor supports student well-being. AIS conducts regular emotional and social check-ins, particularly after transitions. The Child Protection Policy emphasises safety and holistic development and integrates wellbeing into school practice.

Safeguarding
AIS has a Child Protection Policy updated August 2026. There is a designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and a School Protection Team, including Owner/Administrator Alma Mulaj, DSL Stela Bilaj, Director of Instruction Juliana Berisha, School Counselor Matilda Selmani, Doctor Klaudja Kolbucaj, and Teacher Representative. The policy aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Albanian law, requires mandatory reporting and clear reporting pathways, and includes staff training, a central record, and annual policy reviews.
Parent Experience

History
The school has been proudly serving the community for over 14 years, providing international education in Albania. The school is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) through 2028. The school welcomes a diverse student body representing many nationalities and cultural backgrounds, creating a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, the school maintains a favorable learning environment. The school teaches a comprehensive American curriculum based on the Common Core State Standards, spanning Preschool through ninth grade, and uses MAP assessments that are shared with parents.

Community
The school encourages student involvement in the community as part of a global society. Students have helped clean local beaches and participated in food drives for the local food bank, among other worthwhile causes.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Albanian International School operates an American English preschool for ages 3-5. The program has grown from 6 to 30 children and is supported by four teachers. The preschool features enrichment activities and equipment, including a weekly dance class, an astronomy activity, a 2-meter Seven Continents map, Star Jump Music Time, and sensory activities. English language learning is emphasized and children are exposed to multiple languages, including Hungarian, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Italian, and Albanian, while English remains the common language. The school uses these activities to support early learning and multilingual development.

Academic Facilities
AIS uses Science Fusion for Kindergarten through Ninth Grade, a digital and print science program aligned to NGSS. The program emphasizes inquiry with real-world challenges, hands-on activities, and video-based projects. For mathematics, K-5 uses GO MATH!, aligned to CCSS, while Grades 5-9 use Big Ideas Math with options for Pre-Calculus and Calculus in high school. English Language Arts follows Write Source to align with CCSS and emphasizes informational texts and research papers. Albanian is taught as a native-language course for Albanian students and French is taught from Grade 1 through Grade 9. Information Technology covers basic computer operations, Microsoft Office, and internet safety.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Field trips are a regular feature, with visits to the National Museum of Albania, Lehze, the Bunk'Art complex, the National Art Gallery, the Daiti Mountain complex, Kruja Castle, and the Artificial Lake of Tirana. A number of trips have included Berat and Gjirokaster. Enrichment activities include a weekly dance class, an astronomy activity, a 2-meter Seven Continents map, Star Jump Music Time, and various sensory activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school has an active lineup of academic and intellectual extracurricular events. The AIS International Schools Spelling Bee is organized by AIS and involves competition among students. AIS also hosts the Tirana Eco-Fashion Show as part of student engagement. The yearly AIS International Fair brings together students and parents to explore cultures through food and presentations.

Arts & Creative
The school has a vibrant arts and creative program through extracurricular showcases. The Student Art Exhibition displays AIS students' artwork. AIS also hosts annual art-related shows such as Halloween and Christmas shows, and a Talent Show.

Cultural & Language
The school has cultural and language activities. European Language Day is celebrated at AIS. The International Day Show represents different countries with food, culture, dance, and music. An International Day celebration is held on June 7.

Social & Hobbies
The school has social and hobby activities through student-led performances and community-themed events. The AIS Talent Show showcases student talents. Kindness Week features activities like Dance for Kindness. Bake Sale Fundraisers during Kindness Week and other events raise funds for charitable causes.

Community & Service
The school has community service initiatives. The AIS Junior Youth Community Service Club hosted bake sales to help the homeless. Donations to the Ivana Foundation support Roma children. The Holiday Bazaar donations support those in need, and the Plant a Tree ceremony with Mayor Erion Veliaj marks community engagement.

Leadership & Professional
The school has leadership opportunities through student clubs like the AIS Junior Youth Community Service Club. The AIS Third Annual International Fair involves students and parents in planning and presenting country-themed activities. The AIS International Schools Spelling Bee fosters leadership and organizational skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school has outdoor and wellness-oriented activities through field trips to cultural sites and natural areas. Beach Clean-Up events promote environmental stewardship. The Greece Trip offers an outdoor learning experience for upper-grade students.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. English Language Arts is CCSS-aligned, with Engage NY used for Kindergarten through Fourth Grade, and Grades 5 through 9 continuing with an English Language Arts program aligned to CCSS. French is taught from Grade 1 to Grade 9, and Albanian language classes are compulsory for native Albanian students and optional for all other students. Children speak several languages, including Hungarian, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Italian, and Albanian, but English language learning remains the common thread.
Reputation

Accreditations
WASC accreditation (until 2028).
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1. Review the admission information. The page provides a registration packet, a list of required documents, and brief descriptions. For questions, contact sekretaria.ais@gmail.com. This initial step sets expectations for enrollment. Step 2. Contract Options. AIS offers contracts for academic year or academic semester. The yearly contract includes a 10-month payment option; month-to-month contracts are not offered. This clarifies the duration and payment terms. Families should plan accordingly. Step 3. Registration documents and forms. Registration documents describe the materials needed to process the admission request. Registration forms can be picked up in the AIS office or downloaded. An emergency contact form is also available in the office or downloadable. Step 4. Uniforms and fees. Uniform policy requires blue shirts for lessons and orange shirts for PE, with a recommended minimum of three blue shirts and two orange shirts. Book fees are 250 € for Preschool 2 and 300 € for Kindergarten through Grade 9. New student registration is 200 €, and re-registration is 100 €. All documentation is required before the child can begin learning.
School Events
The school has not added events
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