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International Montessori School of Albania

Albania, Tirana

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ALL 5,420 - 6,770
Ages 0 - 6 years
Pupil numbers 100
Type Co-educational
Opened 2007
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Montessori Curriculum
Typical class size 24
Strengths Outdoor Education, Languages, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Preschool, Kindergarten
Introduction

International Montessori School of Albania (IMSA) sits in a sunny villa in Mjull Bathore, Tirana, offering a Montessori program for children from 0 to 6 years. The curriculum follows the authentic Montessori method, aligned with Albania's national early years expectations, and is delivered in English across three prepared environments: Nido (0–2), Infant Community (2–3) and Casa dei Bambini (3–6). The program covers seven areas of learning—Practical Life, Sensorial Education, Language Development, Mathematics, Cultural Studies, Grace and Courtesy, and Physical Development with Outdoor Learning—supported by ongoing planning, observation and portfolio documentation. IMSA is the first Montessori school in Albania and is internationally accredited as part of the Orbital Education group. Sixteen Montessori-trained teachers serve about 100 learners, with more than 1,000 students taught since 2007. Facilities include six classrooms, two outdoor playgrounds, an indoor playground, an arts pavilion, and an in-house kitchen. Ratios are 1:4 (Infants), 1:6 (Toddlers) and 1:8 (Casa), supporting personalized attention.

Rruga Hasan Gjuzi, Mjull‑Bathore, Tirana, Albania

The Essentials

International Montessori School of Albania has 100 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.

Location
Tirana, Albania. Address: Rruga Hasan Gjuzi, Mjull-Bathore, Tirana. Located in a leafy suburb close to the centre of Tirana. The Montessori curriculum is delivered in English.

Stages
Infants Group; Toddlers Class; Casa Classes.

Type
Montessori nursery school

Additional learning support
The school may provide additional SEN support; admission is considered if needs can be met within the school's resources; may incur additional fees; SEN and inclusion policies guide the process.

Country affiliation
Albania

School day structure
Nursery Office Hours: Monday–Friday 08:00–16:00. Infants schedule runs 08:15–16:00 with aftercare 16:00–17:30; Toddlers and Casa classes follow a similar day structure with aftercare available for an additional fee.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are compulsory. The uniform provider is Trutex, with online ordering and on-site sales by a parent volunteer. Primary Summer uniform includes a white polo shirt with the school logo, navy blue skirts or trousers, a navy blue sweatshirt, and black or dark shoes; socks are white or plain dark colours, and clothes should be clearly labelled. Girls may wear navy blue and white checked dresses.

Food Options
The school has an in-house kitchen where a chef prepares fresh, nutritious meals daily. This nourishment supports energy and focus throughout the day.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of Orbital Education group.
Fees

Annual tuition at International Montessori School of Albania ranges from ALL 5,420 to ALL 6,770 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration Fees

- Registration Fee (application/registration): EUR 500 per child, payable once and non‑refundable.

Guarantee / Enrolment Deposit

- Guarantee Fee: EUR 1,000 (added to the tuition). This fee is non‑refundable, is paid with the first tuition instalment, and no discounts apply to it. Students must guarantee their place for the next academic year by April 2026 with payment of this Guarantee Fee.

Tuition Fees by Year Group (Academic year 2026/27)

- Infant – Toddler (0–3 years)
- Annual tuition: EUR 5,420.
- Instalment breakdown (two instalments): EUR 2,710 + EUR 2,710.
- Meals: included (3 meals per day).

- Casa (3–6 years)
- Annual tuition: EUR 6,770.
- Instalment breakdown (two instalments): EUR 3,385 + EUR 3,385.
- Meals: included (3 meals per day).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Place guarantee and timing:
- Guarantee Fee due by April 2026 to reserve a place for the 2026/27 academic year.
- The first tuition instalment for the academic year is due by 1 June 2026; the second instalment is due in December (the published schedule shows the second instalment date as 10 December). For new enrolments made after 15 June 2026, the first term tuition including the Guarantee Fee must be paid within five days to secure a place.
- A late payment fee of 2% will be charged on overdue fees outstanding as of the payment date.
- All prices are shown in EUR; payments in Albanian Lek (ALL) are accepted with the exchange rate calculated on a monthly average.

Transportation / Additional service fees

- School transport:
- EUR 1,400 for the entire school year (single payment).
- EUR 1,600 if paid per semester (two instalments).
- Transport fees are separate from tuition and are billed to the transport bank account shown on invoices. Card payments for transport are accepted at the Front Desk.

Other costs and exclusions

- The published tuition does not include: the Guarantee Fee, Registration/Application fee, transport, and any field-trip costs.
- Meals for the listed groups are included in the stated tuition.
- Sibling discounts: 5% reduction on the annual tuition fee for the second child and 10% reduction for the third and subsequent children (discounts exclude guarantee fee, application/registration fee, admission fee and transport).

Refund information

- Early‑departure reimbursement (withdrawal during the school year) is calculated using a monthly scale. Reimbursement percentages of the annual tuition (guarantee fee excluded) are as follows if the child leaves in:
- September: 70%
- October: 60%
- November: 50%
- December: 40%
- January: 30%
- February: 20%
- March: 15%
- April: 10%
- May: 0%
- June: 0%
- The EUR 1,000 Guarantee Fee and the Registration Fee are non‑refundable and are excluded from any reimbursements.

Fee payment options and banking details

- Bank transfer (EUR and ALL accounts) — invoices specify the school bank account and IBAN for tuition and a separate IBAN for transport payments; parents must include child name and invoice reference on transfers.
- Tuition account examples shown on invoices: IBAN AL1120511557603713CLCPCFEURJ (EUR) and IBAN AL8720511557603713CLCPCLALLL (ALL); SWIFT NCBAALTX.
- Transport account IBAN shown on invoices for transport payments.
- Card payments: available at the Front Desk for fees where card acceptance is provided.
- Payments may be requested in EUR or in Lek with the school applying a monthly average exchange rate for conversions.

Boarding

- Boarding fees: Not applicable. The International Montessori School of Albania operates as an early years / nursery provision (ages up to age 5–6) and does not offer boarding.

Late payment and non‑payment

- A 2% late payment charge will apply to overdue fees. For failure to settle required initial charges within the specified acceptance period, an offered place may be forfeited.

Summary of immediate payment items when accepting an offer

- Non‑refundable Registration Fee: EUR 500 (one‑off).
- Guarantee Fee: EUR 1,000 (non‑refundable), paid with the first tuition instalment to guarantee the place.
- First tuition instalment: amount depends on year group (see Tuition Fees section).
Academics

International Montessori School of Albania teaches Montessori Curriculum for students aged 0 to 6.

Curriculum
The curriculum is based on the authentic Montessori Method and aligned with Montessori standards and Albania's national early years expectations. It covers seven areas of learning: Practical Life, Sensorial Education, Language Development, Mathematics, Cultural Studies, Grace and Courtesy, and Physical Development and Outdoor Learning. Delivery occurs in carefully prepared environments across Nido (0–2 years), Infant Community (2–3 years), and Casa dei Bambini (3–6 years), with ongoing planning, observation, and assessment and portfolio documentation. All educators hold recognized Montessori qualifications and undertake ongoing professional development. The entire Montessori curriculum and activities are provided in English.

Student Teacher Ratio
Infants 1:4; Toddlers 1:6; Casa 1:8

Higher Education Progression
Students transition to World Academy of Tirana to study the International Baccalaureate program: Primary Years Programme (5–12), Middle Years Programme (12–16), and Diploma Programme (16–18).
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
IMSA emphasizes independent, self-directed learning within a child-centered international community that values peace, respect for others, and pride in individual differences. The Montessori approach uses a prepared environment that allows children to freely choose developmentally appropriate activities. IMSA's core values—Excellence, Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, and Compassion—guide daily practice. The school aims to educate the whole child by fostering resilience, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. It celebrates diversity and promotes kindness, empathy, and collaboration among students and adults. The pastoral framework supports students with a transparent and ethical culture that encourages social and emotional growth.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
IMSA notes special consideration for children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or health conditions, as well as those who have English as an additional language (EAL). SEND and EAL are explicitly recognised within IMSA's safeguarding and inclusion framework. The policy underscores a whole-school, inclusive approach to identifying needs and supporting appropriate provision and referrals. Staff are expected to understand and apply guidance related to SEND and EAL as part of safeguarding training. The policy aligns with broader commitments to equality and inclusive practice.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The entire Montessori curriculum and activities are provided in English. IMSA employs Montessori-trained international staff who deliver the program in English, reflecting its internationally oriented environment. The school presents itself as international and uses English as the language of instruction across age groups.

Mental Wellbeing
The environment is warm, safe, and stimulating, designed to support children's emotional and social development. Outdoor spaces include two dedicated playgrounds and an outdoor arts pavilion for creative and sensory work. In-house nutrition through a daily kitchen supports energy and focus, contributing to well-being. The Montessori approach emphasizes independence, social collaboration, and empathy, supporting emotional regulation and wellbeing. IMSA's values of Respect, Compassion, and Integrity contribute to a climate that supports mental wellbeing.

Safeguarding
IMSA maintains a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy updated in 2025 to safeguard and promote pupils' welfare and to ensure staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities. The policy defines safeguarding and child protection and requires staff to be trained in Keeping Children Safe in Education and related guidance, with annual refreshers. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is the Head of School, with the Principal acting as the Designated DSL and a Deputy DSL named; The policy outlines the responsibilities of the DSL, deputies, and the School Board, including multi-agency liaison and referrals when concerns arise. It emphasizes online safety, filtering and monitoring of school devices, and a whole-school approach to safeguarding across off-site activities. It also notes that the policy covers students in the SEND and EAL categories and aligns with national and international safeguarding expectations.
Parent Experience

History
IMSA was founded in 2007 and is the first Montessori School in Albania, and the only Montessori school in the country that is internationally accredited. It is now part of the Orbital Education group. The entire Montessori curriculum and activities are provided in English. IMSA has sixteen Montessori-trained teachers for about 100 international learners and has taught over 1,000 students since its inception.

Community
IMSA serves approximately 100 international learners with sixteen Montessori-trained teachers. Adult-to-child ratios are 1:4 in Infants, 1:6 in Toddlers, and 1:8 in Casa. The school features parent testimonials and regularly shares news about camps and Montessori topics such as kindness, diversity, and practical life. The Head of School is Mirlinda Boshnjaku, who leads the school in applying Montessori principles of independence, freedom within limits, and self-motivated growth, in line with Orbital Education's philosophy.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is housed in a sunny villa in the serene Mjull Bathore area, just outside the centre of Tirana, offering green space, fresh air, and a home-like learning environment. It is surrounded by expansive green spaces and features two dedicated outdoor playgrounds plus an outdoor arts pavilion for al fresco creative projects and sensory work. Inside, six Montessori classrooms foster independence and concentration, and most classrooms include a fireplace to enhance a warm, cozy atmosphere. There is a large indoor playground that provides space for gross motor activities year-round, and three dedicated sleeping rooms for younger children. An in-house kitchen prepares fresh, nutritious meals daily to support children throughout the day.

Sports Facilities
Two dedicated outdoor playgrounds provide space for exploration, physical development, and social interaction. A large indoor playground offers a spacious area for gross motor activities regardless of the weather. The combination of outdoor and indoor spaces supports active play as part of daily learning.

Academic Facilities
Six spacious classrooms are designed in line with Montessori principles to foster independence and concentration. Most classrooms include a fireplace, creating a warm, home-like atmosphere that supports focused learning. The indoor space centers on discovery and activity, with a large indoor playground supplementing classroom activities. Outdoor spaces include two playgrounds and an outdoor arts pavilion for creative, sensory projects that complement academic learning.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Montessori curriculum and activities are provided in English. IMSA educates the whole child in an internationally oriented environment with Montessori-trained international staff delivering teaching according to Montessori philosophy and methodology. The school serves children from 9 months to 5 years old. It was founded in 2007 as Albania's first Montessori school and is internationally accredited.

Leadership & Professional
Montessori accreditation has been part of IMSA since 2007, making IMSA the first Montessori-accredited school in Tirana. The leadership team includes CEO and Head of School Mirlinda Boshnjaku, Principal Fjorda Shijaku, Head of Administration Gladiola Dona, and Admissions and Communications Officer Gentiana Kokonaj. The school employs sixteen Montessori-trained teachers for about 100 international children. The core values are Excellence, Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, and Compassion.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The IMSA approach centers on the child within a nurturing, international community valuing peace, respect for others and pride in individual differences. We support emotional well-being and confidence through a nurturing team. Low staff-to-child ratios allow teachers to be sensitive and responsive: 1:4 in Infants, 1:6 in Toddlers, and 1:8 in Casa.
Languages

Language Provision
The entire Montessori curriculum and activities are provided in English. Montessori-trained international staff provide the teaching according to the Montessori philosophy and methodology.
Admissions

Admissions
STEP 1: Contact our Admissions Team. You can register your interest by completing our online enquiry form. After submission, a member of our 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. If you prefer, contact via email or telephone. STEP 2: School Tour. Our Admissions Team will take you on a personal tour of IMSA facilities, where you will see our classrooms and specialist facilities, learn more about the Montessori method, and meet members of the team. STEP 3: Start Your Application. When you are ready, submit your child's application via our online admissions portal. The portal remains open for the duration of the admissions journey and guides you through the process. You can log in to view progress and submit documents at any time, and you will receive a notification when there is an update. However, once forms are submitted and documents are signed, edits are not possible. If you have previously enquired, use the same email to log in to identify you and avoid duplicate applications. Supporting documents include: student application form (summary of academic history); enrolment agreement form; medical questionnaire; 2 photos of the child (3x4cm); copies of the child's passport and both parents' passports (include current visa page); vaccination card; psychological-educational evaluations if available. STEP 4: Assessment & Interview. The Admissions team welcomes the family to IMSA, where they will meet the Principal to discuss the child's interests and early childhood development. Families will also receive information about the Montessori Method/Philosophy and have the opportunity to meet with an academic staff member to further discuss the child's individual needs. This process can also be conducted virtually. STEP 5: Offer & Acceptance. If your application has met all conditions, and providing there is a place available in the appropriate year group, a formal offer of a place will be made. You will receive this offer together with the contract for you to sign via the admissions portal. Where there are more applicants than available places, and all necessary conditions are met, admission shall be determined by the date of application and a waiting list will be formed. STEP 6: Waitlist. When there are more applicants than available places, a waiting list will be formed based on the order of application.

Waitlist
Where there are more applicants than available places, admission is determined by the date of application and a waiting list is formed.
School Events
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