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Siauliai Didzdvaris Gymnasium

Lithuania, Šiauliai

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Lithuanian, English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 586
Type Co-educational
Opened 1898
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Lithuanian, English, German, French, Russian
Typical class size 24
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Leadership and Professional, Cultural and Language
Stages Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Šiaulių Didždvario gimnazija is a Lithuanian upper secondary school in Šiauliai, Vilniaus g. 188. It offers a bespoke curriculum with the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme. The Diploma Programme, taught in English for grades 11–12, comprises six subjects (three higher level, three standard level) with the option of a seventh, plus Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service. If English is not the native language, a bilingual IB diploma may be earned, and TB DP primary education is piloted since 2024. The campus includes a modernised building with lifts and accessible entrances, upgraded utilities, a Quiet Zone for study, and Eduka digital learning licenses; a stadium and athletic fields onsite. Internationally, the school is a UNESCO Associated School since 1997 and joined the STEAM network in 2020, with Erasmus+ projects such as ARIES. Extracurriculars include Duke of Edinburgh, UNESCO Club and Debatų klubas.

Vilniaus g. 188, LT-76299 Šiauliai, Lithuania

The Essentials

Siauliai Didzdvaris Gymnasium has 586 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in Lithuanian, English.

Location
Vilniaus g. 188, Šiauliai LT-76299. The school is on Vilniaus Street 188 in Šiauliai, Lithuania. The postal code is LT-76299.

Stages
Basic education II (lower secondary) and upper secondary education; International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme; non-formal education programs.

Country affiliation
Lithuania
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
The school is owned by Šiaulių miesto savivaldybė (Šiauliai City Municipality) and is a budgetary institution; the owner's rights and duties are exercised by the Mayor of Šiauliai City Municipality. The official name is Šiaulių Didždvario gimnazija. The language of instruction is Lithuanian and English. Forms of learning include group and individual learning. The gymnasium carries out the second part of basic education, IB basic education, secondary education and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, along with programs for students with special educational needs. Educational attainment documents are issued by the school. The highest governance body is the Gimnazijos taryba (school council), which has 10 members: three parents (delegated by class parents' councils), three teachers, three students, and the director representing the local community. The director is appointed for a five-year term by the mayor. In addition, there are parent self-government bodies—class parent committees and a Parents' Council.
Fees
Application fees

- There is no application fee for general admission to Šiaulių Didždvario gimnazija; applications are submitted through the municipal e‑system.

Tuition fees by year group

- Lower‑secondary / IB MYP (preparatory and MYP years): EUR 0 per year — general instruction is provided as state/municipal funded education (no tuition charged).
- Upper‑secondary / Gymnasium years (including national upper‑secondary classes): EUR 0 per year — general instruction is provided as state/municipal funded education (no tuition charged).
- IB Diploma Programme (DP; TB DP / 11–12th grade): EUR 0 per year for the state/municipal instructional provision itself; any externally levied IB registration or exam fees are not published by the gymnasium in the materials consulted.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- There is no regular tuition billing for standard state‑funded instruction.
- Paid services (such as school meals, excursions, certain extracurricular activities or event participation) are billed per service; the school provides a bank account for settlements for the canteen and related services (account: LT507300010002409897, Swedbank AB). Parents routinely pay specific services to the school's settlement account.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- Boarding is not available at Šiaulių Didždvario gimnazija; there is no dormitory and therefore no boarding fee.

Other costs or fees

- School meals: charged per meal / service; parents pay for canteen services to the school's account. Specific per‑meal prices for Didždvaris are not published in the school pages consulted.
- Excursions, field trips and camps: these activities are charged as individual events; the gymnasium's annual financial reporting shows small ‘institutional income' lines used for items such as trips, transport and event fees. Specific excursion prices are set per event.
- Extracurricular clubs / paid additional services: where provided, fees for optional paid activities are determined and billed separately (municipal rules permit fees for optional/additional services).
- Insurance, special events and consumables: occasional, one‑off charges (insurance, event participation fees, materials) appear in the gymnasium's financial records as small institutional receipts.
- IB registration / exam fees: no Didždvaris‑specific IB registration or per‑exam prices were published in the school documents reviewed. (Public and private Lithuanian schools that run the IB Diploma commonly handle IB registration/exam fees separately and some schools charge students for those IB costs.)
- Uniform: no published mandatory uniform fee or uniform charge was found in the gymnasium documents consulted.

Refund information

- No standalone published refund schedule for paid services was located in the gymnasium documents reviewed. Refunds for paid, optional services (meals, trips, clubs) are handled under the school's administrative and municipal rules and by individual service agreements.

Fee payment options

- Bank transfer to the school's settlement account (account shown for the canteen and school services: LT507300010002409897, Swedbank AB).
- Other payment methods (credit/debit card, online payment processors) are not specified in the gymnasium materials consulted; parents use the account details and established school procedures for settlements.

Brief note on coverage and missing published amounts

- Šiaulių Didždvario gimnazija is a municipal budget institution and core instruction is state/municipal funded, therefore there is no tuition charge for the standard curriculum or for IB instruction as provided by the school.
- Specific numeric prices for school meals, any per‑event excursion charges, and any gymnasium‑specific IB registration or exam fees were not published in the school documents and summaries consulted; these amounts (when applied) are set and billed per service or per event.
Academics

Siauliai Didzdvaris Gymnasium teaches Bespoke Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP).

Curriculum
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (TB DP) for grades 11–12, taught in English. TB DP is a two-year program designed to prepare students for university studies and life beyond school. Students study six subjects (three higher level and three standard level), with the option to study seven. Central components are Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS). If the student's native language is not English, a bilingual diploma may be earned. The school offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in addition to TB DP.

Exam Results
In 2026, 27 students received perfect scores on exams; one student earned a top score of 5.

Higher Education Progression
TB DP graduates have studied at Harvard University (USA), University of Cambridge (UK), Bocconi University (Italy), University of Sydney (Australia), Vilnius University, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, and other prestigious universities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school runs a social skills and leadership development program 'Tiltai' for I–II class students (volunteers). It also conducts the anti-bullying initiative 'Savaitė be patyčių' and weaves social-emotional learning into daily life through class hours with involvement from a social pedagogue and a psychologist. Class tutors organise thematic sessions on respect, cooperation, and healthy living, with support from specialists to assist students. The Vaiko gerovės komisija coordinates wellbeing initiatives and collaborates with parents, staff, and community partners to promote safety and positive relationships. The school conducts a first-year student adaptation study and uses surveys to monitor social dynamics and student wellbeing, such as the bullying assessment.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Social Pedagogue helps SUP students adapt to school and develop life skills, coordinating with parents, teachers, social workers, and partners to ensure safety and the right to education. A Special Education Teacher assists SUP students to assimilate curriculum content (in class or in the special education setting) and tailors learning activities to individual needs. The Special Education Teacher advises teachers on adapting materials and developing individualized programs, and provides methodological support to SUP students' parents or guardians. The Psychologist identifies psychological, personality and learning issues and helps address them, strengthening communication with students and creating favorable psychological conditions for learning.

Mental Wellbeing
Emotional safety is addressed through teacher training, including a seminar on emotional safety in formal and informal education. The Psychologist identifies mental health concerns and provides counseling, helping to ensure favorable psychological conditions for learning. The Vaiko gerovės komisija coordinates wellbeing initiatives and preventive work within the school. Health education, including health and sexuality education, is integrated into the curriculum, and first-year student adaptation supports wellbeing.

Safeguarding
The school has a Vaiko gerovės komisija (Child Welfare Committee) that coordinates safeguarding, preventive work, and student support. It handles reports of violence and bullying and convenes a working group to implement prevention measures. Class tutors organise thematic class hours with involvement from the psychologist, public health professional, and social pedagogue to foster safe behavior and safe schooling. The school implements an alcohol, tobacco and other psychoactive substances prevention program and integrates health and sexuality education. It collaborates with parents, local authorities, the police, the Child Rights Protection Department, the Pedagogical–Psychological Service and other organizations to provide professional help.
Parent Experience

History
History: Šiaulių Didždvario gimnazija began as a girls' gymnasium established on January 29, 1898, to commemorate the 1896 coronation. Land for the school was donated by Count N. Zubovas and funds were raised from private donors. At its inception the gymnasium operated with four classes, and teaching followed the programs approved on August 21, 1874, with instruction conducted in Russian. The first graduation occurred in 1905 with 32 graduates. German occupation interrupted activities during World War I; the gymnasium was revived in spring 1918 and nationalized in 1919. By 1920–1921 the staff strengthened, eight classes operated, and the school moved to the premises of the former Jewish school on Dvaro Street due to destruction of other buildings. Since 1997 it has been a UNESCO Associated School, and it later joined the STEAM network in 2020, while participating in international projects such as ARIES (Erasmus+).

Community
Community: The school hosts a range of traditional and contemporary events, including the Science and Knowledge Day, the season opening of the ensemble Šėltinis, tenth‑graders' initiation, a New Year carnival, and various evenings of music, dance, and arts; Parents' Day; Teacher's Day; a Christmas evening in English; and a Tolerancijos diena (Tolerance Day) observed on September 30 to mark the historical defense of the school. The school maintains active student clubs such as English, Debates, Arts, UNESCO, and a Scout organization, along with a Radio Club on 99.4 FM and the folk dance group Šėltinis (since 1981). It emphasizes international collaboration through UNESCO ASPnet, STEAM networks, and European Solidarity Corps projects, with updates shared via newsletters and school events.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Šiaulių Didždvario gimnazija delivers the second part of basic education and upper secondary education, and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and non-formal education programs. It began piloting the TB DP primary education program in 2024. The campus has undergone modernization of the new building, including upgraded electrical installations, lighting, water supply and drainage, and flooring; lifts and accessible entrances were installed. A stadium with athletic fields has been constructed as part of the sports facilities upgrade. An educational space called the Quiet Zone has been created for study and relaxation; security cameras were installed to safeguard the building; spaces for the Radio Club, technology and art rooms were updated, and student lockers were provided. Eduka digital learning environment licenses are used by all first-year classes and their teachers.

Sports Facilities
A stadium with fields has been installed on the school campus. The modernisation plan includes the construction of a stadium with athletic grounds and access. There is an ongoing project to reconstruct and improve the stadium and its access ways as part of the school's facilities program.

Academic Facilities
Remont of the new building is continuing, with updated electrical installations, lighting, water supply and drainage, and flooring replaced. Lifts and accessible entrances were installed to support students with special educational needs. An educational space for study and relaxation—the Quiet Zone—has been created. Security cameras were installed to ensure safety inside the building. Spaces for the Radio Club, technology and art classrooms were updated, and student lockers were provided. Eduka digital learning environment licenses are used by all I-class students and their teachers. Since 2024 the school has piloted the TB DP program as part of its IB offerings.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school runs extracurricular and international activities including the Young Pedagogue educational camp; farm volunteering activity “Jadvygos žolės.” It collaborates with UNESCO and UNESCO Associated Schools Network, and runs UNESCO Club activities. The school participates in the European Solidarity Corps volunteer program (ESK) and engages with partner organizations abroad. It works with the American Councils for International Education to involve FLEX program opportunities in the United States. It cooperates with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and other TB program schools, and has connections through Erasmus+ projects and other international partnerships.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) program. The Debatų klubas is one of the oldest debate clubs in Lithuania, with 30 years of debating experience, and is a member of the Lithuanian Debate Clubs Association; the club uses World School Debate Championship (WSDC) style. The school participates in the ARIES Erasmus+ project to integrate augmented and immersive reality into education, promoting students' creativity, technological skills and interdisciplinary cooperation. The school runs the Schools – European Parliament ambassadors program to foster civic leadership and engagement.

Arts & Creative
Muzikos klubas provides opportunities for students to engage in music activities and performance. Šėltinis is a traditional dance group that has been part of the school since 1981. The UNESCO Club is part of the UNESCO Associated Schools network, promoting cultural heritage, environmental awareness and intercultural understanding. The Knygų klubas (Book Club) offers regular opportunities to discuss literature and share reading experiences.

Cultural & Language
UNESCO Associated Schools promote cross-cultural understanding and international cooperation within the school. The school runs the Mokyklos – Europos Parlamento ambasadorės (Schools – European Parliament ambassadors) program to develop European civic engagement. The Knygų klubas provides literary discussion and reading activities that support cultural reflection. Debatų klubas includes bilingual English and Lithuanian debate activities to develop language proficiency and cross-cultural communication.

Social & Hobbies
Debatų klubas fosters debate and public speaking in English and Lithuanian, with emphasis on critical thinking and argumentation. Radijo klubas offers hands-on experience in radio journalism and producing radio shows. Šėltinis is a long-standing dance group that promotes performance and cultural expression. Knygų klubas provides regular literary discussions and reading experiences for students.

Community & Service
Volunteering for Solidarity Education is a school-wide Erasmus+/European Solidarity Corps project that engages students as volunteers. The program supports mobility and volunteering opportunities in Europe and beyond for Didždvario gimnazija students. The school participates in international projects and partnerships that foster civic responsibility, intercultural understanding and community engagement.

Leadership & Professional
The school runs the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) program to develop leadership and project-management skills. The Mokyklos – Europos Parlamento ambasadorės program develops student leadership and civic engagement within a European context. Volunteering for Solidarity Education provides leadership and teamwork experiences through volunteering in international settings.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sporto klubas offers regular physical activity and fitness sessions. Šėltinis is a dance group that promotes physical activity and cultural expression. Muzikos klubas supports musical practice and performance as part of student well-being. The school also hosts arts and cultural activities through UNESCO-affiliated clubs and reading groups that contribute to a balanced, well-rounded student life.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught include Lithuanian (native) and English as the language of learning in the IB Diploma Programme; In MYP English is the first foreign language, with second/third foreign languages available as Russian, German and French. In IBP, learning is conducted in English and students may study Lithuanian, Russian or English at HL/SL; English levels target B1–B2 and second languages target A2; CLIL is used across subjects and the library supports language learning.

Bilingual Teaching
IB Diploma Programme (DP) with bilingual diploma. DP instruction is in English. IB1-IB2 have the opportunity to study their native Lithuanian, Russian or English at HL or SL or under a school-sponsored self-study programme. Official DP assessments are in English.

Immersion Programs
CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) is implemented in the preparatory classes with subject-English integration; students learn in English across lessons, including ethics and Theory of Knowledge.
Admissions

Admissions
1) Admission to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) I grade is organized under the decision No. T-545 of 19 December 2024 by the Šiauliai City Municipality Council. Residents of Šiauliai City Municipality are admitted by competition; students from other municipalities or those studying in the city's lower secondary schools may be admitted only if vacancies exist. The Education Department of Šiauliai City Municipality supervises the process, and the gymnasium publishes the policy by February 1 each year. 2) The admission process is conducted by the gymnasium's Admission Committee. All committee meetings are recorded, and documents are stored in accordance with legal requirements. 3) Applications are submitted through the e-system between 1 and 10 March, with the link published on the gymnasium's website and on the city portal. 4) Eligible candidates are eighth-grade students with the basic curriculum who may apply for IB MYP and participate in the key competence test. The candidate's average in the first semester/trimester of grade 8 must be at least 7 across the required subjects, with the average calculated from Lithuanian language and literature, Mathematics, the first foreign language, History, Geography, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and IT. 5) During 1–10 March, parents submit the prescribed application, a certificate of the candidate's grade 8 evaluations, and, where applicable, copies of city/district/state Olympiad diplomas (I–III places) relevant to grades 7–8. 6) The key competence test is held on the third Saturday of March for 3 academic hours and includes Lithuanian, English, and Mathematics. Candidates must present an identity document and parental consent; mobile phones are prohibited and cheating leads to exclusion. The test is scored by a jury with two assessors per candidate, and the final decision is made by the jury chair. 7) Information about admission is communicated no later than 25 March. Within 2 working days after the admission decision, parents may appeal to the Appeal Board. If admitted, a contract is signed after presenting the required documents; if not admitted, vacant places may be offered to other candidates. 8) Personal data collected for the admission is stored for one year, and the contract formalizing admission is signed after the necessary documents are provided.
School Events
The school has not added events
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