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EDUCA International School

Serbia, Belgrade

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees RSD 7,000 - 9,000
Ages 3 - 14 years
Pupil numbers 250
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Finnish Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English
Typical class size 12
Strengths Outdoor Education, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

EDUCA International School is Belgrade's Finnish international kindergarten and primary school, operated as a non-profit by the Education for Serbia Foundation. The campus in Dedinje sits in a peaceful, green setting, with light-filled classrooms opening onto a playground and outdoor spaces that include sensory gardens and natural play areas. The school follows a Finnish curriculum alongside a bespoke international pathway for ages 3 to 14, blending the Finnish whole-child approach with internationally recognised standards. Kindergartners (3-7) engage in play-based learning that develops communication, early numeracy and literacy, physical and social-emotional growth, and understanding of the world. Juniors (7-11) study English (First & Second Language), Mathematics & Science, Humanities & Arts, Digital Literacy & Computing, and Sports & Movement. Seniors (11-14) gain deeper subject expertise, independent research skills, and practical application, preparing for Upper Secondary. Unique features include forest classrooms, nature-connected learning, and a strong emphasis on wellbeing across every age.

Koste Vojinovića 3, Dedinje, Belgrade, Serbia

The Essentials

EDUCA International School has 250 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location

Koste Vojinovića 3, Dedinje, Belgrade, Serbia. Located in a leafy, upscale part of Belgrade near diplomatic missions and international districts.

Stages

Kinders (ages 3-7); Juniors (ages 7-11); Seniors (ages 11-14).

Type

Finnish international kindergarten and school; non-profit Education for Serbia Foundation operates EDUCA.

Country affiliation

Finland
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership

Educa is part of Education for Serbia Foundation, a non-profit organisation.
Fees

Annual tuition at EDUCA International School ranges from RSD 7,000 to RSD 9,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees and deposits

- No separate application or registration fee is published. To secure a place an admission deposit of 10% of the annual tuition is required; this deposit is non‑refundable and is deducted from the total fees.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and payment-plan breakdown)

- Annual tuition (2026/27 listing):
- Kinders (ages 3–7): EUR 7,000 per year.
- Juniors (ages 7–11): EUR 9,000 per year.
- Seniors (ages 11–14): EUR 11,000 per year.

- Bi‑annual plan (two equal instalments):
- First instalment due before 31 August; second instalment due before 31 January. Instalment amounts (equal halves):
- Kinders: EUR 3,500 per instalment.
- Juniors: EUR 4,500 per instalment.
- Seniors: EUR 5,500 per instalment.

- Monthly flexibility (10 instalments, subject to surcharge):
- The 10‑month plan carries a 10% surcharge; instalments are due on the 10th of each month from September through June. Monthly amounts including the 10% surcharge:
- Kinders: EUR 770 per month (EUR 7,700 total with surcharge ÷ 10).
- Juniors: EUR 990 per month (EUR 9,900 total with surcharge ÷ 10).
- Seniors: EUR 1,210 per month (EUR 12,100 total with surcharge ÷ 10).

- Full‑fee payment (single payment) and discounts:
- A seasonal discount is available for full‑fee payment. Discounts range from approximately 30% for early‑bird offers down to 5% for payments made before 31 August. Example net annual amounts when full‑fee discounts apply (illustrative extremes):
- Kinders: EUR 4,900 (30% discount) to EUR 6,650 (5% discount).
- Juniors: EUR 6,300 (30% discount) to EUR 8,550 (5% discount).
- Seniors: EUR 7,700 (30% discount) to EUR 10,450 (5% discount).

- Sibling / family discounts:
- Second child: 5% reduction on tuition.
- Third and subsequent children: 10% reduction on tuition. These family discounts apply in addition to the chosen payment plan.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Admission deposit (10%) is payable at enrolment to confirm the offered place and is deducted from the total tuition. The deposit is non‑refundable.
- Bi‑annual instalments are due before 31 August (first instalment) and before 31 January (second instalment).
- Monthly instalments (if chosen) are charged across 10 months with payments due on the 10th of each month from September through June and include a 10% surcharge.
- Family discounts are applied on top of the chosen payment plan as described above.

Boarding fees

- EDUCA is a day school for children aged 3–14; no boarding programme or boarding fees are listed for the school.

Other costs and optional additional fees

- The published tuition is described as an all‑inclusive school service covering curriculum tuition, textbooks, classroom materials and supplies, internal and external assessment/examination fees, digital learning resources and licences, extracurricular activities, wellbeing and learning‑support services, student health insurance, and one‑week summer camp. Optional programmes and services are offered for an additional charge, including:
- School meals / catering options.
- Door‑to‑door transport (school bussing).
- Child‑minding / before‑and‑after school care.
- Specialist clubs, extracurricular courses and personalised lessons.
- Weekend nature retreats and additional outings.
- One‑week summer booster/summer camp.
- Uniforms and any school clothing are not listed among the included fee heads in the published all‑inclusive description; families should allow for the normal one‑off costs of uniform or specialised clothing if required by the school.

Refund information

- The admission deposit (10% of annual tuition) is explicitly non‑refundable and is deducted from the total fees when a place is secured. Other refund terms for tuition instalments or cancellations are governed by the school's enrolment contract and standard terms; the admission deposit is non‑refundable.

Fee payment options (schedules and practical notes)

- Accepted payment schedules (dynamics): full single payment (with seasonal discount), bi‑annual plan (two instalments), and a 10‑month instalment plan (with 10% surcharge). Family discounts apply for multiple siblings.
- Specific payment instruments (for example: bank transfer, direct debit, card payments) are arranged between the family and the school at enrolment; the published fee information specifies available payment schedules and related surcharges and discounts rather than listing particular payment instrument details.
Academics

EDUCA International School teaches Finnish Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 14.

Curriculum

EDUCA blends the Finnish whole-child approach with the academic standards of the international curriculum. The pathway offers a structured and adaptable learning journey designed to develop critical thinking and solid subject knowledge suitable for higher education. Kinders (ages 3-7) begin with play-based learning that builds communication, physical development, personal-social-emotional growth, early mathematics and literacy, and understanding of the world. Juniors (ages 7-11) study English (First & Second Language), Mathematics & Science, Humanities & Arts, Digital Literacy & Computing, and Sports & Movement. Seniors (ages 11-14) develop greater subject expertise, analytical skills, independent research, practical application of knowledge, and preparation for Upper Secondary. The curriculum is delivered through Finnish active-learning methods and the NTC Framework (neuroeducation), incorporating nature-connected learning and a focus on wellbeing as part of academic growth.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Emotional wellbeing is central to EDUCA's approach to learning. The school recognises that meaningful learning flourishes when it springs from within, moving beyond traditional reward systems to nurture curiosity and mastery. Teachers craft learning environments where personal interests connect to academic concepts, supporting intrinsic motivation and autonomy. The approach emphasises whole-child development, with wellbeing forming the bedrock for lifelong learning. A growth mindset is cultivated through celebrating effort, resilience and learning from mistakes, while brain-friendly methods combine emotion and cognition with regular movement and nature-connected learning.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

EDUCA recognises neurodiversity and celebrates it. The Cleo AI mentor supports learning by personalising strategies to students' neurodivergent profiles, ensuring that every learner has a learning companion who truly sees them. The school's approach emphasises inclusive pedagogy and personalised supports to help neurodivergent learners participate fully in the curriculum.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English language support is embedded in everyday activities and is delivered through immersion, interaction and authentic communication. Language development occurs through daily routines, play scenarios and social interactions rather than formal ESL lessons, with teachers using visual cues and contextual learning to aid understanding. Practitioners help children build vocabulary and confidence in expressing themselves in a pressure-free, joyful atmosphere.

Mental Wellbeing

Emotional wellbeing is a central pillar of EDUCA's education. Each student's journey is considered unique, and happiness is prioritised alongside academic achievement. The school fosters a safe, nurturing environment where students feel seen, valued and secure, enabling confident exploration and learning. The approach supports intrinsic motivation, social-emotional development and a growth mindset, helping students manage challenges with resilience.
Parent Experience

History

EDUCA is a Finnish international kindergarten and school in Belgrade, Serbia. It is Belgrade's only Finnish international kindergarten and school. EDUCA operates as a non-profit through the Education for Serbia Foundation, prioritising wellbeing and educational value over profit. EDUCA is the brainchild of Dr Lana Belić, the founding Principal, with over two decades of experience reimagining education across Europe. The school blends Finland's educational wisdom with neuroeducation and emotionally intelligent teaching.

Community

Nestled in Belgrade's Dedinje neighbourhood, EDUCA's campus is a green, tranquil learning oasis. Wellbeing is central to the community, with emotional intelligence guiding academic development. Admissions are designed as a warm, personalised journey that engages families in shaping the child's educational path. EDUCA is part of the Education for Serbia Foundation, supported by major gifts and donations that sustain the school's work.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Located in a peaceful, green corner of Belgrade's Dedinje neighborhood, EDUCA's campus is an educational oasis where learning flourishes amidst natural beauty. Light-filled classrooms open onto our playground, and the outdoor area features age-appropriate equipment, sensory gardens and natural play spaces. The serene setting combines tree-lined streets with proximity to diplomatic missions, international business centers and distinguished residential areas, supporting wellbeing and achievement. The campus is designed to serve all age groups in Belgrade's green heart, offering a nurturing environment where children feel safe, inspired and eager to learn.

Sports Facilities

Classroom Without Walls includes forest classrooms and opportunities for physical education and nature sports, with regular access to nearby green spaces and cultural institutions to support outdoor learning. Students may participate in sports tournaments at professional facilities, extending physical education beyond the campus grounds.

Academic Facilities

Kinders (ages 3-7) begin their educational journey in environments that spark curiosity, with play-based activities and structured learning to develop communication, physical development, personal, social and emotional growth, early mathematics and literacy, and understanding of the world. Juniors (ages 7-11) study English (First & Second Language), Mathematics & Science, Humanities & Arts, Digital Literacy & Computing, and Sports & Movement. Seniors (ages 11-14) develop enhanced subject expertise, analytical skills, independent research, practical application of knowledge, and preparation for Upper Secondary.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Through engaging curricular and extra-curricular programmes, EDUCA students develop essential life skills such as resilience, time management and critical thinking in real-world contexts.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school offers English-speaking kindergarten and primary education up to lower secondary. The Finnish pedagogy blends with international standards to guide academic learning. The NTC Framework (Neuroeducation for Transformative Classrooms) shapes teaching to meet each learner's needs. Emotional wellbeing is integrated with academic development, supported by nature-connected learning and pastoral care.

Arts & Creative

Arts and creative expression are integral to the EDUCA program. Kindergarten includes daily creative arts as part of its routine. Junior School keeps arts and creative expression central throughout the curriculum, and collaborative projects further support creative discovery.

Cultural & Language

Learning takes place in an English-speaking environment from kindergarten through junior school. The school aims to nurture global citizens and cultural awareness. Cultural awareness is highlighted as a key curricular feature.

Social & Hobbies

Extracurricular activities and clubs are offered, including specialist clubs and courses and weekend nature retreats. The program emphasizes social development through collaborative projects and outdoor learning. Weekend nature retreats expand experiences beyond the classroom.

Community & Service

Students participate in community projects and environmental initiatives. The campus approach includes forest classrooms and partnerships that connect learning to local communities and nature.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Emotional wellbeing takes centre stage alongside academic achievement. The wellbeing approach treats safety and happiness as foundations of learning, with nature-connected learning serving as a third teacher. The campus location is described as a space where wellbeing thrives and achievement goes hand in hand.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the language of instruction from kindergarten through lower secondary.

Immersion Programs

Trial Day for Full Immersion is offered as part of admissions.
Reputation

Accreditations

Cambridge-accredited PDQ centre (Cambridge International Education).
Admissions

Admissions

1. Embarking. The first step begins with an invitation to explore EDUCA. Families connect with the Admissions team to learn about the vibrant community and curriculum, and to have questions answered to imagine possibilities for their child. The Admissions team supports families as they consider fit and next steps. 2. Orientation. If interest is confirmed, the child attends an orientation session or may spend a day with EDUCA to experience the community. The team sensitively assesses the child's academic abilities, learning styles and talents, and helps the family envision the child's place within EDUCA. 3. Arrange a meeting. The family schedules a meeting with the Admissions team to discuss aspirations, needs and how EDUCA can support the child's growth. This conversation begins to shape an educational path tailored to the child. 4. Interview with your child. The Admissions team conducts an interview with the child to understand interests, strengths and fit with EDUCA's approach. If useful, a day of hands-on exploration at EDUCA can be arranged. 5. Trial day for full immersion. A trial day provides full immersion in the EDUCA environment, allowing the child and school to observe daily interactions and engagement. This experience informs enrollment decisions. 6. Confirm your child's wish. Families indicate their decision to enroll, confirming mutual readiness to proceed. This step leads to formal enrollment preparations. 7. Secure a place for your child. After acceptance, families sign the enrolment agreement and submit a 10% enrolment deposit, which is applied toward tuition fees. The deposit marks the start of the student's EDUCA journey. Application checklist includes: child's passport (scan); child's birth certificate (scan); child's portrait photo; child's previous school reports (original and English translation, if applicable); parent's ID or passport (scan).
School Events
The school has not added events