Compare SEN / Special Education International Schools in Serbia

Belgrade, Serbia, in the Senjak district. The school and kindergarten are located at Petra Čajkovskog 4, Belgrade, and the kindergarten operates at Sanje Živanovića 15, Belgrade. The school and kindergarten are currently in the Belgrade district of Senjak.

Kindergarten and Vorschule; Grundschule; Sekundarstufe (Class 1–4 in Grundschule, Class 5–12 in Sekundarstufe).

Private school, KMK-recognized Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule; part of the international network of German schools abroad (approximately 136).

Children from 20 different nationalities. Serbian is taught as the national language and as a foreign language from the first grade.

Individualized Förderungen are offered through Werkstätten, including Sprache (Deutsch als Fremdsprache), Mathematik, Lesen (Lesemütter), Freie Arbeit, Schreiben from Klasse 3; additional measures include Rechtschreibtraining am Computer, Sprachspiele and Einzelförderung (LRS, Dyskalkulie, …).

Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule; KMK-recognized; part of the international network of German overseas schools (136 worldwide).

Kindergarten day (example 2017/2018) runs 07:30 arrival with free play, 08:00–09:20 breakfast, 09:30 morning circle, 12:15 pickup for morning children; 12:30–13:00 lunch; 13:00–13:30 rest; 14:15–14:45 activities; 15:00–15:30 language activities; 15:30–16:00 outdoor play; kindergarten ends at 16:00 (Mon–Fri). Half-day option allows pickup at 13:00 and lunch for those enrolled half-day; Ganztagskinder end at 16:00.

No organized school transport is provided; the school can connect families with the private firm Flash-Trans in Belgrade. The driver picks up the child from the home and delivers to the school, with the same procedure for return; additional transport can be arranged for events.

Lunch is available at the school; meals are provided by Harmonija Catering Service d.o.o.; lunch can be canceled for the relevant day no later than 8:00 a.m. via the app.

The school is governed by a school association (Schulverein) and has a Students' Council (Schülermitverantwortung/SMV), a Parents' Council (Elternbeirat), and a Staff Council (Personalrat). The DSB is an accredited German overseas school and belongs to the international network of German schools abroad.

The language of instruction is German, and Serbian is taught as the national language and a foreign language from the first grade. Kindergarten and Vorschule (ages 3 to 6) focus on language development, creativity, social skills, and building trust. Grundschule (grades 1–4) emphasizes applying knowledge, time management, independent learning, and developing communication and social competencies. Sekundarstufe (grades 5–12) prepares students for university studies and develops competencies for success in their chosen fields. Students come from about 20 nationalities attending the school.

Sekundarstufe prepares students for university studies.

We foster respectful interactions, celebrate diversity, and pursue a culture that aligns with democratic values and intercultural understanding. The school shares the German language and a cosmopolitan culture; participation and independent action are encouraged from kindergarten onward, including a class council and student representation.

There is a professionally guided counseling service for students, parents, teachers, and staff. We support students with learning difficulties or developmental or behavioral issues and work to meet inclusion needs, with diagnostics and assessments used to identify learning and behavioral challenges and to inform individual or group support.

A counseling and prevention service provides mental wellbeing support. It offers individual and group counseling for emotional, social, and academic challenges, and long‑term therapy discussions may be used to strengthen self‑regulation and social skills; crisis intervention is available for acute situations, alongside ongoing prevention and learning-support efforts.

A safeguarding concept is in place, led by Maja Bošnjak (systemic organization and psychosocial counseling specialist and safeguarding concept officer). The service includes diagnostics, counseling, prevention programs (e.g., addressing bullying), crisis intervention, and coordination with teachers, parents, and other professionals; confidentiality is upheld and information is shared only with consent. There is regional cooperation with Serbian institutions.

Enrollment for attendance at the DS Belgrad kindergarten, preschool, and school. We are pleased that you want to enroll your child at DS Belgrad. As a first step, arrange a meeting with the principal, Mrs. Drinka Blome, to become familiar with the school's guiding principles and to get to know each other. Please contact the secretary to arrange an appointment: Tel. +381 (11) 4116116; Email: [email protected]. If you decide to enroll after the initial meeting with the principal, the enrollment process proceeds as follows: - Submit the enrollment form (signed by both parents) - Principal's approval (based on available places and admission criteria) - Payment of the enrollment fee - Submission of the documents required by the school: birth certificate; certificate of residence from the Serbian registry; copies of the guardians' passports. Contact: Secretary Mrs. Lalovic Email: [email protected] Tel: +381 (11) 4116116. Forms: Enrollment form; Withdrawal form. For an overview of the costs: Schulgebührenordnung (Tuition Fees Regulation). Insurance note: The school provides accident insurance coverage in line with Serbian requirements but does not equate to the German state insurance. Please consider adjusting your private insurance if needed. Withdrawal from the school: To withdraw, please fill in the withdrawal form and bring it to the final meeting with the principal. For organizational reasons, advance notice to the secretary (Email: [email protected]) is appreciated. Tel: +381 (11) 4116116; Email: [email protected].

Two ISB campuses are located in Belgrade, Serbia. The Primary School campus is Temišvarska 19, 11040 Belgrade (Senjak). The Secondary School campus is Radivoja Lole Đukića 1a, 11040 Belgrade. The campuses are within a few minutes' walking distance of each other in the Senjak neighbourhood.

Early Years (PreK-Kinder); Primary School (Grades 1-5); Middle School (Grades 6-8); High School (Grades 9-10); High School (DP) (Grades 11-12)

co-educational day school

500 students represent 47 nationalities.

EAL (English as an Additional Language), Learning Support, and Counseling programs.

Door-to-door bus service; routes cover Dedinje, Senjak, the Diplomatic area in Banovo Brdo, parts of New Belgrade, and parts of Downtown. The service is optional and charged in addition to tuition. For more information, contact Milan Nikolic at transportation@isb.rs.

Door-to-door bus service is available. It is optional and charged separately. Routes cover Dedinje, Senjak, the Diplomatic area in Banovo Brdo, parts of New Belgrade, and parts of Downtown; a bus monitor ensures student safety; late rides after co-curricular activities are available.

ISB Lunch Program: three daily lunch choices (meat/fish, vegetarian, or sandwich) with soup, salad, and bread. Lunch orders are placed online via the ISB Catering web application in the Parent Portal; Dragon Cafe on the Secondary campus offers pastries, hot meals, salads, sandwiches, and drinks, open daily from early morning until 3:30 PM; payments can be made cash or by credit card.

The ISB is overseen by a volunteer Board of Trustees. The Board consists of seven to ten members, with three appointed by the U.S. Ambassador (including the Treasurer) and two to five elected members; up to two additional members may be appointed, and at least one member must be a Serbian citizen. Board meetings include Open Sessions and governance oversight by the Board Chair.

ISB uses the International Baccalaureate framework across all levels: Primary Years Programme (PYP) from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5; Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grades 6–10; Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12. The language of instruction is English. In DP, Group 1 Language & Literature can be English or Serbian; Group 2 Language Acquisition offers French B, Spanish B, German Ab Initio, and Mandarin Ab Initio online; The DP comprises six subject groups (Languages & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, The Arts) and a Core (Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, CAS). ISB can award an American High School Diploma through NEASC accreditation, and offers an ISB High School Diploma.},

In Middle School, there is a 1 to 12 ratio of dedicated homeroom teachers to students.

University guidance begins in Grade 9; ISB provides university counselling and guidance through Grades 9–12, including support for university applications, standardised testing, and career exploration. The Diploma Programme includes the Core (Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, CAS) and a structured pathway to higher education, with information on admission requirements for different universities.

ISB offers a FLEX program and Personal Inquiry to help students pursue passions and talents, complemented by arts facilities, sports, and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

The Middle School uses a structured SEL program with the Second Step curriculum. The Homeroom Programme prioritizes holistic student development. It provides personalised support to students in grades 6–8 through the Second Step SEL program. The Homeroom ratio is 1 to 12, enabling individualized attention and support, backed by Welfare Coordinators, Curriculum Coordinators, and the Student Support Services team. The SEL curriculum promotes emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, resilience, empathy, and decision-making, and covers topics such as bullying, emotional regulation, goal setting, and interpersonal relationships.

The school has Learning Support Teachers and English as Additional Language (EAL) Teachers. The Learning Support team offers in-class support and small-group interventions, recommends classroom accommodations, and develops positive behaviour and academic support plans where needed. The EAL team focuses on enhancing basic interpersonal communication skills (BICS) while building cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP). The Counselling Programme supports the MYP objectives and helps students become lifelong learners, promoting self-awareness and self-regulation. The Health Office supports student well-being as part of the Student Support Services.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) Teachers are part of the Middle School Student Support Services. The EAL team focuses on enhancing basic interpersonal communication skills (BICS) while developing cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP). EAL supports language development within the IB programme framework and works alongside Learning Support, Counselling, and the Health Office. The program aims to assist diverse learners as they engage with the IB Middle Years Programme. EAL provision is integrated with the school's inclusive education approach.

The Health Office promotes well-being and safety on campus with a doctor on site Monday through Friday. The Health Office provides prompt medical attention for health concerns during the day and supports health education and preventive care initiatives. It aims to empower students to take an active role in their health and well-being and to foster a community focused on wellness. The Health Office collaborates with School Physicians and Nurses to monitor and support student well-being and mental health as part of overall wellness.

The International School of Belgrade is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all children, regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. The school adheres to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, in particular Articles 3, 14, 19, 36 and 37. Staff policies cover safe recruitment, background checks, social media use, trips and many more to protect children. All staff are expected to stay up to date with CP policies. CEESA Safeguarding and Child Protection Statement ensures safeguarding through prevention and intervention, including training and safe recruitment, and education for staff and students.

1. Inquire about seat availability. ISB has an ongoing intake, but all applications are subject to seat availability. It is best to inquire about available seats in advance of application. ISB offers information sessions and campus visits by appointment, and can schedule a virtual meeting or a tour of the school.

2. Read the Admissions Handbook. The Admissions Handbook is important reading for all those applying to ISB. It outlines the admission standards and requirements, as well as the application process. Families should review the handbook to understand expectations and steps.

3. Schedule a visit or virtual meeting. ISB invites interested families to schedule a visit to the campuses or a virtual meeting to learn more. This provides an opportunity to ask questions and see the learning environment. ISB also offers in-person tours and online meetings by appointment.

4. Language assessment during admission. During the admission process, most English as an Additional Language (EAL) students are tested to assess their proficiency. The assessment helps determine language support needs and placement within programs. Language considerations are taken into account as part of the admission process.

5. Scholarship pathway (optional). The ISB Scholarship Program offers a full-tuition scholarship to academically promising and high achieving local students entering Grade 9. The scholarship covers four years of education with 100% financial coverage for tuition costs, school excursions and university applications. Applicants must be Serbian citizens, finishing Grade 8 to enter Grade 9 in the 2025-2026 school year, and will undergo a personal interview with proof of academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and financial need. The scholarship is positioned as a gateway to international or national university admission, with graduates earning an IB Diploma and a High School Diploma from ISB.

ISB Scholarship Program offers a full-tuition scholarship to academically promising and high achieving local students entering Grade 9. It provides four years of enhanced education with 100% financial coverage for tuition costs, school excursions and university applications. The program is available to citizens of the Republic of Serbia who are finishing Grade 8 to enter Grade 9 in the 2025-2026 school year. All applicants will undergo a personal interview and should submit proof of successful academic performance, involvement in extracurricular activities, and demonstrated financial need.

The scholarship serves as a gateway for students interested in international or national university admission and supports earning an International Baccalaureate Diploma and a High School Diploma from ISB, the only English-speaking IB World School in Belgrade.

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

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

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

Finland

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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).