The American International School of Zagreb (AISZ) is a private, coeducational, day school which offers an educational program from prekindergarten through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The school was founded in 1966. The school year consists of two semesters, extending from August to June.
Organization: The school is governed by a seven-member school board. The U.S. Ambassador appoints the chairperson of the board and two additional members; there are two parent representatives, and two additional members are appointed by the board. The school director serves as an ex-officio member of the board. AISZ’s status is determined by a bilateral agreement between the U.S. government and the Croatian government on the status of the school.
Curriculum: The curriculum ranges from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Learning for the youngest students in pre-kindergarten is informed by the Reggio Emilia approach and follows New York State pre-kindergarten Standards. Grades K-10 are anchored in the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) standards using an inquiry framework. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB/DP) is offered in grades 11 and 12, and students consistently score above the world average. Students may choose the American high school diploma pathway that may include IB certificates for university admissions. The academic program is structured around power standards and a collaborative approach where students have choice and are trained to become experts in their own learning. AISZ’s student support program comprises a multi-tiered system of support in which teachers push-in to the classroom for interventions. Where identified, some students receive pull-out for targeted interventions and support. We serve a range of students with mild disabilities, and in limited cases students with intellectual disabilities. The school is also equipped with college and social-emotional counselors, as well as English as an Additional Language teachers. AISZ is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. As an international school, we embrace Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
Faculty: For the 2022-2023 school year there are 82 staff members, including 54 full-time teachers. Of the teaching staff, 19 are U.S. citizens, 20 are host-country nationals, and 15 are third country nationals. AISZ faculty and staff represent 9 different nationalities, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, China, Uruguay, U.K., Croatia, Ukraine and France. All teaching faculty maintain a teaching certificate or credential.
Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, enrollment was 339 students of 42 different nationalities (pre-kindergarten-grade 12). Of the total, 58 were U.S. citizens, 103 were host-country nationals, and 102 were third-country nationals.
Facilities: AISZ opened its doors to the new campus beginning of October 2018 on the south bank of the river Sava near Bundek Park. It is recognized as an award-winning green building, utilizing geothermal water and solar energy. Students’ learning environment include 40 classrooms, three science labs, lower and upper school libraries, music room, theater, recording studio, dance studio and aerobics, gymnasium, and fitness room. Two developmentally appropriate playgrounds are designated for use by lower school students. Sport facilities include fields for soccer, handball, and volleyball; four tennis courts; and a 60m sprint track. The school also uses a nearby swimming pool and Bundek Park when possible and appropriate to enhance the program. AISZ is well supplied with the appropriate technology to support student learning.
Finances: In the 2022-2023 school year, annual tuition rates are as follows: Pre-Kindergarten: €6,935; Kindergarten-grade 5: €16,670; grades 6-8: €17,850; grades 9-10: €18,375; and grades 11-12: €18,680. The school also charges an application fee for all new students for PK of €500, and K-grade 12 of €1,500 as well as for grades K-12 an annual capital fee of €2,700. These fees are payable in euro or U.S. dollar equivalent. Croatian nationals pay in the local currency, kuna. (All fees quoted in euros.)
Special Needs: Download the Special Needs Profile (2023 Special Needs Profile- Croatia, Zagreb) for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.
This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information. Information and statistics are accurate as of September 2022 and provided by the school.