Current statistics from Forbes Montenegro indicate that there are ten private schools in Montenegro, according to data from the Ministry of Education and Science. Among these, three offer primary education, four provide both primary and secondary education, while three specialize in secondary education.

The majority of private schools are situated in Podgorica, with six located there, and the remaining schools distributed in Budva, Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Tivat.

In Podgorica, there is the French European School, which caters specifically to primary students. Additionally, five other institutions provide both primary and secondary education: the Educational Center “Montenegro,” United Kids International, Gymnasium “Saint Sava,” the Art School for Basic and Middle Music Education called “Andre Navara,” and the recently licensed Gymnasium Podgorica.

The French European School in Podgorica (Ephesem), established in 2018 by the French Embassy in Montenegro, serves students of all nationalities aged between 2 and 18 years. The curriculum adheres strictly to the standards set by the Ministry of National Education of France, as noted on their website.

The foundation of the school is attributed to the NGO French School, registered under the central register of economic entities (CRPS).

According to the French European School, they welcome students of all nationalities.

“This private education institution offers preschool, primary, and secondary education, currently serving around 100 students. Tuition fees range from 4,000 to 6,500 euros,” they communicated to Forbes.

The International School of Podgorica – United Kids International Montenegro is the first Pearson Edexcel International School in Montenegro and the only British International School in Podgorica, as confirmed to Forbes Montenegro by representatives from the institution.

“We are also the only international school in Podgorica that introduced uniforms in September 2023,” they highlighted, noting that they expect about 250 students from 32 countries for the upcoming school year.

Students aged 3 to 18 face tuition costs ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 euros annually, which include all school supplies, a warm lunch, and access to interactive educational resources. The school regularly showcases their activities and events on social media, and is owned by Manny Azar according to CRPS records.

Educational Center “QSI International School of Montenegro” operates as a non-profit institution utilizing an American international educational model. Established in 2006 in Podgorica, it aims to provide high-quality English education for preschoolers, primary, and high school students up to graduation.

“Our primary goal is to accommodate the educational needs of foreign nationals residing in Podgorica, enabling them to continue their education upon returning to their home countries,” describes the school’s website.

They have not responded to Forbes’ inquiries regarding tuition and student enrollment. The school’s ownership is recorded under QSI Asia Limited.

Gymnasium “Sveti Sava,” inaugurated in 2022, operates as a medium religious school, with its first student cohort enrolled in the 2023/24 academic year.

The institution adheres to the General High School Program, as per guidelines from the Institute for Education and a license received from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, states the founder, Mitropolija Montenegro-Primorska.

They also did not provide information regarding tuition costs and enrollment numbers when contacted by Forbes.

The Art School of Basic and Middle Music for Talents “Andre Navarra,” founded in 1992 as a primary music school and transitioned to a medium music school in 1999, has its roots in Podgorica. It was established through a partnership between Montenegro’s Ministry of Education and Science and Professor Aleksa Asanovic, who contributed his family home for its use.

The school did not comment on student enrollment or tuition fees.

Further inquiries to Gymnasium Podgorica, which obtained its license on June 20 this year, went unanswered. The license approved enrolment for a maximum of 20 students, per the official documentation.

There have been no recent updates regarding school data on the Central Registry website.

According to a “news” item published at the end of May, the founders of a new private school are categorized as a natural person based in the Podgorica Settlement Toloshi.

Private Schools in Budva, Tivat, and Kotor

The private school Adriatic College opened its doors in Budva in 2014.

The school’s website states that by 2024, Adriatic College boasts more than 400 students “and that is just the beginning.”

“The school is committed to enhancing its programs and curricula while employing qualified pedagogues. Adriatic College stands as the largest private educational institution in Montenegro, consistently reaffirming its leadership role within the educational sector, not only in Montenegro but also in the Balkan region,” as indicated on the website.

Tuition information is also available on their site, ranging between 5,600 and 14,000 euros depending on age and program.

The school’s owners, Milan Komljenović (60 percent) and Tatiana TSOI (40 percent), remain actively involved.

Boka School International, situated near Herceg Novi, offers internationally accredited preschool and primary school programs. Its ownership is under the company Boka School International, with Ivana Helgesen holding 70 percent and Jelena Vučetić 30 percent.

Arcadia Academy, located in Kotor, is a British international school catering to children aged 3-18. According to their website, it is the first and only Cambridge International School in Montenegro and holds full membership in COBIS (Council of British International Schools).

The school’s founding entity is registered as Arcadia Academy Limited in London.

Knightsbridge Schools Montenegro, an education center inaugurated in 2010 in Tivat, is co-owned by Adriatic Marinas (36.6 percent) and Knightsbridge Schools International Malta Limited (63.4 percent).

Opening a School: Legal and Individual Options

The Ministry of Education has clarified that a private educational institution can be established by both domestic and foreign legal entities or individuals.

“The content and the procedure for the adoption of an educational program in a private institution are regulated by the founding act of the institution. The educational programs implemented by a private institution need to align with specific pedagogical principles and must be approved by the National Council to ensure recognition by appropriate international associations, thereby guaranteeing a standard of knowledge for successful educational completion,” they stated.

The conditions for establishing and operating educational institutions fall under the General Law on Education and the Law on Primary Education.
In addition to the obligations set by these laws, the Rulebook detailing the specific conditions for establishing educational institutions must also be adhered to.

When submitting a request for a work license, applicants must provide:

• An establishing act compliant with Articles 23, 44, and 45 of the General Law on Education;
• A statute;
• Proof of sufficient student enrollment;
• Verification that the educational program has been adopted in accordance with the law, or that an approved foreign educational program exists;
• Documentation that professional staff has been secured (teaching and non-teaching);
• Evidence of appropriate facilities (ownership or leasing), teaching aids, and equipment, in alignment with established norms and standards;
• Assurance of available financial resources to support establishment and operation;
• Proof of compliance with hygienic-technical standards as per applicable regulations;
• Verification of provided financial guarantees according to Article 46a of the General Law on Education.

An administrative fee of 1,000 euros for licensing and/or 500 euros for certification must be paid upon submitting requests.

“The institution may commence operations once the Ministry determines its eligibility and issues a licensing decision,” the Ministry disclosed.

A Look Back: Gymnasium “Luča”

Among the most notable private schools in Podgorica and Montenegro is Gymnasium “Luča,” which operated for six years. Established in 2004 in completely refurbished facilities, it was recognized as the first private gymnasium and had notable tuition fees ranging from 3,900 to 5,900 euros.

The inaugural cohort included 30 students, one of whom was Blažo Djukanovic, son of the former President Mila Djukanovic. However, the grammar school ceased operations in the fall of 2010, compelling twenty students to continue their education primarily at the Podgorica Gymnasium “Slobodan Skerović.”

The founder of Luča was the company “Edu Cons,” established in May 2004, co-owned by former Minister of Education, Science, and Technological Development in Serbia, Mladen Šarčević.