A Guide to Education Options for Families Relocating to Serbia

In Serbia, education is mandatory for children from the age of 7 to 15. This is different from some other countries like Canada, where children typically start school at a younger age. However, for younger children, preschool is an essential step in their education. While preschool attendance between the ages of 5.5 and 6.5 is mandatory, you can enroll children as young as 6 months old to help them develop social skills and get accustomed to a school-like environment.

To enroll your child in school, you will need a few key documents, including:

• Proof of Identity (such as a birth certificate)
  
  
• Proof of Residency (temporary or permanent)
  
  
• Vaccination Records (depending on your child’s age)
  
  

These documents will help ensure that your child is properly enrolled in the appropriate school.

A common concern for expat families is the language barrier. While it's not a requirement for children to speak Serbian before enrolling in school, it’s highly recommended that they learn some Serbian to ease their transition. Serbian is the primary language of instruction in public schools, and understanding the language will help your child adapt to the curriculum. Serbian schools tend to have a more rigorous academic pace compared to Western education systems, so fluency in the language will support their ability to keep up with the coursework.

If you're not comfortable enrolling your child in the Serbian public education system, there are alternative options such as international schools. These schools often follow international curriculums (British, American, French) and offer education in multiple languages. They may also have different vaccination requirements, with some not requiring vaccinations at all.

Some popular international schools in Belgrade include:

• The International School of Belgrade
  
  
• Ecole Française de Belgrade
  
  
• British International School
  
  

International schools offer a more flexible approach to education but can sometimes be less challenging compared to Serbian public schools. These schools are often perceived as providing a more relaxed educational environment, as the goal is to accommodate international students, but this can sometimes lead to less academic pressure.

For families from countries like Canada or the United States, homeschooling may be a suitable alternative. While homeschooling is not widely practiced for Serbian children, expat families often choose this route to maintain their home country's curriculum. Homeschooling offers the flexibility to teach your child at their own pace and in a more personalized way.

One key benefit of homeschooling in Serbia is that it’s generally more affordable and allows parents to design a curriculum that suits their child's needs. For those interested in homeschooling, we recommend contacting Star Students, an online homeschooling platform run by Kimberly Gawne, which offers expert guidance and certified teachers from around the world.

As you plan your family's relocation to Serbia, it's crucial to work with experienced relocation consultants who can guide you through the educational system and other aspects of settling in. Relocation Serbia provides comprehensive relocation services, helping families navigate the complexities of moving to Serbia, including securing residency permits, finding suitable housing, and handling legal matters. Their team of Serbia relocation experts ensures that every detail, from schooling to opening a Serbian business bank account, is managed efficiently.

Additionally, if you're looking for Serbian real estate services or need assistance with opening a bank account in Serbia, a Serbia expat relocation agency like Relocation Serbia offers tailored solutions to make your transition seamless.

We help client with flights, car rentals, stays and experiences by booking everything the Ardor Travels.