Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Rijeka
Summary: If you're moving to Rijeka with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you'll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Rijeka
Rijeka, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history and cultural diversity. While it may not have the vast number of international or bilingual schools found in some of the world's larger cities, it does offer a selection of reputable institutions catering to expat families. Among the most popular are the Rijeka International School and the European School Rijeka, both of which provide high-quality education with an international perspective. Here are some of the international and bilingual schools within a short drive from Rijeka that expat parents might consider for their children.
Rijeka International School (RIS)
Grades: Preschool through Grade 8
Location(s): Rijeka
Website: www.ris.hr
The Rijeka International School offers an international curriculum in a multicultural environment. With small class sizes and a focus on individual attention, RIS provides a nurturing setting for students. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme for younger students and is working towards offering the IB Middle Years Programme for older students. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and a playground, and the school offers a range of extracurricular activities to complement academic learning.
European School Rijeka
Grades: Preschool through High School
Location(s): Rijeka
Website: www.esrijeka.hr
European School Rijeka is known for its diverse student body and commitment to the European Baccalaureate program. The school emphasizes a broad education that includes language acquisition, sciences, and the arts. With state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, sports fields, and art studios, the school aims to foster a well-rounded education. Extracurricular activities are plentiful, ranging from sports teams to music and drama clubs.
Matteo Benussi Italian School
Grades: Kindergarten through High School
Location(s): Rijeka
Website: www.scuolambenussi.hr
The Matteo Benussi Italian School is a bilingual institution offering education in both Italian and Croatian. Catering to the Italian minority in Rijeka as well as international students, the school follows the Italian educational curriculum while also meeting Croatian educational standards. The school boasts a supportive learning environment with a variety of extracurricular activities, including language clubs, sports, and cultural events.
Deutsche Schule Rijeka
Grades: Preschool through Grade 4
Location(s): Rijeka
Website: www.deutscheschulerijeka.hr
Deutsche Schule Rijeka offers a German-based curriculum for students from preschool to grade 4. The school is designed for both native German-speaking children and those looking to become fluent in German. With a focus on intercultural learning and bilingual education, the school provides a solid foundation in both German and Croatian cultures. Facilities include modern classrooms and a playground, and the school offers various cultural and language-related extracurricular activities.
French School of Rijeka
Grades: Preschool through Grade 6
Location(s): Rijeka
Website: www.ecolefrancaiserijeka.com
The French School of Rijeka is a small, friendly institution offering a bilingual French-Croatian education. Following the French national curriculum, the school provides a comprehensive education with a strong emphasis on language skills. The school's facilities are equipped to offer a range of activities, and the extracurricular program includes options such as music, art, and sports.
Please note that while these schools are within a short drive from Rijeka, it is always recommended to visit the schools personally and discuss your child's specific needs with the administration to ensure the best fit for your family.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


