How is primary education in Zadar?

[Iva]

We are looking to move to the city of Zadar with our three young children, ages 6 to 11, and my biggest concern is my children's education. I would also like to know if there are after school enrichment programs offered, and what kind of organized sports there are.
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Charl]

We moved here 6 months ago & our 2 children (10 & 7) go to a small private school in Zadar. Its from 8am till 4pm and they are served breakfast & lunch. Its a long day, but at least there is not any homework like in the state schools ( as we would not be able to help them as at the moment my husband & my Croatian is in the early stages).
Everyday they have one-to-one Croatian language lessons at the school, they are happy (which is the main concern), they have settled in & have new friends. There are a few other children who have mixed Croatian/USA/Australian nationaltity so there were other kids whom they could communicate with in the early days.
My only real possible concern is a lack of discipline amongst some of the kids - but you get that in any school.
Like I say the main thing is they are happy, like to go & are learning.

[Iva]

Charl,
Thanks for your input. My husband and I have grown tired of keeping up with the Jones's, and are ready for a slower pace. We also have lots of family in Zadar and think it would be a good move for the whole family. May I ask you what brought you to move to Zadar?

[Charl]

We visited a friend who lives here in summer 2003 and decided to go for it!! Sometimes its best not thinking too much about things and just give it a go. We sold up in the UK and are very happy over here.

Where are you moving from (if you decide to move)?

[Iva]

We would be moving from sunny San Diego, California. We live in a beautiful coastal town, everything is almost to perfect..... I'm afraid I'll wake up one day and find myself in a scene from The Stepford Wive's!...I think EMIZ would like it here.
Like Shannon said in the "Living in Croatia" thread, having a support system of family and or friends is essential. We found friends are hard to come by in San Diego, but we already have both in Zadar.
I think we will give it a go! I'll know for sure after the summer.
If you know of any organized sports in Zadar for young children let me know.
Thanks,

Iva

[Charl]

My two go to basketball coaching. I know that friends of theirs go to gymnastics and karate. Sailing lesson season will start up soon (apparently 200HKN for a month). There is a riding school in Biograd - generally I think that most things are available. I've seen young cycling clubs out & about, rowing clubs in the harbour......I don't think finding an organized club should be a problem.

[Iva]

What a coincidence, my two boys are off to basketball practice with their dad right now. I think sports helps to keep them out of trouble as they get older, and teaches a few of life's little lessons. Plus I enjoy watching them play.
Sailing lessons sound great!....and very reasonable compared to what they cost in San Diego.
I hope you don't mind if I ask a few more questions.
What is the name of the School your kids go to? Do you think it's better than some of the other private schools?
Also, we have been looking to purchasing a home but have not had much luck with realtors. We think we might be better off renting a home first. Do you rent or own? Can you recommend a reputable realtor?
Thanks again,

Iva

[Charl]

Their school is called 'Privatna Osnovua Skola Nova'. Actually, I'll have to double check the spelling of that. I don't know how well you know Zadar, but it is located near the supermarket Kaufland - in the grounds of the former military acadamy.
As far as other private schools - I'm not sure that there are any others. Our two children did go to a small state school in the village where we living, but that only lasted 2 days. The teachers did not speak any English & school was only for a few hours in the afternoon. That would have been fine, but alot of the work they do is set as homework & we would have been unable to help them with anything.
Do you & your children speak Croatian? Have you spent much time over here?

On the house side: I can't recommend a reputable agent. We are renting at the moment & I would stronglsy advise that you rent initially too. You'll ned to have a good drive around Zadar and the surrounding villages and see where you want to settle down. Real Estate Agents are not like they are in the UK. The first things when buying a house is to check that the house does actually have a permit for being built & that there is only 1 owner selling (or at least that all owners are in agrement over the sale). I really wouldn't even consider buying until you get here! There dosen't seem to be much on offer through agents. We have seen more properties & land through friends we've made since being here, but nothing quite right so far.At the moment we are living in a village 8km outside Zadar. The children have got a large garden to play in and the sea is at the bottom of the garden. There's little traffic so they can go out safely on their bikes.....

Anyway, feel free to ask anymore questions.

[Sue]

hi iva, if it is of any use, we have a family sized apartment for rent in Biograd, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathroom/shwrs, large kitchen and a living room, we were thinking of letting it out to tourists, currently unfurnished but ideal as a family home, located in a quite suburb of biograd, 300m from the beach, 15 minute walk from town, built to north american standards.

[Charl]

Hi Sue,
I have some friends also moving to Zadar from UK. If Iva is not interested then they might be. They are coming March 14th for a visit & to see properties (& the school). They have 2 children. What rental price are you looking for per month?

[Iva]

Charl,
You advice is greatly appreciated!

Sue, thanks for the offer. It sounds great, but we are looking to be closer to the city.

[Sue]

Hi Charl not really thought about price much, so negotiable i guess. only problem is we are not going to be there till april so its all locked up at the mo. 1 flat unfurnished and 1 fully furnished, tenants obliged to water the kiwi plants as part of any arrangement, they need TLC. what took you to zadar? i was born there is my excuse so i know no better, be nice to meet up with some ex pats, keep in touch
Stipe, Sue's lesser half

[Charl]

Hi Iva,

Here is website address for the private schools in Zadar.
www.zpg.hr

The primary school is the Os Nova. It is up to 14 years and then they move to the school in Zadar old town.
Hope you can read Croatian.

Charlotte

[marinau]

Hi there!

I've been researching schools in Zadar and came across this post.  I wanted to know if you ended up moving to Zadar?

I live in Canada and have been contemplating relocating to Zadar for a while and really would love some raw feedback of your experience if you ended up going? My parents are from Zadar and I've spent many summers there and did live there for a short time (7 months) but that was almost 17 years ago. I was there this past summer and I just couldn't believe how much things have changed there. Doesn't feel so far removed from the world as it used to, which made me think this might be a good time to explore the option again.

School is super important to me. My kids are 6 andn 4.5 so just getting started. What has your experience been like so far? Can you give me any advice/thoughts? I'm just in the preliminary stage of thinking about it, so just want to get some honest feedback.

Thanks so much!!

Marina.

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