The International School Leon Štukelj Maribor, part of the IB World Schools©, is now accepting enrolment for the Early Years programme (kindergarten). An Open Day will take place on 20 May at 5:00 PM at the premises of Primary School Leon Štukelj Maribor.
A new chapter is beginning for the youngest learners at the International School Leon Štukelj Maribor with the IB programme. In September of the school year 2026/2027, the school will proudly launch the Early Years programme, designed for children aged 4 and 5 and based on the International Baccalaureate© (IB) curriculum. If compared to Slovenian education system, those are children attending the second age group of kindergarten.
The classrooms for the Early Years programme and the 1st grade of the Primary Years Programme will be located at a separate site in the beautiful Oton Župančič Kindergarten, about a 10-minute walk from the school. Enrolment for the kindergarten programme is already open.
The programme is built around inquiry, creativity, and purposeful play, nurturing children’s curiosity at the stage when it is most important. It encourages children to ask questions, explore ideas, and develop confidence in a warm, supportive, and international environment.
The Early Years programme follows the principles of the IB Primary Years Programme©, ensuring a clear and gradual transition from preschool to primary education. With a strong focus on English language immersion, hands-on learning, and social-emotional development, students build a strong foundation for lifelong success.
Maribor’s Mayor Aleksander Saša Arsenovič highlighted the importance of the International School for attracting international experts and talent to Maribor:
“A strong and high-quality international school is extremely important for the city, as it represents a key factor in attracting foreign investors, companies, and highly qualified professionals. Families of experts coming from abroad always check the availability of international education for their children when deciding to relocate. Developing the International School Leon Štukelj Maribor, we are strengthening the competitiveness of the city and the entire region, while creating conditions for economic growth and the international-mindedness of Maribor.”
Deputy Mayor Davorka Pregl, who has been advocating for the development of the International School since the beginning of her mandate at the Municipality of Maribor, added:
“At the Municipality of Maribor, we are committed to develop high-quality, accessible, and internationally comparable education. The introduction of the Early Years programme at the International School represents an important expansion of the educational offer for the youngest learners and provides children with a stimulating learning environment from the earliest stage of development. We are pleased to see the international educational community in Maribor growing and to offer children and families a modern and comprehensive educational approach.”
“Our goal is to create a place where children feel inspired, safe, and happy to learn,” says Natalija Anders, Head of the International School Maribor. “The early years are not just preparation for school – they are the beginning of a child’s global journey.”
The International School Maribor is currently attended by its third generation of students, with 32 children enrolled this year.
More information:
https://www.os-leon.si/international-school-maribor/registration-and-enrollment/
Contact:
Natalija Anders
+386 2 707 00 51
international.school-osleon@guest.arnes.si
