Tirana, Albania: Tirana International School: 2023-2024 Fact Sheet

The Tirana International School (TIS) is a private, nonprofit, preschool-grade 12, coeducational, American curriculum, college- preparatory institution. TIS was founded in 1991 to provide a quality education for expatriates living in Tirana. The school year comprises three trimesters extending from late August to the middle of June.

Organization: The school is governed by the Board of Directors of Quality Schools International, the membership of which is formed as set forth in the Bylaws of Quality Schools International. An advisory board, composed of seven members who reside in Tirana and are appointed jointly by the president of Quality Schools International and the director of the Tirana International School, assists the school in its operation.

Curriculum: The school offers an outcomes-based educational program with a curriculum similar to that of U.S. public and private schools. Instruction, leading to individual mastery, takes advantage of small class sizes and the diverse educational backgrounds of the students. Instruction is in English with the opportunity to learn several other languages through the school’s foreign language program. Non-English-speaking students are enrolled in an intensive English-as-a-Second-Language Program. TIS provides the opportunity for students to study many advanced courses in the secondary program. TIS students have the option of pursuing an AP Capstone Diploma or an IB Diploma. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and by International Baccalaureate for IB Diploma Program. TIS is a test center in Albania for the SAT. Tirana International School is a member of the Tirana Association of International Schools (TAIS) as well as the Central and Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA). These organizations provide athletic and activity opportunities for middle school and secondary students to compete both locally and internationally. TIS runs a robust after-school activity program for elementary students that includes music, sports, and special interest clubs.

Faculty: In the 2023-2024 school year, TIS has 122 total staff including 85 teachers, 34 of whom are U.S. citizens, 39 host-country nationals, and 11 third-country nationals. Our faculty staff represents 12 nationalities, including United States, Albania, United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Sweden, South Africa, Senegal, Slovenia, Australia, Canada. All teachers are qualified and certified.

Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, enrollment was 419 (grades PK-12). Of the total, 91 were U.S. citizens, 135 were host-country nationals and 193 were third-country nationals.

Facilities: TIS occupies a purpose-built facility located on a 5.5-hectare campus at the edge of the city, between a high-end residential area and agricultural forestland.  It holds a full-size gymnasium, cafeteria/auditorium with a stage, modern science lab, large classrooms, and ample spaces for the arts. The school supports internet connection throughout for guests and students. Outside, there are four playgrounds and a sports complex that contains a soccer pitch, track, tennis court, exercise room, and multipurpose court.

Finances: In the 2023-2024 school year, the school’s income derives from tuition and from a U.S. State Department grant. Annual tuition rates are as follows: preschool full day (ages 2, 3 and 4): $5,400; preschool part day (ages 2, 3 and 4): $3,400; and grades K-12: $24,000. The school also charges an annual capital fund fee of $1,600 and a one-time non-refundable registration fee of $300. No capital fund fee or deposit is collected for the preschool. These fees are payable in U.S. dollars. (All fees quoted in U.S. dollars.)

Special Needs: Review the Special Needs Profile for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.

This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information. Information and statistics are current as of September 2023 and are provided by the school.