AISZ PTA – New Families Guide

Welcome to AISZ

We are delighted to welcome you to the AISZ community.

Moving to a new country and joining a new school is an exciting step, and we hope this guide helps make your transition to Zagreb and AISZ as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

The PTA is here to support you, connect you with other families, and help you feel part of the community from the very beginning.

🏡 Where Do AISZ Families Live?

Zagreb is a relatively small and very safe city, and AISZ families are spread across different neighborhoods depending on lifestyle, housing preferences, and commute.

Most families tend to fall into two main living styles:

🌿 Hillside Living (Houses, Green, Quiet)

Neighborhoods such as Šalata, Tuškanac, Pantovčak and nearby hillside areas are among the most popular with international families.

• Leafy, residential, and peaceful

• Many standalone houses and villas

• Beautiful views over the city

• Close to nature and parks

These areas are known for being more exclusive and green, with villas and quiet surroundings while still being close to the city center.

👉 Good to know:
Living in these areas usually requires a car, as public transport can be limited and streets can be steep.

🏙️ City Living (Walkable, Connected, Lively)

Areas in and around the city center (Upper Town / Lower Town) are also very popular.

• Easy access to shops, cafés, and restaurants

• Well connected by tram

• Walkable lifestyle

• More apartment living

The city center is considered one of the most convenient areas for expats due to its accessibility and vibrant daily life.

👉 Especially for families with teenagers:
Living near tram lines is a big advantage. Many students enjoy the independence of moving around the city on their own.

💡 Parent Tip

If you have teenagers, prioritize access to tram lines.
If you prefer space, greenery, and quieter surroundings, the hillside neighborhoods are a great fit—but plan for daily driving.

🤝 Connecting Before You Arrive

Starting at a new school in a new country can feel like a big step. At AISZ, we aim to make that transition as smooth and welcoming as possible.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Connecting with Other Families

While we don’t currently have a formal buddy system in place, the PTA is happy to help connect new families with existing ones.

👉 If you would like to be introduced to a current AISZ family:

• We can help match you based on grade, interests, or background

• This is a great way to ask questions and get a feel for the community before arriving

🎉 Welcome Events

At the start of the school year, the PTA organizes welcome events for both new and returning families.

• A chance to meet other parents in a relaxed setting

• Opportunity for children to start building connections early

• Informal and friendly atmosphere

These events are one of the easiest ways to quickly feel part of the community.

📲 Parent Communication

Staying informed and connected is an important part of life at AISZ. Communication is simple and happens through a few key channels.

📲 Class WhatsApp Groups

At the start of the school year, families are invited to join their grade-level WhatsApp groups.

• Links are shared at key moments (start-of-year communication, school events, etc.)

• These groups are the main space for parent-to-parent communication

• Useful for quick questions, reminders, and staying connected

📰 Bear Print (School Newsletter)

Every Friday, the school shares the Bear Print, AISZ’s official newsletter.

• Includes important school updates and announcements

• Covers upcoming events, activities, and key dates

• Often contains information not shared elsewhere

👉 Parent tip: Make it a habit to read it weekly, it’s the best way to stay on top of everything happening at school.

🚗 School Transport & Daily Routine

Getting to and from AISZ is straightforward, with several options depending on your location and your child’s age.

🚌 School Bus Service

AISZ families commonly use a private bus service that has worked with the school for many years.

• Operated by an external provider (not directly managed by the school)

• Very familiar with AISZ schedules and routines

• Routes are organized based on demand and location

👉 To inquire or register:
ibus@ibus.hr
Simply share your address, and they will confirm if a route can be arranged.

🚋 Public Transport

Zagreb’s tram system is reliable and easy to use.

• The tram stops a few blocks from the school

• A good option for older students

• Offers independence, especially for middle and high school

🚗 Drop-off by Car

Many families choose to drive their children to school.

• School starts at 8:00 AM sharp

• Morning drop-off is generally smooth

• Driving is often the most flexible option, especially for younger students

⏰ Daily Rhythm

• Most families plan to arrive shortly before 8:00 AM

• Pick-up routines vary depending on after-school activities

🚗 Commute & Practical Reality

• Zagreb traffic is generally manageable compared to larger cities

• Most AISZ families self-drive

• Typical school commute: 15–30 minutes, depending on location

• Public transport works well in central areas, less so in hillside neighborhoods

💡 Parent Tip

If you live further from school or in hillside areas, driving or using the bus service is usually the easiest option.
For older students, proximity to tram lines can make daily life much more flexible.

🎨 Extracurricular Activities

AISZ offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, making it easy for students to explore interests, stay active, and build friendships.

🏫 After School Activities (ASA)

The school runs a strong ASA program with a variety of options:

• Sports (team and individual)

• Creative activities (arts, music, etc.)

• Clubs and interest-based groups

Activities take place on campus and are designed to be accessible and engaging for students across all grades.

⏰ Schedule

• Most activities run from 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM

• A late bus service is available for students participating in ASAs

This makes it easy for students to stay after school without requiring additional transport arrangements.

🌆 Activities Outside School

While Zagreb offers many extracurricular options, it’s important to note:

• Many local activities (sports clubs, classes, etc.) start later in the evening (around 7:00 PM or later)

• This can make it more challenging for AISZ students to participate regularly, especially on weekdays

🏥 Healthcare & Essential Services

Zagreb offers excellent access to private healthcare, and most international families find it easy to get high-quality care quickly.

🩺 Private Clinics

Many AISZ families choose to use private clinics, especially for:

• Fast access to specialists

• Flexible appointment scheduling

• English-speaking doctors

Appointments are typically easy to arrange, with short waiting times.

Some well-known private clinics in Zagreb include:

• Poliklinika Sinteza

• Sveta Katarina Special Hospital

These clinics offer a wide range of services and are commonly used by the international community.

🦷 Dentists & Specialists

• Zagreb has many high-quality private dental clinics and specialists

• Booking is usually quick and straightforward

• English-speaking professionals are widely available

💊 Pharmacies

Pharmacies (“ljekarna”) are easy to find across the city.

• Well stocked and accessible

• Pharmacists are knowledgeable and often speak English

• Helpful for both prescriptions and general advice

🧠 Helping Children Settle In

One of the strengths of AISZ is its close-knit and welcoming community, which makes it easier for new students to settle in.

🤝 A Small & Supportive Environment

AISZ is a relatively small school, and that makes a big difference:

• Most grades have 1–2 classes only

• Students quickly get to know each other

• It often feels like one larger group of friends rather than separate classes

This environment helps new students integrate more naturally and build connections quickly.

🎯 Finding Their People

Getting involved early is key.

• Joining sports teams, clubs, or activities helps students connect with peers who share similar interests

• The school’s ASA program provides a great starting point

• Friendships often form quickly through these shared activities

💬 Social Integration

Because of the school’s size and international environment:

• Students are generally open and used to welcoming newcomers

• Many families have gone through similar relocations

• There is a strong sense of community across grades

💡 Parent Tip

Encourage your child to try a few activities early on, it’s one of the fastest ways to feel part of the community.

📅 First Weeks at AISZ

The start of the school year is an important time for both students and parents to get oriented, meet the community, and settle into routines.

🏫 Key Moments Not to Miss

• Orientation Day
  A great introduction to the school, its structure, and key information

• Meet the Teachers
  An opportunity to understand classroom routines, expectations, and connect early with teachers

These first touchpoints help both parents and students feel more confident from the start.

🌲 Unity Trips (Early in the School Year)

One of the highlights of the first weeks is the Unity Trip.

• Typically 3–4 day trips organized early in the school year

• Often include outdoor activities such as hiking, lake activities, or team challenges

• Designed to help students bond and build connections quickly

👉 While it may feel a bit daunting at first, especially for new families, these trips are one of the best ways for students to make friends and feel part of the community.

☕ The AISZ Parent Community

AISZ has a warm, open, and welcoming parent community, with many families who have experienced relocation themselves.

🤝 A Supportive Network

• Families are generally open and approachable

• Many parents understand what it’s like to move countries and start fresh

• It’s easy to find support, information, and connection

🙌 Getting Involved

For parents, one of the best ways to integrate is to get involved in the PTA.

• A great way to meet other parents and build friendships

• Opportunity to contribute to school life and the community

• A meaningful way to support your children’s environment and experience

• Send us an email to pta@aisz.hr