Education in a fast-changing world needs to prioritise adaptability, critical thinking and a holistic skillset beyond subject-specific knowledge. It’s about preparing individuals to thrive in an evolving landscape, equipping them with the tools required for personal growth and to contribute meaningfully to society.
This is why, at International Montessori School of Albania (IMSA) and our follow-on school, World Academy of Tirana (WAT), we have chosen complimentary academic programs that encourage lifelong learning.
The Montessori Program is being offered at IMSA for students 0-6 age. Students then move on to the World Academy of Tirana, to study the International Baccalaureate with its three programs:
- Primary Years Program (5 – 12 years)
- Middle Years Program (12 – 16 years)
- Diploma Program (16-18 years)
The Montessori Early Years program and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program are compatible and complementary educational approaches. We take pride in being the only schools in Tirana to successfully combine both world-leading programmes, offering an extremely rounded education across our to students aged 0 - 18.
IB amd Montessori Philosophical Alignment
Montessori: Montessori education places a strong emphasis on promoting a child's independence, self-directed learning, and natural curiosity. It places a focus on personalised training, hands-on learning, and respect for the child's interests and learning pace.
IB: The goal of the IB program is to create young people who are curious, knowledgeable, and caring and who are ready for a world that is changing quickly. It places a focus on a balanced education, global awareness, and inquiry-based learning.
Early years Foundation
Montessori: The normal age range for the early years program in a Montessori school is from infancy to about five or six years old. It is distinguished by mixed-age classrooms, experiential learning tools, and a concentration on real-world knowledge, sensorial exploration, language development, and numeracy.
IB: The Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the IB at WAT is for students aged 5 to 12.
Transitioning from Montessori to IB
We Implement both programs with care and attention to alignment. That’s why moving from the Montessori Early Years Program to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program offers a smooth transition for students. Montessori students already have a strong foundation in self-directed learning and independence, which is advantageous in the IB program.
Teacher Training
Montessori teachers undergo specialized training to deliver the Montessori philosophy and methodology, while at WAT, IB teachers receive training specific to the IB program. Montessori and IBPYP teachers are knowledgeable about both approaches in order to ensure the smooth transition.
Focus Areas
Montessori tends to focus on individualized development and mastery of skills through hands-on activities, while the IB program emphasizes global contexts, interdisciplinary learning, and the development of skills for collaboration and international understanding.
At IMSA and WAT, we acknowledge the strengths of both philosophies and have been providing a seamless and enriching educational experience for students since 2007.
You can learn more about the World Academy of Tirana on the website.
You can also learn more about Orbital Education, the outstanding International school group that IMSA and WAT belong to.
