Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
154 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
26 |
| Most common nationality |
Bosnian |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
50% |
| Native English speaking teachers |
No |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Bosnian, French, German |
| Max. number of students per class |
10 per grade - 30 per classroom - The classrooms welcome mixed-aged groups as per the Montessori Philosophy and Method. There are a minimum of 2 teachers in each classroom at all times. |
| Average number of students per class |
25 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Not in the traditional sense. There are always at least two full time teachers in each classroom with subject teachers joining all through the day. All teachers contribute to the educational process. A coordinator manages the flow of the team of teachers in each group. |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Our students learn from hands-on experience with a lot of real-life manipulation, indoors and outside in nature. Technology is used when necessary to support the learning process. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No. We offer a subject called Ethics and Work religions, that is not mandatory but that students really enjoy. Our focus is on developing qualities of character that we call virtues, using The Virtues project. This project runs throughout the school. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
The students sit for state exams at the end of the 9-year primary school programme called the Eksterna Matura (Canton Sarajevo). At the end of High School, our students are assessed for a state diploma called Matura (Canton Sarajevo) and also sit for Cambridge International assessment examinations. Therefore, they graduate with a double qualification. |
| Results in these examinations |
Excellent and mostly correspond to the progress of our students during their years at Bloom. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Homework is done at school in primary school. Only very little work is taken home, usually at the request of parents or the child themselves. High School students are not able to complete all their work at school. |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
We have an individualized approach to each child. The answer will vary according to the child and their specific needs. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes. |
| Learning support offered |
We employ a few Special needs Educators, but mostly the Montessori approach and our very unique learning environment makes it possible to accompany children with very different needs in a very organic manner. A strong partnership with parents is fundamental to our approach. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
In the same manner as we support children with difficulties. We approach each child individually and the environment is created in such a manner that each child can develop at its own rhythm with the right support at all levels (social, emotional, physical and academic). |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes. We ask to meet the family and observe the children before enrolling them. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
It is an informal assessment in the classroom conducted by the School Psychologist, School Pedagogue and the team of teachers, first in the presence of parents, during an initial visit; then in the context of the classroom during a normal working day, if deemed necessary. |
| Waiting list |
Before Covid yes. Not now. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Registration for the new academic year starts in February for grade 1 of primary school and in April for all the other groups. However, if we have places available, registration can happen at any time during the school year. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes. |
| School start time |
8:00 |
| School finish time |
16:00 |
| Supervised care before/after school |
No |
| School bus service available |
Yes. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes. The school employs a professional Nutritionnist. |
| Uniform required |
No. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
We offer music lessons in partnership with a music school. Lessons take place during the school day at Bloom. |
| Sports activities included |
The foundation of our physical activity programme is Natural movement for which our PE teacher is certified, as well as our Earth programme. Children play a lot of collective sports during their time outside as well. (Football, Basketball etc.) |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
No. Some of our students are recognized young athletes that belong to professional sports clubs and participate in national competitions through their clubs. |
| Facilities at the school |
Library. Science lab. Forest. Green Houses. Parkour. Orchard. Agricultural fields. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Outdoor football/basketball court. Indoor movement classroom. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Bloom School Sarajevo implements the state curriculum (alongside the Cambridge International curriculum in High school) using the Montessori philosophy and Method. Children and youth are given maximum responsibility for their learning process to develop intrinsic motivation, exercise strong values, and demonstrate excellence in all aspects of their lives. Bloom is designed to offer children and youth a holistic learning experience, integrating academic with social-emotional, physical, and spiritual learning. Ultimately, Bloom's goal is for students to develop the skills and competencies they need to put knowledge into action, and be of service to their community. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Bloom's mission is to educate for wholeness. All the efforts are directed towards guiding children in their unique process of self-discovery. |