Children, like their parents, face many social, psychological and emotional challenges during the migration process. New living environments, culture, language, teachers and separation from familiar friends can be stressful even for the most confident children. That is why Klaipėda City Municipality aims to simplify the procedures for enrolling children in kindergartens and schools and to facilitate their integration and adaptation period.

Kindergartens an schools

There are more than 50 public and 18 private kindergartens in Klaipėda. All of the educational institutions in the port city have experience in working with children who have returned from abroad or who have come from foreign countries. Bilingual education programmes, non-formal education and support for children with special educational needs help them to integrate more easily into both school and society. Children usually attend kindergartens from 7am to 6.30pm. The time spent at school depends on the number of subjects, extra-curricular activities and elective classes.

Admission to Kindergartens

In Klaipėda Municipality, children are admitted to nurseries from the age of 1, and to preschool-kindergarten institutions from the age of 2. Admission is centralized and conducted online through Klaipėda Municipality's website by logging in via the Electronic Government Gateway. Applications are accepted year-round. They may be submitted by parents who have declared their residence in Klaipėda for at least one month. Lithuanian citizens returning from abroad who cannot submit an application online may apply in person at the Municipality Administration (Liepų g. 7, Room 102). Foreign nationals without access to the system may submit applications by email or in writing at the Customer Service Centre (Liepų g. 11). Parents are notified of successful application registration via email or SMS. If guardians provide documents that justify priority status, their children may receive placement faster.

Children are admitted out of turn if compulsory preschool education is confirmed by a decision of the Child Welfare Commission and an order of the Municipality Administration Director. This also applies to families where two or more children are born at the same time. Urgent procedures apply to children with hearing impairments or other special educational needs requiring immediate attention.

Kindergarten waitlists are generated automatically. However, several factors may give families priority in admission, such as having a sibling already attending the same kindergarten, a parent working at the institution, or if both guardians are studying. Adopted children and children with special needs are also granted priority.

Every January, the waiting list for kindergartens becomes visible, and the academic year starts on September 1. However, children of returning Lithuanians and foreign nationals may be admitted throughout the year due to unpredictable changes in residence. Admission is also possible at any time if the kindergarten has available spots.

To receive a free consultation on kindergarten and preschool group admission, advance online registration is required.

Admission to Pre-primary Groups

One year of pre-primary education has been mandatory since 2016. All 6-year-old children are admitted to pre-primary groups from January 2 of the respective year, but not before the child turns 5. The admission procedure, conditions, and funding opportunities are the same as for kindergartens. Unlike kindergarten attendance, parents must also provide a health certificate for the child.

Admission to Schools

School attendance is compulsory from ages 7 to 16. Admission for children returning from abroad or foreign nationals is straightforward. Lithuanian citizens can apply online through the Electronic Government Gateway. Others must apply in person at the Municipality's E-services Division (Liepų g. 11).

Before the school year begins, parents must submit the following documents to the selected school:

·        Application form;

·        Copy of the child’s birth certificate;

·        Educational records translated into Lithuanian;

·        Medical certificate confirming the child’s health;

·        Other documents as required by the school's internal regulations.

Adaptation in Educational Institutions

After a child is admitted, a contract is signed outlining all relevant aspects of learning. These may include integration programs and activities to support adaptation and Lithuanian language acquisition. In some cases, children may receive 20–25 hours per week in bridging classes.

Typically, children are placed with peers of the same age. However, based on documentation, conversations, and assessment of skills, they may follow an individual learning path. This may involve moving to a higher or lower grade, receiving additional support to catch up, or being excused from certain lessons. During the adaptation period, teachers closely monitor the child’s progress, discuss it with parents, and adjust support based on individual needs.

Notably, to facilitate smoother integration, Klaipėda Lyceum and "Universa Via" International School offer the option to study and complete the secondary education program in English.

Costs and Funding

All public and 11 private kindergartens and pre-primary groups in Klaipėda receive partial state funding. The student funding package covers lunch and 4 hours per day (20 hours per week) of preschool education. For children with special needs, the funding is 35% higher. Parents cover the remaining costs for meals, additional hours, and learning materials. On average, attending such a kindergarten costs families €50–60 per child per month.

If public kindergarten spots are unavailable, private kindergartens typically cost €120–150 per month. Klaipėda Municipality compensates up to €100 per month for declared city residents. Upon providing the required documentation, up to 100% of private kindergarten fees may be reimbursed.

Public school education is free of charge. Private school tuition may range from a few hundred to several thousand euros per month. Families are advised to consult individual institutions for exact costs. Returning children receive special attention. A 30% larger student funding package may be allocated to support consultations, extra classes, or other activities aiding adaptation. If needed, a volunteer mentor may also be assigned to support the student’s learning and adjustment process.