UPDATE: Urgent reports confirm that kindergartens in Montenegro are facing a severe overcrowding crisis, with groups nearly double the legal limits. In the 2025/26 academic year, a staggering 26,786 children were enrolled in 24 public and 33 private preschool institutions, marking a 3.3% increase from the previous year.
The statistics from Montenegro’s Monstat indicate that the average number of children per group is a shocking 30.9, far exceeding the legal caps set by the Law on Preschool Education. For example, groups for children aged three to four are allowed a maximum of 20, yet many establishments are reporting averages of up to 45.3 in Zeta and 39.4 in Tuzi.
Local governments are struggling to accommodate the growing demand, leading to alarming conditions. In Zeta, educators manage an average of 27.2 children each, while in Tivat, the number is 20.3. The situation raises serious concerns regarding the quality of education and child care provided.
Officials highlight that the maximum permissible limits for children per educator are routinely ignored, with numbers in some municipalities soaring. In Podgorica, the average stands at 36.4 children per group, while Herceg Novi reports 35.1. This has led to heightened pressure on preschool staff, who are already facing overwhelming workloads.
The ratios between boys and girls in preschool remain concerning as well. Out of the total student body, 52.3% are boys and 47.7% are girls. This imbalance is particularly pronounced in Niksic, where boys outnumber girls 1,287 to 1,137.
In private institutions, the situation is similarly dire, with 33 private kindergartens serving 1,389 children. Although the average group size is lower at 13.8, some private facilities still report troubling numbers, including 26.5 children per group in Bar.
As the new school year unfolds, parents and educators are expressing alarm over these conditions, which could have long-term impacts on child development and educational outcomes. Authorities are under pressure to address these critical issues to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children.
WHAT’S NEXT: Stakeholders are calling for immediate reforms to ensure compliance with legal standards and to protect the rights of children in Montenegro’s educational system. The Ministry of Education is expected to respond to these pressing concerns soon.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story.
