Russian-speaking schools and kindergartens in Tbilisi

How education for children works in Tbilisi

Since 2022, Tbilisi has become one of the main centers of Russian-speaking emigration. Thousands of children moved here alongside adults, and the question of schooling arises within the first weeks after arrival. There are several options, and they differ dramatically in language of instruction, cost, and what the child’s diploma will be worth a few years from now.

Tbilisi public schools: free entry, with nuances

Georgia’s state schools are free and formally open to children of all foreign nationals, including Russian citizens. Instruction is conducted in Georgian — a key point that many people underestimate.

Among state schools, School No. 23 named after Pushkin in Tbilisi stands apart — it is the only state school with Russian as the language of instruction. It has historically operated as a Russian-language school since Soviet times and remains the most popular choice among relocators. Admission is officially free, but the school is oversubscribed: since 2022, the number of applicants has grown manifold, and some year groups have no places available. It is best to register well in advance — ideally 2–3 months before the start of the school year.

Standard state schools suit families planning a long-term stay who are prepared for their child to learn Georgian as the primary language of instruction. Settling in takes six months to a year.

Private Russian-language schools: Evrika and Iberia

For those who want to maintain continuity in Russian-language education, several private schools are available. The best known are “Evreka” and “Iberia”. Tuition costs 400–800 GEL per month, which at 2025–2026 exchange rates amounts to roughly 150–300 USD.

These schools follow an adapted Russian curriculum, often with the option to sit exams externally through Russian educational institutions. One important nuance: a Georgian school-leaving certificate from these schools is not always issued in the standard format — check the school’s status with the Georgian Ministry of Education before signing any contract.

Teaching quality varies: the staff partly consists of relocated teachers, which some see as a plus (familiar methods) and others as a minus (staff turnover).

International schools and kindergartens: expensive, but transparent

Children’s education in Tbilisi in English is offered primarily by two large international schools:

• QSI International School of Tbilisi — accredited American program, geared toward diplomatic families and international business.
• British Georgian Academy (BGA) — British curriculum, IGCSE and A-Level.

Cost: from 1,500 USD per month. This is a fundamentally different price tier, justified for families with high incomes or a corporate compensation package. Diplomas are internationally recognised — the key advantage when planning a move to a third country.

Kindergartens in Tbilisi come in two formats: state-run (Georgian-language, free or near-free) and Russian-language private kindergartens — costing 400–700 GEL per month. Russian-language private nurseries emerged specifically after 2022 and are concentrated mainly in the Vake, Saburtalo and Didube districts, where the Russian-speaking community is densest.

Comparison table of schools and kindergartens in Tbilisi

Common mistakes

1. Counting solely on School No. 23 without a backup plan. The school is overcrowded — many families find this out in August, by which time all private schools have also filled their classes.

2. Not checking the legal status of a private school. Some private Russian-language schools operate as ’supplementary education centres’ and do not issue a Georgian state-recognised school-leaving certificate. This matters greatly if the family plans to apply to a Georgian university.

3. Ignoring Georgian even in a Russian-language school. Georgian is the state language. A child who does not learn it at all will, within a few years, be limited in socialising and career opportunities within Georgia.

4. Underestimating hidden costs at private schools. Meals, textbooks, uniforms, and activity fees are added on top of the base tuition — the real figure runs 15–25% higher than the advertised price.

5. Putting off nursery enrollment. Good private Russian-speaking kindergartens in Vake and Saburtalo fill their groups through waiting lists. It makes sense to get on the list 3–4 months in advance.

6. Not thinking about the school certificate from the perspective of the next move. If the family is considering relocating to Europe, a Russian school certificate — even one obtained through an external program at a Russian-speaking school in Tbilisi — can create complications during the nostrification process. An IB or A-Level qualification is more universally recognized.

How to choose a school in Tbilisi: a practical guide

The choice depends on two parameters: length of stay and your next destination.

If the family is staying in Tbilisi for 1–2 years and plans to return to Russia or move on — a Russian-language private school or School No. 23 is the logical choice. If the horizon is unclear or Europe is on the table, it’s worth considering QSI or BGA from the outset despite the cost: the qualification more than pays for the price difference when it comes to recognition abroad.

For preschoolers the approach is simpler: a private Russian-language kindergarten ensures a comfortable transition, while the child will begin picking up Georgian naturally — through play and environment, without pressure.