The Private Classical Gymnasium has decided to take a new step forward and finally establish its own primary school, naturally with classical languages, so that when this idea is fully developed, it will have under one roof what classicists desire: comprehensive learning of classical languages, with Latin being taught from the 5th grade of primary school and Greek from the 7th grade.

However, we are far from simply reproducing existing school models. We are preparing to enrich this school – while respecting the national curriculum – with all forms of educational and instructional work that we have developed and mastered over the previous 26 years of operation.

What will education look like at PKO?

• We will create a different work organization using our experience with block teaching, which reduces the average number of subjects per week and provides greater opportunity for classroom work utilization.
• The morning part of the day begins at 8:00 AM and is dedicated to academic subjects, and after the lunch break follows the afternoon part, which will be entirely focused on students, their interests, desires, and possibilities, and various activities will be organized accordingly. The program will end at 3:25 PM, after which the school will remain open for students for another hour.
• We will truly transform the lecture hall into a classroom. Children will actively learn in the classroom, not just listen to lectures.
• We are guided by the idea that the primary task of the school is education, and of parents is upbringing. Therefore, we will not expect parents to solve school assignments with their children, but will support their educational role in encouraging their children and raising their responsibility for their own work and success. If parents wish to participate in educational work as well, we are here as support.
• Critical thinking and media literacy will be one of the fundamental goals we will strive to develop in every subject. Digital tools and audiovisual aids are not the goal, but tools, and we will also learn to apply them critically.
• Teaching methods will be adapted to age groups. We want to help children understand the newly discovered image of the world step by step and move away from the existing system of work in primary schools by creating a stimulating environment for every child.
• Following PKG’s practice, we will also implement Teaching on the Road, also adapted to age and capabilities.
• We will work on systematically connecting older generations with younger ones in various ways, which will develop strong internal school cohesion over time.
• Intergenerational cooperation will be further strengthened during Open Teaching Week, in which everyone participates according to their interests and capabilities.
• We will encourage creative free activities and give more space to sports.
• Initially, we will benefit from the fact that Maksimir is only one tram stop away, and over time we will conquer all of Zagreb and its cultural and educational offerings. Sometimes we will go to the cinema and theater, and sometimes we will bring cinema and theater to us.

And finally, we will show students and parents that we are ready to help the development and success of every student and that at PKO, as at PKG, everything is possible,

Except buying grades.

Zlatko Šešelj, founder and first principal of the Private Classical Gymnasium