About Us
Mala Akademija is a private international kindergarten in Ljubljana where children from Slovenian and international families grow up together in small, caring groups.
Choosing a kindergarten means finding a place that feels right for your family. Here, you can get to know the people behind Mala Akademija, discover what matters to us and get a feel for everyday life in our kindergarten.
The best way to get to know us is to visit, ask questions and experience the atmosphere for yourself.
Our Story — Since 2013
Mala Akademija, founded by Dr. Irena Marinko, has been operating since 2013, building on the educational experience of Leila d.o.o., a Slovenian company founded in 1989.
What began as a new chapter in the company’s educational work has grown into a welcoming private kindergarten where Slovenian and international families come together.
From the beginning, our goal has been simple: to create a place where children feel happy and secure, parents feel welcome, and educators enjoy the work they do.
Today, Mala Akademija continues that tradition — combining the experience of an established educational organisation with the warmth and personal attention of a small kindergarten.
What matters most to me is that every child feels they belong at Mala Akademija, and that parents feel confident leaving their child in our care.
Children from Slovenian, bilingual and international families grow up together here. For some, it is a gentle introduction to Slovenian language and culture; for others, a chance to discover the world through friendships with children from different countries.
Our small groups give us time to truly get to know each child: their interests, the support they need and what helps them feel more confident. It matters just as much to me that parents can talk openly with us about anything on their minds.
Come and meet us — I’d be happy to show you around our kindergarten.
Elena Kaspranova
Owner & Director, Mala Akademija
Our Team
A professional team that knows every child.
Our team consists of qualified preschool teachers and teaching assistants with relevant education and professional certification. We also incorporate selected elements of Montessori pedagogy into our work.
When needed, we are joined by students from faculties of education and specialists with pedagogical backgrounds, who bring fresh knowledge, experience and approaches to working with children.
Our kindergarten is led by Elena Kaspranova, who has a qualification in early childhood education and has passed the professional examination in Slovenia. She is currently also pursuing doctoral studies at the Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana.
Our Kindergarten
A welcoming space to play, explore and grow.
Our bright rooms are designed for play, learning and rest, with comfortable spaces for activities and quiet moments.
Outside, children enjoy our own private, fenced playground, with plenty of room to play and explore safely. We also take regular walks and trips around the neighbourhood.
A Community of Many Cultures
Many countries. Many languages. One happy childhood.
Over the past three years, Mala Akademija has welcomed children from more than 20 countries around the world — from Slovenia and its European neighbours to China, Argentina, the United States and New Zealand.
Some children grow up speaking two or more languages at home. Others discover a new language for the first time when they join us.
Here, different cultures are part of everyday life. Children play, make friends, share traditions and learn that being different is something wonderful.
And while every family brings its own story, all our children share the same place to belong.
What Parents Say
Olesya and Miša
Today is Šon and Tom’s last day at our kindergarten, and I would truly like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤️
Thank you to each and every one of you for your warmth, care and attention, and for the whole year you have spent alongside our children.
This was their first kindergarten in Slovenia, and you were the ones who helped them settle in and adjust to a new country, language and life. Thanks to you, that transition was much easier and happier for them.
Over the past year, my children have made friends here, learned Slovenian and become part of life in Slovenia very quickly. As a mother, that is priceless to me.
I value your work enormously. Working with children requires great responsibility, patience and, above all, heart. I think the most beautiful testament to your work is that the children came to kindergarten happily every day and will take so many lovely memories of this year with them. ❤️
Thank you for everything you have given Šon and Tom, for your kindness, patience and love for children.
I wish you all the very best, plenty of energy, appreciative children and parents, and above all, that your work will always give back at least a little of the warmth you share with the children every day.
We are continuing our journey: Šon is starting first grade, and Tom is moving to a new kindergarten close to our home. But this kindergarten and this year will always remain an important part of our story in Slovenia. ❤️
Once again, our heartfelt thanks for everything! 🫂♥️🌹♥️
With warmth and gratitude, Olesya and Miša 🤗
Polina Sanina
A wonderful kindergarten with a warm atmosphere and thoughtful attention to every child. My son happily comes here every day! The director puts so much into it: celebrations, outings, clubs — there is always something interesting happening. We especially appreciate the gentle introduction to Slovenian: there are activities for children who have just arrived in Slovenia and do not yet speak the language. Communication at the kindergarten takes place in Russian, English and Slovenian. We highly recommend it!
I feel at ease about my child and confident that he receives the very best, both in care and in support for his development. Thank you for everything you do!
D.
Hello!
After an initially unpleasant experience with another kindergarten in Ljubljana, we were rather sceptical and selective when looking for a new one. We chose Mala Akademija and it was exactly the right decision! After five years at the kindergarten, our little girl started school well prepared, without a single bad experience.
I can honestly say that this kindergarten gives a child everything: play, plenty of activities and learning, respect for nature and the environment, healthy food and, above all, it nurtures and maintains kind, friendly relationships between the children. Happy children, happy parents :).
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who looked after our little girl with such care, warmth and kindness!
Best wishes and all the very best, D.
Natalia Uttsova
The most wonderful kindergarten! It makes us so happy that our son rushes to kindergarten with excitement and does not want to leave in the evening. In less than a year, he started using Slovenian and basic phrases in English. A wonderful team! We are very grateful!
Alla Nedavnikh
Before moving to Slovenia, I was looking for a kindergarten for my daughter with a gentle settling-in process to reduce the stress of all the changes. I found Mala Akademija through reviews. We came for an introductory visit, and I was pleasantly surprised by the professionalism and approach to children. My daughter and I received support with everything: we were given enough time to get used to the new setting, and I could stay beside her for as long as she needed.
The programme is varied, my daughter finds it interesting, she has made friends and, most importantly, they support her with the language and translate new words for her.
The educators give my daughter plenty of attention, and I always receive professional feedback and recommendations about settling in.
I recommend the kindergarten to anyone looking for a sense of belonging in a new country. I am happy with our experience.
I will share more details in time, as it has been less than a month since we joined the kindergarten.
Behare and Valon
Dear Elena,
I hope this email finds you well.
Valon and I wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the exceptional care and love provided to Avana by you and your staff for the past one and a half months.
Avana thoroughly enjoyed her experience at your kindergarten, and we were truly impressed by the dedication and professionalism exhibited by everyone. The warmth and nurturing environment you’ve created made it easier for us to entrust Avana’s care to your team. The positive impact you’ve had on her development and happiness is truly invaluable to us as parents.
I am sure that whenever we are in Ljubljana again, we will certainly choose your kindergarten for Avana without hesitation. Once again, thank you for everything. Please extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the staff members for their hard work and kindness.
We look forward to reconnecting with you in the future.
Warm regards, Behare and Valon
Mojca
Thank you so much once again for everything! You are all wonderful. A heartfelt thank you to Eva as well for such a beautiful letter. We are all so happy that we could be part of your story. 🥰 From the first day to the last, all I can say is that you have a truly wonderful kindergarten and excellent staff who really work with heart! THANK YOU!
Weimeng Mou
Thank you to Matic, Eva and all the teachers for your hard work and for giving the children such a happy July. Milo, in particular, settled into his new kindergarten within a month! This was thanks to the teachers’ patience, encouragement and support. I am very happy to be part of this big family. Milo’s successful start at kindergarten is also a big step forward for our family.
I am also very grateful to the children for treating Milo so gently and kindly.
I hope August will be even better for us, and that the children and teachers will be healthy and happy every day. ❤️❤️❤️
From Our Partners
Aleš, Iris and the Pravljica team
Hello!
We would like to thank you for your trust and for bringing your wonderful little ones to visit us at Pravljica. I hope the children and their educators enjoyed the visit at least half as much as we did.
We were deeply impressed by how lovely it was to spend time and play with the children: how well presented, industrious, relaxed and compassionate they were, how quickly they adapted to the farm’s rhythm and rules, and how many everyday life skills they already possessed. This is exceptionally rare among kindergartens, and your group is the only one to have settled into Pravljica so quickly. Our compliments to your educators for their personal commitment to nurturing the values the children demonstrate.
As a result, we came up with many ideas for other interesting adventures we could have together. But perhaps that is a conversation for another time.
Thank you once again for visiting.
Best wishes, Aleš, Iris and the whole Pravljica team
A Trainee’s Experience
Marija
“I’m truly grateful to Elena for her support and the opportunity to work with wonderful children in such a welcoming team. I learned a great deal and always felt valued and part of the team.”
Come and Meet Us
Visit Mala Akademija to meet us and see the kindergarten.