Cambridge and IB (International Baccalaureate) are international curriculum frameworks that, at kindergarten level, usually mean an English-language programme centred on exploration and thinking skills, not just memorisation. In Cluj-Napoca they’re offered by a few private international schools — for example Transylvania College and British School of Cluj (Cambridge), or KEY International School (IB). Always verify official accreditation directly with the school.

Below you’ll find what each programme means, how they differ, and where to find them in Cluj.

What the Cambridge programme is

“Cambridge” refers to Cambridge International Education (part of the University of Cambridge), which offers a staged curriculum from Cambridge Early Years through to the IGCSE and A-Level exams. At kindergarten, a Cambridge programme means:

  • Teaching usually in English.
  • A curriculum structured around areas of development (language, early maths, understanding the world, personal and social development).
  • An emphasis on curiosity, play and transferable skills.

Schools offering this programme are registered as Cambridge International schools — an official status you can verify.

What the IB (PYP) programme is

IB (International Baccalaureate) is an international organisation with several programmes. For kindergarten age, the relevant one is the PYP — Primary Years Programme (ages 3–12), which:

  • Is inquiry-based: children explore transdisciplinary themes and ask questions.
  • Emphasises the IB learner profile (curious, open-minded, caring, communicative, etc.).
  • Is usually taught in English.

Authorised IB schools are called “IB World Schools” — an official status granted by the IB organisation, worth confirming on the school’s website.

Cambridge vs IB: how they differ

  • Cambridge is more structured by subject and clear stages, with a path leading to internationally recognised exams (IGCSE, A-Level).
  • IB (PYP) is more transdisciplinary and inquiry-based, emphasising links between themes and attitudes/values.

At kindergarten age the differences are less visible than later — both mean an international, English-language, child-centred environment. What matters more is what a day actually looks like and the quality of the team, rather than the label.

Cluj’s international kindergartens

In our directory, Cambridge- and IB-type programmes appear at:

Cambridge

IB (PYP)

You can see all institutions filtered by Cambridge pedagogy and IB pedagogy.

What to look for

  • Official accreditation: confirm the Cambridge International school and IB World School status on the school’s website or in the official registries.
  • Language: most are in English — useful if you want immersion; check whether Romanian is also offered if you prefer it.
  • Cost: international schools are among the most expensive. See our guide on how much a private kindergarten costs in Cluj.
  • If you’re mainly interested in English, also see English-language kindergartens in Cluj.

Frequently asked questions

What does a Cambridge kindergarten mean? A kindergarten that follows the Cambridge International (Early Years) curriculum, usually in English, structured around areas of development. Schools are officially registered as Cambridge schools.

What is the IB programme at kindergarten? It’s the PYP (Primary Years Programme), IB’s programme for ages 3–12, inquiry-based and built on the IB learner profile, usually taught in English. Authorised schools are “IB World Schools”.

What’s the difference between Cambridge and IB? Cambridge is more structured by subject and exams; IB is more transdisciplinary and inquiry-based. At kindergarten, both mean an international, English-language environment.

Which kindergartens offer Cambridge or IB in Cluj? In our directory: Cambridge at Transylvania College, British School of Cluj and Researchers Schoolhouse; IB at KEY International School. Confirm accreditation with each school.

Are international kindergartens expensive? Usually yes — they’re among the most expensive private options. Check the exact fees with each school.

Sources

  • Cambridge International Education (cambridgeinternational.org) — on the programme and school registration
  • International Baccalaureate (ibo.org) — on the PYP and IB World School status
  • The pages of the institutions in our directory (their own websites)
  • The piticluj.ro directory — Cambridge and IB

See all our sources on the data sources page.

Conclusion

Cambridge and IB bring an international, English-language, child-centred environment to kindergarten — Cambridge more structured by subject, IB more inquiry-based. In Cluj you’ll find them at a few private schools; confirm accreditation and costs with each. You’ll find every kindergarten in Cluj-Napoca on the interactive piticluj.ro map.