School Profile
GDQ International Christian School
School Overview
GDQ International Christian School -- It's not just a great school. It's a whole way of life.
Founded in 1993 and located in Tirana, Albania, GDQ International Christian School seeks to provide a Christ-centered, academically enriching, international education for the missionary and international business community.We offer a K-12 curriculum and are focused on developing each child’s character and potential. We are MSA-CESS (Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools) and ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) accredited, fully compliant with the Albanian Ministry of Education, and recognized by Cambridge International Examinations and the College Board as an official testing site.
Along with providing a quality educational program for the international community, we desire to participate in the continual improvement of the educational standard of our host country and play a part in furthering the gospel throughout Albania and the Balkans.
School History
GDQ’s founders were among the first missionary families in Albania after the fall of communism in 1991. The school started with six preschoolers and one teacher. As the missionary community quickly grew, the need arose for a larger, yet affordable program. GDQ began in the fall of 1993, encouraged by God’s obvious intervention. Through the generosity of many organizations and individuals, the school rented a building. The school relied on skilled volunteers to refurbish the building; acquired the necessary equipment, supplies, and materials; and most importantly, secured qualified teachers.
Our high school program found its start in 2004 as a cooperative with three families whose children graduated from GDQ’s K-8 program. With the student population continuing to grow, the high school leadership team began integrating various programs to best meet the educational needs of these students. In 2009, the high school cooperative began a joint venture with GDQ and brought grade 9 under the leadership of the GDQ Board of Directors. Grades 10-12 followed in 2010 with the Albanian Ministry of Education formally acknowledging GDQ International Christian School’s K-12 program.
GDQ is proud to take its name from Gjerasim D. Qiriazi (1858-1894), an influential Albanian patriot and evangelical Christian. He established the first school for girls in Albania, seeking to build Christian principles into the next generation of mothers, whom he regarded the most influential people in Albanian society. Qiriazi endured political and spiritual persecution but remained faithful to his convictions.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
Fully accredited by both ACSI and MSA-CESS.
Testing center for both Cambridge International Examinations and the College Board
Benefits
While international staff raise the majority of their financial resources, GDQ provides a monthly housing allowance of 35000 leke and will reimburse up to 100000 leke for airfare annually to the international employees home country.
Orientation to the city and culture and help in securing housing.
Mentoring and ongoing professional development.