LYONS, Illinois – Since last year, the Serbian community in the Chicago suburbs has been enriched by another important educational institution. The Nikola Tesla International Academy, which opened its doors on September 2, 2025, has successfully completed its first academic year and continues to expand its programs while welcoming a growing number of students.
From Vision to a Successful First School Year
According to the school’s principal, Milica Sibinović, establishing the academy was a long and demanding process. Obtaining the state license required more than two years of preparation, during which the entire facility was renovated and brought into full compliance with all regulatory requirements.
“We received our license in August 2025. The entire building was completely renovated, we successfully passed all required inspections and met every standard necessary to begin operating,” the principal says, adding: 
“The school has five classrooms and a capacity of 100 students. It currently serves children between the ages of three and five and will introduce a Kindergarten program beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.
Thirty-eight students have already enrolled for the upcoming year, with classes initially taking place in two classrooms while the academy gradually expands as enrollment grows.”
Bilingual Education and Cultural Identity
One of the academy’s defining features is its bilingual curriculum. Instruction is evenly divided between English and Serbian. Morning classes are conducted in English, while afternoon activities are held in Serbian. The curriculum combines elements of both the American and Serbian educational systems, ensuring that students are fully prepared to continue their education in American schools while preserving their native language and cultural heritage.
Free Serbian Language and Religious Education
The school is located on the grounds of the Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, where Serbian language classes and religious education have been offered for many years. According to parish priest Father Nemanja Tešić, the current organized Serbian language program has been operating for the past three years.
“At the initiative of the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Chicago, and with the support of the Office for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the Region, a Serbian language program was established and continues to this day. During the first enrollment cycle, more than 120 children signed up,” Father Tešić said.
This year, a dedicated classroom was specially designed and equipped for Serbian language and religious education classes, and organizers expect this improvement to attract even more families.
“The program is free of charge thanks to the support of the Office for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the Region. We believe that learning the Serbian language is essential for helping children preserve their identity, faith, and culture. Being bilingual can only enrich their lives and contribute to their future success,” Father Tešić emphasized.
Instruction is tailored to each child’s age and level of proficiency, beginning with the Cyrillic alphabet and basic vocabulary before progressing to grammar. Religious education and Serbian language classes are currently taught by the parish priest.
A Wide Range of Activities for Children
In addition to its regular academic program, the academy offers a variety of extracurricular activities. Children can participate in Serbian language classes, folk dancing, karate, sports programs, soccer, and the Malac Genijalac (Little Genius) mathematics program. During the summer, the academy also organizes a Serbian-language summer camp.
“What makes me especially happy is that we can offer families a wide range of educational and cultural activities in one place. We strive to help our youngest students develop a love for the Serbian language, the Orthodox faith, family values, and the traditions that form an important part of our identity,” the principal said.
Enrollment for the New School Year Is Underway
According to parish estimates, approximately 1,000 members of the Serbian community live throughout the greater area, including Lyons, Brookfield, La Grange, Countryside, Willowbrook, Darien, and neighboring communities. Although many Serbian families attend different Serbian Orthodox churches throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, the parish continues working to bring together as many families as possible through its educational and cultural programs.
Enrollment for Serbian language classes for the 2026–2027 school year will begin in mid-August, although parents are welcome to register their children both before and after that date.
“We warmly invite all families to join us in a place filled with fellowship, friendship, love, and God’s blessings. We look forward to welcoming you,” Father Nemanja Tešić said.
Photo: Milan Brašanac
