How do schools and kindergartens operate in the Czech Republic, enrollment and rights of parents of foreigners

Is it required for me to enroll my child in school as a foreigner?

In the Czech Republic, education is compulsory for all children. This means that there is a legal obligation for parents and legal guardians to enroll their children in school from ages 5-6 to 15. Children living in the Czech Republic are required to start primary school attendance once they turn 6 years old by the end of August of the calendar year. This includes Czech citizens, EU citizens living in the Czech Republic for longer than 90 days, non-EU nationals who are entitled to reside in the Czech Republic for longer than 90 days, and foreigners who are receiving international protection.

Pre-school education in the Czech Republic is not required for children. Parents can choose to enroll their children in pre-school and kindergarten before primary school. Kindergarten usually starts between ages 3-4, but not before the age of 2. Kindergarten offers some basic preparation for children before entering primary school. However the last year of kindergarten, around ages 5-6, is now required for children as stated by the amended Education Act.

Where can I enroll my child in school?

Compulsory school attendance requires enrollment by the legal guardian of the child between 1 April and 30 April of the current calendar year. Children registered during this period will begin their school attendance in September of the same calendar year.

When deciding where to enroll your child in school, you must decide whether you want your child to have a public or private school education. For expats, some legal guardians prefer a private international school for their children to help with the language barrier. Czech is the primary language taught in schools, which can pose a challenge for non-Czech speaking families. Other legal guardians prefer a public school so their children can socialize with Czech children. In either case, there are options for your child.

If you decide to enroll your child in the public school system, your child will be placed in a school close to your place of residence. Known as a catchment school, this school must accept your child for enrollment unless there is insufficient capacity. In this case, you must contact the education department of your city district and they are obliged to find a neighboring school for your child. Public schools are free of charge for residents, and they are not allowed to deny admission based on insufficient knowledge of the Czech language. Public schools will help your child learn the language through individual learning plans, after school lessons, and extracurricular activities.

If you decide to enroll your child in a private school, there are additional fees and steps that need to be taken. There are many international schools in Prague that have English as the primary language, which can be a more comfortable option for expat families. You must check the application process and necessary documents needed for each international school, as their processes may be different.

What happens after my child completes primary school?

After primary school, children are enrolled in secondary school. Secondary school is considered the basic educational achievement in the Czech Republic, as it prepares students for entry into university studies. There are multiple types of secondary schools for students to choose from, depending on if they want a general education or a more specialized education.

Secondary general schools (“gymnázium”) focus on providing a strong general foundation for university studies. There is a broad academic curriculum to allow students to gain knowledge in a variety of subjects. Most general schools are 4 years, but there are 6-year and 8-year programs as well. These schools end with a secondary school leaving exam (“maturita”), which is a requirement for admission to Czech universities.

Secondary technical schools prepare students who want to work in specific fields. These are for students who are interested in a general education as well as professional specialization in fields such as the sciences, engineering, medicine, and business. These programs are typically 4 years and end with a “maturita” exam as well.

Secondary vocational training schools provide education to students who are interested in entering a trade. Education comes in the form of apprenticeships, preparing students for jobs such as becoming a car mechanic, chef, electrician, and carpenter, among others. These programs are usually 3 years and end with a vocational certificate. There are options for a 4-year program, which ends in a secondary school leaving exam.

When choosing a secondary school, it is important to research each individual school’s website to learn more about them. Many schools offer open days as well, where you can explore the campus and talk to students and faculty members to learn more about personal experiences.

As an expat, embracing the Czech education system can help to create a supportive environment for your child. Through active participation and cultural acceptance, enrolling your child in school in the Czech Republic can lead them on a successful path in their academic careers.