#LifeInCzechia Starting school in a new country is a big step for your family. It’s an exciting time, but it can also be a bit confusing. Getting your child into the right Czech elementary school is very important. It helps them make friends, learn new things, and enjoy their time at school. This guide will help you understand what documents you need and how to sign your child up for school, making the whole process easier for you and your child. Let’s make sure they start off on the right foot!
The public system in the Czech Republic is free at all levels, from elementary to secondary to higher, where private institutions demand fees.
The academic year begins on September 1 and ends on June 30. Starting at age 5, compulsory education includes a minimum of one preschool year followed by nine years of primary education. Children aged three to six are served by optional pre-school facilities in the Czech Republic. Primary education spans from the ages of six to fifteen and is split into two stages: lower primary (grades 1 through 5) and upper primary (grades 6 through 9).
What do you and your child need to be enrolled in Czech elementary school
Anyone with a valid residence permit who stays in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days is required to enroll their child in school, whatever neighboring school has available space, at the right age. Children who do not speak Czech will typically be welcomed at most Czech-speaking schools, and efforts will be made to incorporate them into the classroom instruction. If you would like your child to study in foreigner language (English), then you will have to enroll them in private school.
From January until April every year, students can be registered for the upcoming academic year at any public Czech elementary school. To do so you need:
For the parents:
- Residence permit / visa / residence for tolerance / passport
- Health insurance- here
- Housing – lease agreement
For enrolling your child in the school:
- Find a school in your area that you would like your child to attend
- Fill out an application form
- Choose back-up schools for your child, you can apply to several schools
You must deliver each application in person, along with the child who will be interviewed, to the school. The dates for the interviews are always posted on the school’s website. The school will notify you in writing of your acceptance or rejection; unless you communicate with the school via your data mailbox, you must pick up the letter in person.
If your child speaks insufficient Czech, it may be proposed to postpone the start of school. To do so, you must still provide the application form, a postponement request form, and a statement from PPP or a physician attesting to the postponement to the catchment school.
Enrolling your child a year below their grade level can be beneficial for focusing on language skills and adapting to the curriculum. This way, they can concentrate more on the language and feel more comfortable with the material covered in class.
Setting off on the journey of enrolling your child in Czech elementary school is just the beginning of a thrilling chapter for your family. With the right preparation and understanding, you can turn what seems like a daunting task into an exciting opportunity for growth and learning. Remember, you’re not alone in this. Let this be the start of a rewarding adventure for your child, filled with new friendships, discoveries, and successes. And if you need help with anything, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Source of information: here
