#LifeInCzechia Do you live in the Czech Republic with your children? Then make sure to familiarize yourself with the school requirements. The Czech education system regulates both preschool and school attendance for children residing in the country. When do you need to enroll your child in preschool? Can you opt for a private school? Find out more in this article!
Don’t forget to enroll your child in preschool.
Compulsory School Attendance
Children aged 6 to 15 are required to attend school for nine years. This applies to all children residing in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days, including:
- EU citizens
- Non-EU nationals with long-term or permanent residence permits
- Asylum seekers or those under international protection
Enrollment should occur promptly upon arrival. Public schools are obligated to accept these children, regardless of their Czech language proficiency. Additional support, such as Czech language classes, is often available to assist with integration.
Pro TIP: Choose a primary school based on your place of residence, as schools located in the school district of the foreigner’s place of residence are obliged to accept the child (if they have free capacity).
You can also opt for a private school, but be aware of the tuition fee. Just make sure the school is accredited by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.
If the school is not accredited or you decide to homeschool with a private teacher, your child will have to be tested at a state school and enrolled there for individual education.
Mandatory Preschool Education
Preschool is available for children from 3 to 6 years old. Once your child turns 5 years old, one year of preschool education becomes compulsory. This requirement is for:
- Children from the EU residing in the Czech Republic for over 90 days
- Non-EU children with long-term or permanent residence
- Children under international protection
Enrollment typically takes place in May. Parents must provide various documents that vary according to the preschool. The most common ones are:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Parent’s ID/passport
- Medical certificate confirming the child’s fitness for preschool
Note: For the mandatory preschool year, proof of vaccination is not required.
Children Attending Foreign Schools in the Czech Republic
If your child is enrolled in a foreign (non-Czech) school operating within the Czech Republic, you must inform the accredited local Czech school about this arrangement. This notification should be made either during the standard enrollment period (usually in May) or at least three months before the new school year begins. No further obligations are imposed by Czech law in this scenario.
Key Points
Preschool Education: Compulsory for children aged 5 and above under similar residency conditions.
School Attendance: Mandatory for children aged 6–15 residing in the Czech Republic for over 90 days.
Foreign School Enrollment: Parents must notify local Czech authorities if their child attends a foreign school within the Czech Republic.
Enrollment Period: Typically occurs in May (check with local schools for exact dates and requirements)
For detailed information and assistance, consult the Ministry of Education’s official guidelines, contact your local school administration, OR forget the stress and let us help you with the school search.
If you want to feel at home, check out our categories of “Education” and “Practical tips for expats” where you will find interesting information about the Czech Republic and recommendations on how to make your stay here life in Czechia easier. Do you prefer a personal approach? We are here to help!
Sources: foreigners, msmt 1, msmt 2
Image sources: pexels
