Schools in the Czech Republic

Education in the Czech Republic is one of the country's strengths, combining European quality standards, accessibility and a deep academic tradition. Whether you are planning to move to the Czech Republic with your children, want to study on your own or are simply interested in the education system, it is important to understand how school life is organized here. Czech schools are characterized by a clear structure, a step-by-step training system and a choice of study areas.

According to Czech law, children are obliged to attend school from the age of 6 to 15. This stage covers the nine-year school - základní škola - which is divided into two stages:

• First level (grades 1-5)

Elementary school, where children learn the basics of writing, reading, counting, nature and society. They also begin to learn foreign languages and develop a basic understanding of the world around them.

• Second level (grades 6-9)

Specialized subjects appear here: chemistry, physics, geography, history, and the teaching of foreign languages is strengthened. Pupils begin to think about the further direction of their education.

It's importantCompulsory schooling lasts for 9 years and ends at základní školou. After that, the adolescent chooses whether to continue his or her studies or go to vocational education.

After základní školy the pupil can choose one of the three directions:

• Gymnázium. A general school with an academic bias. The study lasts 4 years and ends with the maturita exam, which is analogous to the final exams for university entrance. There are also 6- and 8-year gymnasiums, where you can enter earlier - after the 5th or 7th grade, respectively.
• Střední odborná škola (SOŠ). Technical schools that provide a profession and the opportunity to pass the maturita. They emphasize applied disciplines, technical and economic areas.
• Střední odborné učiliště (SOU). Vocational schools that train specialists without passing the maturita. There is a possibility of further professional development or enrolment in evening school.

The length of study is usually 4 years (equivalent to 10-13 grades, although officially grades after 9 are not numbered).

The maturita exam is a key element of secondary education in the Czech Republic. It includes written and oral parts in the Czech language, foreign language and specialized subjects (mathematics, history, biology, etc.). It is impossible to enter university without successfully passing the maturita. The exam is administered centrally according to common standards.

Kindergartens (mateřská škola). Children attend kindergarten from 3 to 6 years old. The last year is compulsory. Here they learn social skills, develop speech, coordination and basic knowledge.

Private and alternative schools. Less common than in Western Europe, but they do exist. For example, international schools with instruction in English, Waldorf and Monessori schools. They are often chosen by foreigners or families looking for an alternative to the state system.

The Czech education system emphasizes inclusion. Children with special educational needs are educated in regular schools with adapted programs. Schools have psychologists, speech therapists and special educators to help create a comfortable environment for all.

Children of foreigners are obliged to study on an equal footing with Czech citizens. Many schools accept pupils without knowledge of Czech, especially in big cities. There are preparatory courses, language support and adaptation classes for them. In some schools, some subjects are taught in English or another language.

Education in the Czech Republic is structured in stages. First, children receive a broad base of knowledge, and then they choose a direction depending on their interests and goals. Gymnasiums and vocational schools provide an opportunity to continue their studies at higher education institutions as well as to obtain a practical profession. The system is flexible, democratic and focused on personal development. In addition, most schools are free of charge, which makes the Czech Republic attractive for families with children.