If you're moving to the Czech Republic with children, schooling is one of the first decisions you'll need to make. The country offers both public (Czech) schools and a wide range of international schools, especially in Prague. For many expat families, the choice comes down to language, curriculum, and how long you plan to stay.
The Czech school system
The Czech Republic has a well-established public education system. Public schools are free (except for costs to cover school trips and cultural events, class fund, after-school clubs, and a few other things) and generally considered to be of good quality. Children attend primary school for nine years, followed by secondary education.
The main challenge for expat families is language. Public schools teach in Czech, and there is typically no structured language support for foreign students. While some schools may offer limited help, children are generally expected to adapt quickly. This can be difficult, especially for older students.
Class sizes in public schools are also larger than in international schools, and there is usually less individual attention.
International schools offer a different experience. They are private and fee-based, with teaching primarily in English (and sometimes another foreign language). Class sizes are smaller, and the environment is more flexible and internationally focused. For families who move frequently or plan to leave the country later, international schools also make transitions easier.
Good to know:
Most international schools in the Czech Republic are located in Prague. There are a few options in Brno, but the choice is very limited.
Types of international schools in the Czech Republic
International schools in the Czech Republic follow several different systems.
Many schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), which is widely recognized and designed for international mobility.
Others follow the British curriculum, leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels, or the American system, which focuses more on continuous assessment.
There are also a few French and German schools, which are popular with families looking to maintain a specific national curriculum.
Each system has its own structure and approach, so the right choice depends on your child's background and future plans.
Popular international schools in the Czech Republic
As mentioned above, Prague has the largest selection of international schools in the country, with around two dozen options.
Some of the most well-known include:
- Prague British International School, which follows the British curriculum across several campuses.
- Riverside School Prague, well known for its academic focus and smaller community.
- Perrot Hill British School, which follows the British curriculum but teaches in both English and Czech.
- Park Lane International School, British curriculum with a strong focus on academics and university preparation.
- Basis Prague, which offers an all-English curriculum and teaches Czech as a second language.
In Brno, options are fewer but still available. Schools like International School of Brno provide English-language education for expat families in the region.
Bilingual private schools, such as Beehive School and Sunny Canadian International School, tend to attract mostly Czech students hoping for English-language immersion. They are cheaper than international schools and a good option if cost is a concern.
Each school differs in terms of teaching style, facilities, and student mix. Visiting in person is one of the best ways to understand what fits your child.
Schooling fees and costs in the Czech Republic
International schools in the Czech Republic are significantly more expensive than public education.
Annual tuition fees typically range from 250,000 CZK to close to a million, depending on the school and grade level. Some of the top schools in Prague can exceed this range.
Example of annual 2026 fees:
- Prague British International School: 360,000-764,000 CZK (€14,800 – €31,300)
- Riverside School Prague: 254,900-479,700 CZK (€10,500 – €19,700)
- Perrot Hill British School: 300,000-635,000 CZK (€12,300 – €26,000)
- Park Lane International School: 282,210-674,340 CZK (€11,600 – €27,700)
- Basis Prague: 254,930-479,700 CZK (€10,500 – €19,700)
- Sunny Canadian (bilingual): 190,000-255,000 CZK (€7,800 – €10,500)
- Beehive School (bilingual): fixed 252,000 CZK (€10,300)
Good to know:
Prices usually increase as the child gets older. For example, the Prague British International School charges 360,000 CZK for the first year of kindergarten but 764,160 CZK for students in Year 12.
In addition to tuition, there are usually:
- Application or registration fees (first-year registration fee can be as high as 150,000 CZK or €6,000 on top of the annual fee).
- Costs for meals, transport, and extracurricular activities.
Good to know:
While expensive, international schools in Prague are often still more affordable than similar schools in cities like Milan or Paris.
Enrollment and admission in the Czech Republic
The application process varies by school, but most follow a similar structure.
You will usually need to provide:
- An application form.
- Previous school reports.
- A reference or recommendation.
- Proof of language level (if required).
Most international schools require an interview to evaluate if the child is a good match for the school.
Admissions are often rolling, but places can fill up quickly, especially in popular schools or certain grade levels. Applying early is always a good idea.
Many schools offer open days or tours, which can help you get a better sense of the environment before committing.
Daily life and facilities for children in the Czech Republic
International schools in Prague tend to offer modern facilities and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Students can take part in sports, arts, language programs, and various clubs. Many schools also provide school bus services, which can be helpful if you live outside central areas.
Support for non-native English speakers is often available, making the transition easier for children coming from different systems.
Choosing the right school in the Czech Republic
There's no single “best” school. The right choice depends on your situation.
Things to consider include:
- Curriculum and future plans (IB, British, American).
- Budget.
- Location and daily commute.
- Class size and teaching style.
- Language support.
It's worth visiting schools, talking to other parents, and asking questions about day-to-day life.
Good to know:
Rankings don't tell the whole story. A smaller school with the right environment can sometimes be a better fit than a larger, more well-known one.
Useful links:
International Schools Database
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
