{"id":9754,"date":"2025-07-02T13:50:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T10:50:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brno-new.maplebear.cz\/?p=9754"},"modified":"2025-10-29T14:49:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T13:49:13","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-about-the-czech-school-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brno.maplebear.cz\/en\/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-czech-school-system\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Need to Know About the Czech School System"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Are you relocating to the Czech Republic and wondering how to find the right elementary school or kindergarten for your child? You\u2019re not alone; many expat families face the same questions. The Czech education system has its own rules and structure, but don\u2019t worry. We\u2019re here to help you navigate it. In this article, we\u2019ll guide you through everything from when your child can start kindergarten to what enrolment looks like, what documents you\u2019ll need, and how to prepare for elementary school.<\/span><\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Kindergarten<\/h3>

Children can usually begin preschool at the age of 3. Most preschools accept children between 3 and 6 years of age. The final year before starting primary school, often referred to as the \u201cpreparatory year,\u201d is\u00a0mandatory<\/strong>.<\/p>

This means that if your child has been living in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days and turns five before the start of the school year, they are legally required to attend preschool. Attendance is typically 4 hours a day (usually 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.).<\/p>

Enrollment into preschools usually takes place in May. Each preschool has its own admission criteria, but you\u2019ll generally need to submit your child\u2019s birth certificate, proof of residence, and a health certificate from a pediatrician. (Note: Some preschools require proof of vaccination.)<\/p>

Preparatory year and the \u201cZero Grade\u201d<\/h3>

If your child is between preschool and first grade (usually between 5 and 6 years old), you might want to consider the\u00a0\u201c<\/strong>zero grade<\/strong><\/a>\u201d<\/strong>.<\/p>

This is a year designed to help children transition smoothly from preschool to primary school and is officially recognized by the Czech authorities as\u00a0fulfilling the mandatory pre-primary education requirement<\/strong>. At Maple Bear, we offer this \u201czero grade\u201d specifically to help children, especially those who are not yet fluent in Czech, gain confidence before entering Grade 1.<\/p>

Elementary School<\/h3>

Children begin Grade 1 in the calendar year they turn\u00a0six<\/strong>\u00a0(as long as they turn six by August 31). Children born later may apply for a deferral.<\/p>

School deferrals have been common in the past, but\u00a0in 2025, the government is discussing a change in legislation<\/strong>\u00a0that would restrict deferrals to only exceptional cases (e.g., serious health or developmental concerns). The proposed law is currently being debated, and a final decision is expected in fall 2025. We\u2019ll keep you updated as soon as there is more clarity.<\/p>

Enrollment into Grade 1 takes place every\u00a0April<\/strong>, usually during the first two weeks. Some schools open online registration from March 1. You’ll typically need to bring your child\u2019s birth certificate, proof of residency, and in some cases, documents from an educational counselor.<\/p>

What do you need to enrol?<\/h3>