A guide to choosing an international school in Prague and the Czech Republic

International schools cater mainly to students who are not nationals of the host country, though local Czech students also attend these schools to learn the language of the international school and obtain qualifications for higher education in a foreign country.

International schools may be chosen for teaching style or the language of instruction; in the Czech Republic, international schools are typically classified as British or American simply by such criteria as curriculum (British National or American textbook), uniforms or informal dress, and parent involvement or lack thereof.

International school advantages include smaller class size and instruction in the mother tongue. International schools may also appeal more to non-Czech-speaking parents who wish to take a more active role in the school community. Proponents would also say that international schools are staffed with better paid and happier teachers. However, the downside is to private school is that third culture families with kids in an international school can miss out on assimilation into the local culture and language.

Fees: The average private school tuition can range from 6,000-20,000 EUR; some schools offer scholarships based on need.
Accreditation: An accredited school will have a curriculum matched to specific standards. The Council of International Schools (CIS) or New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) are two of the most well-known accreditation organizations.
Organizations: In Europe, a good International school will be affiliated with the European Council of International Schools (ECIS). In order to be a part of these councils, the school must comply with certain standards.
Teacher and administrator turnover: The international school community can be a transient one with staff and students regularly moving. However, high turnover is rarely a good sign.
Languages: Does the school value languages? Will students learn Czech, for instance?
Technology: Do students have access to computer labs? Is there a library with a librarian?

The prevalent curriculum among international schools is British. In fact, nearly half (45 percent) of all international schools that teach the English language offer a British-based curriculum, according to figures from ISC Research. The British curriculum is exam-bound and characterized by end-of-school assessments comparable to the British GCSEs.

International schools that follow a British curriculum in Prague are: Riverside School,Prague British International School (Multiple locations), The English College, Park Lane, and Meridian School.