International Schools Overview

One of the more daunting tasks of relocation can be finding a decent school for your kids. Fortunately for those headed to Prague there is a good selection of international schools to choose from. Expats offers this brief run down of some of the major establishments in the area. So sit up straight, pay attention and don´t fall asleep at the back.

Perhaps the first thing to consider when looking at a new school are the fees. Prices range from around €2,000 – €16,500, but don´t forget to do your homework. Amounts often vary depending on the age of the students; and be careful to understand exactly what is and isn´t included. Some pay for board and transport, some don´t.

If possible, try to visit the school, ideally with your child. This is a good way for the both of you to get a gut feeling about the place. Ask to talk to the head teacher and see if you can get shown around by some current students. The way you´re treated can give a good indication of the school´s atmosphere. Some schools even allow you to sit in on lessons. While there, have a look at the notice boards – often a good sign of how active school life is.

You will also want to know whether they follow a British, American or Czech curriculum and what universities these qualifications will allow students to enter. If any kids don´t make the grade, are retakes possible and how much does this cost? Statistics of how many students do go on to university should be available.

It is also a good idea to ask how the school communicates with parents – how many reports are sent each year and is there an active PTA (Parent-Teachers´ Association)?

Bearing in mind that higher education is free in this country for Czech speaking students, it may also be wise to know if your students will learn the language during their studies.

Founded in 1992, the school offers a British education for children from 18 months to 19yrs old. All instruction is in English with extra support for children whose first language is not English. Students who are fluent in English also study French, German and Czech. Students up to year 9 (14yrs) study the English National Curriculum; students in years 10 – 11 study for the IGCSE, followed by the IB in years 12 – 13.

The Christian International School of Prague was established in 2004 and is open to children from grades 1 – 12, offering a distinctly Christian approach to teaching. The school exists to serve the Christian English-speaking community in Prague, although it is open to children of all faiths and nationalities so long as parents respect the goals of the school.

Co-education day school established in 1995 by Nord Anglia Education Ltd. Offers the English National Curriculum adapted for the international environment. All children learn some Czech and a second foreign language from year 3. All lessons are in English; however there are a limited number of places on their EAL programme for children who don´t speak English. Most of the teaching staff have graduated from British universities.

Founded in 1948, the International School of Prague is a non-profit, non-sectarian institution teaching students from over 60 countries a curriculum based on Anglo / American education principles. Instruction in the Czech language is offered as well as German, French and Spanish.

Opening in 1994, Riverside School is an independent non-profit day school based on a Christian Foundation and biblical values. An internationally influenced English National Curriculum is taught by teachers mainly from the UK and US. Scholarships are available to students whose families can demonstrate special need.

The English College in Prague was founded in 1994 and provides an education in English to students, 80% of which are Czech, the rest coming from 25 different nationalities. The staff are drawn from English-speaking countries worldwide as well as the Czech Republic.

The International School in Olomouc was founded in 2001 and is a sister school of the International School of Prague. All lessons (apart from Czech) are taught in English. The principle and senior English teacher are native English speakers, the other teachers are Czech but all are fluent in English.

The Diamond Forest School is a coeducational sixth form boarding school, set in over 12 acres of forest land and offering A Level and GCSE tuition away from the distractions of everyday life. All flights and transfers are arranged by the school.