Dům Svobodného přístavu

The education system and the situation of foreign families with children in the Czech Republic

Education system

In the Czech Republic, the governance of children's education is primarily overseen by the State, the Government, and the Ministry of Schooling, Youth and Sports (yes, we really don‘t have the Ministry of Education). The legal framework for education is defined by the Constitution, particularly the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, which mandates compulsory school attendance for a specified period. The Education Act, issued and amended by the Ministry, outlines the objectives, content, and means necessary for achieving educational goals. Parents have the duty to ensure their child's enrollment in school and regular attendance, with failure to comply potentially leading to legal repercussions, including fines or criminal charges. Despite the constitutional right to education, there are limited options for alternative educational approaches such as homeschooling and self-directed education with half-yearly evaluation according to the national curriculum, with regulations governing individual (home) education and compulsory pre-school attendance. Community "schools" formed by groups of parents exist but operate outside the official education system, often as non-profit organizations or associations. However, some may seek registration as official schools with the Ministry of Schooling. Ultimately, while there are legal provisions for education choice, the practical implementation of alternative educational models is constrained within the Czech Republic's regulatory framework.

The school system in the Czech Republic encompasses early childhood care, pre-primary education, basic education, and upper secondary education, all overseen by the Ministry of Schooling. Early childhood care, including children's groups and nursery schools, is governed by the Act on Providing Care for Children. Pre-primary education prepares children aged 2 to 6 for formal schooling and is primarily provided by nursery schools. Basic education spans nine years and includes primary and lower secondary education, with most pupils progressing to upper secondary schools or conservatoires. Upper secondary education offers various levels of attainment, including secondary education, vocational education with a certificate, and secondary education with a Maturita examination, which qualifies students for tertiary education.

In the Czech Republic, tertiary professional education is provided by tertiary professional schools, offering 3- to 3.5-year programs for secondary education graduates with a Maturita examination, culminating in a graduate examination. Higher education institutions offer Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral programs. Bachelor's programs, lasting 3 to 4 years, prepare students for professions or further studies; Master's programs, lasting 1 to 3 years, build on Bachelor's courses and require completion of any type of higher education program; Doctoral programs, lasting 3 to 4 years, focus on research and independent activity following a Master's degree. Education can be conducted through on-site or distance learning courses, and institutions offer programs in 37 areas of education, accredited either at the program or institutional level under the Higher Education Act.

Compulsory education

Compulsory school attendance, governed by the Education Act and detailed in the Decree on Basic Education, spans nine years starting from age six at basic schools, including special basic schools for students with disabilities, with the option to continue at secondary or conservatoire schools. It applies to Czech citizens, EU members residing over 90 days, and other foreigners with extended stays, excluding those with severe mental disorders. Enrollment occurs between April 1st and 30th, with children attending their catchment school or another chosen institution. Early admission or postponement is possible with appropriate recommendations, and completion includes various pathways, with exceptions for students with disabilities. Parents can request individual education or alternative forms for special needs, including attendance abroad. Examination requirements and documentation ensure compliance with compulsory education standards, overseen by regional authorities and the Ministry of Schooling.

Home education

Compulsory education lasts nine years from the age of six, primarily in basic schools but potentially extending to multi-year secondary general schools or eight-year conservatoires. Parents can request individual (home) tuition for their child, starting from the first stage of basic school, provided they meet specific qualifications. The application must detail the child's information, the period of individual education, reasons for the choice, educational provisions, and textbooks to be used, among other factors. Periodic examinations verify the child's progress, with unsuccessful outcomes resulting in termination of individual education. The educator must meet prescribed qualifications, and associated expenses are covered by the parents or guardians, except for specified items. In the 2022/23 school year, 4277 pupils in the first stage and 2032 in the second stage opted for individual tuition to fulfill compulsory school attendance in the Czech Republic.

Community/associated 'schools' or groups for children in home education

The increasing interest of parents in the individual (home) education of their children has led in recent years to an increase in the number of so-called community or associated home school groups, erroneously referred to as 'schools'. These are not schools in the legal sense. More or less formalized groups of home schoolers (as long as they do not call themselves a school) are not illegal, even outside the legal system of the country: "Everyone may do what is not prohibited by law, and no one may be forced to do what the law does not require." (see Article 2 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms). The active association of parents for the purpose of ensuring the joint care and development of children in the Homeschooling can be likened to the model of home teachers, which functioned commonly in the Czech Republic until the end of the 19th century before the universal introduction of compulsory schooling.

In practice, this is usually a group of parents who have enrolled their children for individual education but do not want to educate their children alone at home. Some groups hire a teacher who spends time with the children, some groups have individual parents taking turns with the children, while other groups function almost like a school with everything. In all these groups, however, the responsibility for the children's education still lies with the parents, who also have to attend the regular six-monthly examinations at the primary school in which the child is enrolled.

Free/democratic schools

The student is on a formal equal footing with the lecturer. Mutual cooperation is usually voluntary. Students participate equally with adults in the development of rules and in their enforcement. They also usually organise the running of the school in a significant way. Teaching is often informal and in mixed groups. However, there may also be clearly described subjects with a regular timetable reserved for a particular age group. Free democratic schools in the Czech Republic offer alternative educational approaches that emphasize trust, freedom and self-directed learning. They focus on natural learning and democratic decision-making and foster an environment where children can develop their unique talents and interests. They emphasize mutual respect, open communication and interaction in a mixed-age group, allowing children to set their own pace and schedule while learning from each other. They promote trust in children's natural learning processes and encourage exploration and discovery in a supportive environment without strict curriculum requirements. All prioritize individualized learning, respect for children's autonomy and collaboration between students and staff, and provide opportunities for personal growth and development beyond traditional educational norms.

FAQ

How is basic education structured in the Czech Republic?

• Kindergarten attendance typically begins at age 3, with the final year before starting school being compulsory at around age 5.
• Primary school comprises two stages: grades 1–5 and grades 6–9, lasting a total of 9 years.
• Gifted children may transition to an 8-year or 6-year gymnázium after 5th or 7th grade respectively, and after completing 9th grade, students can choose to pursue secondary technical or gymnázium education, both culminating in the maturita exam, which is required for university admission. Alternatively, students can opt for vocational school, lasting 2 or 3 years, without requiring the maturita.

How long is compulsory school attendance in the Czech Republic?

• In the Czech Republic, compulsory education requires a minimum of 9 years of schooling + 1 year of pre-school according to School Law 561/2004 Sb.
• Children begin primary school at age 6, with enrollment required for those turning 6 before August 31st.
• Foreign children, including those without legal residence status, have equal access to primary education, and parents or legal representatives are responsible for ensuring their children's enrollment and attendance, with violations considered against the law.

Can I choose any school for my child?

• Parents have the freedom to choose any school they prefer, but the principal is obligated to accept children from the designated school district.
• Schools typically hold open days where parents and children can visit, learn about the school's programs, and ask questions.
• Information about school open days can usually be found on the school's website, allowing parents to plan their visits accordingly.

Individual tuition:

Attending a foreign school on the territory of Czechia:

Rights and duties of parents:

What is the situation with foreign families fulfilling compulsory school attendance in the Czech Republic?

If the pupil

1. fulfils his/her attendance abroad and does not attend the local (primary) school, he/she has the option to choose whether to take exams at the so-called (Czech) tribal school in all subjects according to the primary school curriculum,
2. attends abroad and attends a local (primary) school, he/she can choose whether to take exams in selected subjects at his/her tribal school and thus receive Czech primary education,
3. attending a foreign school in the Czech Republic, which has the permission of the Ministry of Schooling, must take exams in selected subjects in his/her home school and thus obtain a Czech primary education,
4. attendance in a European school, they do not have to take any exams, because education in a European school is automatically recognised.

The register of pupils fulfilling compulsory school attendance in the above mentioned ways is kept by the school of origin, if the pupil is registered in that school (and also takes the relevant examinations in that school) or the Ministry of Schooling, if the pupil does not have a tribal school (and will also prove to the Ministry of Schooling that the pupil has completed compulsory schooling abroad). This applies to you if It applies to you if you are the legal guardian of a child who is fulfilling compulsory schooling abroad or in a foreign school in the Czech Republic. The benefit of the service is the possibility to receive basic education in accordance with Czech legislation while abroad. By taking the relevant examinations in the Czech school, the education abroad is considered equivalent to the education obtained in a Czech primary school (unless the education is automatically recognised - see Recognition of the Equivalence of Foreign School Certificates for Graduates of a European School for details) and allows seamless access to education in secondary schools or conservatories.

More at: https://portal.gov.cz/sluzby-vs/plneni-povinne-skolni-v-zahranici-v-zahranicni-skole-na-uzemi-cr-nebo-v-evropske-skole-S1001

Could we ever come to the Czech Republic to meet and get inspired in person?

• If you would like to come personaly to Jindřichovice pod Smrkem (originaly Heinersdorf an der Tafelfichte), where we offer accommodation and facilities for homeschooling families and worldschoolers, there is a possibility to contact local community around the free democratic school Ronja and connect you to other foreign families, including local German-speaking families or other foreign families living in Prague. But for this we need more time to get to know each other and gain trust, we don't want to waste time and share contacts randomly with strangers we don't know.
• The best way to make contacts in the Czech Republic is to come to the summer stay we organize in mid-July for Czech and foreign families at Free Haven’s House = our basis in Jindřichovice (video trailer). This retreat is not just a predefined program of activities; it's an immersive experience centered around our shared passion of self-directed education and libertarian movement. The event is for children, single people, partnerships or parents and grandparents on the road to freedom and anyone who aligns with our vision and values. While the primary languages will be Czech and English, we're eager to connect with proactive individuals who are willing to engage, contribute their unique talents, knowledge, skills, or experiences, and share their enthusiasm with fellow participants. Together, we bridge the gap between Czech and international communities, fostering a shared journey towards a more liberated and enlightened future. Join us on this transformational path, where your individual sovereignty and self-directed learning values are celebrated.
• Here are the reports from previous retreats: from Wiley Krishnaswamy (Project Worldschool) and from Caroline King (Prague Worldschooling).

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.