What international curricula can my child follow in Prague, and how do they differ?
You will commonly see three pathways: the International Baccalaureate continuum (PYP, MYP, DP), the British system (National Curriculum/IGCSE with some schools offering A-levels or the IB at 16 - 18) and an American K-12/AP approach at a smaller number of schools. The IB emphasises a broad, inquiry-based education and is designed for international mobility; the British route focuses on staged national curriculum checkpoints and subject examinations at 16; the American model resembles US high school crediting and Advanced Placement options. Some schools combine elements (for example British primary leading into IB or AP in the upper years), and Czech bilingual schools teach parts of the national curriculum alongside English instruction.
How much should I budget for school fees in Prague and what extras should I expect?
Annual tuition for international schools in Prague varies by age and school but typically ranges from roughly CZK 150,000 for early years to CZK 400,000 - 500,000 or more for senior secondary; many schools sit in a band around CZK 200,000 - 430,000. In addition to tuition you should allow for application or enrolment fees, capital or administrative charges, school lunches, uniforms, transport, external examination fees (IGCSE/IB) and extra-curricular activities, all of which can add a significant amount to the total. Fee schedules differ between schools and are updated annually, so always request the full breakdown for the year you plan to enrol.
When should I apply and can my child join mid-year?
The main intake for Prague international schools is the start of the academic year (usually August/September), but mid-year admission is common because the expatriate population changes throughout the year. Schools typically require an application form, recent school reports, passport and health records, and may ask for placement tests or interviews to establish level and language support needs. Spaces for particular year groups can be limited, so start enquiries as early as possible and ask about waiting lists and provisional offers if your move date is uncertain.
What language support and Czech integration will my child get?
Most English-medium international schools provide English as an Additional Language (EAL) or similar support for learners who need to build academic English, and they also offer Czech language classes at various levels. Some schools run bilingual Czech-English programmes that follow parts of the Czech national curriculum alongside international courses, which can be useful for families planning a longer stay or aiming for Czech state examinations. If continuing into Czech higher education is a priority, check how the school supports Czech language proficiency and whether it preserves access to Czech qualifications.
What practical things should I check when comparing schools in Prague?
Verify the school’s accreditation and inspection history, the curriculum continuity through to graduation, and provision for EAL and special educational needs, as these materially affect a child’s transition and long-term prospects. Also check the school’s university or career guidance for older students, average class sizes, staff turnover, extra-curricular opportunities, transport routes and how the school handles visas or residency documentation for non-EU families. Visiting a campus, meeting pastoral staff and seeing recent school reports will give the clearest sense of whether the school matches your child’s academic and social needs.
