A joy of a city architecturally, and now increasingly European, Prague also provides a pretty good choice of international schools which all meet the standards of external inspectors.
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Education in Prague
Free (or sometimes small contribution) state schools teach exclusively in the Czech language. So although there are some schools in Prague where teachers have been trained to integrate international children, it is still not a choice that most parents take, unless their child is already fluent in Czech. In addition, the qualification at the end will be a Czech Maturita, which will not have the same clout when it comes to applying to global universities as the qualifications offered by the international schools.
This is definitely not a city designed for cars as the combination of cobbled, one-way and under-repair streets can make the most patient of drivers despair. That said, most of the international schools can be reached from the centre (Prague 1 and 2) or from the slightly further out Dejvice in Prague 6 in under half an hour, hazards and other drivers permitting.
Probably due to these driving conditions, nearly two-thirds of the Prague’s inhabitants take to public transport, which has an enviably good reputation and covers all the international schools, although you may have to use a combination of metro and tram or bus. It’s packed in rush hour but could still be preferable to the battle on the streets. Helpful tips on finding your way about as well as what's going on can be found on Prague Experience.
Choosing a school in Prague
Among the international schools, only two have a really long pedigree. The remainder started to spring up in the early 1990’s and four have opened this century. All but one are accredited by independent external agencies.
When it comes to curricula, your choices are between an adapted American curriculum, leading to the US High School Diploma, or an adapted version of England’s national curriculum, together with IGCSEs. As a final qualification, the choice lies between A levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, offered by the remainder, some of which also provide the option of the Czech Maturita for local students.
Best schools in Prague
These schools have been brought to our attention, but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
American Academy in Prague
Adapted American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 14-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 160 students
One of three schools in Czechoslovakia, belonging to an American educational network. A college preparatory school, staffed by US teachers, which also offers Czech language classes.
Christian International School of Prague
Adapted American/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 6-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 100 students
Unsurprisingly, a small school with a strong Christian ethos, teaching an American curriculum to mainly students from expat American families.
English College in Prague (The)
School adapted curriculum/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma/ Czech Maturita; ages 13-19; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 370 students
In a quiet residential area, boasting Prince Charles as one of their patrons and funded by the English College Foundation. Similar to a selective English grammar but also part of the Czech school system. Strong Czech academic and cultural courses and successful university applications, including ten Oxbridge places in the last five years.
International School Prague (ISP)
Adapted curriculum/ ISP Diploma/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 900 students
Founded in 1948 (oldest international school in Prague) on an impressive campus, in a leafy suburb, with students from over 60 nationalities. Offering the school’s own graduate qualification as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Long on Apple allegiance with four Mac computer centres and offering multiple sporting opportunities as a member of the Central Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA).
Lycée Francais de Prague
French curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; state; 850 students
A fairly large and very well-established (opened in 1920) Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) school, possibly the oldest international school in Prague. Students come from over 60 nationalities.
Meridian International School
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ Czech curriculum/ IGCSE/ A Level/ Czech Maturita; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 410 students
Offering the choice of an English curriculum, taught in English or a Czech programme aimed at the state graduation exam.
Park Lane International School
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ Czech curriculum/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 420 students
Both primary and secondary schools are housed in an ex-embassy, once an old palace. New campus, a short walk away, opened in 2018 for years 10-12. Model United Nations and Duke of Edinburgh International award offered from 12 plus.
Prague British International School (PBIS)
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 2-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,600 students
Previously Prague British School but now owned by Nord Anglia Education and merged with the English International School back in 2018. Classes taught in English with pupils from over 50 nationalities. On three campuses, Vlastina and Kamyk providing pre-school and primary education up to 14 with IGCSE and IB courses taught at the Libuš centre. As at other Nord Anglia schools, Juilliard, New York collaborates on their performing arts programme.
Riverside International School
Adapted curriculum/ GCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 550 students
Multi-accredited (CIS, COBIS, NEASC, Penta for BSO) kindergarten, primary and secondary school on four campuses. Midway through impressive five-year strategic plan aiming to increase the opportunities for outdoor education and make additional room for the arts. Also planning further extra-curricular options and improvement to current buildings
For more information on the schools above, please go to each school’s individual entry on the Good Schools Guide international search.