Nursery schools in Brno: how to choose one
Nursery school means a daily journey for three or four years. How to choose among Brno's 176 nursery schools, what decides at enrolment and where to look when they are full.
1. Start with the catchment
Children with permanent residence in the catchment area who turn three by the start of the school year get priority at the catchment nursery school. In Brno the nursery school catchment areas are set by a city ordinance. Children from outside the area only get in if places are left after the catchment children.
2. The journey and opening hours
- On foot or on the way to work. Five extra minutes each morning and afternoon adds up to around 40 hours a year.
- Opening hours. Compare the opening and closing times with your working hours; the difference between nursery schools can be a whole hour.
- Holidays. Nursery schools often close for several weeks over the summer; ask where the children go during that time.
3. What to look for in the nursery school itself
- Class size and age mix (mixed ages, or grouped by age).
- The programme: every nursery school has its own educational programme (školní vzdělávací program). A focus on nature, movement or languages is nice, but a calm, kind approach matters more.
- Czech School Inspectorate (ČŠI) reports: you'll find them on each nursery school's page on Městomat.
- Meals and time outdoors: its own kitchen, a garden and how often the children go out.
- Parents' experience: nursery school reviews on Městomat are written by parents whose children go or went there.
Nursery schools by city district
4. Open days
Most nursery schools hold open days before enrolment. Take your child with you and ask about settling in, afternoon naps, allergies and how they keep in touch with parents. Watch how the teachers treat the children, not just the equipment.
5. Enrolment
Enrolment (zápis) runs from 15. 3. 2027 to 15. 4. 2027. The exact days and how to apply are set by the head teachers in agreement with the district; you can apply to several nursery schools and they publish the results under registration numbers.
If your child doesn't get a place
- Ask about your place in the ranking and whether a place might free up (places often do over the summer).
- Look at other nursery schools nearby, including across the district border; the overview by district is above.
- Consider a private or forest nursery school; they tend to cost more, but have free places even during the year.
Nursery school, doctor and playground close to home
Moving for the children? See which neighbourhoods have the most nursery and primary schools and where a playground is within reach:
Brno neighbourhoods with the most kindergartens and schools
- 3.5 per 1,000 res. Pisárky Brno-střed
- 2.0 per 1,000 res. Trnitá Brno-střed
- 1.9 per 1,000 res. Horní Heršpice Brno-jih
- 1.8 per 1,000 res. Stránice Brno-střed
- 1.4 per 1,000 res. Komárov Brno-jih
Brno neighbourhoods with a playground nearby
- 100 % of addresses with a playground within 500 m Husovice Brno-sever
- 100 % of addresses with a playground within 500 m Veveří Brno-střed
- 100 % of addresses with a playground within 500 m Lesná Brno-sever
- 100 % of addresses with a playground within 500 m Ponava Brno-Královo Pole
- 100 % of addresses with a playground within 500 m Černá Pole Brno-sever
The guide paediatrician in Brno helps you choose a children's doctor, and in a few years the guide primary schools in Brno helps with the school.
Frequently asked questions
How many nursery schools are there in Brno?
Brno has 176 nursery schools. On Městomat each one has its programme, inspection reports and parents' ratings; the overview is by district (městská část).
When is nursery school enrolment in Brno?
From 15. 3. 2027 to 15. 4. 2027. The exact days and how to apply are set by the head teachers in agreement with the district. You can apply to several nursery schools.
Who gets priority at a nursery school?
Children with permanent residence in the catchment area who turn three by the start of the school year. Pre-school education is compulsory in the year before starting school. Other children are accepted under the published criteria.
What if my child doesn't get a place?
Ask about the ranking and places that free up, try nursery schools nearby, including across the district border, or a private or forest nursery school. The district's education department can also advise on free places.