Primary schools in Ostrava: how to choose
The catchment school is a certainty, not an obligation. How to choose the right one among Ostrava's 80 primary schools, what to compare and how enrolment works.
1. The catchment school is a certainty
Every address in Ostrava belongs to the catchment area of a primary school; the areas are set by a City of Ostrava ordinance by permanent address. A child with permanent residence there has priority at the catchment school. Check it by the exact address, as catchment boundaries can run down the middle of a street.
2. What to compare
- The journey. A first-grader should get to school safely, ideally without crossing big roads and tram lines. Soon they will walk alone.
- After-school club. Capacity, until what time and whether older children are taken too.
- Size of school and classes. A small school tends to be more like a family, a large one offers more clubs and parallel classes.
- Focus. Extended teaching of languages, maths, sport or the arts; Montessori, Waldorf or other alternative classes.
- ČŠI inspection reports and parents' experiences are shown for every school on Městomat.
- Second stage. Considering a multi-year gymnasium? Ask how many children leave from the fifth and seventh grades and how the school prepares them.
Primary schools by city district
3. Open days
Most schools hold open days and meetings for pre-schoolers before enrolment. Watch how teachers talk to children, what the after-school club and canteen look like and how the school communicates with parents (apps, consultations).
4. Enrolment
First-grade enrolment runs from 15. 1. 2027 to 15. 2. 2027. Each school announces its exact days and how to sign up on its own website; some have electronic pre-registration. You submit the application at the chosen school, and enrolment includes a short talk with the child. You can apply to more than one school.
Where there are most schools
Neighbourhoods ordered by the number of kindergartens and primary schools per thousand residents:
Ostrava neighbourhoods with the most kindergartens and schools
- 2.3 per 1,000 res. Přívoz Moravská Ostrava a Přívoz
- 1.4 per 1,000 res. Nová Bělá Nová Bělá
- 1.0 per 1,000 res. Slezská Ostrava Slezská Ostrava
- 1.0 per 1,000 res. Bartovice Radvanice a Bartovice
- 0.9 per 1,000 res. Muglinov Slezská Ostrava
- 0.9 per 1,000 res. Vítkovice Vítkovice
- 0.9 per 1,000 res. Hrušov Slezská Ostrava
- 0.8 per 1,000 res. Mariánské Hory Mariánské Hory a Hulváky
- 0.8 per 1,000 res. Hrabová Hrabová
- 0.8 per 1,000 res. Krásné Pole Krásné Pole
Moving before enrolment?
The catchment follows permanent residence on the date of enrolment. Choosing a flat? Check the catchment school by the exact address before you sign the contract; two addresses in the same neighbourhood can belong to different schools.
Which Ostrava neighbourhoods are best for families is shown in the guide the best neighbourhoods for families in Ostrava; where to go with children after school is in the guide where to go with children in Ostrava.
Frequently asked questions
How many primary schools are there in Ostrava?
Ostrava has 80 primary schools. For each one Městomat shows its programme, inspection reports and parents' reviews, listed by city district.
Does my child have to attend the catchment school?
No. The catchment school must admit your child as a priority, but you can apply to other schools too; they admit children if places remain after their catchment children, according to their published criteria.
When is first-grade enrolment in Ostrava?
From 15. 1. 2027 to 15. 2. 2027. Each school announces its exact days and how to sign up on its website; enrolment includes a short talk with the child.
How do I find the catchment school in Ostrava?
Enter the child's permanent address in the address check on Městomat. The catchment areas are set by a City of Ostrava ordinance; we show the catchment primary school and kindergarten.