How to choose a nursery school in Prague
Nursery school means a daily journey for three to four years. Before you compare programmes, check the catchment and the commute; only then look at the teachers' approach, the programme and other parents' experience.
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 many districts (městské části) all the nursery schools share one catchment area; elsewhere each has its own. 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. Nursery schools usually open between 6:30 and 7:00 and close between 16:30 and 17:30. Compare that with your working hours.
- 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. You can apply to several nursery schools; 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.
- Consider a private or forest nursery school; they tend to cost more, but have free places even during the year.
Moving for the children? See which neighbourhoods have the most nursery schools and green space.
Frequently asked questions
When is nursery school enrolment?
The next enrolment (zápis) for nursery schools runs from 15. 3. 2027 to 15. 4. 2027. Each nursery school and district publishes the exact days and how to apply.
Is my child entitled to a place at the catchment nursery school?
Priority goes to children with permanent residence in the catchment area who turn three by the start of the school year, up to the nursery school's capacity. Pre-school education is compulsory in the year before starting school.
How much does a state nursery school cost?
The head teacher sets the fee; at public nursery schools it is usually a few hundred crowns a month, plus meals. The final, compulsory year is free of fees.
Can I apply to more than one nursery school?
Yes, you can apply to several nursery schools. Where your child is accepted depends on the ranking under each school's criteria.