News: Enrollment for Year 1 (elementary school) students starts in January

3 weeks ago

Starting school is a big step for children and parents alike, and it’s bound to be full of expectations and questions. The Czech Ministry of Education has now announced a change that will affect all future Year 1 elementary school students. Starting in the 2026/2027 school year, enrollment in elementary schools will take place from January 15 to February 15, several months earlier than the customary dates in the Czech Republic.

What this means for parents

If your child is starting elementary school in September 2026 or later, you’ll need to submit your enrollment application at the beginning of the year. The previous spring deadlines have been moved to the winter months. This will give parents:

• the opportunity to complete paperwork earlier and have more time to deal with potential deferrals,

• earlier certainty about which school their child will be accepted to,

• more time to help their child adapt.

Stricter rules for school placement deferrals

At the same time, the rules for deferrals (i.e. postponing school placement) are also changing. From September 2026, it will no longer be possible to apply for a so-called “supplementary deferral” during the first semester of Year 1. If you want to defer your child's start at school, you’ll have to arrange everything during enrollment day. To do this, you’ll need a recommendation from an educational counseling facility and often also a statement from a doctor or psychologist.

Why has this change been made?

The Czech Ministry of Education has stated that the aim is to prevent unnecessary deferrals and ensure a smoother transition between nursery school (kindergarten) and elementary school. In addition, this new deadline will allow schools and families to plan better and address any special educational needs that their children have in a timely manner.

What you can do now

Submit a non-binding application to our international elementary school, Fostra Elementary in Prague 3, and you’ll be the first to know all the details about enrollment.

Starting Year 1 is a big moment for both children and parents. At Fostra Elementary, we want your children to enjoy this experience in an environment where they feel welcome, safe, and respected.