Education in the Czech Republic is free and compulsory from ages 6 to 15. The Programme for International Student Assessment ranks the Czech education system as the 15th best in the world.

The education system is free, although preschools are frequently paid for by parents. This is because child care is often included at younger ages, as well as parents wanting to provide an educational advantage. There has been considerable discussion about changing the university system so it would be paid for. Currently however, the only costs associated with higher education are textbooks, basic equipment, food, and housing. The state also pays health insurance for students up to 26 years of age.

The school year starts on the first weekday of September and ends on the last weekday of June. It is divided into two semesters with exams at the end of each period.

Holidays:
• Autumn holidays - two working days around Independence day
• Christmas (winter) holidays - about 9 - 12 days
• Mid-term break - one day holiday
• Spring holidays - one week holidays, the date varies according to district (usually from beginning of February till end of March)
• Easter holidays - three days holiday (called Green Thursday, Big Friday and Easter Monday)
• Labour day - one day holiday
• Day of Liberation from Nazism - one day holiday
• Summer holidays - sixty two days holidays

There is an issue in the school system among the ethnic Roma. It has been shown that their children attend school less regularly, and disproportionately attend special schools for mentally disabled or socially maladjusted individuals. The government is working to correct this problem.

The system is divided into:
• Preschools (from 2 to 5 years old) Not mandatory
• Elementary (from 6 to 15 years old) Mandatory
• Secondary Schools- High schools, grammar schools, colleges and training colleges
• Universities

Elementary School

The first stage of formal education occurs between grades 1-5. As the student advances, basic subjects stay the same, but become much more complex. Classes would usually consist of Czech language and literature, mathematics, English, science, history, and physical education. School usually takes place between 8:00- 13:30.

Secondary Schools

Grades 6-9 may be at the same school (especially in less populated areas) or be in a different school entirely. At this stage, students classes become much more difficult, and several new subjects are added. For example, science splits to become more refined into chemistry, biology, physics, etc. Students will also usually learn another language in addition to advancing their English skills. It is also at the stage students begin to separate into their final education destination, whether that is trade school or university.

University

Many notable universities and colleges are located within the city:
• Charles University - founded in 1348, this is the oldest university in Central and Eastern Europe
• Czech Technical University (CVUT) - founded in 1707
• Academy of Fine Arts (AVU) - founded in 1800, it offers Master's and Doctoral study programs in the fields of art, new media, restoration of art works, and architecture.
• Institute of Chemical Technology (VSCHT) - founded in 1920, it is the biggest educational institution of its kind in Central Europe. Offers progressive fields of study and with an excellent international reputation
• Academy of Performing Arts (AMU) - School of music, dance, drama, film, TV and multi-media studies
• Czech University of Life Sciences (CZU)- founded in 1906. Recently changed name from University of Agriculture
• University of Economics (VSE) - Leading university in the field of management and economics in the Czech Republic
• Anglo-American University (AAU) founded in 1990

Library

The Municipal Library of Prague is a public universal library. It has approximately 650,000 items. Fiction and non-fiction for children, youth and adults, newspapers and magazines, maps, audio carriers (CDs, cassettes and LPs), music and multimedia CD-ROMs.
Central Library Address: Marianske nam. 1/98; Prague 1
Telephone: 222 113 555, 222 113 363

Opening hours:
• Mo Closed
• Tue 09:00 - 20:00
• We 09:00 - 20:00
• Thu 09:00 - 20:00
• Fr 09:00 - 20:00
• Sat 10:00 - 17:00