Prague's international and bilingual schools sector has grown quietly but steadily over the past decade. For expat families arriving in 2026, the city now offers everything from fully English-medium IB schools to bilingual Czech-English programmes that anchor children in the local language while preserving options for university abroad. Choosing well depends on understanding what "bilingual" actually means in each school, how long your family is likely to stay in the Czech Republic, and how much weight you place on integration versus portability.
What bilingual means in Prague schools
In the Prague market, "bilingual" covers three very different models that are often lumped together:
- Full international: English-medium throughout, typically British or IB curriculum, with Czech taught as a modern foreign language. These schools serve internationally mobile families who may move on again within a few years.
- True bilingual (dual-language): Czech and English used as languages of instruction across subjects, often with Czech dominating early primary and English taking a larger share as students progress. These are suited to families planning to stay medium-term or who want children fluent in both languages.
- Czech-with-English enrichment: Czech-curriculum schools following the state programme with additional English lessons and CLIL (content and language integrated learning) in selected subjects. Cheaper, more local in feel, and a solid option for families who prioritise integration.
Knowing which bucket a school falls into matters more than the brochure description. Always ask: which subjects are taught in which language, from which year? And what does transition look like if we move before IGCSE or IB Diploma?
Available curricula in Prague
Prague schools teach the International Baccalaureate (Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma), the English National Curriculum through to IGCSE and A Level, the American curriculum with Advanced Placement, the French and German national curricula, and the Czech state curriculum (Rámcový vzdělávacà program) with bilingual extensions. The IB Diploma is the most widely recognised leaving qualification for university entry across Europe, North America and beyond, which is why several of Prague's top schools anchor their senior years around it.
Top international and bilingual schools in Prague
Prague British International School
Prague British International School offers the English National Curriculum from Early Years to A Level, with strong IGCSE and A Level results. Czech is offered as a modern foreign language for international students, and separate first-language Czech tracks are available for bilingual families. Fees are in the mid-to-upper band for Prague.
Park Lane International School
Park Lane International School is one of the longest-established international schools in Prague, offering the English National Curriculum alongside the IB Diploma. The school has a reputation for strong university destinations and a warm, family feel, and it remains a popular first choice for relocating families.
Riverside School
Riverside School is a Christian international school that teaches the English National Curriculum with IGCSE and A Level. Strong pastoral ethos and small class sizes make it a useful option for families looking for a specifically faith-informed environment.
The English College in Prague
The English College in Prague is a bilingual secondary school offering the IB Diploma, which admits both Czech and international students. Academic standards are high, teaching is in English, and graduates have an excellent university placement record. Entry is competitive and includes an assessment.
Lycée Français de Prague
For French-speaking families, Lycée Français de Prague delivers the French national curriculum with the baccalauréat at the end of Terminale. Czech is taught as a second language. This is the natural choice for families on French diplomatic, corporate or academic assignments.
Fees and what to budget
Prague is materially more affordable than Western European capitals for international education, though fees have risen steadily. In 2026, expect:
- Early Years / preschool: CZK 200,000 to 350,000 per year.
- Primary (Years 1-6): CZK 350,000 to 580,000 per year.
- Middle years (Years 7-9): CZK 450,000 to 650,000 per year.
- IGCSE / MYP (Years 10-11): CZK 550,000 to 720,000 per year.
- A Level / IB Diploma: CZK 620,000 to 780,000 per year, plus examination entries charged at cost.
Add CZK 30,000 to 60,000 per year for school lunches, transport and basic extras. Registration fees are usually CZK 5,000 to 15,000 and are non-refundable. Some schools charge a one-off development contribution of CZK 20,000 to 60,000 on joining. Bilingual Czech-English schools sit at the lower end of these ranges, which is one reason families with medium-term plans look seriously at them.
Admissions and entry points
Most Prague schools admit year-round subject to capacity, with the main intake at the start of the September academic year. Applications usually open in October for the following September. Senior school entry, especially into The English College, is more competitive and involves standardised testing and interviews. For bilingual programmes, be ready for a language assessment in both Czech and English to determine the right entry point. If your child is Czech-speaking, expect a stronger focus on placement within the Czech stream; if not, the school will want to understand your English language baseline.
Neighbourhood choices
International schools cluster in Prague 5 (SmĂchov, Jinonice), Prague 6 (Dejvice, Nebušice) and Prague 4 (PodolĂ, BranĂk). Prague 6 is the traditional diplomatic and expat heartland, close to the airport and with a lot of international school bus routes. Prague 5 offers a broader mix of families and good connections to the city centre. Prague 4 has become a growing option with newer campuses. School bus networks are generally good but add 45 to 90 minutes to a primary child's day, so choosing a catchment that matches your housing shortlist matters more than it first appears.
Building a shortlist
For a current view of international and bilingual schools across the Czech Republic with verified profiles, start at ISA's top schools in the Czech Republic. Use curriculum and stage filters to narrow to schools that actually match your child's age, language profile and your family's planning horizon.
Frequently asked questions
Do international schools in Prague teach Czech?
Yes. Most international schools teach Czech as either a modern foreign language for international students or as a first language track for bilingual families. The intensity varies, so ask specifically how many hours per week your child would receive and whether the school differentiates for native speakers.
Can my child move from an international school back into the Czech state system later?
It is possible but not automatic. Bridging is easier from a bilingual Czech-English school than from a full international school. If a return to the state system is likely, prioritise schools that follow the Czech Framework Education Programme alongside English instruction.
Is the IB Diploma accepted by Czech universities?
Yes. Czech universities accept the IB Diploma for admission, generally with specific subject requirements that depend on the faculty. IB graduates from Prague schools also apply widely to UK, US, Dutch and German universities, and the IB Diploma is a well-understood credential across each of those systems.