Organisation of the school year at nursery schools
The school year lasts from 1 September to 31 August, meaning also during the period when other schools have holidays. However, the principal may restrict or suspend operation of the nursery school during this period and children can be enrolled in another nursery school. During the main holidays, meaning during July and August, the obligation of preschool education is omitted.
Organisation of the school year at primary schools, secondary schools, primary art schools and conservatories
The period of schooling and holidays is regulated by the decree of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. Schooling starts on 1 September or the next business day. The school year is divided into two semesters. The first semester lasts from September to January, the second from February to June. Generally, the pupils have autumn holidays in the period around the public holiday of 28 October (usually two days + the public holiday). The Christmas holidays start before 24 December and end after 1 January. At the turn of January and February, pupils have a one-day mid-term holiday. In the period February and March, pupils have one week of spring holidays. These are announced by district (in the case of the City of Prague by municipal ward). Before the Good Friday public holiday (which is variable), pupils get a one-day Easter holiday. Schooling ends on the last business day in June. Then the main two-moth summer holidays begin. Some primary schools and other organisations arrange city camps with full-day care for pupils on lower levels.
Organisation of the school year at post-secondary vocational schools
The school year lasts from 1 September to 31 August. Schooling is divided into the winter (September to January) and summer (February to June) period. In the period of June and August, mandatory courses, training or examinations may be held, but the students must have at least four weeks off.
Organisation of the academic year at universities
The academic year has 12 months, the start of which the rector usually stipulates in September or October. Studies are typically divided into semesters covering schooling, examinations and holidays.
Days off
During public and other holidays, operation at schools is suspended.
Overview of days off
| 1 January |
Day of restoration of the independent Czech state |
| between 20 March and 23 April |
Good Friday |
| between 23 March and 26 April |
Easter Monday |
| 1 May |
Labour Day |
| 8 May |
Victory Day |
| 5 July |
Day of the Slavic prophets Cyril and Methodius |
| 6 July |
Day of the Burning of Master Jan Hus |
| 28 September |
Czech Statehood Day |
| 28 October |
Day of establishment of the independent Czechoslovak state |
| 17 November |
Day of the Fight for Freedom and Democracy and International Student day |
| 24 December |
Christmas Eve Day |
| 25 December |
1st Christmas Day |
| 26 December |
2nd Christmas Day |