Organization of the school year

The text describes the organization of the year at different types of schools in the Czech Republic.
Organization of the school year in kindergartens

The school year lasts from 1 September to 31 August, i.e. also during the period when holidays are set for other schools. However, the headmaster may limit or interrupt the operation of the kindergarten during this period and children may be enrolled in another kindergarten. During the main holidays, i.e. in July and August, the obligation of pre-school education is waived.

Organization of the school year in primary schools, secondary schools, elementary art schools and conservatories

The period of teaching and holidays is regulated by a decree of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. Classes begin on September 1 or the next working day. The school year is divided into two semesters. The first semester runs from September to January, while the second semester runs from February to June. As a rule, around the national holiday on 28 October, pupils have autumn holidays (they are two-day + day of the national holiday). Christmas holidays begin before December 24 and end after January 1. At the turn of January and February, students have a one-day half-year holiday. In February and March, students have a week-long spring break. These are announced by districts (in the case of the capital city of Prague by districts). Before Good Friday (which is a moving holiday), students receive a one-day Easter holiday. Teaching ends on the last working day in June. Then the two-month main holidays begin. Some elementary schools and other organizations organize so-called suburban camps offering all-day care for pupils of lower grades during the holiday period.

Organization of the school year at higher vocational schools

The school year runs from 1 September to 31 August. Teaching is divided into winter (September to January) and summer (February to June) periods. Compulsory courses, internships or exams may take place between July and August, but students' free time must last at least four weeks.

Organization of the academic year at universities

The academic year lasts 12 months, the beginning of which is usually set by the Rector in September or October. Study is typically divided into semesters covering tuition, exams, and holidays. 

Non-working days

During public holidays and other public holidays, school traffic is also suspended.

Overview of non-working days
1 January Day of the Restoration of the Independent Czech State
between 20 March and 23 April Good Friday
between 23 March and 26 April Easter Monday
1 May Labor Day
8 May Victory Day
5 July Day of Slavic missionaries Cyril and Methodius
6 July The Day of the Burning of Master Jan Hus
28 September Czech Statehood Day
28 October Day of the Establishment of the Independent Czechoslovak State
17 November Freedom and Democracy Day and International Student Day
24 December Christmas Eve
25 December 1st Christmas Day
26 December 2nd Christmas Day