Education in the Czech Republic is free and compulsory from ages 6 to 15. In 1996, the gross primary enrollment rate was 104 percent, and in 1995, the net primary enrollment rate was 86.9 percent. Primary school attendance rates were unavailable for the Czech Republic as of 2001. While enrollment rates indicate a level of commitment to education, they do not always reflect children’s participation in school. Ethnic Roma children attend school less regularly and disproportionately attend “special schools” for mentally disabled or socially maladjusted individuals.
The Czech school system has four degrees:
- Preschools (from 2 to 5 years old)
- Elementary (from 6 to 15 years old, mandatory)
- High schools, grammar schools, colleges and training colleges
- Universities
Education in the Czech Republic is free, but there are some exceptions like preschools which are paid by parents, though only the last year before entering elementary school is free. There is also a long-standing talk about paying fees for attending university. However, as education is free, parents pay only textbooks, basic equipment and food if their child eats in a school cafeteria. The state pays health insurance for students up to 26 years of age.
Read more about Education In The Czech Republic: Elementary Schools, High Schools, Universities, History, School Year
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