Choosing the right school is one of the biggest decisions parents face — especially in an international city like Prague, where options vary widely.

Jan Voda, principal of Fostra Elementary, a Czech-English school in Prague’s Žižkov district, explains why the choice goes beyond academics and why finding the right environment matters just as much.

For Voda, the decision became personal when choosing a school for his own child. He soon realized that education isn’t only about buildings or curricula — it’s about shaping a child’s experience in a way that lasts a lifetime.

At Fostra Elementary, about half of the teaching is conducted in English. But the goal isn’t simply to learn a language as a subject. “Children live English here,” says Voda. The school employs two teachers in each classroom — a native English speaker and an experienced Czech teacher — to create a bilingual environment where students feel at ease switching between languages. This approach helps both local Czech children and international students adjust comfortably and prepares them for future studies in international or IB programs.

Voda emphasizes that Fostra doesn’t focus solely on grades. Instead, the school prioritizes teaching methods that engage children through project work, interdisciplinary lessons, and teamwork. The curriculum is designed to develop competencies for the 21st century, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. According to Voda, these skills are often overlooked but crucial for long-term success.

The school’s truly international character is also central to its philosophy. Students come from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and Fostra seeks to be a place where differences are welcomed rather than seen as obstacles. Many children stay only a few years in Prague, and the school works hard to provide a safe, inclusive space regardless of how long a family plans to stay.

Parental involvement is another important aspect at Fostra. Voda points out that parents aren’t just visitors but members of the community. The school hosts regular meetings to discuss student progress and build connections, respecting the varying levels of parental engagement that families prefer.

Starting school mid-year can be a challenge for any child, but Fostra takes a flexible and sensitive approach. New students receive individual adaptation plans and ongoing support to ensure they quickly feel secure and included. The school also aligns with different educational systems to ease transitions.

With small class sizes and two teachers per classroom, Fostra offers personalized attention that allows every child to be seen and heard. Its historic building in Žižkov combines charm with modern facilities, while frequent outdoor lessons and school trips take advantage of Prague’s urban environment.

Ultimately, Voda believes school should be a place where children discover who they are rather than conform to a fixed mold. “Teachers guide rather than dictate,” he says. Grades are just one of many indicators of progress, but not the sole goal. Maintaining a child’s curiosity and joy in learning is the school’s priority.

For families in Prague searching for a bilingual, nurturing environment, Fostra Elementary offers an alternative to traditional schooling — one focused on both academic foundations and personal growth, while equipping children with the skills they need for the 21st century.

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