BUDGET - How much do you need for a Private School in Prague
Why do we start with the budget?
When I meet with parents to discuss their wishes and plans for their children, their budget for tuition fees is usually my first question. There are a few reasons for this:
Breaking The Ice: People usually don't feel comfortable talking about money, so addressing this upfront allows for more meaningful discussions.
Setting The Stage: It provides a starting point. With a clear budget in mind, it becomes easier to narrow down the selection of private schools in Prague. And allow us to focus on school that actually can work for the family.
Preventing Disappointment: Knowing the budget prevents me from suggesting schools that might be excellent but outside the family's budget.
Let's go through some FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS from parents regarding the budget:
What is the usual tuition fee in private schools in Prague?
Typically, there are three tiers of schools based on budget:
Around CZK 60.000 (EUR 2,500) per year.
Around CZK 200.000 (EUR 8,000) per year.
Around CZK 500.000 (EUR 20,000) per year.
Of course, schools with different budgets can be found, but most private schools would be in one of those tiers.
What is the payment structure?
The payment structure varies from school to school.
Typically, monthly payments are not allowed. However, if monthly payments are the only option for parents, I encourage them to discuss their situation with the preferred school. Some schools may be accommodating and arrange a special payment plan. Usually, schools try to accommodate reasonable requests from parents.
Some schools offer the option to divide payments into 2, 3, or 4 installments. Choosing more installments often results in higher overall fees. Additionally, some schools offer a discount for paying the full year's tuition fees upfront.
Is it possible to get a discount for siblings?
Yes, it is actually quite common for private schools in Prague to offer a discount for siblings. This discount applies to siblings attending the same school or kindergarten owned by the same organization. The sibling discount is usually around 5% to 10%, although sometimes a discount of up to 30% on the tuition fee for the second child can be found.
Should we be concerned about tuition fees increasing in the future?
Usually, no. Most schools have clear and transparent payment terms and structures, and they usually cap the fees for the duration of your child's education.
Some schools have separate tuition fees for primary school (1st to 5th grade) and secondary school (6th to 9th grade). In some cases, schools may increase the tuition fees every three years throughout the child's education.
However, all of this information will be clearly communicated by the school at the beginning and will also be included in the contract you sign with the school once your child is admitted. So, you don't have to worry about unexpected surprises.
What is included in the tuition fees?
Typically, all learning materials such as books, workbooks, notes, and arts and crafts supplies are included. However, the following are usually not included:
Registration/application fees
Uniforms (if required by the school)
Lunches and snacks
Field trips and excursions
Adaptation courses and skiing trips
After-school clubs and activities
Transportation to and from school
Technology equipment (such as laptops or iPads). Some schools may require students to have their own devices, but this is more common for older children.
These are the basic details you need to get an overview of tuition fees and related costs for enrolling your child in a private school in Prague. If you need more detailed information, schools are usually very open and willing to provide all the information you need. So don’t be afraid to ask.
