School Holidays in Czechia 2024-2025

Have you ever wondered how school holidays are organised in Czechia? Understanding the school calendar is essential for planning family trips and activities. In Czechia, both public and school holidays are decided by specific government agencies. This guide will walk you through the key dates for the academic year 2024-2025, offering insights into what happens during these breaks and the role international schools play.

Overview of School Holidays in Czechia 2024-2025

The academic calendar in Czechia is structured to provide students with regular breaks throughout the year, ensuring a balanced approach to learning and rest. One of the key breaks in the academic calendar is the spring break, which varies by region and provides a week-long rest for students. The Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports is responsible for setting the school holidays, while public holidays are determined by the government. During these breaks, schools close, allowing students and teachers to recharge.

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Overview of the Czech School Year

The Czech school year typically starts in late August or early September and ends in June. The academic year is divided into two semesters: the first semester runs from September to February, and the second semester from March to June. Additionally, the school year is segmented into four quarters, with breaks in October, December, February, and April. The Czech Republic has a system of compulsory education, which includes primary school (9 years) and lower secondary education (3 years). Upper secondary education (2 years) is optional and can be completed at a Gymnázium or Střední škola.

Public Holidays in Czechia 2024-2025

Czechia observes several public holidays throughout the year, during which schools and most businesses close, allowing families to enjoy time together. Here is the list of public holidays for the academic year 2024/2025:

Public Holidays in the 2024 academic year: Easter Monday

• 28th September (Saturday): Statehood Day
• 28th October (Monday): Independence Day
• 17th November (Sunday): Freedom and Democracy Day
• 24th December (Tuesday): Christmas Eve
• 25th December (Wednesday): Christmas Day
• 26th December (Thursday): 2nd Day of Christmas

Public Holidays in the 2025 academic year:

• 1st January (Wednesday): New Year's Day
• 18th April (Friday): Good Friday
• 21st April (Monday): Easter Monday
• 1st May (Thursday): May Day
• 8th May (Thursday): Liberation Day
• 5th July (Saturday): St Cyril and St Methodius Day
• 6th July (Sunday): Jan Hus Day

In addition to these public holidays, there are other holidays observed throughout the year, each with its own cultural and historical significance. These holidays not only provide a great chance for family gatherings, cultural celebrations and travel, it is also a precious opportunity to learn about the culture of Czechia and integrate into its diverse cultural communities.

According to an IB tutor in Czechia,

"By participating in local traditions and exploring the historical significance of these holidays, IB students in Czechia can connect classroom learning with real-world experiences, gaining insights into Czech culture and values that enrich their global perspective."

Since the dates of public holidays can occasionally be modified by official announcements, it's advisable to check for updates on the government website regularly. Please click here for the 2024 holiday release and here for the 2025 release.

Public and Private School Term Breaks in Czechia 2024-2025

In the academic year 2024-2025, the school calendar in Czechia features a well-structured schedule of term breaks, providing students with regular intervals of rest. The school year begins on 2nd September 2024 and runs until the end of June, concluding just before the summer holidays. Here's a detailed look at the term breaks for this academic year:

• Autumn Holidays: Scheduled from 29th October to 30th October 2024, this short break allows students to recharge after the initial weeks of the school year.
• Christmas Holidays: A festive break from 23rd December 2024 to 3rd January 2025. Schools close during this period, allowing families to celebrate the holidays together.
• Semester Holidays: A brief one-day holiday on 31st January 2025, marking the end of the first semester.
• Spring Holidays: This break varies depending on the region and is divided into six groups, each having a one-week holiday:
  • Group 1: 3rd February - 9th February 2025 (e.g., Benešov, Ostrava-City)
  • Group 2: 10th February - 16th February 2025 (e.g., Prague 1-5, Brno-City)
  • Group 3: 17th February - 23rd February 2025 (e.g., Prague 6-10, Cheb)
  • Group 4: 24th February - 2nd March 2025 (e.g., Kroměříž, Plzeň-City)
  • Group 5: 3rd March - 9th March 2025 (e.g., Česká Lípa, Jihlava)
  • Group 6: 10th March - 16th March 2025 (e.g., Mladá Boleslav, Ústí nad Labem)

The spring holiday schedule is designed to spread out travel demands and provide flexibility for families across different regions.

• Summer Holidays: The longest break in the academic calendar, starting from 1st July to 31st August 2025. This is the main school holiday, and it aligns with the summer holiday period across Europe, offering ample time for families to travel.

International schools in Czechia might have slight variations in their term dates, potentially offering additional breaks or slightly differing start and end dates to accommodate their diverse student populations.

These term breaks are an ideal time for families to plan trips and engage in various activities. It’s advisable to book travel plans, including hotels and flights, well in advance due to the high demand during these periods. For the official school holiday release 2024-2025, please visit the government website.

Important Dates in the Czech School Year

First Day of School

The first day of school is usually on the first Monday in September. First-grade students and their parents are officially welcomed in a meet-the-teacher ceremony. Students in other grades have a 45-minute opening hour with their teacher. Registration forms for školní družina (before/after school care for the youngest students) and payment information for school lunches are usually given on the first day of school. Lunch service and školní družina typically start on the second day of school.

Autumn Break

The autumn break for all Czech public schools is usually from October 28 to October 31. The break is a four-day weekend. Schools are closed on October 28 and 29. This break is a great opportunity for students to relax and recharge before the second quarter of the school year.

Christmas Holiday

The Christmas holiday is from December 23 to January 2. Students return to school on January 3. Christmas Eve (December 24) and Christmas Day (December 25) are public holidays in the Czech Republic. St. Stephen’s Day (December 26) is also a public holiday, but it is not always observed by schools. The Christmas holiday is a time for students to spend with their families and enjoy traditional Czech Christmas traditions.

Additional School Holidays in Czechia 2024-2025

In addition to regular term breaks and public holidays, students in Czechia may have extra days off throughout the school year. These include:

• School-specific Holidays: Schools may have extra days for teacher training, school anniversaries, or open days. These are usually announced in advance.
• Cultural and Religious Events: Local festivals, like Carnival (Masopust), may result in shorter school days or closures to allow participation in regional celebrations.
• Weather-Related Closures: In rare cases, schools in rural areas might close due to severe winter weather, particularly in mountainous regions like the Krkonoše Mountains.
• Exam Preparation Days: Older students, especially those preparing for Maturita exams, might receive extra days off in late May or early June for focused study time.
• Special National Events: Occasionally, national events or significant commemorations may result in an additional day off for schools.

In addition to these specific holidays, students may also have days off for other holidays that are culturally or regionally significant. Families should check with individual schools or the Ministry of Education’s website at msmt.cz for up-to-date information on these holidays.

List of School Holiday Activities Ideas

To make the most of school holidays, here are some engaging activities for students and families:

• Private Tutoring: Consider using this break to catch up or get ahead in studies. Whichever international curricula your children study, an online tutor can provide personalised support in various subjects.
• Visit Historical Sites: Czechia is rich in history and culture. Exploring places like Prague Castle or Český Krumlov offers an educational and fun outing.
• Outdoor Adventures: Take advantage of the beautiful Czech countryside with hiking, biking, or skiing trips. National parks like Bohemian Switzerland offer stunning landscapes.
• Cultural Workshops: Enroll in art, music, or cooking classes to learn something new. Many local organisations offer workshops for children and adults alike during the holidays.
• Language Learning: Use the holidays to improve language skills. Language schools in Czechia often offer short-term courses or holiday camps.

Conclusion

Understanding the school holiday calendar in Czechia helps families plan effectively for the academic year. With a mix of public holidays, term breaks, and additional days off, students have ample opportunities to rest, explore, and learn outside the classroom. Whether through private tutoring or exploring Czechia's rich cultural heritage, there's something for everyone to enjoy during these breaks.