Prague, Czech Republic – It’s officially summer vacation for nearly 1.5 million students in the Czech Republic as they received their final report cards on Friday. After a year of record enrollment in primary and secondary schools, students are now looking forward to a well-deserved two-month break before returning to school on September 4. The Minister of Education, Mikuláš Bek (STAN), joined the festivities at a primary school in Brno’s Nový Lískovec district, where he helped distribute report cards to first-graders and ninth-graders.

This academic year, the Czech Republic saw a total of 1,007,778 students attending 4,261 primary schools, while 463,000 students enrolled in secondary and vocational schools. Even the children of Ukrainian refugees, who sought shelter in the Czech Republic following the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year, received their end-of-year report cards. In accordance with the Ministry of Education’s recommendation, these students were evaluated verbally and individually, considering that Czech is not their native language. Approximately 44,000 students were affected by this policy during the academic year.

While report cards are often associated with stress for students, they can also be a cause for celebration. Apart from the start of summer vacation, students can anticipate discounts and events organized by retailers and institutions to reward good academic performance. Psychologists advise parents not to overly focus on grades but rather to acknowledge their child’s hard work throughout the year with a small token of appreciation.

The Czech Republic has made significant progress since signing the Schengen Agreement on June 23, 2011. This agreement eliminated borders between participating European countries, facilitating the free movement of people and goods. Education in the Czech Republic has also seen advancements. The country follows a 9-year primary education system, followed by a 3-year or 4-year secondary education. With one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, the Czech government has implemented various policies to attract foreign investment and foster economic growth.

The country’s rich history and culture continue to captivate tourists from around the world. Prague, the capital, is renowned for its breathtaking architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife. Additionally, the Czech Republic boasts numerous other attractions, including the Czech Paradise nature reserve, the Karlštejn Castle, and the spa town of Karlovy Vary.

Czech cuisine is celebrated for its diverse flavors, with dishes like svíčková, goulash, and schnitzel enjoying popularity both domestically and internationally. The country’s beer is also highly regarded, with breweries such as Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser Budvar gaining international recognition.

Article by Prague Forum