The Ostrava International School

The school aims to create a caring community of lifelong learners equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed in an evolving world. Its educational approach is built on the values of Opportunity, Diversity, and Creativity, and it is a champion of the IB Learner Profile. The school emphasizes inquiry-based learning, intercultural understanding, and global citizenship, encouraging students to discover, connect, and achieve while reflecting on their personal growth and real-world impact.

The school offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum, consisting of the Early Years Programme (ages 3-5), the Primary Years Programme (ages 5-10), the Middle Years Programme (ages 11-16), and the two-year IB Diploma Programme. The curriculum is inquiry-based and designed to be age-appropriate, focusing on conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary studies. Subjects include languages, mathematics, sciences, individuals and societies, arts, and physical education, with specific support for English as an Additional Language.

The school is the first International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum School in the Czech Republic, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The IB programmes are recognized by leading universities and educators as a guarantee of academic excellence. The Diploma Programme is specifically designed to prepare students for success at universities around the world.

The school provides an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme for students who require support to meet the language demands of the curriculum. An Inclusion Coordinator oversees support services to ensure students make educational progress. Staff are trained to monitor student well-being and development, with regular workshops held for the community regarding child protection and student welfare.

The school maintains a non-discriminatory admissions policy and welcomes students of all nationalities. Placement is primarily determined by age as of September 1st, though factors such as previous schooling and learning support needs are considered. Applicants must complete an online process via OpenApply, which may include placement tests in English, Mathematics, a second foreign language, and Czech or Korean for relevant nationals. While English is the language of instruction, students may be admitted with lower-than-expected proficiency provided they enroll in the English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme. For the Early Years Programme, children must demonstrate specific independent self-care and communication skills. Transfer students into the second year of the IB Diploma Programme are accepted only from other IB World Schools.

The school year typically runs from early September to late June, featuring breaks in the autumn, winter, spring, and around Easter. The calendar includes professional development days for staff, parent-teacher conferences, and student-led conferences. Key annual events include an opening ceremony, a winter show, a culture day, a sports day, and a closing ceremony. The school also organizes a dedicated camp or fun week at the end of the academic year.

The school operates a campus consisting of three buildings located within 300 metres of each other in the centre of Ostrava, near the City Hall and Komenského sady park. The facilities include the Early Years Centre, a Primary School building, and a Secondary School building. Each school section features active learning libraries equipped with physical collections, ebooks, and online subscriptions.

The school offers a variety of student activities and clubs, including student councils and school magazines. It serves as a local centre for The Duke of Edinburgh International Award, which is available to students. Additionally, the school hosts events such as a winter show, culture day, and sports day to foster community and student engagement.