What documents do I need to submit when enrolling a child in elementary school?
Elementary school admission procedures begin upon the request of the legal guardian, who submits an application for the child’s education in elementary school (enrollment in the 1st grade of elementary school) or a request for the admission of a student transferring to basic education (transfer from another elementary school).
You will submit the documents to the principal of the elementary school in written or electronic form. These documents include:
- Completed application from the legal guardian for the child’s admission to elementary school.
- Proof of the child’s previous education (For 1st-grade enrollment – If the child completed pre-primary education abroad, the legal guardian provides the school principal with a document stating the name and address of the preschool attended.)
- For students transferring from another school – a translated copy of the report card from their previous school (older report cards may be requested upon demand).
- A written statement from the counseling and prevention facility based on the diagnostic examination of the child, if the child has special educational needs.
When does enrollment for the first grade take place?
Enrollment for the first grade of elementary school takes place from April 1st to April 30th before the start of the school year in which the child is to begin compulsory school attendance. The specific date and location of enrollment, including admission conditions, are announced by the school principal on the premises of the elementary school or at another publicly accessible location (such as the school’s website).
Acceptance of students who have already started basic education and are transferring from another elementary school is not time-limited by any legal regulation and occurs based on the decision of the school principal of the school to which the student is applying.
What is the organization of the school year?
The school year begins on September 1st and ends on August 31st of the following calendar year. Teaching starts on September 2nd and ends on June 30th of the following calendar year, divided into the first and second semesters.
The first semester starts on September 2nd and ends on January 31st. On the last day of the first semester, the student receives a statement of grades and behavior for the first semester. The school issues the report card for the first semester based on the legal guardian’s request.
The second semester starts on February 1st and ends on June 30th, followed by the period of school holidays ending on August 31st. On the last day of the school year, all students receive a report card with grades for both semesters.
Where will the child attend school?
A student attends the school in the school district where they have permanent residence (home school) or at the school of the legal guardian’s choice if accepted by the principal of that school. If there are no vacancies in elementary schools in the city or municipality, it is necessary to contact the relevant regional office of school administration, which will then determine the school where the foreign student will be educated.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
More detailed information on the enrollment process for elementary school and education itself is provided by:
- The specific school where you plan to enroll your child.
- The school office of the municipality.
- The regional office of school administration.
What are the options for overcoming the language barrier?
If the language proficiency of the student requires it, the school principal may organize a basic and advanced language course in the state language. Basic courses in the Slovak language for children seeking asylum in asylum facilities are professionally and financially provided by the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic.
Language courses for Slovak language for foreign children with a valid residence permit in Slovakia are organized and financed by the relevant regional office in cooperation with local self-government authorities.
The basic language course is for students who do not speak the Slovak language at all or only have a basic understanding (cannot read and write in the Slovak language). More information can be found on the Ministry of Education website or on the NIVAM website.
How is the assessment of foreigners in elementary schools conducted?
The assessment of foreign students is an essential part of the educational process, similar to other students in the school. For students in the adaptation process (first year of education), the elementary school must consider the inadequate knowledge of the state language in their assessment.
The school can take into account the level of proficiency in the state language in subsequent years. Foreign students should be assessed individually, adapting the assessment to the specific needs and developmental possibilities of each student.
Teachers, in collaboration with specialized staff or the school support team, establish a supportive assessment system for foreign students. During the adaptation period, verbal assessment is recommended, especially for 1st-grade students. For 2nd-grade students, verbal assessment is recommended, with the option of combining it with a classification using verbal ratings (combined assessment).
When assessing a student, the results of their previous education at a foreign school should also be taken into account. If the class uses graded assessments, it is recommended to adjust the form of assessment for the foreign student during the adaptation period. Teachers should explain to other students in the class why the foreign student is being assessed differently.
Basic principles of assessment:
- Consider the level of proficiency in the teaching language for students.
- Assess progress and the acquisition of educational content.
- Consider the individual situation when assessing.
Are there methodological recommendations for teaching the Slovak language and curriculum on Slovak realities available for foreign children in Slovakia within regional education?
The following materials are available for foreigners:
- Methodological recommendations, materials, and educational publications from the National Institute of Education and Youth.
- Slovak as a foreign language – Handbook for teachers.
- Additional materials from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
What are the sanctions for non-compliance with obligations?
A child cannot be admitted to education in elementary school if the legal guardian does not provide the school with all necessary documents, including a valid application/request signed by both legal guardians (except for cases specified by law). In the case of failure to enroll a child who turns six years old by August 31st and has permanent residence in Slovakia to fulfill compulsory school attendance in elementary school, the legal guardian commits an offense (or administrative offense, if it concerns a legal entity). The municipality imposes a fine ranging from 30 euros to 331.50 euros, even repeatedly.
Relevant Legal Acts:
- Act No. 245/2008 Coll. on upbringing and education (Education Act) and amending certain acts, as amended:
- Compulsory school attendance – § 19,
- Fulfillment of compulsory school attendance – § 20,
- Admission to basic education – § 60 – § 61,
- Education of foreigners – § 146.
- Act No. 596/2003 Coll. on state administration in education and self-government in education and amending certain acts, as amended.
- Decree of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport of the Slovak Republic No. 223/2022 Coll. on primary school.
- Supplementary Laws:
- Act No. 404/2011 Coll. on the stay of foreigners and amending certain acts,
- Act No. 474/2005 Coll. on Slovaks living abroad and amending certain acts,
- Act No. 480/2002 Coll. on asylum and amending certain acts.
- Act No. 480/2002 Coll. on asylum and amending certain acts.
- Act No. 474/2005 Coll. on Slovaks living abroad and amending certain acts.
- Act No. 480/2002 Coll. on asylum and amending certain acts.
- § 2 letter a) point 3 of Act No. 305/2005 Coll. on social and legal protection of children and social custody and amending certain acts.
Explanatory Legal Regulations:
- Act No. 245/2008 Coll. on upbringing and education (Education Act) and amending certain acts:
- Compulsory school attendance – § 19,
- Fulfillment of compulsory school attendance – § 20,
- Admission to basic education – § 60 – § 61,
- Education of foreigners – §146.
- Act No. 596/2003 Coll. on state administration in education and self-government in education and amending certain acts.