More than a first day: Inside the new Canadian International High School in Prague

September 1 began like any other first day of school in Prague. Parents dropped off their children, students met their teachers, and classmates introduced themselves. Things felt different in Prague 7, however. Here, it wasn’t just the students having a first day – one of Prague’s newest international schools was having one, too.

Rather than diving into classes, Canadian International High School in Prague gave students and families time to get to know each other on day one. Before timetables, assignments and textbooks became part of the routine, students and parents had a chance to meet the teachers, ask questions and feel more comfortable in their new school community.

Name badges showed students’ names and home countries, giving a group from seven countries an easy way to start a conversation. Despite their different backgrounds, everyone had something in common. They were all new here.

From international study trips to personal iPads and team challenges, the opening day offered families a glimpse of what life at the school would look like. The school shared these first-day experiences with Expats.cz, showing how it welcomed its students and helped them prepare for the year ahead.

For international families considering their high school options, Canadian International High School in Prague brings a Canadian education to the city. Its fully English-language program for students in Grades 10–12 offers teenagers a way to prepare for university abroad while continuing to live and study in Czechia.

Students work toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, a Canadian qualification accepted by many universities worldwide. After Grade 10, they choose between Business & Social Science and Engineering, with career assessment and academic guidance helping them decide. University admissions support gives families help with the next steps, from choosing a degree to selecting universities.

These benefits, along with the school's focus on international university preparation, were key factors for families enrolling this year. To mark the very first day, students arrived with their parents and were welcomed by members of the school team. 

Over coffee and tea, everyone had a chance to mingle before the official opening ceremony, and the school’s leadership team shared more about the educational program, its values and the opportunities available to students.

Teachers introduced themselves and their subjects, explaining what students could look forward to during the year ahead. Sessions for parents gave families their own introduction to the school. Highlights included a sneak peek at international educational trips to the U.S., Canada, Switzerland and England during school holidays, and a special video message from lecturers in Canada.

Students were reminded that although their education begins here in Prague, they are part of a broader international academic community from the very beginning.

Each student received a welcome pack containing everything they needed to get started, including their timetable, school holiday calendar, attendance guidelines, important documents and staff contacts. With those practical details in hand, students could begin to picture their everyday school routine.

They also received their own iPad, a benefit included in the program fee.

At Canadian International High School in Prague,  the iPad is part of everyday life, supporting learning, creativity and independent work. Students use it for assignments, presentations, projects, digital learning platforms and research, while developing practical skills that are valuable well beyond their school years.

Students had their measurements taken for individually tailored uniforms and chose from a selection of school colors. Each enrollee receives two sets to alternate throughout the week, helping them picture what daily life at their new school will look like.

Support for students extends beyond the classroom, too. The first day included a visit to the fitness center, as tuition includes a yearly membership. Students can visit Xplore Fitness in central Prague in their free time and take part in group classes, making regular physical activity part of their routine.

After the official ceremony and informational sessions came to an end, students had time to relax and get to know each other. Icebreaker games, team challenges and a range of activities provided fun opportunities to start conversations. Since learning works best when it is built on interaction, trust and mutual respect, the teachers didn’t hesitate to join in, too.

This academic year, Canadian International High School in Prague welcomed students from the U.S., Greece, Türkiye, Germany, Georgia, Ukraine and Czechia. To make introductions easier, every student received a name badge showing their name and home country. This small detail quickly became a conversation starter and set the tone for the international school community.

The first day of September will always be part of the school’s story. Students left with familiar faces to look for when they returned and a clearer idea of what lay ahead. For international families in Prague, the day offered a first look at the people and experiences that would shape their teenagers’ school years.