How diversity is celebrated at an international school in Prague

Anyone who has moved to Prague with kids from abroad knows the routine. You tour a few schools, compare curricula, ask for firsthand feedback on local social media channels, and then quietly wonder all summer if you made the right decision.  

The academic success of your child is a priority, but there is also a layer of cultural connection which needs to be nurtured as well. How does your chosen school help international students and families feel welcome? What ways can parents be involved, and feel more at home in their new country?

At Park Lane International School, those questions tend to be answered early. Not through sleek marketing brochures, but through ways that the diversity of its faculty, students and their families are celebrated. 

With a student body made up of more than 50 nationalities, the school embraces this diversity through shared traditions and special events. The result creates something closer to an active network than a passive school environment. Here are some of the ways parent- and staff-led initiatives keep the Park Lane community connected.

Maintaining a close-knit feel across a large international student body does not happen in the classroom alone. At Park Lane, much of it takes shape through shared social experiences for parents, too.

"From the very first day he felt like he joined a big and welcoming family, but parents also feel welcome," she adds. "We are happy to join wonderful events organized by the School, such as the International Day, Winter Fair, masterclasses and many more."

The school’s Parent Staff Association, or PSA, acts as a bridge between Park Lane families and staff, allowing participants to contribute ideas, support events, and help shape daily school life in practical ways.

Parents might help welcome new families at the start of the year, assist with community events, or join informal workshops and gatherings. The PSA shapes much of the school’s social calendar, from smaller meetups to larger events like sports days and end-of-year celebrations. Regular updates and class channels keep communication steady, without requiring constant involvement.

"It gives parents a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the life of the school and helps strengthen the sense of community that makes Park Lane so special," explains Desi Fanta, a parent with children currently enrolled at the school.

One of Park Lane’s most anticipated community events is its annual International Day, when the school’s mix of cultures becomes especially visible. Students, parents, and staff take part, sharing aspects of their different heritages in interactive ways.

Classrooms and common areas are transformed into informal exhibitions of food, traditions, and personal stories from around the world. Rather than being a formal presentation, the day is built around participation. Families contribute in their own way, whether that means sharing a dish from their culture, speaking about their background or home country, or helping students explore global perspectives within a safe space. 

The Winter Market, another popular Park Lane community event, offers a more relaxed counterpoint to the academic year. Held on campus, it gives families a chance to step into a social setting that feels less structured and welcome the holiday season together.

"What makes it so special is not only the event itself but the fact that the children are truly at the heart of it," says Mrs. Fanta. "They sing, perform, create products, run stalls, and actively participate in bringing the event to life. Our daughter and her classmates spent weeks preparing together, discussing ideas, creating items to sell, and working as a team. on the day of the Winter Market, they had the opportunity to proudly present the results of their work to the wider community." 

Parents are encouraged to run their own stalls, which sell homemade food, crafts, and small details that reflect their cultural heritage and where they are originally from. Local organizations and restaurants, many of which are expat owned-and-operated, also participate, bringing a broader slice of Prague into the mix.

The event, one of the most recognizable expressions of the school’s community spirit, draws families across year groups, where conversations happen more easily over warm drinks and connections tend to form without much effort.

While these events are visible touchpoints, much of Park Lane’s community building takes place more quietly behind the scenes. New families are often paired with those already at the school to help them settle into life in Prague and understand the campus environment. Informal introductions, shared advice, and local tips often form the first layer of support.

The aim is not only to welcome families but to give them a starting point for building their own connections. This often leads to relationships that extend beyond school life, especially for families navigating a new city and culture together.

Those early connections tend to build gradually. What starts as a quick introduction or a shared tip for surviving winter in Czechia often turns into more regular interaction over time. 

"Our journey with Park Lane started nine years ago and we have never questioned our decision," says Misa Wood-Valta, another parent. "In the school’s vibrant environment, the kids have thrived academically and socially. There is a strong sense of community, and it is a place of support and understanding."

As Park Lane continues to grow, maintaining that balance between expansion and closeness remains a top priority. The PSA, seasonal events, and integration efforts all contribute to a structure where community is not treated as an abstract idea, but as something built and maintained in plain sight, helping many families adjust not just to a new school, but also to a new culture and way of life.