Best private schools in Latvia 2024

Latvia is becoming an increasingly attractive place for education, offering many natural attractions, a high quality of life, low taxes and an affordable cost of living. The historical center of Riga, the capital of Latvia, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, combining medieval buildings, cozy coffee shops and modern glass skyscrapers.

Latvia offers competitive education, but all programs in preschools, schools and universities are conducted in Latvian. However, there are opportunities to study in English or French.

In Latvia, education is provided to all children between the ages of 5 and 18, offering them the opportunity to receive quality education with international accreditation. The education system includes preschools, general education schools, vocational-technical schools, and universities.

Preschools cater to children aged 1 to 6 and offer flexible scheduling options for full or half-day attendance.

Formal school education begins with the first grade when a child turns 6. School attendance is mandatory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. Basic general education in Latvia lasts for 9 years and culminates in final examinations. By law, secondary education is free, but there are also private schools that typically charge tuition fees and provide instruction in English. Schools have the right to assess a student's knowledge to determine their level and may offer additional support, such as individual consultations or language assistance. The school year starts on September 1 and usually concludes in early June (dates may vary in private schools). Vacation periods include autumn (one week), Christmas (typically two weeks), and spring (one week), with specific dates determined by the Ministry of Education. Private schools may have different holiday schedules.

The cost of higher education in Latvia is one of the lowest among European countries. Instruction is primarily in Latvian, but there are also programs available in English, requiring a moderate level of English proficiency, approximately 5.5 points on the IELTS test.

Latvia has both state and private schools. Most schools are municipal, primarily local public schools where children are admitted based on their region of residence, and education is free. Specialized schools are available for children with special needs, such as those with visual or hearing impairments.

There are approximately 60 private schools in Latvia, with the majority located in the capital city, Riga. Independent schools are popular among those seeking education in English and planning for further studies at top global universities. Private schools offer a wide range of educational programs, with the British, American, and International Baccalaureate (IB) systems being the most popular. As the homeland of one of Eastern Europe's stable economies, known for its high quality of life and safety, Latvia provides excellent opportunities for obtaining outstanding international education.

Graduates from the top private schools in Latvia are well-prepared for admission to prestigious universities worldwide. One of Latvia's top private schools is Exupery International School.

Strong Academic Areas in Private Schools in Latvia:

• Technical
• Specialties
• Computer Science
• Business
• Architecture
• Management

Advantages of Attending Private Schools in Latvia:

International Educational Programs: Private schools in Latvia offer international programs such as the British, French, or German curriculum, International Baccalaureate (IB), and IGCSE programs. Admission to Top Universities: Graduates from private schools in Latvia gain admission to European, British, American universities, among others. English Language Instruction: Many international schools in Latvia provide instruction in English, offering students the opportunity to practice their language skills both in and out of the classroom. Modern Infrastructure: Private schools are well-equipped with their own green spaces and modern educational equipment, including pools, music and theater studios, recreational areas, and more. This rich infrastructure allows students to choose from a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, arts, sports, language learning, drama, and more. Affordable Tuition Fees: The average cost of tuition at private international schools in Latvia ranges from €5,000 to €17,000 per year.

How to Apply to Private Schools in Latvia:

To enroll a child in a school, parents must submit an application and provide the child's birth certificate or a document containing their personal identification number (national standard) and prove the parent's identity (guardians require a decision confirming custody).

Applicants to private schools in Latvia typically undergo interviews and testing, which may include cognitive ability tests (such as CAT4), reading and writing assignments. If a child has previously attended a school, a transcript with grades should be prepared. Schools may also request teacher and principal recommendations.

The required documents may vary depending on the specific educational institution, as each Latvian school has the right to establish its own requirements.