The Slovak parliament approved a new version of the school law. This law makes preschool education mandatory for children aged four and introduces a final exam in mathematics for certain types of schools. The changes also set new rules for homeschooling.
Mandatory Kindergarten from 2027
Starting in September 2027, all children aged four must attend kindergarten. One year later, in September 2028, preschool education will also become mandatory for three-year-old children.
Parents can choose homeschooling if they have the right education. Even a high school diploma with a professional certificate will be acceptable. In these cases, the requirements for the learning process will be less strict than for five-year-old children.
The Ministry of Education explained that the goal is to respect parents' right to decide whether a child will receive preschool education at home or attend kindergarten for at least three hours a day.
Homeschooling: How it Works
Parents who choose homeschooling only need to inform their local community. They do not need to enroll their child in kindergarten. After the child turns four, a designated kindergarten will assess their knowledge. If the child has not learned the necessary knowledge and skills, parents must apply to enroll the child in kindergarten within 15 days.
As before, the last year of preschool education will remain mandatory for all children.
Conditions for Three-Year-Olds
For three-year-old children, mandatory kindergarten attendance will be a minimum of three hours per day. For children with special educational needs, this time may be shorter. The ministry also plans to increase the hours of individual learning for children who are homeschooled for medical reasons.
The gradual introduction of the reform will begin on September 1, 2027, for four-year-olds and on September 1, 2028, for three-year-olds. The changes will apply to all children who permanently reside in Slovakia.
Mandatory Math Exam
The new law also introduces a mandatory final exam in mathematics for students in grammar schools, secondary vocational schools, and industrial schools where practical training takes place through professional practice.
The goal of this change is to improve the mathematical literacy of graduates and to meet the labor market's demand for specialists with better analytical, numerical, and logical skills.
The exam will not apply to sports schools, conservatories, art and industrial schools, and specializations where practice is done through vocational training.
The new rules will take effect for students who start their studies on September 1, 2027.
