What the Project Is
FOSTRA Elementary is an International Bilingual Primary School supporting the path to a happy and successful future. With a strong legacy of over 20 years in education, the school has earned its reputation by offering a balanced curriculum that focuses on both academic rigor and the holistic development of children. Students learn in an environment where approximately 50% of their studies are conducted in English, blending local and international perspectives to prepare them for a globalized world. The school’s philosophy rests on the idea that education should be engaging, nurturing, and responsive to each child’s unique abilities… fostering self-confidence, courage, and responsibility. Its dynamic setting is enriched by modern teaching techniques and project-based learning, aiming to build not only knowledge but skills for life.
Main Benefit
Key figures and facts include:
- 50% of studies in English providing dual language fluency
- 2 teachers in the classroom ensuring focused support
- 24 students in the classroom nurturing close-knit learning communities
- 20 years of experience signifying a rich educational tradition
Bilingual Environment
The bilingual environment at FOSTRA Elementary is truly authentic and engaging. Children are immersed naturally in both Czech and English, building language skills essential for global communication. Generally, 50% of the teaching occurs in English, and native speakers help make language acquisition both fun and effective. This approach extends beyond the classroom: after-school care, project days, and extracurricular activities are conducted in English, reinforcing the linguistic skills in real-life settings. This balanced exposure equips students with the communicative confidence needed to thrive in diverse environments… all while making the learning experience feel like a smooth conversation rather than a formal lesson.
Development and Support
Within each class, systematically assigned teaching teams work in tandem to stimulate and develop each child’s potential. FOSTRA Elementary employs a methodical approach through project-based learning, where two dedicated teachers are always present in lessons to offer continuous guidance. This supportive structure encourages students to learn from their mistakes in a safe setting, while also honing practical skills like independent decision-making and problem-solving. The approach is dynamic and personalized, ensuring that every student experiences growth according to their unique pace. The emphasis on practical learning creates a classroom dynamic that is both structured and creatively liberating… truly a place where learning transforms into personal development.
Safety and 21st Century Skills
Safety, respect, and the development of 21st-century skills are integral parts of the FOSTRA Elementary philosophy. The school creates a healthy, safe environment where no one is at risk or subject to negative external influences. Zero-tolerance policies towards bullying ensure that every student feels secure and valued. Alongside a secure setting, the curriculum is designed to support critical modern skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and adaptability. Through a series of interdisciplinary projects, children are not only learning academic material but also obtaining the tools necessary for responsible and informed participation in a rapidly changing digital world. It’s an environment where safety meets innovation.
Project Impact
- SDG 4 – Quality Education: As a school committed to fostering academic excellence and practical skills, FOSTRA Elementary plays a significant role in ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education.
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The emphasis on project-based learning and digital literacy equips students to become innovators ready to meet industry challenges.
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: By creating safe, respectful, and supportive learning environments, the school contributes to building inclusive communities.
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: The school’s network in education, enriched by collaborations with international and local experts, echoes the importance of partnerships for sustainable development.
Meet the Visionary
PhDr. Jan Voda, Ph.D., MBA, the Director of FOSTRA Elementary, stands out as a visionary leader in education. With a career spanning more than half a lifetime, his passion for transforming education began with the curricular reform in 2004. Recognizing early opportunities for evolving Czech education, his commitment to a school environment where both teachers and students feel valued and empowered remains central. His leadership is underscored by a belief that school should mirror life itself – with its joys, challenges, and infinite opportunities. More than just a repository of knowledge, the institution is a nurturing ground where every child is encouraged to explore and discover their innate potential. His past accomplishments, including his involvement with EDUA Group and the establishment of AMBIS, the largest private university in the Czech Republic, further demonstrate a steadfast commitment to educational excellence. Under his guidance, FOSTRA Elementary continues to shape a learning experience that is as safe and respectful as it is innovative and exciting.
