The education system in Latvia

Detailed information about the educational system in Latvia is available on the Ministry of Education and Science website.

Pre-school educational institutions

There are two types of kindergartens in Latvia: state-run and private kindergartens. Please note that availability is limited, and because the demand for kindergartens exceeds the supply so you might be forced to wait for a place to become available.

State-run kindergartens:
 

1. No monthly fee, but meals and supplies need to be paid for;
2. Children over 1.5 years are accepted;
3. To register a child at a Riga kindergarten, the parent must be declared as residing in Riga;
4. Registration for the waiting list is also possible, but due to high demand this does not guarantee a place in the kindergarten once a child turns 1.5 years old;
5. The state has to ensure pre-school education for children who turn 5 years old, so you will be contacted regarding an available spot at the kindergarten for your 5-year-old child;
6. To check availability, contact the Board of Education of Riga Council (use the Translate to English option).
    

Private kindergartens:
 

1. A monthly fee has to be paid (ranging from EUR 250-450 per month) as well as catering;
2. Some kindergartens accept children younger than 1.5 years;
3. Each year, Riga Council provides financial support to parents whose child/children is/are enrolled in private kindergartens;
4. To check availability, contact the kindergarten directly. Contact information can be found on the website of the Latvian Association of Private Kindergartens.
    

If you are interested in enrolling your child in an international pre-school, here are some to start your search: 
 

• NOVAkids
• Laimes Lācis 
• International School of Riga 
• Exupery International School 
• 6 Senses International Pre-school  
• German School of Riga
• Jules Verne Riga French School

Primary and secondary education institutions

Primary education in Latvia is mandatory for all children from the age of 7 years (study programme duration: 9 years). Secondary education (study programme duration:  3 years) is not mandatory. Additionally, there is the option of studying at a vocational education institution rather than a secondary education institution. In this case, the student would acquire a degree combined with a qualification in a specific field. As with pre-school, there are two types of primary and secondary education institutions. 

State-run primary and secondary education institutions

Primary and secondary education in Latvia is free-of-charge and this is a fully state-run sector. To obtain detailed information about primary and secondary education institutions in the municipality that you are interested in, you are welcome to reach out to the representatives of the Board of Education in the respective municipality. Contact details are available here (use the Translate to English option)! Alternatively, you can search for primary and secondary education institutions in the state-run catalogue here (use the Translate to English option)!

Private primary and secondary education institutions

Enrolling your child in an international primary or secondary education institution will entail payment of certain fees including monthly fees, enrolment fees, and annual fees, etc.

Here are some of the international primary and secondary schools available:
 

• International School of Riga 
• International School of Latvia
• King’s College, The British School of Latvia
• Exupery International School 
• German School of Riga
• Jules Verne Riga French School
   

Other useful education-related resources:
 

• Interactive map of schools created by the Ministry of Education and Science (use Translate to English option);
• Rating of Latvian schools (use the Translate to English option);
• Educational system in Latvia.