If you're moving to Riga with your kids, you'll want to learn a bit about some of the local schools before deciding on the "right school" to do. Schools in Riga are very different, so you may be content with more than just the school closest to your new home.
The first thing to consider is whether the children speak Latvian. If they don't want to learn, you don't have much choice. However, if they do have the will to learn Latvian, or if they are young and learn quickly, get ready to make some decisions.
Latvian school system
Each school year ends at the end of May and reopens on September 1. Children also have autumn break, Christmas and spring/Easter holidays.
matriculation
Children start school at an average age of 6-7 years.
Schools have Catchment areas, but if a class doesn't have students from the local area (referring to underfilled enrollment), space will be allocated to other interested groups.
As far as I know, all schools in Latvia are coeducational.
Sākumskola - Primary School, 1 - 6 years.
Pamatskola - Secondary School, Grades 7-9.
Vidusskola - High School, Grades 10 -12.
school uniform
School uniforms are not common in Latvia, although more and more Riga schools are opting for a uniform system. However, in Riga, the uniform does not reinforce the idea of equality for all, but is considered a status symbol, because those lucky children are proud to have successfully entered the "first-class primary school in Riga".
Language and fees
Minority schools offer bilingual education, usually in Russian and Latvian, but also in languages such as Polish and Lithuanian. Most subjects are taught in Latvian.
Schooling in Latvia is free, but parents or guardians need to pay for stationery and some study materials, as well as extracurricular activities such as school trips.
Students will take the National Unified Examination at the end of their 6th, 9th and 12th academic years.
Many schools require students to take entrance exams for progression to Grades 7 and 10.
Students can choose not to continue their education after Year 9 (average age is 16 years).
A school must meet certain criteria to receive the title of "valsts ģimnāzija" or "State Grammar School". These schools are widely considered good schools.
It is not common for children to bring their own lunches to school. Children usually eat in the school cafeteria. Older kids might go to a nearby café.
Class sizes are generally around 20-30 people. For some subjects, students can be divided into study groups.
Latvian is not accepted
If your child does not want to and does not intend to learn Latvian, they can choose to attend the following schools:
- International School of Latvia Latvia International School
- International School of Riga International School
- International School Exupery International School
- King's College Latvia Royal Academy
- Deutsche Schule Riga German Academy
- L'École Française Jules Verne de Riga French School of Verne de Riga
The introduction of each school can be expanded later.
Ready to accept Latvian
If the child speaks Latvian, there are many more options.
In Riga, everything is possible, most community schools are committed to providing free general education, while many, especially in the city centre, offer a more professional education in diverse fields such as mathematics and the arts. Prior to Grade 10, most students will follow a similar curriculum, but in the final three years of school, they can choose a different course of study.
The most popular shows are math, science, and language. Some may focus more on specific disciplines, such as physics or history. There are also vocational schools where students can learn practical skills such as auto mechanics and cooking.
Some schools in Riga are particularly popular due to differences in learning programs and the overall quality of education, in fact, parents even line up outside the school all night the day before enrolment, and even "bribe" the principal to enroll their children. No kidding, you may have heard stories of enthusiastic parents buying computers and funding classroom renovations. In fact, this is a kind of funding for schools.
These schools include:
Rīgas Franču licejs (years 1 – 12) is one of the few schools where you can learn French. French is taught from the first grade. Ranked third in 2021.
Rīgas Valda Zālīša sākumskola (years 1 – 7) trains future scientific and mathematical geniuses.
Rīgas Valsts 1. ģimnāzija (years 7 – 12) is touted as one of the best or best schools in Latvia. Students can study international bachelor's degree programs starting in Year 10.
Rīgas 49. Vidusskola (years 1 – 12) for the rookie science. Chemistry teaching there is very famous!
Rīgas Centra humanitārā vidusskola (years 1 – 12) is known for its excellent language teaching. English is taught from the first grade.
Rīgas Valsts 2. ģimnāzija (years 7 – 12) This school is located in the center of Riga and has many academic programs to choose from.
Rīgas Hanzas vidusskola (years 1 – 12) This school is close to the city centre and has many academic programs to choose from.
Āgenskalna Valsts ģimnāzija (years 7 – 12) is another preparatory school for logical thinkers, with an emphasis on mathematics and science.
There are also many private schools in Riga. These relatively small private schools have much smaller class sizes. This information can be found in Latvijas privātskolu asociācija (Latvian Association of Private Schools).
If you're interested in your child's alternative education, there are several schools near Riga that have adopted the Waldorf methodology. You may also consider having your child take the school bus to Jūrmalas Alternatīvā skola every day, an alternative school funded by the state.
There are also schools in Riga that cater to children with special needs. Rīgas 1. Speciālā internātpamatskola has a good reputation. It is located in the heart of the city, in a beautiful restored building.
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