A familiar school day in a new city.
Moving to Bratislava with young children? Handprints welcomes children aged 18 months to 6 years to an English-speaking nursery, preschool and kindergarten in the Old Town.
Start the conversation before you move. Tell us your child’s age and expected starting month, and we’ll help you explore the right class and current availability.
Lazaretská 9 · Monday–Friday, 7:30–17:00
Your new school community- 18 months–6 yearsfour age groups
- English-speakingno English needed to start
- Old TownLazaretská 9
- Rolling admissionssubject to available places
Plan the move, one step at a time.
Share your child’s age, your expected arrival month and whether you need a full or half day. You can contact us while you are still abroad.
The office will discuss availability, fees and the next steps with you. An enquiry starts a conversation; your child’s place and starting date need to be agreed through admissions.
See the classrooms, meet the teachers and bring your child. A visit takes about thirty minutes; the office confirms the date and time with you.
Plan the first days with your child’s teacher. Shorter days, a familiar comfort item and regular communication help make the transition manageable.
A place for each stage.
Follow the age group below to see what daily life and learning look like. If your child is close to an age boundary, ask the office which group fits.
First friendships, daily routines and growing independence. Children do not need to be potty trained.
Preschool · ages 3–4English through play, stories and conversation, with time to build confidence and friendships.
Pre-Kindergarten · ages 4–5Longer projects, early letters and numbers, and learning to work together.
Kindergarten · ages 5–6School readiness, English and daily Slovak for the next stage of education.
Arriving with a younger child? Explore our Baby Club for parents and children under 18 months →
Know what to prepare.
You can ask about availability before your documents are ready. The school office will explain the enrolment steps in English and confirm what is needed for your family and when.
- Proof of your child’s age, such as a birth certificate or passport.
- The school’s enrolment and authorised-pickup forms.
- Health insurance details and the medical documentation requested by the school.
If something is still being arranged abroad, tell the office early so you can agree the next steps. You do not need to attach documents to your first enquiry.
See the full enrolment checklist →
Plan your daily routine
The school is at Lazaretská 9 in Bratislava’s Old Town. Full-day hours are 7:30–17:00; half-day hours are 7:30–12:30. Find us on the map and consider the journey from your new home when planning drop-off and pickup.
Support through the first weeksA few things you may be wondering.
Can we enquire before we live in Bratislava?
Does my child need to speak English already?
Can my child join during the school year?
How do you help a child settle in?
What if our arrival date changes?
What Arriving Families Tell Us
She was eating homemade meals she loved more than the lunches at our schools in the USA. I recommend this school with no hesitation.
Handprints works in ongoing collaboration with embassies in Bratislava, and many diplomatic and international families have chosen the school ahead of their move.
Tell us when you are moving. We’ll help you take the next step.
Your child’s age, expected arrival month and full-day or half-day preference are enough to start the conversation.