How It All Began: The Story of BASIS Prague

Education has the power to shape futures, and for Olga Blocková and Michael Block, it became the driving force behind a transformative vision.

Olga, who had previously served as vice-dean for educational work at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University in Prague, moved to the United States with her two daughters. Faced with limited educational options that did not meet her high expectations, she and Michael, a professor of economics at Arizona State University, took matters into their own hands. In 1998, they founded the first BASIS Charter School in Tucson, Arizona, with a commitment to rigorous academics, interdisciplinary learning, and critical thinking. Their approach quickly gained recognition, and today, BASIS Charter Schools operate across the U.S., consistently ranking among the top schools nationwide.

Building on this success, Olga sought to bring the BASIS educational model back to her home country. This vision became a reality with the founding of BASIS Prague. Designed to offer a world-class education tailored to the needs of students in the Czech Republic, BASIS Prague provides an innovative and academically rigorous program from preschool through high school.

BASIS Prague operates across three campuses in the city. Our preschool, located in Břevnov, introduces young learners to the foundations of education through exploration and creativity. The elementary and middle school campus in Podolí builds on this early learning experience with a structured curriculum that fosters intellectual curiosity. In 2026, our middle and high school campus in Bubeneč will open, preparing students for university and beyond through an advanced and globally focused education.

What sets BASIS Prague apart is our distinctive approach to education. Our curriculum follows a unique spiraling structure that continuously reinforces and deepens knowledge across subjects. We offer full English immersion while also ensuring bilingual mastery, enabling students to excel in both English and Czech. Advanced digital learning is integrated throughout our program, equipping students with the technological skills they need for the future. Above all, we emphasize an individual approach, recognizing and nurturing each student's potential to achieve excellence.

With strong foundations in both Czech and international education, BASIS Prague is a place where students develop a love for learning, critical thinking skills, and the confidence to take on the challenges of the 21st century. By bringing this proven educational model to Prague, we are preparing a new generation of students to thrive in an ever-evolving world.