The state education system in free and compulsory from ages 5-15. Parents cover the cost of textbooks, some equipment and food for their child while at school. There are four parts to the education system: preschools, elementary, secondary and university. Some preschools are private and can cost a lot of money. Attendance at school is good, although the Roma population have disproportionately low attendance. At elementary school and secondary school, students learn a curriculum of science, maths, history, languages and sports. Some students attend grammar schools which are designed to be preparation for university attendance.
Universities have a long history; the oldest is Charles University in Prague founded in the 14th century. There are three types of Higher Education: public, state (police and military) and private. Public universities are free and open to all who are under 26. Private universities charge the equivalent of 2000-3000 Euros per year but in recent years there have been a number of scandals involving mismanagement at private institutions.
