The increase in the number of expatriates in Russia has led to a significant expansion in the provision of Russian preschool services. As a consequence, there are now numerous options available for expat families seeking preschools in the country. In Russia, the formal education system commences at the age of six, when children start attending primary school. However, many parents opt to send their children to preschools, nurseries, or kindergartens in order to better prepare them for the formal education system.

Preschools in Russia generally admit children from the age of two and a half, although some nurseries and kindergartens may accept children as young as 18 months old. There are a considerable number of municipal preschools in Moscow, although these traditionally face high demand and may have lengthy waiting lists. To cater to the needs of expatriate families, there has been a rise in the establishment of private international preschools, which have become a popular choice among expats.

If you prefer your child to be immersed in a Russian environment, you have the option of enrolling them in a municipal preschool. However, it is important to note that securing a place may be subject to availability, and it is likely that you will be placed on a waiting list until space becomes available.

If you are considering enrolling your child in an international school, you will have a wide range of options to choose from. These schools typically offer either an English or American curriculum, ensuring that your child receives a high-quality education.

For younger children, many international preschools provide additional support through baby clubs. These clubs are designed for children around two and a half years old and aim to aid their development during the early years of schooling.

In terms of specific institutions, the English International School in Moscow is an excellent choice. They offer childcare facilities and cater to children up to the age of 17. With two locations in Moscow, you can select the one that is most convenient for your family.

Another option to consider is Rosinka. In addition to providing a Cambridge School style education, they also offer a kindergarten and after-school clubs. This ensures that your child has access to a well-rounded education and extracurricular activities.

If you would like further information on international schools available in Moscow, you can find a comprehensive list on our website at www.evans.com.ru/rent/school.

Both the British and American embassies also provide suggestions for institutions that offer full schooling facilities as well as daycare for children between 18 months and four years old. Additionally, children of embassy staff can benefit from childcare services from as young as six weeks old. There are also half-day preschooling options available for children aged three and four.

Overall, there are numerous options for international schooling in Moscow, catering to children of various ages and providing excellent educational opportunities.

Sad Sam's and Busy Bees are highly popular private kindergartens, known for providing bilingual education in both English and Russian. Little Angel's, on the other hand, focuses more on Russian language instruction. Parents seeking English preschool options often consider The English Nursery School, Children of the World preschool, and English Playschool Moscow. The latter offers a baby club and an international school for children aged 3-9. Smilik, provided by the Montessori School, operates throughout the year and offers a great solution for parents looking to balance childcare with work commitments.

The majority of Russian preschools have operating hours from 8:30am until 5:00pm or 6:00pm. Some preschools even offer a late pick-up service until 7:00pm, making it convenient for working parents. While the primary language of instruction is English, lessons in Russian are also included. These lessons typically cover counting, vocabulary, drawing, painting, music, and other educational activities aimed at preparing children for formal schooling.