The increase in the number of expatriates residing in Russia has led to a significant expansion of Russian preschool services. Consequently, there are now numerous options for expatriate families seeking preschool facilities in the country. While the official Russian schooling system commences at the age of six when children enter primary school, many parents opt to enroll their young ones in preschools, nurseries, or kindergartens to adequately prepare them for formal education.

Typically, preschools in Russia admit children from the age of two and a half, although certain nurseries and kindergartens may accept children as young as 18 months old. Despite the presence of municipal preschools in Moscow, these establishments often experience high demand, resulting in limited availability. To address this issue, private international preschools have emerged as a popular alternative for expatriate families seeking quality early education for their children.

If you wish for your child to be exposed to a Russian learning environment, you may opt for a municipal preschool. However, it is important to note that admission is contingent upon availability, and your child may need to be placed on a waiting list until a space becomes vacant.

If you prefer attending an international school in Moscow, you have a variety of options to choose from. These schools use an English or American curriculum, ensuring a quality education. Additionally, most international preschools offer baby clubs that cater to children of around two and a half years old, providing them with a solid foundation for their early years of schooling.

For children up to the age of 17, the English International School offers both childcare facilities and primary to secondary education. They have two locations in Moscow, allowing for convenient accessibility. Another alternative is Rosinka, which not only provides a kindergarten but also offers after-school clubs. They follow the Cambridge School style of education, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.

In addition to these schools, there are many others available in Moscow that cater to international students. For a comprehensive list of schools, you can visit our website at www.evans.com.ru/rent/school.

If you are affiliated with the British or American embassy, they recommend several institutions that have full schooling facilities and provide daycare services for children between 18 months and four years old. Furthermore, embassy staff members have the option of childcare services for children as young as six weeks old. Half-day preschooling options are also available for children aged three and four.

Overall, Moscow offers a diverse range of international schools and preschools, ensuring that parents can find the best educational environment for their children.

Sad Sam’s and Busy Bees are highly sought-after private kindergartens that offer bilingual education in both English and Russian. Little Angel’s has a greater emphasis on Russian language instruction. Other popular English preschools include The English Nursery School, Children of the World preschool, and English Playschool Moscow. The latter also provides a baby club and an international school for children aged 3 to 9 years old.

A unique option is Smilik, a year-round preschool offered by the Montessori School. This preschool is ideal for parents who want to balance their childcare arrangements with work commitments.

Most Russian preschools operate from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm. To accommodate working parents, some preschools offer a late pick-up service until 7:00 pm. While the main language of instruction is English, there will also be lessons conducted in Russian. These lessons typically cover numeracy, vocabulary, visual arts such as drawing and painting, music, and other educational activities that prepare children for formal schooling.