Our Philosophy: A respectful approach with Montessori elements
We believe that a child is not a vessel to be filled, but a flame to be kindled. That is why we combine a respectful approach with proven Montessori principles—children choose their own activities, we teach them to care for themselves and their environment, and we respect their individual pace. English fits naturally into our program—not as rote learning, but as part of play, songs, and everyday activities.
Why Braníček?
Because children don’t just need a quality program—they need space to be themselves!
At Braníček, we wanted to create something that we ourselves were missing.
Not just another after-school club where children simply follow instructions.
Not another “classroom” where they spend time after school.
But a place where children can be together, play, create, and naturally build relationships.
Perhaps you feel the same way we do—you don’t want your children to spend every afternoon just at school,
nor do you want every day filled with structured activities that don’t give them much room to “just be.”
At the same time, it’s not always realistic for children to meet regularly at someone’s home.
And that is exactly why at Braníček we try to create something between an after-school center and a hobby club.
We create a program that gives children inspiration and a reason to meet, but at the same time, it isn’t a duty for them.
Children can get involved, or just play, observe others, and create in their own way.
Our small group size allows us to create an environment where children feel safe
and can be themselves—without pressure and without being judged.
And it is in such a space that we believe the most important things happen:
relationships, trust, and natural development.
Zuzka Hrubcová – Founder of Braníček
I am Zuzka, the person behind Braníček. Working with children has been part of my life for more than 18 years—as a teacher, nanny, mom, and founder of my own children’s agency.
But Braníček wasn’t born so much from my professional experience as from my needs as a mother.
So why did I start Braníček?
I wanted a place for my children where they would feel good and accepted for who they are.
My son (5 years old) has a combination of a very high IQ and ADHD. He didn’t fit into most clubs or afternoon activities—often the focus was more on his hyperactivity than his strengths.
Yet I knew that when he is in a calmer environment, in a small group, and has appropriately prepared stimuli around him, he functions completely differently.
I wanted a place for him (and for myself) outside of the home where he would feel good and where his needs would truly be perceived.
My daughter, on the other hand, loves creating, and we often made things together at home. But as you probably know—it’s not always easy at home 
And it was from these thoughts that Braníček began to take shape.
A place where not only my children but also their friends would love to go.
What we are trying to create at Braníček today is an environment where the most important thing isn’t “what’s on the schedule,” but what the children really need at that moment.
Children meet here around a common theme, but if their attention naturally shifts elsewhere—to their own play, a question, or a topic they are currently dealing with—there is space to follow that.
Sometimes it means creating.
Sometimes a conversation.
Sometimes just being together.
In today’s fast-paced world, where there is little room for quiet conversation and electronics take up a large part of our time, it makes more and more sense to me to create a place where children can talk when they want to.
And where there is someone who truly listens to them.
Parent Reviews
Are you interested?
Would you like to come and see us, or ask us anything?
Write to us!
Where can you find us?
Braníček Children’s Club, Prague 4 – Braník, 147 00.
Braníček's Blog
