The paper deals with the question to what extent the Czech schools are open to their environment, i.e. how effectively they are managing to integrate into both the local and regional environments. The basis for the investigation are the empiric data from a comprehensive questionnaire survey carried out among headmasters/headmistresses on the one hand, and in-depth interviews carried out in selected schools with both the headmasters/headmistresses and ordinary teachers on the other hand. Thus the methodology of the paper combines the quantitative and qualitative approaches. The results show that at the level of general statements the idea of openness is accepted very well at the Czech schools. On the other hand, at the level of the everyday reality lived in the schools both the headmasters/headmistresses and the teachers perceive a number of barriers preventing them from realization of this idea.