The Swiss system of schooling is funded and run by individual cantons, who have the responsibility to provide at least 11 years of mandatory schooling. The structure of the system of schools is based on a streamlined approach leading to higher education or vocational training. Each canton may decide upon its own holidays and curriculum, but some similarities still remain. This section looks at primary and secondary education in Switzerland.
The Swiss school system explained
Once a child has reached the age of six, after finishing childcare, they are admitted to primary school. They then spend up to eight years in primary and higher primary school.
After finishing primary school, they attend between four and eight years of secondary education, specialising in an apprenticeship or expanding their knowledge in order to attend a university. The Swiss school system is especially competitive with places in higher education, so it is important to know what steps your child must take while at school.
Types of school in Switzerland
As well as publicly funded schools, there are many different types of schools in Switzerland to choose from. These can range from schools with a different curriculum to schools that teach in English.
Public schools
The majority of students in Switzerland attend public primary schools. Although each canton has control over its curriculum, state education is closely monitored by national authorities to ensure a high standard of learning.
Montessori schools
Montessori schools are primary schools that adhere to the curriculum devised by Italian educator Maria Montessori. These schools recognise a child’s independence from a young age and base many of their classes on curiosity and real-world resourcefulness. There is a high emphasis on learning through experience and play, nurturing children to learn through natural experience and socialising. Although permitted in all cantons, some cantons will require a child who has attended a Montessori school to attend two years of higher primary school before moving into an apprenticeship or gymnasium.
Religious schools
Religious schools are schools that use a curriculum that follows a specific religion or denomination. These can include Lutheran, Catholic, Jewish, or Imam schools. Although you will be required to respect the religion of the school, there are some cases where you do not have to be a practising member in order to join. For example, many of the best boarding schools and private academies in French Switzerland are technically Catholic schools.
International schools
Unfortunately, very few state institutions in Switzerland offer courses in English. If you would like your child to learn in English or in a dual language school, it is recommended to attend an international school. These schools provide a welcoming and diverse atmosphere for your child, as well as the security of not having to learn a language of Switzerland immediately. These schools typically offer a Matura, IB diploma, A level or SAT as a final qualification.
Swiss school holidays
To avoid crowding and congestion, school holidays in Switzerland are staggered. The holiday structure is divided into five separate breaks, each with a different length and time of year. It is the cantons’ responsibility to assign holidays to schools, and it is essential to know when your child is free, as taking your child out of school during term time can be expensive.
School fees & educational costs in Switzerland
Public education is funded entirely by the Swiss system of taxation. On the state, cantonal and local level, taxes are raised in order to make sure that each child is adequately funded when attending public school. However, if you would like to attend an international school or private school, some fees will be required. You can find more information in our guide to Swiss school fees.
Is homeschooling allowed in Switzerland?
Only 0,2 percent of the child population are homeschooled in Switzerland. As of 2021, only 16 of the 26 cantons permit homeschooling. The subject is often the subject of local referendums, with many cantons looking to restrict the practice, citing the wellbeing of the child and their development without a school structure.
In order to homeschool in Switzerland, you must declare that your child is homeschooled annually, paying an administrative fee.
Some of the cantons that allow homeschooling have additional requirements, as listed below.
Homeschooling allowed after registration
- Aargau
- Appenzell Ausserrhoden
- Geneva
- Jura
- Lucerne
- Neuchatel
- Vaud
- Zurich
Homeschooling only allowed with a teaching licence
- Appenzell Innerrhoden
- Schwyz
- Glarus
- Graubunden
- Fribourg
- Schaffhausen
- Thurgau
- Solothurn
- Valais
Homeschooling allowed with registration and regular assessments by a teacher
Homeschooling allowed if no places in public school available