In Switzerland, your child is required to attend school for at least 11 years, starting from the age of six. The Swiss government places the responsibility of funding and running primary and secondary education, vocational colleges, and some higher education in the hands of your local canton. It is their responsibility to ensure every child has a place in school, meaning that most types of school are free.
Public schools in the Swiss school system are funded by local taxation. It is not uncommon for the tax contributions for schools to be the largest tax burden each year.
This means that all publicly-run schools are free to attend from the age of six. However, you may be asked to pay for after-school activities and school trips. It also must be noted that children in Switzerland are expected to return home for meals, meaning that the cost of food is your responsibility.
Due to the high quality of public education in Switzerland, the government does not subsidise private education in any way. In fact, as of 2011, Canton Zurich has not allowed Swiss citizens to attend private or international schools.
The only exception is that sometimes your child’s place at a private school is publicly funded if there are no places at your local public school and the alternative is too far away. This typically happens in more rural cantons where there are no public schools within easy reach, but it is highly uncommon.
School fees at private schools are around 15.000 to 40.000 Swiss francs a year, plus extras for things like trips abroad and extracurricular activities. These costs are not tax-deductible and cannot be declared in your tax return.
International schools in Switzerland are an excellent way to provide your child with a diverse and rewarding school experience. International schools do not receive any state funding and are free to charge whatever they deem appropriate.
International schools are characterised by a warm, diverse environment and a high standard of teaching. Costs for a place at an international school range from 20.000 to 100.000 Swiss francs per year.