Compulsory Education

Communities are responsible for the public schools. To register a child for public school one must contact the community of residence or the school administration.

Compulsory Education consists of three consecutive levels:

• 2 years of Kindergarten (Kindergarten). The 1st year is voluntary, the 2nd year is mandatory.
• 6 years of primary school (Primarschule). Children with special needs or skills receive additional support.
• 3 years of upper-level school (Sekundarstufe). At the secondary level, there are various models depending on the child's needs. This level serves to deepen basic education and prepares young people for career choices, further education, or adult life.
• Non-German-speaking children receive special support at all levels.

Non-German-speaking children receive special support at all levels.

Public school is free of charge. Boys and girls are taught together. The curriculum is confessionally neutral. Most children and young people attend public school (95%). There are private schools. In general, parents who wish to send their children to private school must pay for school themselves.

Schools are obligated to inform parents of everyday school life and of their child's performance at school. For this reason schools conduct meetings between teachers and parents, parents' evenings (school information for parents), and information events. Most of these events are compulsory for parents. Parents are responsbile for their childs attendance at school. If a child cannot attend (e.g. illness) parents must inform the school. They should also make sure that their child does homework. By taking a regular interest in homework and school projects they can support their child. For persons who are not yet familiar with the Swiss education system there are special information events.

Questions regarding school should always be directed to the teacher first. The teacher can also help when parents are in need of support. In return parents are the first contact should the teacher have questions regarding a child or a child's needs. In general, it is important that parents communicate and work with teachers. Mental or social difficulties can be handled by the school counselling service (Schulpsychologischer Dienst) which offers free support for children and their parents.