Education and Schools in Switzerland

Education in Switzerland is a serious business. Swiss public schools have an excellent reputation, while the country’s private boarding and international schools are world-class. If you’re moving with children, you’ll find outstanding schooling options – but, like most things in Switzerland, they come with a price tag to match.

Public schools in Switzerland

Most residents, including expats, send their children to public schools in Switzerland. These schools are funded by taxes and free to attend, but they’re managed at the cantonal level, meaning education policies, teaching methods, and languages of instruction vary by region.

If you’re planning to stay long-term and want your child to integrate into Swiss society, public schooling is a solid choice. Schools offer some language support for non-native speakers, but adjusting can take time. Younger children generally adapt more quickly, while older students may need intensive language support or even repeat a year.

School hours can be a challenge for working parents. Many schools finish before 4 pm, and some require children to go home for lunch. Supervised lunch and after-school care exist but aren’t always free and can be limited depending on the canton.

Depending on where you live, your child will be taught in French, German, Italian, or Romansh, with a second Swiss language and English introduced later. Public schooling follows a structured system: kindergarten, primary school, lower secondary (Sekundarstufe I), and upper secondary (Sekundarstufe II).

Most children start kindergarten at four, although it’s not mandatory in every canton. Primary school lasts six years, followed by three years of lower secondary education. While education is compulsory, the exact starting age and school structure vary by canton.

Useful links

• Websites of the Cantonal Education Departments
• Overview of the Swiss Education System

Private schools in Switzerland

Private schools in Switzerland come with hefty tuition fees, but they’re highly regarded. Exclusive Swiss boarding schools, in particular, have prestigious international reputations. These institutions offer a personalised learning environment, small class sizes, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Many private schools follow the Swiss curriculum, but international and bilingual programmes are also available, catering to families seeking a globally recognised education.

Bilingual schools in Switzerland

Bilingual schools in Switzerland follow the Swiss curriculum but teach in two languages – typically German-English, French-English, or German-French. The language combination depends on the region.

There is high demand for bilingual education, and waiting lists are common. Parents often weigh the benefits of early bilingual immersion against the challenge of frequent student turnover in more transient international schools.

International schools in Switzerland

Many expat families opt for international schools in Switzerland, despite the country’s excellent public and private schools. If you’re staying short-term or prefer your child to continue in a familiar curriculum, international schools are a good choice.

Most large cities have international schools, but options in rural areas are limited. Admission can be competitive, and top schools often have long waiting lists. It’s best to apply early and explore multiple options.

International schools charge substantial fees, so negotiating an education allowance with your employer can be worthwhile.

Useful links

• International Baccalaureate Schools in Switzerland

Special-needs education in Switzerland

Switzerland follows an inclusive education model, aiming to support children with special educational needs within mainstream classrooms wherever possible. Schools recognise that children have different abilities, learning styles, and paces of development.

Special-needs education is legally guaranteed until a learner’s 20th birthday. Depending on the canton, children with disabilities may attend regular schools full-time, part-time, or be placed in specialised schools. Larger cantons like Zurich and Geneva tend to have more resources, including specialist teachers and adaptive learning programmes.

Useful links

• Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK)
• Ministry of Education and Relevant Departments

Tutoring in Switzerland

Tutoring is widely available in Switzerland and can be a valuable resource, especially for expat children adapting to a new language or curriculum. Even students in international schools often benefit from tutoring in subjects like maths, science, or French.

Many parents find tutors through online platforms like TutorsPlus and Tutor24, while others rely on school recommendations or personal referrals. Online tutoring is also increasingly popular, allowing access to subject specialists from anywhere in the country.

Useful links

• TutorsPlus
• Tutor24