Education and Schools in Geneva

You’ll find an assortment of schools in Geneva, which includes free public schools, often pricey private schools and even pricier international schools. Regardless of where you send your children, you’re guaranteed a quality education in Geneva.

School space can be limited, and new arrivals should register their children as early as possible. Many experts recommend starting the process 6 to 12 months before your planned move.

Many of the private schools in Geneva have waiting lists and only accept students close to the start of term, so it’s best to register at several. Waiting periods can range from three to 12 months for popular institutions. Deadlines differ between schools, so you should check with each individually.

Public schools in Geneva

Public schools in Geneva are free, and compulsory education is from ages four to 15. The language of instruction is French, while students start learning German at eight years old and English at the age of 10. Some schools also offer extra French classes to bring foreign children up to speed with the rest of the class.

School days in Geneva differ. All children attend school on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8am until 11.30am and then from 1.30pm until 4pm. But there’s no school on Wednesdays until children start cycle d’orientation (kind of like secondary school) at age 12. Some schools offer canteen lunches and after-school care for parents who can’t look after their children on Wednesdays or during lunch times, but it’s best to check directly.

Local schools are usually easily accessible to the communities they serve and often offer a pédibus service where volunteer parents take children to school on foot along predetermined routes. Public schools are most popular with expats who plan on living in Switzerland long term, have children who speak French or German, or have very young children who adapt quickly to new languages.

School System in Switzerland

Useful links

• Département de l'Instruction Publique (DIP) - Geneva Education Department
• Swiss Education Assessment System

Private schools in Geneva

Private schools in Geneva teach in French, English or both and offer various curricula, including the American Advanced Placement, Cambridge IGCSE, International Baccalaureate Diploma, Swiss Maturité, Brevet des Collèges and French Baccalauréat Général.

Most private schools are well equipped and have high teaching standards, but costs are frequently high – you should keep this in mind when negotiating your salary. Many expat packages include education allowances to offset these costs.

Some of the most prestigious private schools are religious, so do check whether a school’s philosophy is compatible with your own values and beliefs. Also consider the distance between school, work and home, since rush hour traffic in Geneva can make it difficult to be on time. Some private schools have bus services covering major residential areas, but these optional services incur additional fees on top of tuition.

International schools in Geneva

International schools in Geneva offer specific languages and national curricula from around the world. These institutions typically follow educational systems from countries like the UK, the US, France, or Germany, alongside the widely respected International Baccalaureate programme, which originated in Geneva itself.

Many expats prefer these schools because they allow students to continue with the teaching language and curriculum of their home country, which is a good option for those living in Geneva for the short term. Geneva boasts the oldest international school in the world – the International School of Geneva (Ecolint), founded in 1924 – which serves a truly global student population from over 140 countries.

These schools typically offer extensive extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, debate, and outdoor education programmes that take advantage of Switzerland’s natural environment. Many also provide mother-tongue programmes to help children maintain their native language skills.

Best International Schools in Geneva 

Special educational needs in Geneva

Special educational needs in Geneva are taken seriously, with support available from birth to age 20. Mainstream schools in Switzerland recognise that all children are different, whether it is their abilities, learning style, rate of development, preferences, or beliefs. Swiss schools aim to support children with special educational needs so that all children are able to integrate into and participate in society.

Special-needs education gives learners the right to special schooling and support from specialists, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists. Children with disabilities often attend regular schools in Switzerland on a full-time or part-time basis, as the system emphasises integration over segregation.

The assessment process typically begins with a referral from parents or teachers. Specialists conduct evaluations to determine the child’s needs, prepare a report summarising their findings, and develop an appropriate education plan. Parents are involved throughout the process and receive copies of all assessment reports.

Tutors in Geneva

Tutors in Geneva are a valuable tool to assist students in their education, particularly expat children adapting to a new environment, language and curriculum. Even for children in international schools, tutoring is useful for gaining confidence or assistance in particular subjects such as maths, science or French.

The most requested subjects include French language support (especially for children in public schools), mathematics, sciences, and English academic writing. IB and A-level subject tutoring are in high demand among older students who are preparing for exams.

Tutors in Geneva typically have university degrees in their subject areas, teaching certifications, or specialised training. Many have experience with specific curricula (IB, IGCSE, A-levels), and some are current or former examiners for these programmes. Online tutoring has become increasingly popular, allowing families to access native-speaking tutors from their home countries and fit sessions into busy schedules.

• TutorsPlus
• Tutor24