The Swiss education system
How do you best become integrated into the Swiss education system?
Schoolchildren who have come from abroad and want to be integrated into the
Swiss education system must work very conscientiously so that they can quickly
join the appropriate class for their age. The communes have therefore set up
integration, introductory or reception classes.
Children and under-16s who come to Switzerland from abroad and have trouble
keeping up with the classes on account of language difficulties can attend an
integration class for a maximum of one year before they attend a regular class.
The aim of the integration classes is to help children and teenagers with their
languages and help them integrate more easily into Swiss life. After that the
children and teenagers will be taught in the regular classes.
Finding a school
If you are looking for a school for your child in pre-school, primary or
lower secondary level, we recommend as a general rule that you get in touch with
your home commune or contact the school in question directly.
If you visit a school, take along your residence permit and health insurance
certificate if you can.
For any other schools or colleges (grammar school, university, etc.), you
need to contact the educational institutions directly yourself.
If you require further information on the conditions of admission to the
various schools in the Swiss education system, you can contact the schools in
question directly.
Private schools
Respected for their tradition, academic achievement and their high teaching
standards, private schools have a good reputation that extends far beyond
national borders. But quality comes at a price! If you want your children to go
to this kind of school, we strongly recommend that you first make enquiries as
to their reputation, whether they belong to an official association and their
rates and compare the information received with that of other private
schools.
The website of the Swiss
Federation of Private Schools will be very helpful in this respect.
International schools
If you want your son or daughter to attend an "international"
school (such as the French school, the German school or the English school), it
would be best for you to contact your country's diplomatic representation in
Switzerland.
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2006
Reproduction is authorised.
| 
