What is school like in Switzerland?

Switzerland has a strong vocational and professional education system (VET). It offers mostly dual-track VET programmes at upper secondary level (combining an apprenticeship in a training company with 1-2 days of classroom instruction at a vocational school) and broad tertiary-level professional education programmes.

How long is a school day in Switzerland?

How long is a school day in Switzerland? Kindergarten (4-6yrs) starts with half days, usually 4-5 half days. Depending on the canton, times can be 8.20-11.30am or a combination of mornings and one afternoon, usually from 1.30-4.00pm. Primary school starts with 5 mornings, starting usually around 8am and 1-2 afternoons.

What is Switzerland school system like?

Compulsory education (kindergarten, primary and lower secondary) lasts 11 years in Switzerland. After that, the path typically leads to general education or vocational education and training, as can be seen below. In many cantons, there's a big choice to be made aged 14-15 after lower secondary school.

Are schools in Switzerland strict?

Switzerland is known for some of the best international schools in Europe. Although most of the schools have reputations for strict discipline, they are also known for their extremely high educational standards.

Are schools free in Switzerland?

State schools are free. Children are normally admitted to the school in their catchment area, which is often the school closest to where they live.

What is life like at a Swiss boarding school?

Do kids in Switzerland have homework?

Education is the responsibly of the cantons in Switzerland, but much is decided on the local school level. Homework is not obligatory . The Lehrplan 21 (Curriculum 21) for German-speaking Switzerland, for example, only says when homework shouldn't be given, such as over a bank holiday, but not if it should be given.

Do schools in Switzerland speak English?

While English is not among the national languages spoken in Switzerland, you can find plenty of English-taught Bachelors and Masters at Swiss universities.

Do schools in Switzerland have uniforms?

As a general rule, school children in Switzerland do not wear uniforms. School uniforms dominate in Britain, Ireland and Cyprus. Outside Europe they are the norm in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan and many former British colonies.

What is the hardest country to go to school in?

What age is Grade 5 in Switzerland?

Currently a 12-year system of general education is in effect, with children starting primary school at age 6. - Primary Education is 4-6 years (ages 6-12) Grades 1-6. - Lower Secondary Education is 3-4 years (ages 12-15) Grades 7-9. - Upper Secondary Education/Vocational Education.

What age do you graduate in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, the average age of graduation from vocational upper secondary education is 22 years, which is the same as the OECD average (Figure 2). In almost all OECD countries, women make up the majority of those graduating from general upper secondary education. In Switzerland, the share is 57% (OECD average 55%).

How long are school hours in Switzerland?

What are Swiss schools like? Swiss school days are relatively short, with classes beginning between 8.30 and 9.30am. It is then expected for your child to return home at noon for a one-and-a-half-hour lunch break. Then there is an afternoon session that concludes around 3.30 to 4.30pm.

Do children go home for lunch in Switzerland?

There are no catering facilities at any local schools in Switzerland; all pupils are expected to go home for lunch between 12 and 2pm. Swiss mums usually cook a hot meal at lunchtime.

Are schools paid in Switzerland?

Public schools in Switzerland

These schools are funded by taxes and there are no tuition fees attached. However, because they are managed at the level of cantons, there are regional differences. Children may be taught in French, German, Italian or Romansch, depending on where they live.

How long is lunch break in Switzerland?

The length of the break depends on the number of working hours per day: 15 minutes if you work more than 5 1/2 hours a day. 30 minutes if you work more than 7 hours a day. 1 hour if you work more than 9 hours a day; in this case you may take more than one break.

What is school called in Switzerland?

Students who aspire for an academic career enter Mittelschule (also named Gymnasium, or Kantonsschule, a public school by the canton/state) to be prepared for further studies and the Matura (normally obtained after 12 or 13 years of school usually at the age of 18 or 19).

What is high school like in Switzerland?

Your High School in Switzerland

Switzerland has one of the top education systems in the world, and you can expect your classmates to be highly motivated and engaged students. You'll most likely attend a baccalaureat school, an academically competitive high school that prepares students for university studies.

What age do you go to school in Switzerland?

Children generally start their schooling at the age of four, although some cantons make exceptions. Lower secondary school covers three years. Most young people have therefore completed their compulsory education by around the age of 15.

Is it OK to speak English in Switzerland?

You'll be able to get by with English, especially in metropolitan areas like Zurich and Geneva. In Switzerland's major cities, more than 30% of the population is non-Swiss, so there are plenty of other non-native speakers. Additionally, Swiss children learn English at school, and many reach a high level of proficiency.

What language is taught in school in Switzerland?

The language of instruction is German, French, Italian or Romansh, depending on the language region. Traditionally, language learning is important in Switzerland. Students learn a second official language of Switzerland as well as English during their compulsory school years.

Can Americans go to school in Switzerland?

If you're a student from United States, you'll need the Visa D - Studies to study in Switzerland. This visa is made specifically for students like you who are ready to begin their study abroad adventure in Switzerland.

Is Switzerland kid friendly?

Switzerland makes it so easy for families to enjoy the Swiss alps, with easy trails suitable for strollers, epic alpine playgrounds, theme trails with interactive play stations, exciting extras like mountain scooters, and much more. Here are some "best of" posts to get you started.

What do Swiss kids do after school?

Sports and clubs are common extracurricular activities after school. Many students also take academic courses during the summer and on weekends during the school year.

Can kids miss school in Switzerland?

It means that students can be absent from classes for two days per school year - without having to give any reasons. "Parents do not have to apply for this absence," the canton says. "It is sufficient to inform the teacher or the school management."