Schools
The Swiss school system includes free public schools as well as private schools that cost money. Both options are very good and the highest secondary school leaving certificate (Matura) offers excellent preparation for university-level studies. The choice is often based on the intended degree and the specific paths available to children and young people.
Schooling starts with the entry into the obligatory Kindergarten for kids in the age of 4-6. The two years of Kindergarten and the six years of Primary school (starting with the age of 6) compose the first stage of school education (so-called "Primarstufe" with altogether 8 years). Daycare structures ("Tagesstrukturen" such as canteen services, homework monitoring etc.) and "Tagesferien" (daycare offers during holidays) are optional and subject to charges. In the cantons BS and BL French is taught as first foreign language (from the 3rd class onwards), followed by English (from the 5th class).
The following second stage of schooling ("Sekundarstufe") lasts three years; obligatory school education is accomplished after altogether 11 years.
Thereafter youngsters have additional options, such as obtaining a maturity exam at a High School (Gymnasium), a professional maturiy at a Professional High School, or attending a occupational apprenticeship (Berufslehre) etc.
General
One difficulty for newcomers in Switzerland is not only the complexity of the school system and range of choices, but also the differences between the cantons. Much like insurance policies or tax rates, there are fundamental differences between the various cantons. This is reflected in different vacation dates, the sequence of foreign languages taught or differing curricula.
The cantons in Northwestern Switzerland have recently been working to harmonize school structures.
It should generally be noted that the general school leaving examination (Matura) is not the only educational path in Switzerland. Switzerland has a highly respected dual education system which offers pupils solid professional training. Broad theoretical knowledge combined with advanced, practical expertise in a multi-year training program ensures that the professional training not only meets high quality standards and produces great experts who will be in great demand on the labor market. It also allows graduates to pursue other training and professional development opportunities later and to achieve academic excellence.
It should essentially be emphasized that the Swiss school system is characterized by a high level of flexibility and permeability, offering education and training in line with children's and young people's individual talents and abilities. It is a system that offers them a diverse range of continuing education and advancement opportunities up to the highest-level degrees over the course of their development.
Basel-Stadt
The key facts about the school system in the canton of Basel-Stadt are summarized here.
Children and young people who have recently moved to Switzerland can register to attend a public school by calling the school authorities ahead of time. Private schools can be contacted directly (see also list below).
Basel-Stadt in particular also offers special opportunities for furthering foreign-language and multilingual children. This may at first be confusing to newcomers, but it actually offers an excellent and wide-spanning range of educational options. Thus, even children without German skills are included in the public school system and are enabled to competely integrate soon.
- This includes early childhood German instruction for children from foreign language-speaking families before entering the kindergarten/sort of "obligatory early German",
- then the immersive programme "German as Second Language/Deutsch als Zweitsprache - DaZ" on all school levels,
- complemented by "German for Parents" for understanding the school life of their children
- and topped-up by courses in children's native language and culture, called HSK programme).
Baselland
Information about the school system in Basel-Landschaft is available on the Amt für Volksschule (Public School Office) website. The respective communal school board handles the school registration process. Please contact your municipality of residence for more information.
International schools and graduations
Several international schools in the region comply with internationally recognized school systems, such as:
- International School of Basel (BL)
- Swiss International School (BS)
- academia International School (BS)
- École Française de Bâle (BS)
- Sculoa primaria bilingue Basiliea (BS)
- ELA Basel Swiss British Primary School (BS)
- KCI Kids Camp International School Oberwil (BL)
- International School Rheinfelden (AG)
- Black Forest Academy (D)
The secondary school (Gymnasium) located at Münsterplatz in Basel is a public secondary school that also offers an IB – International Baccalaureate (Immersion) diploma program. This option is intended for persons who want to send their children to a public school to earn a Swiss Matura leaving certificate as well as an IB diploma. In addition, the Secondary school (Gymnasium) Bäumlihof located between Basel and Riehen is offering newly also an IB-International Baccalaureate.
Finally, there is also the option of pursuing a bilingual Swiss Matura in Basel; more information here.
