If you’re moving to Switzerland with children, one of the first and most important tasks you’ll face is enrolling them in school. While the Swiss education system is highly regarded for its quality, structure, and long-term benefits, navigating it as a newcomer can feel overwhelming. Each canton has its own set of rules, and the process varies depending on your child’s age, language abilities, and educational background.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to enroll your child in a Swiss school, from understanding your options to preparing documentation and making a smooth transition.
Understand the Public vs. Private School System
The vast majority of Swiss children — over 95% — attend public schools. These schools are free, run by the cantonal governments, and offer an excellent education. Public schools teach in the local language of the canton (German, French, Italian, or Romansh), which means that integration support is key for expat children.
Private and international schools are also available, especially in major cities. These schools often teach in English or offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American, or French curricula. They are ideal for short-term expatriate families or those planning to return to their home country’s system. However, private schools are fee-based and can cost CHF 15,000 to CHF 35,000 or more per year.
If you plan to stay long-term and want your child to integrate into Swiss society, a public school is typically the best choice. If your stay is short or you need instruction in English, private schools may be worth the investment.
Know Which School Level Your Child Belongs To
The Swiss school system is divided into multiple stages based on age:
Kindergarten (age 4–6): Most cantons require two years of kindergarten before primary school.
Primary School (age 6–12): Six years of basic education in the local language, covering core subjects.
Lower Secondary School (age 12–15): Students are grouped by academic level and begin preparing for either academic or vocational tracks.
Upper Secondary School (age 15–18/19): Students choose between academic Gymnasium or vocational training (apprenticeships).
The age and school level of your child will determine which school you apply to, what documents are needed, and whether language support will be offered.
Registration Is Mandatory
In Switzerland, school attendance is compulsory. As soon as your child is officially registered as a resident, they must also be enrolled in school. Registration typically occurs at the local municipal office (Gemeinde / commune / comune) shortly after arrival.
The office will provide the contact information for the local education department or school board. They’ll guide you to the appropriate school based on your child’s age and where you live. Some cantons also allow parents to visit schools or request placement in a specific school within the area, but space and local rules apply.
Prepare Required Documents
To enroll your child in a public school, you’ll usually need the following documents:
A valid residence permit or proof of residency in the canton
Passport or identity card of the child
Child’s birth certificate
Proof of address (rental contract or utility bill)
Immunization record
Previous school transcripts or academic reports (if applicable)
Some schools may also request a passport-sized photo or a completed health questionnaire. If your documents are in a foreign language, translations may be required — especially for transcripts or health records.
Language Support for Newcomers
One of the most common concerns for expat parents is whether their child will struggle to adapt to instruction in a new language. Fortunately, most cantons offer strong support programs for non-native speakers.
These may include:
Welcome or integration classes where students learn the local language intensively before joining regular classes
Extra language lessons during school hours or after school
A gradual transition into subject-based learning in the local language
Buddy systems or support staff for international students
Language support programs are typically free and designed to help children integrate as quickly and smoothly as possible. Young children tend to pick up the language quickly, but older students may need additional time and encouragement.
Understand the School Day Schedule
Swiss school schedules may surprise many expat families. Typically, school hours are from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM, with a long lunch break in between. In many places, Wednesdays are half-days or completely free.
There are a few important considerations:
Not all schools provide lunch or supervision during the lunch break
Some communes offer Tagesschule (day schools) with full-day supervision, including lunch and homework help
You may need to arrange childcare or lunch supervision for younger children
After-school care (Hort or accueil parascolaire) is available but may have limited capacity, especially in rural areas
Be sure to ask the school or local authority what options are available, especially if both parents work full time.
Catchment Areas Matter
Swiss children are generally assigned to schools based on their residential address. Each community or neighborhood is served by specific schools, and families usually do not have free choice unless space permits or special circumstances apply.
This system helps keep class sizes manageable and supports integration at a local level. However, it also means that the school your child attends is heavily influenced by where you live.
If school quality is a top priority for your family, research neighborhoods in advance and consider proximity to your preferred school when choosing housing.
Transition Support for Older Students
If your child is over 12 and entering secondary school, the adjustment can be more complex — especially if they don’t speak the local language or are coming from a very different school system.
Many cantons offer:
Assessment periods to determine the right academic level
Bridging classes or special integration tracks
Individual education plans based on previous schooling
Orientation support for choosing between academic or vocational tracks
If your child is in their mid-teens, it’s a good idea to contact the cantonal education authority before moving. They can help you understand the available pathways and what documents will be needed for placement decisions.
Ask About Special Needs Support
Swiss public schools are inclusive and provide support for children with special needs, learning difficulties, or disabilities. Services may include:
Special education teachers
Individualized learning plans
Speech or occupational therapy
Psychological counseling
You should mention any special needs during the registration process. Bring relevant medical or psychological evaluations, and ask the school to explain the support options available.
What About Religious Instruction?
Switzerland is a secular country, but religious education is still part of the curriculum in many cantons — especially in primary school. Parents can usually choose whether or not their child participates in religious lessons or activities.
If your family prefers to opt out, most schools will respect your decision and offer alternative activities. Be sure to clarify this with the school at the time of registration.
Start Early and Be Proactive
Enrollment processes are usually straightforward, but it pays to start early. Here’s a basic timeline:
1 to 2 months before your move: Contact your new municipality to understand the process
As soon as you arrive: Register your child with the local authority and gather documents
Within the first few weeks: Meet with the school principal, teachers, or counselors to discuss language support or transition plans
Ongoing: Stay in touch with your child’s teachers and monitor progress
Swiss schools welcome parental involvement — even if language is a barrier at first. Attending parent-teacher conferences, volunteering, or simply asking questions can go a long way toward helping your child adjust.
Final Thoughts
Enrolling your children in Swiss schools might seem daunting at first, especially with the language barrier, regional variations, and unfamiliar systems. But the Swiss education model is built on structure, support, and fairness — and once you’re in, you’ll likely find that your child is receiving a high-quality, well-rounded education.
The key is to prepare early, gather the right documents, ask questions, and work closely with local authorities and school staff. Whether you choose public or private schooling, Switzerland offers strong support to help your family thrive.