Which school for my child?
Four questions to see which type of school to look at first, and what to ask.
Result
State school, with language support
The local school lets your child learn the language of the region. Ask what support it offers new pupils.
Questions to ask
- What support is there for pupils learning the language?
- In which language is teaching done?
- Which documents does the commune need for enrolment?
- How does your child get to school?
Assumptions and sources
General guidance, with no prices, based on your answers. Each canton organises its schools and each school sets its own conditions: the commune and the school confirm.
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What the guide is for
Your employee is moving with children and has to weigh several school options at once. The guide above turns that into a short list of criteria. It reflects the answers entered and nothing more.
It is an orientation tool. It is not an admission decision and it is not personal advice.
The criteria it weighs
The tool compares a public school, an international school and a bilingual option against the points that usually decide the choice.
How to use the result
Enter the child's age, current schooling, expected length of stay and preferred area. The result ranks the criteria that matter most for that profile. Treat it as a basis for a conversation with the family.
Cantons run their own school systems, so rules differ by place. See public schools in Switzerland and international and bilingual schools for the detail, and the 26 cantons for the map.
Assumptions and limits
The guide assumes the family has not yet chosen a home. School catchment often follows the address, so housing and schooling are linked. Places, waiting lists and admission rules are set by each school or commune. Nothing here is assured.
Registration timing matters for school enrolment. The arrival notice to the commune is generally due within 14 days, though the exact rule can vary by commune (ch.ch). Basic health insurance is compulsory within three months of taking up residence (FOPH). Schools may ask for proof of both.
For a wider view of family moves, read moving to Switzerland with children. To have a specialist examine the case, use the request at the bottom of the page or the school search service.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a school in Switzerland for a transferee's child?
Start with language, curriculum and commute, then check the expected length of the assignment. The guide above orders these criteria. The final choice rests with the family and the school.
Is the public school system suitable for an international transferee?
It can be, particularly for longer stays and younger children. Teaching is in the local language, which varies by canton. Language support differs by commune.
When is an international school the better fit?
Often when the assignment is short or the child needs to continue an existing foreign curriculum. Places and fees are set by each school.
Does the guide decide admission?
No. Schools and local authorities decide admission. The guide only organises criteria.
Does the choice of home affect the choice of school?
Yes, in many communes the address determines the public school. That is why housing and schooling are best planned together, with the home search service.