10 CONSIDERATIONS TO HELP YOU ANALYSE YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOLING NEEDS

1 – Consider the comparative facts between private and state schools provided in the table below.

Private schools

State schools

Admission

 

Depending on availability Depending on the residence address

Age

 

As of 4 years old
Most schools offer an Early Childhood programme available as of 3
As of 4 years old
Child must be 4 before 31 July

Cost

 

Private school fees apply Free education
Fees apply for afterschool care

Curriculum

 

International, American, Engligh, French…
Each school offers specific programs
Swiss education system

Diplomas

 

International diplomas
IB, IGCSE, French baccalaureate…
Swiss Maturity
Internationationally recognized/Automatic access to Swiss universities

Integration

 

Less integrated into the local community
Multiculturalism
Easier integration into local community

Language

 

Bilingual schools, French schools, English schools… French
German and English are the 2nd and 3rd language

Location

 

Depending on the choice of the school Depending on the residence address

Transport

 

School bus for most schools
Extra fees – specific pickup location
Pedibus, school bus for some schools

 

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK MYSELF?

2 –How old will my child be when relocating to Switzerland? For how long will I be living in Switzerland ?

4 –Would I prefer my child to grow up in an international environment or to integrate into the Swiss community? Is it important that my child learns to speak French while living in Switzerland?

6-How important are after school facilities on school premises? Am I ready to organise additional care for my child and how much would I pay for it?

 

3 –What is my child’s personality, flexibility, preferred learning method and interests?

5 –Do I agree with the fact that my child’s school is determined according to my residential address? Or would I like to have the choice?

7-Do I know what direction my child would like for post-compulsory school and what would be the best way to get there?

IMPORTANT POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND

8 –In Switzerland, both public and private schools have an excellent level of education.

9 –The Swiss education system offers very good alternatives to preparation for university studies (for example apprenticeships).

10-Children completing the high level of schooling in Switzerland allows them to automatically enter Swiss universities.