Family and Partners
Child Care and Schooling
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Early ages
Child care for children under 4 is privately organised. It can be expensive and waiting lists are often long. As in most other countries, you can choose between day care and a nanny.
Useful links:
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Compulsory school system
Schooling in Switzerland is compulsory and free from ages 4 to 15. Most children attend public secular schools. In the Canton of Fribourg public schooling is offered either in French or in German, depending on your place of residence. Upon arrival contact your local municipality regarding schooling possibilities.
Compulsory schools in the Canton of Fribourg:
- 4-8 years: primary school (cycle1)
- 8-12 years: primary school (cycle2)
- 12-15 years: secondary school (cycle3)
In addition, there is a choice of international schools nearby: -
Upper secondary school system
Most Swiss children continue schooling beyond the age of 15. Further schooling is not compulsory, but free. The upper secondary school system is split into two main streams ("dual-track system"), a vocational and a baccalaureate stream (Gymnasium/Collège), providing the students with the respective diplomas. While a vocational diploma enables the entry into the job market, a baccalaureate is required for entry into the tertiary education system (university, polytechnic colleges).
Another possible option is attending school of "culture générale" which opensthe way to career in the fields of health, education and social work.
Useful links: