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Swiss law provides that every child in the country has a right to education or training appropriate to their abilities. Education is managed on a cantonal basis and below is information that looks at the general cantonal responsibility, followed by an overview of the education system with detailed information on the system and process of enrolment for the Canton of Geneva, the Canton of Vaud and the Canton of Neuchatel. There is information on the system of childcare outside school hours (what is available and how to make use of it), information on school holidays in Geneva, Vaud, Neuchatel and Jura and an introduction to private schooling in Geneva. Finally, find out about the school medical service, where to address queries about the schooling system and the provision for special needs education in the cantons. Cantonal ResponsibilityProvision and management of state (public) education is the responsibility of the cantons. All the public educational institutions of the cantons are administered by the cantonal departments of education. There are variations in education systems between the cantons. Each canton has its own laws relating to schooling and a cantonal Department of Education that supervises how the commune administers pre-, primary and secondary schools. Nevertheless, the cantons are trying to standardise their practice in the areas of compulsory schooling (duration, starting age, general curriculum) and in the recognition of equivalent certificates and diplomas. Private (independent) schools are likewise subject to cantonal law. pre-, primary and secondary schools are overseen by the communes, under cantonal supervision. OrganisationThe communes ensure that each child can attend the state school in their commune of residence or at least the one nearest the child's home. Information relating to pre-, primary and secondary schools (admission, rules, transportation) and to the different schools and colleges is provided by the school authorities in each commune. Information is also available from the director of education, the Président du Département de l'Instruction Publique of the relevant canton. The vocational guidance services (Office d'orientation scolaire et professionnelle) of each canton can provide information on the various schools, colleges and training and specialist facilities available to a student once compulsory education is completed.
Education OverviewThe period of compulsory schooling lasts for nine years and consists of primary school and secondary school in all cantons. Attendance is mandatory and free of charge for all children, including foreign nationals.
Induction classes (classes d'acceuil) are available for children with little or no knowledge of French. Suitable teaching brings them up to a certain standard and enables them to be integrated into the normal system.
Childcare, Crèche, Nursery school, Kindergarten, Jardin d'enfantsThere is a distinction in Switzerland between pre-school (école enfantine) and childcare outside the family (childminders, day-care mothers, crèches, playgroups, kindergartens, jardins d'enfants or nursery schools). These facilities are sometimes run by the communes and frequently by private organisations. After the age of 4, children can go to pre-school. Information about what options are available can be obtained from social services of the relevant commune (Département des affaires sociales or de la jeunesse). For a list of addresses of crèches, kindergartens, jardins d'enfants or nursery schools contact:
Pre-School, école enfantineEvery child has the opportunity to attend pre-school for one or two years before starting compulsory schooling. Pre-school is free of charge. Pre-school attendance is voluntary except in Geneva, where one year is compulsory. Pre-schools take children from the age of four onwards and are the responsibility of the school authorities of the communes (or the local administration). Foreign, newly-arrived children need to provide a health insurance certificate before they can be enrolled.
Primary LevelThis is the first part of compulsory education. A child may begin primary schooling at age six (no younger).
Lower Secondary LevelThis is the second part of the compulsory education. The Lower Secondary Level provides a basic general education for children up to the age of 16.
Upper Secondary LevelThe Upper Secondary Level is split up into general education and vocational education.
Education in the Canton of GenevaThe education levels are known as:
Enrolment in pre-school/école enfantineNecessary documents:
For international civil servants, a carte de légitimation or a certificate from the parent's workplace for the tutor and child as proof of residence. Parents should be aware of the deadlines for enrolment in pre-school (normally at the beginning of the year). Children who have reached the age of four on 30 June of the calendar year may be enrolled for the school year starting in August of the same calendar year. Parents may request a derogation to delay enrolment for children born between 1 July and 31 October. Information about enrolment and other formalities can be obtained from the Département d'Instruction Publique. Enrolment in Primary and Secondary schoolEvery child registered in the canton of Geneva and under 15 years old must attend school. Children who have reached the age of six on 30 June of the calendar year must be enrolled in primary school for the school year starting in August of the same calendar year. To enrol in primary and secondary school the following documents are needed:
Non-resident students have to attend the primary or secondary school of their area. To enrol your child at a local state school in Geneva:
Education in the Canton of VaudThe education levels are known as:
Enrolment in pre-school/cycle initialNecessary documents:
Parents should be aware of the deadlines for enrolment in pre-school (normally at the beginning of the year). Children who have reached the age of four on 30 June of the calendar year may be enrolled for the school year starting in August of the same calendar year. Parents may request a derogation to advance or delay enrolment for children born between 1 May and 31 August. Information about enrolment and other formalities can be obtained from the commune or from the Département de la formation et de la jeunesse. Enrolment in Primary and Secondary schoolEvery child registered in the canton of Vaud and under 15 years old must attend school. Children who have reached the age of six on 30 June of the calendar year must be enrolled for the school year starting in August of the same calendar year. Parents may request a derogation to advance or delay enrolment for children born between 1 May and 31 August. To enrol in primary and secondary school the following documents are needed:
Non-resident students have to attend the primary or secondary school of their area. Information about enrolment and other formalities can be obtained from the commune or from the Département de la formation et de la jeunesse. Education in the Canton of NeuchatelThe education levels are known as:
Enrolment in pre-school/école enfantineNecessary documents:
Parents should be aware of the deadlines for enrolment in pre-school (normally at the beginning of the year). Children who have reached the age of four on 31 August of the calendar year may be enrolled for the school year starting in August of the same calendar year. Parents may request a derogation to delay enrolment. Information about enrolment and other formalities can be obtained from the commune or from the Département de l'éducation, de la culture et des sports. Enrolment in Primary and Secondary schoolEvery child registered in the canton of Neuchatel and under 15 years old must attend school. Children who have reached the age of six on 31 August of the calendar year must be enrolled in primary school for the school year starting in August of the same calendar year. Parents may request a derogation to advance or delay enrolment. To enrol in primary and secondary school the following documents are needed:
Non-resident students have to attend the primary or secondary school of their area. Information about enrolment and other formalities can be obtained from the commune or from the Département de l'éducation, de la culture et des sports. Childcare Outside School HoursIn some communes childcare facilities are available outside of school hours for the children of working parents. Information about what possibilities are available can be obtained from social services or the school department of the relevant commune. Geneva
Vaud
Neuchatel
School HolidaysIn the cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Neuchatel the school year begins at end August.
Private SchoolsPrivate (independent) schools must provide the same level of education as state schools. All educational establishments teaching children of compulsory school age are the responsibility of the cantonal department of education.
School Medical ServiceEach commune organises a school medical and dental service, which carries out check-ups on pupils at regular intervals. In addition, most communes run a social-medicine centre or a school psychological service. Queries About SchoolIn the first instance parents should turn to the class teacher, who can advise them on how the class functions, on the curriculum, and on any individual problems that may arise. Parents can address more general queries or concerns to the commune office responsible for the school. When disputes or problems arise, mediation and counselling is provided by the schools' inspector. Special Needs EducationThere are special types of schooling for children and young people who cannot meet the usual school standards or who need special educational programs to do so. General compulsory education applies also to children and young people with visual and hearing impairments, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental retardation, speech disorders, and behavioural disorders. There are about 100 centres for early childhood special education which are sponsored not only by associations and foundations but also by communes and cantons.
Types of Special Needs SchoolingThe cantons are responsible for special needs schooling. Special needs schooling includes:
Special needs in Geneva, Vaud, NeuchatelFor information on special needs education contact:
Further Information
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