Schools and daycares in Switzerland
We help expatriate families find the best educational solution for their children.
The Swiss education system is decentralized: each canton manages its own programs and school calendars. For expatriate families, the choice between public school, international school and daycare depends on many factors: language, age of the child, planned length of stay and family educational plan.
We support families in this reflection and take care of the registration procedures, which are often complex and subject to strict deadlines.
The Swiss education system: an overview
The Swiss education system is recognized for its excellence and is distinguished by its federalist structure: each canton has its own educational legislation. Compulsory school (Harmos) lasts 11 years, from ages 4 to 15, and includes 2 years of nursery school (kindergarten), 6 years of primary school and 3 years of secondary school I.
The language of instruction in public schools corresponds to the official language of the region (French, German, Italian or Romansh). Expatriates also have access to a dense network of international and private schools, offering English, French or bilingual programs.
| Level | Age | Duration | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 4 – 6 years | 2 years | Mandatory from HarmoS |
| Primary school | 6 – 12 years | 6 years | Single class, generalist teacher |
| Secondary I (orientation cycle) | 12 – 15 years old | 3 years | Orientation by levels |
| Secondary II (gymnasium/apprenticeship) | 15 – 18/19 years old | 3 – 4 years | Maturity or CFC |
| University / HES / EPF | 18+ years | 3 – 5 years | Tertiary education |
Public schools vs international schools
The choice between public school and international school is a major decision for expatriate families. Public school offers rapid integration into the local culture and is free, while international schools provide educational continuity for children who change countries.
Switzerland has more than 260 private and international schools, concentrated mainly in the cantons of Vaud, Geneva and Zurich. The most common programs are the International Baccalaureate (IB), the British program (IGCSE/A-Levels) and the French program (Baccalauréat).
| Criteria | Public school | International school |
|---|---|---|
| Annual cost | Free (supplies included) | CHF 15,000 – 45,000 |
| Teaching language | Local language of the canton | English, French or bilingual |
| Program | Cantonal study plan (PER/Lehrplan 21) | IB, British, French, American |
| Admission | Automatic (per home) | On file, tests sometimes required |
| Class size | 20 – 24 students | 12 – 18 students |
| Local integration | Excellent | International community |
Nurseries and childcare facilities
Early childhood care in Switzerland is based on a mixed system of public (subsidized) and private daycare centers. Daycare places are rare and waiting lists can reach 6 to 12 months in large cities. It is strongly recommended that you register your child as early as possible, ideally before your arrival.
Prices for subsidized crèches depend on the parents' income and vary from CHF 20 to CHF 140 per day. Private daycare centers charge fixed prices, generally between CHF 100 and CHF 160 per day and per child.
| Structure type | Age | Daily cost | Typical schedules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidized nursery | 3 months – 4 years | CHF 20 – 140 (depending on income) | 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. |
| Private nursery | 3 months – 4 years | CHF 100 – 160 | 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Day mother (welcoming) | 3 months – 12 years | CHF 6 – 12/hour | Flexible |
| UAPE / extracurricular | 4 – 12 years | CHF 10 – 50/day | Before/after school |
Tax deductions for child care
Third-party childcare costs are deductible from federal taxes up to CHF 25,500 per child per year (since 2023). The cantons apply their own deduction ceilings, often between CHF 10,000 and CHF 25,000. It is advisable to keep all custody invoices for your tax return.
School enrollment procedure
For public schools, registration is done automatically via Resident Control during your municipal registration. You will receive a letter from your local school administration indicating the school assigned to your child. In certain cantons, a language integration course is offered to allophone children.
For international schools, it is recommended to start the process 3 to 6 months before the desired start of the school year. Admission procedures generally include an application file, translated school reports, an English level assessment and sometimes an interview.
- • School report cards from the last 2 years (translated into English or French)
- • Birth certificate of the child (apostilled)
- • Up-to-date vaccination record (required for daycare)
- • Recent ID photo
- • Registration fees: CHF 500 – 2,000 for international schools (non-refundable)
Our support for your children's education
We help expatriate families find the educational solution best suited to their situation. Our knowledge of educational establishments, admission procedures and selection criteria allows us to guide you effectively and maximize your children's chances of admission.
We manage registrations, organize school visits and support you in putting together application files. For nurseries, we identify available places and carry out pre-registrations with several structures simultaneously.
What's Included
- Analysis of the educational profile of each child (age, language, background)
- Presentation of options (public, international, bilingual, private)
- Search for schools or daycares matching your criteria
- Preparation of the registration file
- Support for visits and admission interviews
- Advice on financial aid and subsidies for daycares
Steps and Timeline
Needs assessment
We analyze your children's age, their educational background, your language preferences and your budget to define the best options.
Search for establishments
We identify the schools and nurseries available in your area of residence, with available places and waiting lists.
File and registration
We prepare the complete registration file and submit it on time. For international schools, we coordinate admission tests.
Integration
We support you during the first days and inform you about how the school works (extracurricular, transport, canteens).
Common Mistakes
- Underestimating international school waiting lists (sometimes 6-12 months)
- Not knowing the registration deadlines for the cantonal public system
- Ignoring reception classes which facilitate the integration of non-French/German-speaking children
- Not anticipating the costs of international schools (CHF 15,000 to 40,000 per year)
- Forgetting to register on nursery waiting lists as soon as the move is confirmed
Related Services
International Schools in Switzerland
Guide to international schools in Switzerland: IB, British, French programs. Tuition fees, admission criteria, and waiting lists.
Public Schools in Switzerland
The Swiss public school system explained for expats. Cantonal organization, enrollment, welcome classes, languages of instruction.
Daycare and Nurseries in Switzerland
Finding daycare or nursery in Switzerland: waiting lists, costs, municipal subsidies. After-school care and childminders.
Useful Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age does compulsory school start in Switzerland?
My child does not speak the local language — will they be accepted in public school?
What is the difference between an international school and a Swiss private school?
How much does daycare cost in Switzerland?
Do international schools offer scholarships?
Ready to Start Your New Life in Switzerland?
Contact us for a free pre-assessment of your situation. Our team will respond within 24 hours.