Primary, secondary education in Geneva 2024

In Geneva there are a lot of educational institutions to obtain secondary education: state, private, bilingual, and international schools. The federal government of Switzerland controls education on the national level, while the 26 individual cantons effectively manage their own public systems. Each canton has its own department of education, structure, school calendar, educational program, and teaches in various languages.

It is compulsory that all children, including foreign students, aged 6 to 15 years old study at school. In some cantons, education will also include two years of nursery starting at the age of four. In Switzerland, the academic year typically starts in mid-August and continues until mid-June of the following year, divided into 2 semesters. The exact dates are set by the canton and may vary.

The education system in Geneva is structured into several key stages:

• Primary Education: This stage includes preschool (kindergarten) and primary school. It can span up to eight years, starting with two years of kindergarten or the first education cycle. Preschool aims to develop social skills through playful learning methods, including music, crafts, games, and the basics of reading, writing, and mathematics. It's an excellent opportunity for expat children to immerse in a new language and Swiss culture.

• Junior Secondary Education: This phase follows primary education.

• Higher Secondary Education: This stage offers paths like vocational and technical tuition (VET), gymnasium, and preparation for a Bachelor's degree.

• Higher Education: This final stage includes professional preparation and university education.

Primary Schools in Geneva

Primary education in Geneva typically lasts 4 to 6 years, depending on the canton. Instruction is in the canton's official language (German, French, Italian, or Romansh) and includes a range of subjects, such as languages, mathematics, sciences, social studies, arts, and physical tuition.

Asiya Watson

Client Relationship Manager at Hult EF Corporate Education

What makes Swiss schools so special? Why do parents value primary and secondary schools in Switzerland so much?

There are many reasons: safety, the opportunity to participate in activities and play sports all year round (water sports on local lakes, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking and trekking, team games), the chance to learn several foreign languages thanks to the rich culture. Switzerland provides education leading to the best universities in the world, and Swiss universities are not only world-class, but almost free (if state-owned!).

At around 11-12 years, students transition to middle schools in Geneva, which provide three years of junior high education. The curriculum includes languages, mathematics, sciences, social studies, arts, and physical tuition. Performance is evaluated biannually, with a focus on both academic and personal development.

Upon completion of junior secondary education, students may continue to upper secondary schools, which offer both vocational and general education. The structure and curriculum of these schools vary across different cantons.

Enrollment Requirements for International Students in Geneva's Schools

• Children typically start primary school at age 6.

• Enrollment is based on readiness, assessed through parent-teacher meetings.

• Admission is possible anytime, but ideally at the start of a new semester.

• Admission procedures and requirements vary across cantons.

The cost of study in Geneva starts from 10,000 Swiss Francs. For successful enrollment, international students need to submit:

• Passport copy.

• School report cards.

• International language certificate.

• Teacher recommendations (especially from English and Mathematics teachers).

• Motivation letter (if required).

• Completed registration forms for the chosen school.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the schooling landscape in Geneva, from primary to higher secondary education, including the best schools in Geneva and essential information for international students looking to study in this vibrant city.