No more tracks A and B: Ticino middle school to change from 2026

Context

TL;DR

• Ticino abolishes A and B tracks in German and maths from 2026.
• Inclusive teaching replaces ability-based student separation.
• French keeps A and B tracks; new evaluation system introduced.
• 12,000 pupils affected, including cross-border students.

Key facts

• Cosa: Abolizione dei corsi A e B in tedesco e matematica.
• Quando: Inizio dal 2026-2027, completamento entro 2028-2029.
• Dove: Canton Ticino, Svizzera.
• Chi: 12.000 alunni delle scuole medie, inclusi figli di lavoratori frontalieri.
• Importo: CHF 2,5 milioni per la formazione degli insegnanti (2026-2029).
• Scadenza: Implementazione completa entro l'anno scolastico 2028-2029.
• Metodo: Valutazioni descrittive invece di voti numerici.
• Costo: Nessun costo aggiuntivo per le famiglie, coperto dal Cantone Ticino.

The Canton of Ticino is radically overhauling its lower-secondary school system. From 2026, the A and B tracks in German and mathematics will disappear, replaced by inclusive teaching for all students. The decision follows a two-year trial in six middle schools: Ambrì, Acquarossa, Bellinzona 2, Massagno, Caslano and Chiasso.

The official presentation of the results took place today at the Palazzo delle Orsoline in Bellinzona, with Marina Carobbio Guscetti (Director of the Department of Education, Culture and Sport), Tiziana Zaninelli (Head of the Middle School Section) and Stefania Crameri from the University of Teacher Education of the Graubünden, who monitored the pilot.

The new model ends the separation of students by ability, while keeping different programmes for French. A and B tracks remain only for this subject; German and mathematics will follow a single pathway for everyone, with differentiated methods inside the same class. This means teachers will have to adapt their approach for pupils at different levels while keeping the class group together.

The move represents a cultural revolution for Ticino’s education system, which until now has always grouped students by skill. According to the data presented, the trial showed positive results in terms of inclusion and overall pupil performance, although no specific figures on improved results were given.

Ticinese and cross-border families will have to get used to a new assessment system and more flexible curricula. The changes will affect about 12,000 lower-secondary pupils in the Canton of Ticino, including the children of cross-border workers who live in Italy but study in Switzerland.

Operational details

The transition from a divided to an inclusive system will take place gradually. The State Council has already prepared the message for the generalization to all middle schools in the canton, which will be discussed in the next parliamentary period.

The planned timelines are as follows:

• Academic year 2026-2027: introduction of the new system in all first middle schools
• Academic year 2027-2028: extension to second middle schools
• Academic year 2028-2029: complete implementation in all classes

Teachers will be organized into continuous training courses. The DECS has planned 120 hours of training for teachers, focusing on inclusive teaching methods and differentiated methodologies. The costs for training are estimated at around CHF 2.5 million for the 2026-2029 triennium.

The evaluation system will change completely. Instead of numerical grades, students will receive descriptive evaluations indicating the level of competence achieved in each area. Families will have access to a digital platform where they can follow the student's progress with weekly updates.

Regarding French, the division into courses A and B remains active. Course A is for those who already have a solid foundation in the language, while course B is for those who start from scratch or have significant gaps. The choice between the two courses is made at the beginning of the school year through a mandatory level test.

Schools will need to equip themselves with new teaching materials. The budget allocated for textbooks and digital resources is CHF 1.8 million for the first year, with annual updates of around CHF 300,000. Smaller municipalities may receive additional subsidies for the purchase of technological equipment.

Concerned parents of children with learning difficulties can request individualized support. The DECS has planned the insertion of special education teachers into classes with students with special educational needs, with a maximum ratio of 1:5 students with certification.

📊💡⚠️ Implementation Timeline:

• Academic year 2026-2027: introduction of the new system in all first middle schools
• Academic year 2027-2028: extension to second middle schools
• Academic year 2028-2029: complete implementation in all classes

📊💡⚠️ Teacher Training:

• 120 hours of training for teachers
• Focus on inclusive teaching methods and differentiated methodologies
• Estimated costs: CHF 2.5 million for the 2026-2029 triennium

📊💡⚠️ New Evaluation System:

• Descriptive evaluations instead of numerical grades
• Weekly updates on student progress through a digital platform

📊💡⚠️ French Language Courses:

• Division into courses A and B remains active
• Course A for those with a solid foundation in French
• Course B for those starting from scratch or with significant gaps

📊💡⚠️ Teaching Materials:

• Budget allocated: CHF 1.8 million for the first year
• Annual updates: CHF 300,000

📊💡⚠️ Individualized Support:

• Request for individualized support for children with learning difficulties
• Insertion of special education teachers into classes with students with special educational needs
• Maximum ratio: 1:5 students with certification

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Key points

For cross-border families there are practical aspects to consider. If your child attends a Ticino middle school, you will need to prepare for these changes:

📋 What changes for you: 1. Information meetings: schools will organise sessions between May and June 2026 to explain the new system 2. Documentation: you will receive a guide in simple Italian outlining the new assessment methods 3. Platform access: you will be given login details to monitor your child's progress 4. Language support: if you struggle with Italian, you can request an interpreter for meetings

💡 Handy tips:

• Attend class meetings: talking with teachers will be crucial to understand how your child is adapting
• Check the digital platform regularly: teachers update it every week, do not wait for report-card day
• Create a WhatsApp group with other parents: sharing experiences helps you see whether difficulties are individual or common
• If you work in Switzerland as a cross-border worker, inform your employer: there may be leave for attending school meetings during work hours

🔄 Frequently asked questions:

Q: My child was in the B maths track, what happens now? A: They will join a single class where the teacher uses different methods for each pupil. They may get simpler exercises or dedicated help during lessons.

Q: Grades are gone, how do I know if they are improving? A: The platform shows progress with colour indicators (green=competence reached, yellow=in progress, red=needs reinforcement). You can also view completed assignments and detailed comments.

Q: If my child struggles, can they still change track? A: No, track changes no longer exist for German and maths. If difficulties arise, the teacher activates a personalised support plan that can include extra after-school lessons.

Q: How much does this cost? A: Nothing for families. Training, new books and digital platforms are fully covered by Canton Ticino through existing school taxes.

To estimate how school transport or any private support lessons might affect your budget, use our expense calculator.

Source: State Council presentation of 26 March 2026, Palazzo delle Orsoline Bellinzona.

Source: tio.ch