School system of the Canton of Solothurn: enrolment and cycles (cross-border guide)

Swiss elementary school: compulsory cycle and school calendar

Cycles, age of enrollment, school calendar, languages of instruction and transition to high school.

Context

In a nutshell

  • Elementary school cycles in Switzerland last 8 years.
  • The age of registration is 6 years.
  • The school calendar is divided into two periods: September-April and May-August.

Key facts

  • What: School years
  • When: From 1 September to the last day of August of the following year
  • Where: Primary schools in the Canton of Solothurn
  • Who: Pupils enrolled
  • Amount: 8 years of school

Concrete examples

  • Canton of Solothurn: The canton of Solothurn, located in the Lake Constance region, includes 80 municipalities and has about 270,000 inhabitants. Primary school is compulsory for all children residing in the canton who have reached the age of 6.
  • City of Solothurn: The city of Solothurn, the cantonal capital, is an important cultural and economic centre. The elementary school of Solothurn offers a wide range of courses and extracurricular activities for its students.

Regulations

  • Education Act: The Education Act of the Canton of Solothurn, passed on 1 January 2009, states that school education is compulsory for all children residing in the canton who have reached the age of 6.
  • Enrollment Regulation: The Elementary School Enrollment Regulation of the Canton of Solothurn, approved on June 1, 2010, states that children must be enrolled in school by September 15 of each year.

Operational Checklists

  • Enrollment Verifications: Parents must

Operational details

Practical implications at national/cantonal level

The age of enrolment in primary school in Switzerland is 6 years, which means that children must be enrolled by the end of the previous school year. The school years last 8 years and are divided into two periods: September-April and May-August. The school calendar is similar in all cantons of Switzerland.

'what if' scenarios

A border worker in a similar situation may have to enroll their children in elementary school in the Canton of Solothurn by the end of the previous school year. To do this, you will need to submit the necessary documentation, such as your birth certificate and residency certificate. It is therefore important to check the dates of enrolment and the requirements for enrolment in primary school in the Canton of Solothurn.

“Elementary school enrollment is an important process for our children's education.” - Director of the Department of Education of the Canton of Solothurn

For example, if a father works in Lugano and has two children who must be enrolled in primary school in the Canton of Solothurn, he will need to submit the following documents:

  • Birth certificate of the children
  • Father's certificate of residence
  • Declaration of intent to enroll in elementary school

It is important to note that the requirements for elementary school enrollment may vary depending on the canton and city in which

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Key points

School system of the Canton of Solothurn: enrolment and cycles

To enroll their children in the elementary school of the Canton of Solothurn, a border worker must follow the following steps:

1. Check the enrollment dates and requirements for elementary school enrollment in the Canton of Solothurn. Registration dates usually expire in late July and early August, but it is always best to check the official website of the Canton of Solothurn or contact your local primary school for up-to-date information. 2. Submit the necessary documentation, such as:

  • Birth certificate of the child
  • Parent's Certificate of Residence
  • Parent's birth certificate (if a minor)
  • Documentation attesting to the family situation (for example, certificate of separation or divorce)

3. Enroll your children in the elementary school of the Canton of Solothurn by the end of the previous school year. In this way, children will be able to start primary school on the first day of September of the following year.

For more information, please consult the website of the Canton of Solothurn or contact your local primary school.

Concrete examples

  • A child born in Geneva on 15 May 2018 and resident in Solothurn must be enrolled in the primary school of the Canton of Solothurn by the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
  • A parent who moves to Solothurn with their children must submit the

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Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can children be enrolled in primary school?
Students must be enrolled by the end of the school year prior to the age of 6.
How many years of elementary school does it take?
The school year lasts 8 years.
How do I enroll my children in elementary school in the Canton of Solothurn?
To enroll your children in the elementary school of the Canton of Solothurn, you must submit the necessary documentation and enroll your children by the end of the previous school year.

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