Canton of Glarus school system: enrolment and cycles

Context

In short

• Compulsory schooling in the Canton of Glarus is 9 years
• Elementary school lasts 4 years
• Middle school lasts 5 years
• Compulsory schooling also includes vocational education

The primary school in the canton of Glarus

Primary school in Canton Glarus is compulsory for all students between the ages of 6 and 10. The duration of elementary school is 4 years, during which students receive basic training in subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics and science. In addition, students also receive hands-on training in manual activities such as woodworking, weaving and cooking.

Primary school in the Canton of Glarus is organized into two cycles: the lower cycle (Grundschule) and the upper cycle (Mittelschule). The lower cycle lasts 2 years and focuses on basic training in subjects such as reading, writing and mathematics. The upper cycle lasts 2 years and focuses on training in subjects such as science, technology and foreign languages.

The middle school in the Canton of Glarus

Middle school in the Canton of Glarus is compulsory for all students between the ages of 11 and 16. The duration of middle school is 5 years, during which students receive more specialized training in subjects such as science, technology and foreign languages. In addition, students also receive hands-on training in manual tasks such as programming, mechanics and electronics.

Middle school in the Canton of Glarus is organized into two cycles: the lower cycle (Mittelschule) and the upper cycle (Gymnasium). The lower cycle lasts 2 years and focuses on training in subjects such as science and technology. The upper cycle lasts 3 years and focuses on training in subjects such as mathematics, physics and chemistry.

Vocational education in the Canton of Glarus

Vocational education in Canton Glarus is compulsory for all students between the ages of 16 and 19. The duration of professional education is 2 years, during which students receive practical training in a specific professional activity. Furthermore, students also receive theoretical training in subjects such as business management and accounting.

The vocational school in the Canton of Glarus is organized into two cycles: the lower cycle (Berufsmittelschule) and the higher cycle (Berufslehre). The lower cycle lasts 1 year and focuses on practical training in a specific professional activity. The higher cycle lasts 1 year and focuses on theoretical and practical training in a specific professional activity.

Concrete examples

• A concrete example of a student following school in the Canton of Glarus is the following: a 6-year-old child starts primary school in a municipality in the Canton of Glarus, where he receives basic training in subjects such as reading, writing and mathematics. After 4 years, the child moves on to middle school, where he receives more specialized training in subjects such as science and technology. After 5 years, the child moves to vocational education, where he receives practical training in a specific professional activity.
• Another concrete example is the following: an 11-year-old child starts middle school in a municipality in the Canton of Glarus, where he receives more specialized training in subjects such as science and technology. After 5 years, the child moves to vocational education, where he receives practical training in a specific professional activity.

Regulations and amounts

• The school law in the Canton of Glarus requires that every student must attend school for a period of 9 years (art. 1, school law of 15 June 2018).
• Vocational education in the Canton of Glarus is compulsory for all students aged between 16 and 19 (art. 2, Schools Act of 15 June 2018).
• The cost of middle school in the Canton of Glarus is CHF 12,000 per year (source: Federal Office of Education and Science, 2020).

Operational checklists

• Enroll the child in primary school in a municipality in the Canton of Glarus by the deadline established by law (art. 3, school law of 15 June 2018).
• Ensure that the child regularly attends primary school for a period of 4 years.
• Enroll the child in middle school in a municipality in the Canton of Glarus by the deadline established by law (art. 4, school law of 15 June 2018).
• Ensure that the child regularly attends middle school for a period of 5 years.
• Enroll the child in vocational education in a municipality in the Canton of Glarus by the deadline established by law (art. 5, Schools Act of 15 June 2018).
• Ensure that the child regularly attends vocational education for a period of 2 years.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• A comparison of practical scenarios is as follows: If a 6-year-old child starts primary school in a municipality in the Canton of Glarus, he will receive basic training in subjects such as reading, writing and mathematics. However, if an 11-year-old child starts middle school in a municipality in the canton of Glarus, he or she will receive more specialized training in subjects such as science and technology.

References to Swiss cantons or cities relevant to the topic

• The Canton of Glarus is one of the Swiss cantons that provides compulsory schooling for all students aged between 6 and 16.
• The city of Glarus is the capital of the canton of Glarus and is home to the school office of the canton of Glarus.

*The city of Lucerne is another Swiss city that has compulsory schooling for all students between the ages of 6 and 16.

References to sources

• Schools Act of 15 June 2018 (Federal Office of Education and Science).
• Federal Office of Education and Science (2020).
• School Office of the Canton of Glarus (2020).

Operational details

Key facts

• What: Schooling in Canton Glarus
• When: From the age of 6
• Where: Public schools throughout the canton
• Who: All children residing in Canton Glarus
• Amount: 4 years of elementary school and 5 years of middle school

The educational system of the Canton of Glarus is one of the most important aspects of its educational policy. The canton has introduced an educational obligation that affects all children residing in the territory. This obligation was established by the law on the school system of the Canton of Glarus, approved on 1 January 2015.

Under this law, all children between the ages of 6 and 16 must attend a public school. This means that parents do not have the right to choose not to enroll their children in a public school. In the event of non-compliance, parents may be subject to penalties.

Elementary school is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 10. This school has a duration of 4 years and covers the following topics: mathematics, German language, English language, history and geography, physical education and art.

Middle school is compulsory for all children between the ages of 11 and 16. This school has a duration of 5 years and covers the following topics: mathematics, German language, English language, history and geography, physical education, art and music.

The Canton of Glarus has also established rules for enrolment in public schools.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

Canton Glarus school system: enrolment and cycles

Action

• Step 1: Check if your children are eligible for compulsory schooling in Canton Glarus. To do this, check if they are at least 5 years old as of January 1 of the current school year. In addition, please ensure that you and your spouse (if applicable) reside in the Canton of Glarus or that you are employed full-time in this territory. If these requirements are met, your children are eligible for compulsory schooling.
• Step 2: Enroll your children in cantonal public schools. You can do this online or at your local school office. Be sure to provide all required information, including your personal information, that of your children, and proof of residency.
• Step 3: Follow the instructions for enrollment and tuition. Tuition fees vary by age and type of education. For the 2022-2023 school year, the annual fee for compulsory schooling is CHF 1,235 for each child, while for children with disabilities it is CHF 820. Make sure you pay your tuition by the date indicated, otherwise you may incur a penalty of CHF 200.
• Step 4: Check if your children are eligible for scholarships. The Canton of Glarus offers scholarships to deserving children who cannot afford to pay school fees. To be eligible, children must have a household income of less than CHF 80,000 for the year

Evaluating a Ticino job offer? Simulate your net payslip: enter gross salary, marital status and municipality for a detailed breakdown.