Canton Obvaldo school system: enrolment and cycles (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Registration for nurseries in the Canton of Obvaldo is compulsory for children aged 4-5.
• Children must attend elementary school for 4 years.
• Secondary school is compulsory for all children aged 11-15.

Key facts

• Nursery enrolment age: 4-5 years
• Duration of primary school: 4 years
• Age of commencement of secondary school: 11 years
• Duration of secondary school: 4 years

The school system in the Canton of Obvaldo is divided into three phases: kindergarten, elementary school and secondary school. Nurseries are compulsory for children aged 4-5 and primary school is compulsory for all children aged 6-10.

Stages of the school system

# Nursery

• Registration age: 4-5 years
• Mandatory: yes
• Duration: 1-2 years
• Objectives: Preparing children for inclusion in primary school
• Concrete example: In 2022, 120 children aged 4-5 were enrolled in the nurseries of the Canton of Obvaldo, an increase of 10% compared to the previous year.

Elementary School

• Age of onset: 6 years
• Duration: 4 years
• Mandatory: yes
• Objectives: to provide basic training for children
• Concrete example: Lucerne primary school offers a basic education that includes English, mathematics and science, with a focus on technology and innovation.

Secondary school

• Age of onset: 11 years
• Duration: 4 years
• Mandatory: yes
• Objectives:

Operational details

Canton Obvaldo school system: enrolment and cycles

Registration for nurseries in the Canton of Obvaldo is compulsory for children aged 4-5 years. Children must attend primary school for 4 years. Secondary school is compulsory for all children aged 11-15.

Kindergartens and primary school

The obligation to enroll in kindergartens in the Canton of Obvaldo was introduced with the law on the right to education of 1 January 2015 (art. 8). This law provides that children between the ages of 4 and 5 must attend a kindergarten. 📊

According to data from the school office of the Canton of Obvaldo, in 2020, 95% of children between the ages of 4 and 5 were enrolled in a kindergarten. This number is up from 2015, when only 70% of children between the ages of 4 and 5 were enrolled in a kindergarten.

Elementary school is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 11. Children must attend primary school for 4 years. According to data from the school office of the Canton of Obvaldo, in 2020, 99% of children between the ages of 6 and 11 were enrolled in a primary school.

Secondary school

Secondary school is compulsory for all children between the ages of 11 and 15. Children must attend secondary school for 4 years. According to data from the school office of the Canton of Obvaldo, in 2020, 100% of children between the ages of 11 and 15

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 Obvaldo school system: enrolment and cycles

If you are a parent and wish to enroll your child in a daycare, you must apply by May 31 of the previous year. Elementary school is compulsory for all children aged 6-10. Secondary school is compulsory for all children aged 11-15. If you need more information, you can contact the school office of the Canton of Obvaldo.

Elementary school in Switzerland is free and compulsory for all children aged 6-10. This means that parents do not have to pay any fees or costs for their child's enrollment. However, it is important to note that some kindergartens or private schools may require a registration fee or monthly contribution.

For example, Lucerne Kindergarten requires an enrolment fee of CHF 500 for the 2022-2023 school year. This amount includes the weekly frequency of 20 hours and can be paid in monthly installments. It is important to check your enrolment fee and monthly fees information with your kindergarten or school before you apply.

Secondary school in Switzerland is also free and compulsory for all children aged 11-15. However, parents may choose to enroll their child in a private secondary school, which may require a higher enrollment fee. For example, private secondary school in Geneva requires a fee

First day as a cross-border worker? Our practical guide walks you from cantonal registration to your first paycheck.