Switzerland is a popular destination for expats looking for work opportunities. The country offers stunning nature, charming villages, lots of family-friendly activities, and above all, it is safe and well organized.

As expat parents ourselves, we understand that relocating with children can be exciting and challenging at the same time. The number one question families with school-age children ask us before relocating to Basel is “What is the best school in Basel?” The answer depends on several factors, unique to each family. From choosing between a local or international school to learning about language support and childcare options, there are many aspects to consider. In this article, we will walk you through some important questions to consider when choosing a new school.


“What is the best school in Switzerland?”

At Summit-Education, our goal is to help families make informed decisions about daycare, private education, and international schools in Switzerland. We do so through publishing a yearly magazine about education in Switzerland, the Summit Family Guide. The Summit Family Guide is a magazine about childcare and education for families living in or relocating to Switzerland. It includes:

• Everything you need to know about childcare
• A directory of all private and international schools
• Information about local businesses
• Family-friendly activities.
  
  

From questions to ask during the school selection process, advice from admissions officers, and tips on making the most of school visits, we help you with everything you need to know to select the best private or international school in Switzerland. Our next Basel edition is launching in Q1 2025 – so stay tuned.

Choosing the right school in Switzerland

1. Choosing between local, private, and international schools

One of the first decisions parents must make when moving to Basel is whether to enroll their child in a local Swiss school, a private school, or an international school. This choice depends on several factors, including the child’s language skills, the family’s expected duration of stay in Switzerland, the availability of employer tuition assistance programs, and the child’s future academic roadmap.

• Local schools in Basel follow the official Swiss curriculum (Lehrplan 21) and provide instruction in German. Local schools are free and of high quality, making them a good option for families planning a long-term stay, or families who do not have employer-sponsored tuition assistance programs.
  
  
• Private schools often offer bilingual programs or alternative curricula such as Montessori. They provide more flexibility in language and teaching approaches.
  
  
• International schools follow globally recognized curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the English National Curriculum. Schools cater to families planning to relocate to another country after a few years or return to their home country. International schools are day schools, often including extracurricular programs and hot lunches as standard.

Understanding these differences is the first step in determining the best fit for your child and family.

2. Language integration and support in Swiss local schools

Attending a local school can be a great opportunity for children. Local schools are often within walking distance from home and help children immerse in Swiss culture and integrate into the local community. However, a main challenge for non-German-speaking families is language.

With German being the official language in the northwestern part of Switzerland, it is the primary language of instruction in local schools. Schools offer various support options for children who speak little or no German through the program “German as a second language” (Deutsch als Zweitsprache – DaZ). DaZ teachers help children learn German fast by offering full-time language integration programs in small groups and private sessions, allowing students to first master the language before joining mainstream classes taught in German. In Basel-Stadt, DaZ support is available at all school levels and adapted to the age of the child.

• Kindergarten: Children receive language support from a certified DaZ teacher within their regular kindergarten setting once or several times a week.
  
  
• Primary School: Children often join a one-year intensive language learning program before transitioning to a mainstream class. This program may also include a small number of mainstream classes. The following year, children enter a mainstream class but continue to benefit from advanced language learning lessons for up to three years. Regular teachers and DaZ teachers work closely together to help the child improve.
  
  

While it is certainly easier for younger children (under six) to pick up a new language, older children can also adapt well with the right support. We have seen many older students pick up German within a year and happily attend a local school. Contact the education department in Basel-Stadt or Basel-Landschaft for more information about available language learning support programs.

3. Childcare before and after school, and during lunchtime

Swiss local schools are (in)famous for their long holidays, free afternoons, and extended lunch breaks, which can present challenges for working parents. Local schools typically finish at 12.00, with afternoon classes once or several days a week depending on the child’s age.

When school finishes at 12.00, children either go home for lunch or join a lunch program. Catered school lunches are not standard practice, and parents are required to sign up and pay a fee.

There are several lunch options available:

• Internal lunch programs (schulinterne Tagesbetreuung) are at or near the school.
  
  
• External lunch programs (schulexterne Tagesbetreuung, Kita Mittagstisch) are at a nearby daycare that may include a pick-up service for children attending kindergarten.
  
  
• Community center or church lunch programs (Mittagstisch).
  
  

In Basel-Stadt, school lunches, as well as before- and after-school care, are offered by Tagesstrukturen/Tagi. Tagesstrukturen are facilities supervised by qualified staff, offering lunch, sports, homework assistance, and playtime. Parents are required to book at least four childcare modules at the beginning of the schoolyear and commit for the entire year. Fees are income-dependent, and families not eligible for reductions pay around CHF 15 per day (lunch and care), from 12.15 until 14.00, and around CHF 22 per day for afternoon care from 14.00 until 18.00.

For more information about lunch and after-school care in Basel-stadt, visit https://www.bs.ch/ and search for Tagesstrukturen.

Municipalities in Basel-Landschaft offer similar programs, and you can get all the information at your local municipality (Gemeinde).

We recommend parents planning to work full-time carefully review the local Tagesstruktur‘s availability and logistics, as well as associated costs, before enrolling in a local school.

Private and international schools, by contrast, are day schools, offering daily hot lunches, extracurricular activities, and sports programs on site until around 18.00, making them more convenient for working parents.

4. Childcare during school holidays in Switzerland

Schools in Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft have 14 weeks of annual holidays (excluding Swiss national holidays), which can be challenging for working parents.

Holiday programs in local schools:
In Basel-Stadt, there are several schools that offer on-site holiday programs (Ferienbetreuung an Schulen) for children of all ages. These fun programs offer sports, arts, activities, and theme-based projects for all ages, and children can join these programs once or several days a week. Fees are income-dependent, with families not eligible for reductions paying around CHF 60 per day.

Additionally, private organizations offer weeklong themed programs (Tagesferien) during holidays at around 20 locations in Basel, except for the week between Christmas and new year. These programs run from 8.00 to 18.00 and cost CHF 200 per week for families not eligible for reductions. For more information about holiday programs in Basel-stadt, visit https://www.bs.ch/ and search for Ferienbetreuung.

Your child will receive information about all available programs at school. Programs fill up quickly, so we recommend putting the registration dates on your calendar.

All municipalities in Basel-Landschaft offer similar programs, and more information is provided by the school or municipality.

Holiday programs in private and international schools:
Private and international schools in the Basel region have their own well-established on- and off-site holiday camps during school holidays. These provide a great solution for working parents and allow children to stay in their familiar environment with their friends and classmates. Some families may find that the convenience of these established holiday programs offsets the higher tuition costs associated with private or international schooling.

5. Estimate duration of stay in Switzerland

Your family’s expected length of stay is another key factor when choosing a school for your child.

Families planning a long-term stay in Switzerland often choose to enroll their children in a local school to learn German and integrate into the local community.

For families planning a short-term stay in Switzerland, an international school may be preferred, as it provides continuity in education and reduces the challenges of transitioning between different school systems.

6. Consider your child’s academic roadmap

Finally, we recommend parents think about their child’s academic goals when choosing a school. The Swiss education system is highly regarded and leads to the Swiss Matura, a qualification that grants access to Swiss universities. For families planning to relocate to another country or return to their home country, international schools offering IB or British A-Levels might be a better choice to avoid having to take further education entrance tests.



Conclusion

Choosing a school in Basel is a very personal decision that depends on your family’s unique circumstances. By considering factors such as language skills, childcare options, the duration of your stay, and your child’s academic goals, you can make an informed choice that supports your child’s education for the duration of your stay in Switzerland.

Do you need help?

Our team of experienced education consultants has firsthand knowledge of the Swiss education system, childcare in Switzerland, and private, international, and local schools in and around Basel, Geneva, and Zürich.

We can provide guidance on all available schooling options, help with the application process, and support your child’s transition to their new school. Contact us to learn more.

We look forward to meeting your family.

Read More: What to consider when looking for daycare in Basel?