Primary and Secondary School

Attending a state-run school is free of charge, and it is compulsory for children beginning at age six. The standards in state schools are usually high, teachers are highly qualified, and student qualifications are internationally recognized. For the first four years, children usually attend a local primary school. At the end of primary school, parents can choose between various types of secondary schools, ranging from lower secondary school (Hauptschule, Regelschule) to higher secondary school (Gymnasium), depending on their child’s interests and abilities.

Students who gain a qualification from a Gymnasium (Hochschulreife) can attend university. There are also special Gymnasia that offer mainly science and technical courses for the engineers of the future.

Students who gain a qualification from a technical or specialized secondary school can attend a university of applied science, where the courses are more practically oriented. Many schools have developed their own profiles focusing on certain areas. There are, for example, schools focusing on natural sciences, languages, music, or sports.

Supplementing the state-run schools are numerous private schools. They include Christian Gymnasiums, Waldorf schools, Montessori schools and other programs that offer special or extra classes.