Private schools with a special focus

For parents who would like an alternative education for their children to that offered by state schools private schools with a special focus (e.g. Montessori or Rudolf Steiner Schools, religious schools, etc.) offer these services. In all cantons private schools have to be approved and are subject to state supervision. International schools offer teaching at primary and lower secondary level, depending on the school. Teaching follows an international curriculum and can also be based on cantonal curricula. International schools may offer bilingual teaching.

Around 4% of children attend a private, subsidised or a private, non-subsidised primary school (FSO 2015).