In Switzerland, education is government responsibility (cantonal and/or federal) from the beginning of compulsory education up to and including tertiary level (universities and professional education and training). Responsibility for education lies primarily with the 26 cantons. The cantons and the federal government each have their own responsibilities for post-compulsory education (general education schools, vocational and professional education and training, universities) and thus bear responsibility for these levels of education together. The cantons and their local municipalities finance 90% of public expenditure on education.
The majority of students in Switzerland complete compulsory education at a state school in the municipality in which they live. Roughly 5 % attend a private school.
State schools play an important role in integration. Children who have different social, linguistic and cultural backgrounds all attend the same school.
Responsibility for compulsory education lies with the cantons. Schools are run by the local municipalities. Because education is locally rooted, tailor-made solutions can be implemented. Attendance of state schools is free of charge.
Duration of the different levels of education: The total compulsory school period amounts to eleven years. Primary level including two years of kindergarten or a first learning cycle comprises eight years. Lower secondary level takes three years. In the canton of Ticino