The period of mandatory schooling lasts for nine years in Switzerland and consists of primary school (6 years) and secondary school (3 years). Moreover one year of kindergarten is compulsory. Children may attend a public or private school. Public school and public kindergarten are free of charge.

Children attend kindergarten for one ore two years, starting at the age of four respectively five. The year before primary school the attendance is compulsory.

The primary schools in Baar start out with all children that were six years old before the end of February. An accelerated or a delayed entry may be authorized for some children by the school psychologist. Special German language instruction is made available to integrate foreign language speaking children. The classes start with 1st grade (1. Klasse) and go to 6th grade (6. Klasse).

The secondary schools of Baar are divided into three groups: Werkschule, Realschule and Sekundarschule, (“Sek”). The students are guided into the most appropriate school group based on their grades, goals, and social abilities. The secondary level is called the “kooperative Oberstufe” because two subjects, Math and French overlap between the different school groups in order to optimize resources and results.

Many special programs make the Baar schools attractive for newcomers:

• The courses have been organised in blocks from 8:15 am to 11:35 am for four lessons and from 1:30 pm on for further classes depending on level, for two to four lessons.
• An à la carte offer of assistance and activities (lunchtime or afternoon activities and help with homework) are organised. These programs are voluntary and must be paid for.
• Special programs include German classes for foreign speaking students, workshops for especially talented children, as well as speech and psychomotor therapy.
• School/parent partnerships take various forms (special project workgroups, parent visit days e.g.). Many assume a part of the responsibility and the load on a few is eased. That is our conviction and more and more our experience.
• Support is no longer separately organized with specific courses. It is given by remedial education consultants in the class itself. A basic level of counselling and social services are offered to support students, parents and teachers with schoolwork, individual and social difficulties.

If a student chooses Gymnasium (High school) immediately after primary school, she or he would attend a Gymnasium for six years. The Gymnasium leads to the so-called federal graduation diploma which is recognized by all universities in Switzerland and most universities abroad.