The Swiss education system, renowned globally for its quality, has undergone significant structural and philosophical transformations since the 1960s. A key driver of change has been the harmonization of the system across Switzerland's cantons. While political federalism places primary responsibility for education with each canton, a series of inter-cantonal agreements over the decades has created a more unified framework. One of the most notable shifts was the extension of compulsory schooling from eight to nine years by 1970, with students typically finishing at age 15. This trend continued, and today, mandatory education in Switzerland spans 11 years, comprising eight years of primary and three years of secondary school. Another tangible change for generations of students was the gradual phasing out of the six-day school week. For many years, it was standard to attend school on Saturday mornings. The move to a five-day week began in some municipalities in the early 1970s and was not fully adopted across all cantons until the early 2000s, fundamentally altering the weekly rhythm of Swiss family life.
Beyond structural changes, the post-war era ushered in a profound shift in educational attitudes. The societal reckoning following the horrors of World War II led to a widespread questioning of authoritarian structures, including within schools. By 1968, a movement emerged advocating for a new, more compassionate model of education that reflected a more open and nurturing society. This philosophy viewed schools as environments where a child's innate talent was to be unlocked and inspired, rather than simply disciplined. This period saw the establishment of experimental private schools dedicated to this learner-centered ethos. Today, the Swiss system is distinguished by its flexibilité and quality, notably through its robust Vocational Education and Training (VET) track, which seamlessly blends academic learning with practical apprenticeship. The general education track prepares students for university via the Swiss or Specialised Baccalaureate. Furthermore, the system naturally cultivates multilingualism, with students often learning multiple national languages and English. At Collège Champittet, we embody this evolved tradition of Swiss excellence, fostering multilingual, globally-minded learners and unlocking every student's potential as a Swiss school open to the world.
