Question 198 of 350 · Offices, school and social services
Who is primarily responsible for state schools in Switzerland?
Wer ist in der Schweiz in erster Linie für die Volksschule verantwortlich?
Correct answer: B
Why
Compulsory state school is a matter for the cantons. The municipalities organise the schools locally.
Common mistakes
- A: the federal school administration
- There is no federal school administration for compulsory state school. The Confederation is hardly responsible here.
- C: the cantons' school conference
- The cantons work together (in the EDK), but each canton is responsible itself.
Topic
State schools in the canton of Zurich
In Switzerland, the cantons and the municipalities are mainly responsible for state schools, not the Confederation. Compulsory school is called Volksschule. It is free of charge. The canton sets the rules and the curriculum. The municipalities organise and pay for the local schools, together with the canton.
Canton and municipality of Zurich · Offices, school and social services
Sources
Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.