School and the school system are different in every country. In Stuttgart, we have a wide range of schools. To help you find your way around, we have summarized the most important information.
To ensure that your offspring don't stumble on the path to education, the Welcome Center supports you with all kinds of information about the school system in Germany. (Symbol image)
Compulsory education
Children in Germany are required to attend school from the age of six. When your child turns six, you will automatically receive an invitation to register at the nearest elementary school. New parents whose child has reached the age of six must register their child independently at the nearest school in their district.
After completing the four-year elementary school, you as parents decide which secondary school your child will attend: Werkrealschule, Realschule, Gemeinschaftsschule or Gymnasium. Class teachers and head teachers will advise and support you in choosing the right type of school for your child.
Other countries, other school rules. From the various school offerings to vacations - there are a lot of things for parents to consider when it comes to school. We have summarized the most important points of the German school system for you, so that your child can quickly find its feet.
When does my child have to start school?
When your child turns six, he or she must go to school. In Germany, every child has a right to attend school. This right is also an obligation, the so-called compulsory school attendance. Children are required by law to go to school.
What schools are there?
Children attend elementary school from 1st to 4th grade (around age 6 to 10). After that, they move on to a secondary school: Werkrealschule, Realschule, Gymnasium or Gemeinschaftsschule.
My child does not speak German. Can he/she still go to school?
Yes, your child will then attend a preparatory class where he or she will learn the German language with other children. There are preparatory classes at elementary schools and at secondary schools. Find out more at the school in your district or at the Stuttgart State Education Authority (opens in a new tab).
When and where do I have to register my child for school?
As soon as you have moved to Stuttgart, register your child at the secretary's office at a school in your district. Take your child with you when you register him or her. Also bring an identification document for your child.
What is an initial examination?
Before your child enters 1st grade, he or she must be examined at the health office. This is important so that possible health restrictions can be detected early. Your child's development and medical issues that affect school attendance can also be discussed here.
What school does my child go to when he or she is between 6 and 10 years old?
Your child must go to an elementary school near your home. To find the right elementary school for your child, ask the nursery school teachers. Or you can find out directly from the school in your district. You can find an overview of the schools in all of Stuttgart's districts in the city's school finder.
What school will my child go to if he/she is older than 10 years old?
Your child must attend a secondary school. Register your child at a secondary school. You can find information about secondary schools in Stuttgart in the city's school finder.
What is expected of me as a parent?
Parents and school share responsibility for the upbringing and education of the child. Therefore, the school regularly invites you to parent meetings with the teacher. You will also be invited to parents' evenings together with all other parents of a class.
How long does a school day last?
The length of the school day depends on the age of your child and the type of school. In elementary school, school usually takes place in the morning. However, there are also all-day schools or childcare options before and after school. If you wish, your child can stay at school in the afternoon, for example. In most cases, your child will also receive meals there. Please ask the school about this.
What is an all-day school?
In addition to lessons, all-day schools offer other activities for the children. All-day schools in Stuttgart are free of charge (except for lunch). The school day usually runs from 8 am to 3 or 4 pm. You must register your child for the all-day school. Registration is binding and is valid for the whole school year. You can find more information in the municipal school finder.
What care is available?
Stuttgart's elementary schools offer various types of care. Most schools also offer childcare before classes begin at 7 a.m. and after classes end until 5 p.m.. You must register and pay for your child for the entire school year. Find out as early as possible at the respective school. If you have any questions, please contact the school administration office.
When is school free?
During the school vacations , the children do not have school lessons. The school vacations are set early in Stuttgart. During the school vacations, your child can participate in a vacation program. These offers during the vacations take place at the school or at another location. You must register your child separately for this and pay for participation. You can get more information aStuttgart. During the school vacations, your child can participate in a vacation program. These offers during the vacations take place at the school or at another location. You must register your child separately for this and pay for participation. You can get more information about the offers and the costs at your child's school or at the city.
Does your child have a disability or is chronically ill?
There are several options for children with a disability or chronic illness: Your child can attend elementary or secondary school and receive various forms of support there. Or your child can attend a school that specializes in support. These schools are called special education and counseling centers (SBBZ). Get advice about this at your child's school or at the State Education Authority.
How much does the school cost?
School attendance is free in Germany, except at private schools. Additional care and lunch must be paid for. In Stuttgart, many families receive the FamilienCard and the Bonuscard. Lunch and childcare are then cheaper.
What happens after elementary school?
After 4th grade, children transfer to a secondary school. The secondary schools include
the Werkrealschule
the Realschule
the Gymnasium
the community school
For the younger pupils (up to grade 7) there are also there are also all-day programs at some secondary schools. Please inquire directly at the respective school or contact the school administration office.
Which of these schools is right for my child?
In the 4th grade of elementary school, you will receive a recommendation from the school for further school attendance, the so-called elementary school recommendation. As parents, you decide which type of school your child should attend: Werkrealschule, Realschule, Gymnasium or Gemeinschaftsschule. You can find out more at events in elementary schools or in the secondary schools.
What if my child develops differently?
Whatever choice you make: The decision does not have to be final. It is possible to change school types. Even after attending one type of school or finishing early, various paths are open to your child to catch up on qualifications. You can find more information about this at: www.bildungsnavi-bw.de/schulsystem (opens in a new tab)
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