Do schools charge fees? Why is school compulsory? Here is an explanation for the peculiarities of the German school system.
Unlike in other countries with compulsory education, parents in Germany are not allowed to teach their children at home. Here, school attendance is compulsory, and this is justified by the state’s duty to educate. Children usually start school at the age of six and attend classes for at least nine years.
How is the school system structured in Germany?
Children first attend primary school for four years. In their fourth year the decision is made on how to continue their education. The secondary school system is divided into:
- Hauptschule – for less academic students;
- Realschule – for intermediary students;
- Gymnasium – for academic students;
- Gesamtschule – a comprehensive school combining all education types.
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