Schooling from home in Switzerland:

What Parents Need to Know in 2025

A clear, simple guide for families exploring their options.

Home education (Hausunterricht / enseignement à domicile) is legal in Switzerland, but rules differ by canton.

Some cantons require only notification, while others demand formal authorisation or teaching qualifications. Families must comply with local regulations to ensure their child’s education meets cantonal standards.

Is schooling from home legal in Switzerland?

Yes. The Swiss Federal Constitution leaves education policy to each canton, meaning requirements vary. Cantons like Aargau or Schwyz allow simple notification, while others such as Zürich, Bern, or Zug require a teaching licence. Most cantons require instruction equivalent to public schooling, with periodic inspections or reports.

What are the steps?

1
Check your canton’s requirements. Each canton has its own process for home education; contact your local education department before starting.
2
Submit notification or request approval. Some cantons need advance authorisation and a written education plan.
3
Provide proof of qualifications (if required). In stricter cantons, at least one parent must hold a teaching certificate or similar qualification.
4
Follow equivalent learning standards. Instruction must align broadly with cantonal or federal education objectives.
5
Prepare for inspections. Education authorities may visit once or twice per year to verify progress.
In Switzerland, education is regulated at the cantonal level, meaning each region sets its own rules for home education. Some cantons require only notification, while others ask for formal approval or teacher qualifications. It gives families varying degrees of flexibility, but it also means parents must navigate local regulations, keep records, and prepare for periodic reviews or assessments depending on where they live.
That’s where
helps

What is bina and how is it different?

bina is a global, accredited online school for children ages 4–12.

We offer live, interactive, small-group learning that brings the energy and connection of a great classroom into your home.

Small, live classes with caring teachers

Classes are capped at 7 students, so teachers know your child’s name, learning style, and interests. You stay as involved as you want to be while we handle the teaching and structure.

A curriculum that fits your child

Your child learns at a pace that works for them, with space to explore their interests and the support they need to thrive. Our accredited programme is internationally recognised, giving you peace of mind that they’re learning what matters.

Friendships and belonging

Children make genuine friends with classmates from around the world. In small groups, they build confidence, practise social skills, and feel part of a real community — all from the safety of home.

You stay in the know

You’ll get weekly updates on what your child is learning and quarterly progress reports. A dedicated family success manager works with you to make sure everything fits your goals as a parent.
For legal purposes, families in Switzerland are considered to be providing home education. Parents must notify their local school authority annually and ensure their child participates in yearly exams. bina provides the daily teaching, structure, and progress reports to make that process simple and transparent.

What parents say

"bina has helped us navigate SEL in a fun way and develop her independence and confidence!"

Lorena Marden

"My grandson is a hands on and visual learner. Where we live there are no real learning programs geared towards different learning styles. bina has been a blessing for Aydin and our family. The worry and stress have eased tremendously."

Diedre Shakir

“Lily’s love for learning and creativity really gets to shine at bina. As her parents, we are inspired knowing her weekly goals and progress as discussed with us by her teachers and support team.”

Rae Bram

“We spent all of 2023 traveling through all 7 continents. We tried homeschooling, world schooling and even unschooling. Finding bina helped us to bridge the gap we were missing with the other education options we tried.”

Sarah Schmirl

"bina has helped us navigate SEL in a fun way and develop her independence and confidence!"

Lorena Marden

"My grandson is a hands on and visual learner. Where we live there are no real learning programs geared towards different learning styles. bina has been a blessing for Aydin and our family. The worry and stress have eased tremendously."

Diedre Shakir

“Lily’s love for learning and creativity really gets to shine at bina. As her parents, we are inspired knowing her weekly goals and progress as discussed with us by her teachers and support team.”

Rae Bram

“We spent all of 2023 traveling through all 7 continents. We tried homeschooling, world schooling and even unschooling. Finding bina helped us to bridge the gap we were missing with the other education options we tried.”

Sarah Schmirl

Find out if bina is right for you

1
Book a free consultation to see how bina can fit your family’s goals, schedule, and lifestyle.
2
Join a bina adventure with your child and walk away with tailored growth insights — no strings attached.
We’re happy to answer your questions and help you figure out what’s possible for your family.
Whether you’re ready to make a change or just gathering information, we’re here to help.

The questions we hear most from parents like you.

Will my child keep up with Switzerland’s curriculum?

Yes. bina’s accredited programme aligns closely with Swiss primary learning goals, ensuring steady progress in core subjects such as languages, maths, and science. We provide clear reports you can share with your local canton when required.

Will my child make friends if we learn from home?

Absolutely. Small, live classes and clubs help children connect quickly — building real friendships with peers in Switzerland and around the world.

How much of my time will this take as a parent?

We handle the live teaching, curriculum, and structure. You stay involved in your child’s learning and coordinate any local requirements, but you’re not expected to be their teacher.

Can we return to a local or international school later?

Yes. bina’s accredited programme keeps children aligned with recognised standards, making re-entry into public, private, or international schools smooth.

What about screens?

Classes are short and interactive, with plenty of movement, breaks, and creative or outdoor projects built in each day.

Will bina’s programme satisfy cantonal supervision requirements?

Yes. We provide structured teaching, progress tracking, and reports you can share with inspectors to demonstrate that your child is receiving equivalent education.

Are there inspections or assessments?

In many cantons, authorities schedule an annual visit or ask for written updates. Some require children to sit local assessments. bina’s progress records make those reviews simple and transparent.

Can lessons be in English?

Yes. bina’s primary instruction is in English, and many Swiss families choose it for bilingual development. You may supplement with French, German, or Italian language study, depending on your canton.

What if we move to another canton or abroad?

bina travels with you. We’ll help you understand the local education requirements wherever you live next, so your child stays compliant and on track.