Swiss Passport

Who is responsible for financing and organising primary school?

Wer ist zuständig für die Finanzierung und Organisation der Primarschule?

Correct answer: B

  1. A the parentsdie Eltern
  2. B the canton together with the municipalitiesder Kanton mit den Gemeinden
  3. C the Confederationder Bund
  4. D the school districtder Schulkreis

Why

The canton and the municipalities finance and organise primary school together. It is free for parents.

Common mistakes

C: the Confederation
The Confederation is not responsible for compulsory state school.
A: the parents
State school is free. Parents do not pay for it directly.

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

Last checked: September 2026

Question 205 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.

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