Starting school is an important milestone for children and their families. Before school begins, there are a few things to keep in mind—from compulsory education to enrollment and the pre-school health examination.

When does my child become subject to compulsory education?

At the start of each school year, all children who have turned six or will turn six by the following September 30 are generally required to attend school. This includes children who celebrate their sixth birthday on October 1.

For children who turn six between July 1 and September 30, legal guardians may defer school enrollment by one year. This requires an informal written statement to the appropriate elementary school, which must be submitted by May 1 before the start of the relevant school year.

Younger children may also be enrolled early at the request of their legal guardians if they possess the necessary physical and mental readiness for school and are sufficiently developed in terms of social behavior. The decision on this matter is made by the principal of the school in question. Participation in a pre-enrollment medical examination is also mandatory.

If a child of school age is not yet sufficiently developed physically, mentally, or in terms of social behavior, enrollment may be deferred for one year. If necessary, attendance at a school-based preschool may be arranged to support the child’s further development.

The respective school administration decides on early enrollment or deferral.