Hi All

We are leaving New Zealand for Zurich in October and are strongly considering living in Horgen or nearby. Having a 6 year old and 8 year old we are trying to decide on the best schooling options. Has anyone had any experience of the integration programmes run at the state primary school for children who have no German (or Swiss German). Or can anyone comment on their experience of the bilingual school in Horgen. I would also be keen to hear more about the state school syllabus. I understand its more structured and focused on math, reading and writing and not on enquiry based learning. This obviously has strengths and weaknesses. Is their much in the way of creative learning - arts/music and sports. Many thanks for any of your thoughts and experiences.

hi
integration programs are different but similar across CH because there are so many 'foreigners'. your kids will have extra class at school in german. also have a look here and here.
some comments about the horgen school has also been made - search with google
good luck!

Approaches to integration in Kanton Aargau are varied as some areas have a much higher number of non German speaking newcomers than others.

I have a family that just arrived and the village they are moving to offers a course for moms who do not speak German. They have a large number of foreigners and feel the need to offer this locally.

You need to check with TAZ Horgen (the bilingual school) whether they will take children who don't have German. It used to be that they wouldn't take children who didn't have a reasonable level of German because they teach some days wholly in English and some days wholly in German.

We are a family with 3 (8, 6 and 4) also looking to move to Horgen area because of local school. I would be interested to see how you have got on - we are aiming to be there late Sept. I have basic German but my children have none. Best of luck with your move!!