Compulsory schooling

In the Canton of Jura, compulsory schooling lasts 11 years. Children start school at the age of four by 31 July (born before and up to 31 July).

Compulsory schooling is divided into two stages:

• The primary level lasts eight years.

Pupils gradually develop skills in the following areas:

languages, mathematics, science, arts, sport and living together.

• Secondary school (secondary I) lasts three years.

Depending on their abilities, pupils are guided towards different levels of education. They expand their knowledge.

In addition, they become more independent and prepare for vocational training.

What about children with special needs or disabilities?

Children with special needs or disabilities are encouraged and supported throughout their schooling.

What about children who speak a foreign language?

Children who do not speak French receive special assistance.

Public schools are free of charge. Boys and girls are in the same classes. Teaching is not based on religion.

The majority of children and young people attend compulsory schooling in public schools.

There is also a private school in the Canton of Jura: St-Charles in Porrentruy.

If you wish to enrol your children in a private school, you must pay the tuition fees yourself.

Children up to 15 years of age by 31 July (born before and up to 31 July) attend compulsory school.

Have you moved to a new municipality in the Canton of Jura?

Is your child under 15 or 15 years old?

Are you arriving in the municipality after a move? To enrol your child in school, you must contact the school principal in your new municipality.

Is your young person over 15 years old?

You should contact the Service de la formation postobligatoire (Post-Compulsory Education Service). They will help them find training.

“Sport-Arts-Etudes (Sport, Arts, Studies)”

From the age of 12, young people who are high-level athletes or artists can enrol in “Sport-Arts-Etudes (Sports, Arts, Studies (SAE)”. Parents must submit a written request to the Service de l’enseignement (Teaching Service).

Schooling is compulsory. You may have problems if your child does not go to school without an excuse or good reason.

Is your child sick? Are they unable to take part in lessons? Then you have to inform the school.

You also need to check that your child does their homework.

It is important to show your child that you are interested in the work they do at school.

It is important to support and encourage them.

The school gives you information on all the topics of your child’s school life.

There are various ways it does this: a weekly notebook, school letters or meetings with parents.

Good cooperation between you and the teachers is important. That way, your child’s schooling will go well.

If you have any questions about the school, ask the teacher first.

If the teacher thinks your child needs something or has questions, they will also get in touch with you.

Do you have any particular difficulties or concerns?

You can ask the teacher. They will refer you to the relevant people.

You can also contact the school social worker or the Centre d’orientation scolaire et professionnelle et psychologie scolaire (Centre for Educational and Vocational Guidance and School Psychology (COSP)) directly.