It maps out all the stages of schooling from kindergarten to university in all 26 cantons, providing key facts and useful terminology in German, French, and Italian.

The book unravels how children advance through the school system and lists the different selection criteria around the country for the academic path. It also clearly explains the range of options and alternative paths that lead to tertiary education. It highlights issues parents may need to address in order to help their children reach their full educational potential. Tips are given to help parents manage their relationship with the school, drawing on the expertise of professionals and the experiences and insights of other parents, both from Switzerland and abroad.

At what age should you move your child to a Swiss public school? What kind of integration programmes and extra language lessons are usually available? What about homework and extra tuition? What is HarmoS all about? You'll find answers to all your questions and a lot more. Stages of schooling covered: kindergarten, primary school, lower secondary school, gymnasium, apprenticeships, specialised upper schools and the various paths to tertiary education.

You'll learn all about attitudes to early learning and the subjects taught, learning to read and other competences developed, Swiss-German and High German, handwriting, marks and their consequences, Cantonal variations, discipline, the curriculum, vocational maturity, school hours, parent / teacher relations, attitudes to competition, and the key educational terminology needed to deal with Swiss schooling issues.You can increase the likelihood of your child making a smooth and successful transition at any stage of his or her education.

"It is a stunning book in both scope and detail. I am not aware of any other book that covers the Swiss educational landscape in this manner. Hope it finds a large audience." Christian Liesen, professor at the Interkantonale Hochschule für Heilpädagogik Zürich.

See also Beyond Chocolate - understanding Swiss culture by Margaret Oertig Davidson.

Listen to a discussion and interview with Margaret Oertig about Going Local on the WRS radio