After Primary school students have various choices of schools to apply for. One choice is the "Gymnasium" (4-8 years), which leads to the "Maturität" (German) or "Baccalauréat" (French term for the same exam). This diploma allows entrance into university.

Students can also choose between various types of Secondary schools (3-4 years). These eventually lead to a diploma and mark the end of the compulsory schooling. After Secondary school, students may take an entrance exam to the Gymnasium or start an apprenticeship.

A third option is the "Seminar", which leads to most teaching professions and entrance to various universities.

There is also a large supply of "Commercial" and "Vocational" schools.

Foreign students who study in Switzerland are usually placed in the Gymnasium, which offers several options of studies: Science, Modern Languages (with three or more modern languages), Classic (with literature, Greek and/or Latin, Arts and Philosophy) or Latin. All options include common subjects such as History, Geography, Physics, Maths, French/Italian/German, Biology/Zoology, Art, PE and Chemistry.

The Gymnasium student goes to school for 32 to 40 hours per week, plus homework. The Gymnasium system is very tough and if a student cannot achieve the average, he/she must repeat the year. If the student still does not make it, he/she is expelled from the school and can no longer continue his/her studies. However, there is an excellent tradition of apprenticeship in Switzerland. E.g. instead of going through a secretarial education, a young person may enter an apprenticeship in a firm.

In February there is a two-week ski holiday. Some schools organize ski camps during this time. The summer holiday lasts from approximately the beginning of July until the middle of August. In the fall schools are closed for one or two weeks.