Compulsory schooling begins when children start primary school. Children who have reached the age of six by the end of June of the current year are admitted. Primary school is free of charge, lasts five years and is a heterogeneous school. Pupils with different levels of development, abilities and different social and linguistic backgrounds come together. Detailed information on the transition from Kindergarten to primary school can be found in the brochure ‘Transition from Kindergartenl to primary school, information for parents’.

According to the School Law the role of primary school is to familiarise pupils with basic knowledge and skills. It serves their social, emotional and physical development. Primary school teachers teach pupils the basics for secondary school. The following subjects are taught at primary school: mathematics, German, English, NMG (nature, people, society), art, music, sport, textiles and technical design, and religion. Further information can be found in the Liechtenstein curriculum.

Primarily schools are financed by the municipalities; every municipality has its own primary school. In addition to the public primary schools there are two private schools: the Liechtenstein Waldorf School and the ‘formatio’ bilingual private school . These schools are privately funded schools, but they are subsidised by the state which makes contributions for each pupil. The majority of pupils in Liechtenstein attend a public primary school (cf. Table 1.1.1).

Pupils with learning difficulties are supported through special educational measures or enhanced special educational measures (special schooling).