Germany's School System

In Germany, school from the age of 6 through 14, is mandatory, and in public state-run school's, it's free. The school system in Germany is a little different than it's American counterpart. All children enter in the same program, but at the age of 10, they go to one of four types of schools. The track that they enter determines which type of school they can enter next and finally, whether they will go to a university or enter a technical field or trade.

Kindergarten (literally translated: a garden or yard for kids) is not a part of the regular public school system and is not required or free. Tuition is normally based on income. Even though it's not mandatory, over 67% of 3 to 6 year olds attend them. (Many more children would attend if it weren't for the limited space) The Kindergartens are usually run by churches, organizations and private companies.

From the age of 6 through 9 all children must attend Grundschule or primary school. Here they one teacher that will teach them the basic skills like reading, writing and math and religion. They also have a class called "Heimat and Sachunterricht" which is where they learn about local history, geography and biology. In addition to their base teacher, they go to separate teachers for music and PE.This is also the time where children are evaluated for the next level of schooling. In the 5th and 6th grades (the "orientation grades:) it is decided which track the student will go to next. The decision is based on the students ability, speed of learning, intelligence and/or preference.

The lowest track in the German education system is the Hauptschule (General school). It's starts with 5th grade and goes up through the 9th grade. A Hauptschule is a school where the students prepare for occupations that require training. They also continue learning basic subjects as well as English. After a student graduates a Haupschule they can go on to a vocational school which lasts about 2 years.

 A Realschule is a school that's a little more advanced that the Hauptschule. Here students learn the basic subjects which will prepare them for a mid level job in business. In a Realschule it's possible (if a student receives high enough grades) to transfer to a Gymnasium.  

The gymnasium is one of the tracks a student could go to after primary school. This school prepares students to enter a university. The gymnasium goes for eight years or from the 5th through 13th grades. Here students learn subjects like German, math, physics, chemistry, geography, biology, art, PE, religion and history. They are also required to learn two foreign languages. (One has to be English) In the 13th grade students prepare for the Abitur. This is an examination that you have to pass in order to go on to a university.

A Gesamtschule (comprehensive school) is a school that combines the Gymnasium, the Realschule, and the Hauptschile. This type of school was first introduced in Germany in the 60's and has been controversial ever since. (Scholars have debated whether students can learn better in this type of environment.) A student at a comprehensive school can switch between the different tracks without changing buildings.

Reference:

Oracle ThinkQuest Education Foundation.(1999). The German School System. Retrieved from http://library.thinkquest.org/26576/schoolpage.htm