Across the world, four-year-olds are learning essential early-life skills: they’re singing songs, hopping through playgrounds, making new friends — and if they live in Switzerland, many are also walking to school. Alone. Yes, really.

Walking to school

In Switzerland, it’s common — and even expected — that children begin walking to school independently from the age of four, when they enter kindergarten. Approximately 75% of Swiss children walk to school, a number that stands out in global comparison. This practice is most prominent in the German-speaking cantons, where it’s seen not just as practical, but as an important developmental milestone. This deeply rooted tradition reflects something much bigger than a commute. It’s about building independence, trust, and resilience from the earliest stages of education.

A rite of passage

In many parts of the world, walking to school alone might be considered unsafe or even unthinkable for such young children. In contrast, in Switzerland it is widely encouraged and supported by parents, educators, and local authorities alike. Swiss parents are generally comfortable allowing their children to take this step (literally and figuratively) because the infrastructure, culture, and education system are all designed to support it. Walking to school is seen as more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s a way to:

• Teach responsibility and time management
• Strengthen orientation skills and spatial awareness
• Build confidence in unfamiliar situations
• Encourage social interaction with peers
• Promote physical activity and wellbeing

In short: it’s an everyday routine that prepares children for life.

How the Swiss make it work

You may be wondering — how do they ensure children are safe? Switzerland has built systems that allow this tradition to thrive safely:

• Pedestrian education is integrated into early schooling. Children are taught how to cross streets, read traffic signals, and recognize risky situations.
• Route planning is done collaboratively between schools and families, with guidance on the safest paths and crossings.
• Many towns have clearly marked school walking zones, speed limits near schools, and even volunteer patrols at busy intersections.
• Swiss communities value collective responsibility, and there is a shared cultural norm to watch out for children in public spaces.

Because of these practices, walking to school becomes a community-supported norm rather than an individual risk.

Why this matters for global families

At Edufax, we support many international and relocating families. When families move to a new country, one of their top concerns is often: “How will my child adapt to this new education system and culture?” This Swiss example is a powerful reminder of how educational practices are closely tied to local values and expectations.

In Switzerland, autonomy is introduced early, and walking to school reflects a broader commitment to trusting children to take ownership of their daily routines. For expat families, understanding this context is key. What might seem unusual at first can become a meaningful part of your child’s integration and development abroad.

Preserving the Dutch language in Switzerland

For Dutch-speaking families living in Switzerland, maintaining the Dutch language plays a crucial role in successful integration abroad. While the Swiss school system emphasizes independence and autonomy, it does not offer structured support for maintaining the native language of international families. That’s where Edufax steps in. Through our flexible NTC Online program — specifically designed for internationally mobile students — children can continue developing their Dutch language skills alongside their regular schooling. This helps preserve not only linguistic abilities but also cultural identity.

What can we learn?

You don’t have to live in Switzerland to adopt the spirit of this practice. Whether it’s letting your child carry their own school bag, manage their own schedule, or find their way to class without help — encouraging age-appropriate independence builds lifelong skills. It also reminds us that education doesn’t just happen inside the classroom. The walk to school — or the journey itself — can be a classroom in its own right.

Get in touch

Curious how you can support your child’s educational journey abroad? Get in touch with our experts at Edufax Consultancy for personalized advice on school choice, language continuity, and smooth integration into any education system worldwide.