Reception and academic support for foreign children
Is your family moving to Luxembourg or planning to do so? Your child’s transition into the school system is often one of your top concerns. To support newly arrived students (within the last 24 months), the Ministry of Education offers a structured program designed to help them adapt and succeed.
Which school system should you choose for your child?
Given the diversity of educational options in Luxembourg, it’s natural to feel uncertain: language of instruction, continuity of schooling, social integration… several factors come into play.
A common choice for expat families
Luxembourg is characterized by strong cultural diversity, with nearly 50% of residents of foreign origin. Every year, many families grapple with the same questions regarding their children’s schooling.
Two main options
1. International schools
Many families opt for international schools, which offer various curricula (European, British, French, IB, etc.). They often provide educational and linguistic continuity from preschool through high school.
There are both public and private schools, with different educational systems: European, British, and international.
2. The Luxembourg school system
Others choose to enroll their children in the local public school system:
- primary education (starting at age 4, with the option to enroll as early as age 3 in early childhood programs)
- Luxembourg high schools (from age 12 to 19)
This choice promotes rapid integration into Luxembourgish society, particularly through the learning of national languages and specific support for newcomers.
Check out our comprehensive guide to the Luxembourg education system.
What support is available for newly arrived children?
Luxembourg has developed a range of programs to support foreign students in their academic and linguistic adaptation.
Welcome classes and programs
Schools offer tailored orientation courses, allowing students to:
- better understand their new school environment
- build their confidence and facilitate their integration
- gradually participate in regular classes
Enhanced language support
Language proficiency is a key priority in Luxembourg. In the public school system:
- Luxembourgish is used orally starting in daycare and preschool; it is the primary language of instruction.
- German is introduced early in written form. It is the traditional language of literacy instruction, although French is also introduced in some classes as a language of literacy instruction
- Learning is then supplemented with French or German, as appropriate.
Free language support classes are offered, either individually or in small groups, to allow students to progress at their own pace.
These programs adapt to the child’s needs and may temporarily replace certain class periods.
At the same time, the growth of international schools also allows students to pursue their education in other European languages. These schools also prioritize language development.
Integration classes
For students who need more structured support, integration classes are available, particularly in secondary education.
These classes, which last for a maximum of about six terms, aim to:
- strengthen language skills
- consolidate foundational knowledge in mathematics and other key subjects
- facilitate access to a regular classroom
The goal is to enable the student to subsequently join an educational track suited to their age and level.
For a more playful approach to languages, you can also check out: Contern International Comics Festival.
The SIA: Essential Support for Expat Families
A service dedicated to school integration
The School Integration and Welcome Service (SIA), part of the Ministry of National Education, assists families with their enrollment process.
It offers:
- information on available school systems
- help with enrollment
- personalized support
- intercultural mediation if necessary
A personalized orientation meeting
You can request an appointment to:
- clarify your options
- ask questions
- better understand the expectations of the Luxembourg education system
Discover the various school options in Luxembourg.
A personalized educational guidance proposal for your child
Upon request, the SIA can compile an academic file including:
- previous report cards
- an assessment of skills
- the family’s educational goals
This file allows us to propose a coherent and personalized educational path, taking into account the child’s background and needs.
Follow-up during the first few years
Once the child is integrated into a classroom, support can be provided for approximately two years.
The school, in collaboration with the SIA, then develops an individualized plan that includes:
- specific educational measures
- regular monitoring
- support for social integration
Possible schooling options
- regular classroom with language and educational support
- integration class for enhanced support
For more official information:
What comes after high school?
To prepare for higher education, the Mengstudien.lu platform centralizes useful information:
- programs in Luxembourg and abroad
- academic guidance
- practical steps
Articles de la catégorie Education – Higher education in Luxembourg
University, higher education, and financial aid
In Luxembourg, young high school graduates can choose between continuing their higher education in Luxembourg or going abroad to study. Here you will find options for higher education in Luxembourg, at university or other higher education institutions.
Information about schools and education
Are you an expat or future expat in Luxembourg? Would you like to find out more about the education systems available in Luxembourg so you can enroll your children? Are you the spouse of an expat and interested in adult education yourself?
High schools and secondary education in Luxembourg
At age 12, after completing primary school, students in the Luxembourg education system move on to secondary school, where they are required to continue their education until age 18 or until they obtain a diploma or certificate of completion.