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How to enroll kids in daycare and school in Luxembourg
This guide informs parents about how the educational system operates, the type of kindergarten or school their child will attend upon moving, and how their child will be educated
For moms and dads relocating to Luxembourg with their children and planning to enroll them in a local school or daycare center, the issue of where and how to place the child is especially pressing.
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Step-by-step process
Clarify which facility children will attend: creche, kindergarten or school
Up to 3 monthsSign up for the Cheque-Service Accueil
Clarify which facility children will attend: creche, kindergarten or school
Prepare all the necessary documents
Rent an apartment and get a regular residence address
Choose a creche or daycare center
Determine if a child will attend an elective education program
Apply for an extended-day group
Sign up for the Cheque-Service Accueil
In the Grand Duchy, the integration of children into society and the education system is closely interconnected. Although Luxembourg offers pre-school, school, and higher education, each stage has specific features. Pre-school and school education are linked to the stages of fundamental and secondary education. Fundamental education is further divided into cycles.
Enseignement fondamental, or fundamental education
Fundamental education in Luxembourg lasts for 8 years*, from ages 4 to 11, and is structured into four cycles.
Préscolaire, or pre-school training
Cycle 1, ages 4–5
This cycle involves compulsory attendance for pre-school training. Non-attendance can result in a fine for the parents, and if fines are ineffective, more stringent measures may be applied. All children who are 4 years or older must complete this school preparation.
The learning approach in mandatory pre-school differs from that in school. Children are not yet taught exact sciences or humanities; they primarily learn basics like letters and counting.
École primaire, or elementary school
Cycle 2, ages 6–7 | Cycle 3, ages 8–9 | Cycle 4, ages 10–12
This period spans 6 years, divided into three cycles of two years each. Elementary school marks the beginning of formal education. Unlike the preschool stage, children start studying school subjects.
The rules for compulsory attendance and the vacation schedule remain the same as in Préscolaire: five days a week, from 8:00 to 11:40, with two hours of afternoon classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
*
Fundamental education also includes Précoce: optional early training for children from 3 to 4 years old, but it is not compulsory to attend.
Enseignement secondaire, or secondary education
After the fundamental education, this stage begins. In Luxembourg, secondary education is received in middle schools, all of which are called lycées. This period lasts for 7 years and is divided into junior (12-14 years) and senior (15-18 years) levels.
Pre-school education
Pre-school education includes daycare and school preparation – optional and compulsory.
Crèche: nursery and kindergarten
For babies from 3 months to 4 years old. You can take your children to a nursery and a daycare if you would like to. It is called Creche.
Préscolaire or Spielschoul: compulsory pre-school training
For children from 4 and up to 6 years old. Participation is compulsory for all children, in contrast to creche. This training is considered to be the first cycle of fundamental education, called Enseignement fondamental. You can choose a public or private educational institution.
Précoce: an optional early education program
For children from 3 to 4 years old. You can take your child to an early training program if you want. This is called Precoce. It is not quite a daycare like Creche, but it is not quite a preschool like Prescolaire.
Pre-school education: crèche, kindergarten and school preparation
How to choose a daycare or creche in Luxembourg: step-to-step
School education
All children who turn 6 years old are enrolled in school. Like compulsory pre-school education, you have the option to choose between a free public school in Luxembourg or a fee-paying private school.
Schooling in Luxembourg includes elementary school (cycles 2-4 of fundamental education) and secondary school (Enseignement secondaire).
How school education is structured in Luxembourg: schools, cycles and ages of students
School holidays for kids in the country: dates, regulations and where to place your children if you work
Education system in Luxembourg
| Age | Level | Cycle | Attendance |
| 3 months - 4 years | Preschool | — | Optional |
| 3-4 years | Preschool | — | Optional |
| 4-5 years | Preschool | 1 | Compulsory |
All children who reach the age of 4 years old must go to compulsory pre-school classes. When a child turns 6 years old, they must go to elementary school.
Nearly all necessary documents must be acquired at your place of permanent residence before entering Luxembourg. Some of these documents are required for entry, while others are essential for settling in once you arrive.
Documents you need for this step
Something is missing
Make sure to prepare all the necessary documents.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Child's international passport
In the absence of this passport, the parent's passport in which the child is recorded will suffice
2 children's photos
Recently made, within 3 months before the intended trip. Sized 3.5x4.5 cm
Birth certificate
Original and notarized translation needed
A bank account statement from one of the parents
This is necessary to confirm sponsorship status. Commonly submitted along with a certificate of employment
Medical records
You can receive this document at school or daycare
Certificate of not receiving child benefits in the home country
It will be needed if you want to apply for financial aid from the state. If it is impossible to obtain it for some reason, you must declare that you do not receive any benefits
Vaccination card
It has to be translated into the official language of the country, preferably German or French
Something is missing
Make sure to prepare all the necessary documents.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
The state school assignment is based on the «closest to home» principle, which is why it is important to rent a flat and get a permanent residence address as soon as possible. To do this one needs to register in the commune.
Submit the children's documents when registering in the municipality and ask for this information to be sent to the Ministry of Education in Luxembourg. In theory, this is done automatically, but it is better to remind.
Finding and renting an apartment in the Grand Duchy is a significant concern for every expat. The process involves choosing a commune, city, or neighborhood, calculating the budget, signing a contract, and understanding other essential nuances. We have detailed these aspects in a separate guide, which we invite you to study for comprehensive information.
How to rent a perfect apartment in Luxembourg?
Once you have a long-term lease agreement, you can register with the municipality and secure a school placement.
What documents are required to register in a commune?
Something is missing from the set
Make sure to prepare all the necessary documents before applying
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Valid passport
The passport must be valid for at least 6-8 months beyond the intended date of entry
Proof of residence
Rental agreement, ownership deed, or utility bill showing you as the owner/tenant
Child's birth certificate
An original document and a notarized copy are required
Temporary authorization to stay
To obtain a permit, you must submit an application for a temporary residence permit with a complete set of documents to the Immigration Department of the Luxembourg MFA or to a diplomatic consultate
Medical records
You can receive this document at school or daycare
Vaccination card
It has to be translated into the official language of the country, preferably German or French
Something is missing from the set
Make sure to prepare all the necessary documents before applying
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
How to get a fixed residential address?
- Go to the municipality in person with your documents and use the electronic queue.
- Submit the documents for both you and your children and ask for the information to be sent to the Ministry of Education in Luxembourg.
- Complete the registration process with the commune office and receive two documents: your social security number and your declaration of arrival.
- Wait for a reply from the Directorate of Education, you will receive an invitation for an interview at a public school for school-age children or compulsory pre-school education.
The decision to send a child to a nursery or daycare center (also known as crèches and mini-crèches) before the elective preschool is a parent's decision. Parents usually choose a childcare center based on several major factors: the supervision of the child while they work, the child's development, and socialization.
Criteria for choosing a daycare center
Operating hours
They should correlate with the working hours of parents
Location
Typically, the crèche or daycare should be near home or on the way to work
Education
It needs to meet your child's preferences and interests
Facilities
A safe and appropriate space for your child
How to enroll your child in creche or daycare?
- Apply documents
To enroll in a public daycare center, you need to come to the commune administration office in the municipality where you live and fill out a form. However, there may be limited places available in public facilities. For private daycare centers, you can register online and request a spot for your child. A manager will then contact you and offer you the opportunity to visit the nursery or kindergarten.
- Arrange a visit
It's essential to schedule a visit to the chosen nursery or daycare center to ensure it provides a comfortable and safe environment for your child.
- Confirm participation
This step is particularly important for private institutions. Here, you affirm your commitment to enroll your child in the selected institution and agree to the associated costs. Opt for daycare centers that collaborate with the CSA, as this affiliation can help reduce childcare costs through the Cheque Service support program.
The municipality where the family is registered will mail a letter to the parents, together with a form to be filled in if they wish their child to be enrolled in optional education.The municipality where the family is registered will mail a letter to the parents, together with a form to be filled in if they wish their child to be enrolled in optional education.
Since preschool education from 3 to 4 years of age (Precoce) is not compulsory, parents are not obliged to, but may optionally enroll their children in the program. Nevertheless, once accepted, the child must attend classes regularly and parents are responsible for monitoring attendance.
In case parents choose to enroll their child in Precose, they must send a set of documents to the municipality by April 1st:
- Duly filled out the application form;
- Child's birth certificate;
- Certificate of family composition (or extract from the household directory).
An extended-day group is called Maison Relais in Luxembourg, but it is not for everyone and requires an additional fee. If both parents are employed, the child is automatically enrolled in after-school care. However, if one of the parents is not working, the Maison Relais is only available when there are vacant places.
Some centers may have certain age restrictions. Before enrolling your child in an after-school program in Luxembourg, make sure that he or she meets the age requirements.
How to register and enroll your children to Maison Relais in Luxembourg?
- Choose a suitable maison relais in your municipality
Maison relais usually operate at the commune level and offer care outside of regular school hours, serving families whose children live or study in the commune.
- Contact the selected center in person or by phone to inquire about availability
As places are limited and usually the allocation happens whe some spots become vacant, it is important to seek options and information prior the beginning of the year.
- Plan a visit to a Maison Relais center to view the facilities and meet the staff in person
Due to their focus on location and enrollment address, it is necessary to visit the Maison Relais in your commune in person. It will also allow you to see facilities and make an informed choice.
- Obtain the necessary registration forms from the Maison Relais center and complete them with care
It is usually a two pages form containing details about the child and parents. You will also be informed about the approximate dates when spaces might be available. Waiting lists can vary from a few weeks to several months, so it's advisable to contact them before the school year begins.
- After filling out the registration application, send it to the Maison Relais Center along with all required documents
Bring your child for a visit. Feel free to visit the facility before enrolling to assess the environment and pose any questions you may have to the staff.
- Await a response to your application
The Maison Relais Center will evaluate your application and inform you of the status of your enrollment. If your child is accepted, you will be given further details regarding the start date and any additional requirements.
To complete the application form at Maison Relais, the following details are required:
Information about the child
You must provide all the child's personal information, including their current educational level and the languages they speak. Maison Relais workers typically communicate in the child's specified languages, if possible. This environment also offers a valuable opportunity for children to practice other languages and integrate culturally.
Medical information
Please include any food allergies and other relevant medical details: chronic illnesses and emergency plans for children with special medical needs are essential.
Information about parents or legal guardians
Personal information about the parents, their insurance number, and contact information. Additionally, information regarding official employment, such as daily working hours and a work reference, is required.
Information about third parties
If someone other than the parents is authorized to pick up or drop off the child at Maison Relais, you must provide that individual's personal and contact information, along with a copy of their identification documents.
Beyond providing personal information, attaching necessary documents is required.
Find out what documents you need to submit and how much Maison Relais in Luxembourg costs
Read articleChèque-service Accueil — is a voucher system that is intended to cover the cost of any public or private crèche by the government. In Luxembourg, all parents are entitled to apply for Cheque-Service Accueil and request financial support for raising their kids. This applies to children from birth to 12 years of age, both residents and expats.
It involves the support of attendance at different types of facilities
Crèches and mini-crèches
Maison Relais
Vadious childcare centers
Parenthood support (and babysitters)
To be eligible for chèque-service accueil (CSA) in Luxembourg, certain criteria must be met. CSA is available to any family living in Luxembourg that fulfills the following conditions:
Age of the child
The eligible age of the child cannot exceed 12 years of age.
Participation in compulsory pre-school or basic education
The child must be part of the fundamental education system, whether it is kindergarten or primary school.
Particular requirements for non-residents
If the parent or legal guardian of the child is a non-resident worker, they must fulfill additional conditions: 1. The parent or legal guardian must be affiliated with the CCSS (Combined Center for Social Security) or work for a European institution, or 2. The family must receive a family allowance in Luxembourg. This allowance can be paid either by the CAE (Caisse pour l'avenir des enfants) or by another institution.
Documents required to register with CSA
Check the list of documents
All of them are required to register with the service.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Application to CSA
You can apply at the municipality office, i.e. at the commune where you reside. The amount of financial aid depends on the family's income and the number of children
Child's birth certificate
An original document and a notarized copy are required
Birth certificate of the parent
A notarized copy of the document from one of the parents is required
Income statement issued by the Tax Administration (ACD)
Most recent tax declarations or the last three family income tax returns (payslips) will also be suitable
Family composition certificate (certificat élargi)
You may request an extract from the household register. Proof of registration in Luxembourg is also suitable
Check the list of documents
All of them are required to register with the service.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
As a result, parents will receive a personalized card for a child – carte personnalisée au nom de l’enfant – that is valid for 12 months. Currently, there is an option to keep everything online. You must present it when your child enters kindergarten or daycare in Luxembourg to benefit from the reduced payment rate.
Find out more about the CSA in Luxembourg and benefits available
Read article
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is the education system structured in Luxembourg and how are children allocated when relocating from other places?
In Luxembourg, the education system's organization and the integration of children into society are closely linked. While Luxembourg has pre-school, school, and higher education like many countries, each stage has its unique features. For instance, pre-school and school education are linked to certain cycles of fundamental and secondary education.
How is school placement works in Luxembourg?
In Luxembourg, public school placement is based on the "closest to home" principle. Therefore, it's crucial to rent an apartment and secure a permanent residence address, as this involves registering in the municipality. For private schools, it's advisable to check the specific school's website for their unique requirements and admission procedures, which can vary.
Why school interview is required in Luxembourg?
School interviews in Luxembourg aim to evaluate a student's knowledge and skills to ensure they are placed at the appropriate educational level. This process is particularly vital for children who have recently moved to Luxembourg, as it assists in navigating the education system.
Typically, students are placed in the same grade as in their home country. However, due to the early introduction of Luxembourg's three national languages, students from other countries may face language barriers, making the interview a crucial step for appropriate placement.
What is a welcome meeting in Luxembourg schools?
The welcome meeting is a key part of the enrollment process in Luxembourg schools, especially for children from expatriate families. Following the submission of enrollment documents to the municipality, the Department of Education informs the school, which then arranges a meeting with the parents to plan the child's assessment and welcome session. This meeting allows children to become acquainted with the school environment, their teacher, and classmates.
At what age can a child join an after-school program (Maison Relais) in Luxembourg?
In Luxembourg, Maison Relais centers accept children aged 4 to 12, including those enrolled in school. While selection criteria may slightly differ from one center to another, priority is usually given to children who attend school in the same commune.
What are childcare vouchers (CSA) in Luxembourg?
Childcare vouchers, known as chèque-service accueil (CSA) in Luxembourg, offer financial assistance to working parents, both residents and non-residents, for childcare expenses for children up to 12 years old.
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Source: www.croix-rouge.lu, differdange.lu, www.ecole-montessori.lu, men.public.lu, osvitoria.media, luxembourg.public.lu
We took photos from these sources: Tim Mossholder for Unsplash
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