Schools in the district of Görlitz

In Germany, school attendance is compulsory by law. Your child must attend school regularly. There are different types of schools. Which school a child attends depends, among other things, on their age and academic performance. Attending state and municipal schools is free of charge.

Primary school is the first school for every child. It comprises grades 1-4. Reading, writing, and arithmetic form the foundation for a good education. Here you will find a list of primary schools in the Görlitz district. You can find out more about the specific school near you via the linked websites.

The secondary school (Oberschule) is a type of upper secondary school. It begins after primary school and comprises grades 5 to 10. At the secondary school, students are prepared for vocational training or the transition to further education. Instruction at the secondary school is practically oriented and, in addition to traditional subjects such as German, mathematics, and English, also imparts vocational and practical skills. At the end of secondary school, students can obtain either a lower secondary school leaving certificate (Hauptschulabschluss) or a higher secondary school leaving certificate (Realschulabschluss), depending on their academic performance.

The Gymnasium is a type of secondary school that prepares students for the Abitur (general qualification for university entrance) and thus for university studies or demanding vocational training. It begins in the 5th grade and lasts until the 12th grade. Core subjects include German, mathematics, foreign languages, and natural and social sciences. The aim is to promote not only subject-specific knowledge but also analytical thinking, language skills, and independent work.

A special education school is a type of school that supports students with special needs, such as intellectual, physical, or social disabilities. The goal is to support children at their own individual learning pace and according to their abilities. Instruction is tailored to the specific needs of the students in order to develop their personal and academic potential. After graduating from a special education school, students can enter various sectors of the job market or continue their education at further educational institutions.

At four locations in the Görlitz district – Görlitz, Löbau, Weißwasser, and Zittau – the vocational schools offer practical training. Each location has its own specialized focus, for example, in technology, health, business, or social work. The vocational training center combines theoretical instruction with practical experience, often through internships, and enables a direct transition to the job market or a university of applied sciences.