Primary school

Primary schools (lager onderwijs, enseignement primaire, grundschule) consist of six years and the subjects are generally the same at all schools.

Primary schooling is free and age is the only entrance requirement. Usually the six years are divided into three cycles (graden, degrés)

• First cycle (year 1 and 2)
• Second cycle (year 3 and 4)
• Third cycle (year 5 and 6)

Education in primary schools is traditional, focus is on reading, writing and basic mathematics and also a touch of other subjects such as bioligy, religion, history, ... etc.) Flemish schools in Brussels must offer French lessons starting from the first and second year. Other Flemish schools start French language lessions in the third cycle (year 5 and 6)

French schools on the other hand can choose between Dutch or English depending on the school. Eventhough the curriculum is similar across all primary schools, Catholic primary schools have a rather better curriculum which prepares students better for High School.

• List of Flemish speaking primary schools
• List of French speaking primary schools