In der Schule

At the age of 3, many children attend Kindergarten. Though it isnot required, many attend this pre-schooling until age 6.
On the first day of Grundschule (elementary school), children are presented with a decorated cone shaped "Schultüte," by their parents filled with sweet treats, small school supplies, and small toys (pictured below). Subjects include: religion, english, science, basic math, & geography. Unlike American schooling, Grundschule lasts for 4 years, until parents have a choice on to which difficulty of school they will send their student to. Their options are-in order of difficulty: Hauptschule (5th to 9th year- continuing of basic academics), Realschule (5th to 10th year-preparation for mid-level careers), Gymnasium (5th to 12th or 13th year-faster passed, education tracks are commonly language, math, or science based), or Gesamtschule (a combination of all of the other high school options & adds a last stage based on performance). Based on the choice of high schooling, they have a choice whether to attend higher business schooling in vocational schools, and/or universities.

The day to day life of school children is generally fit into a 8am to 1pm schedule.