Germany has a three-tier secondary education system that begins after Grundschule (primary school, grades 1-4 or 1-6, depending on the state). The school your child attends depends on academic performance and career aspirations.

1. Hauptschule (Grades 5-9/10)
• Focuses on practical education and basic academic subjects.
• Prepares students for vocational training (apprenticeships) or trade professions.
• Ends with the Hauptschulabschluss (school-leaving certificate) after grade 9 or Mittlerer Schulabschluss (Realschulabschluss) after grade 10 (if extended).
• Students can transition to vocational schools (Berufsschulen) or higher secondary education if they perform well.

2. Realschule (Grades 5-10)
• Offers a more advanced curriculum than Hauptschule but is still practical.
• Prepares students for mid-level careers, vocational training, or higher education pathways.
• Ends with the Realschulabschluss (Mittlere Reife), allowing entry into vocational training or Fachoberschule (technical secondary schools).
• High-achieving students can switch to Gymnasium or Fachgymnasium to pursue university studies.

3. Gymnasium (Grades 5-12/13)
• The most academic and rigorous of the three school types.
• Prepares students for university and higher education.
• Ends with the Abitur exam, which grants university eligibility.
• Offers specialized tracks like STEM, humanities, or arts-focused programs.

Final Thoughts
The German secondary school system is flexible, allowing students to switch between different schools based on performance and career goals. Whether choosing vocational training, technical education, or university preparation, Germany provides strong educational pathways for all students.