In primary school, children are thaught in reading and writing, maths, geography and languages. When I was in first year of primary school, we already started to learn french as a second language. Primary schools are public schools usually under control of the local community or the regional government. After completing at least 6 years of primary school, children move on to secondary school also called high schools. Secondary schools are under authority of the church or the government.
All schools are public.
I used to go to a catholic secondary school. There is no large difference between catholic and government schools. Some people say that government schools are easier because they have to accept students from all levels and backgrounds. In secondary school I learned two additional languages, Dutch and English. Wednesday afternoons are free, so you have some time to catch up on that homework.