Values in the school curriculum from teachers' perspective: A mixed-methods study

•This study provides a novel approach to the empirical analysis of values in the school curriculum and school environment by applying Schwartz's theory of basic human values (1992).•A primary school curriculum (the Swiss educational curriculum; Lehrplan 21, D-EDK, 2016) was content analyzed regarding its values, yielding a high number of references to values of Self-Direction, Stimulation, Universalism, Benevolence, Security, Tradition, and conformity.•Values in primary schools, as perceived by teachers in their school environment, were structured according to Schwartz's values circle, with values of self-transcendence opposing values of Self-Enhancement, and values of openness to change opposing values of conservation.