For partners Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources: Wikipedia, International Baccalaureate, MonoNews, Cambridge International, International Schools Database
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz
The German branch prepares for the Abitur certificate.
German language instruction.
Abitur is a two-year special course that will level the difference between 11 and 13-year educational cycles. Foreign students are offered 5 directions of study:
- T (basic disciplines are mathematics, physics);
- M (biology);
- W (mathematics, economics);
- S (social sciences, foreign language and other subjects);
- G (history, German literature and other subjects).
International Baccalaureate is a curriculum that was created more than half a century ago in Switzerland for a universal school curriculum, which allows to equate the education received by students in other countries with the national one. Today IB Diploma (the equivalent of the certificate of secondary education) is recognized as the leading universities in the world.
The program has a number of features. One of such is the development of students' social adaptation skills, regardless of their chosen specialization. The emphasis is on independent work. Students are taught to think critically and motivate to achieve. This style of teaching spurs interest in in-depth study of priority subjects. The program, aimed at developing self-confidence, is ideal for single-minded students.
As for academic preparation, a large selection of subjects is offered to students. Obligatory is the study of science (methodology) and mathematics. In total, to receive IB Diploma, it is enough to pass examinations in 6 subjects. Teaching of disciplines is conducted on two levels: standard and advanced.
Summer Courses
The school invites you to a language program at a summer camp where, in addition to intensive German, English or French studying, children will get acquainted and entertained throughout the academic period, enjoying the beauty of the Alpine Nature and clean mountain air.
Children from 10 to 15 years old who want to take 15 interesting lessons + 4 independent lessons per week under the supervision of an experienced teacher will be accepted for studying. Classes will be held in small groups of no more than 10 people, so that each child receives enough attention.
Additionally, golf classes will be held with a coach for 3 hours a day. Here, the guys will be able to develop the technique of the game, skills, because they will be taught by the best instructors, members of the Swiss PGA.
Summer Courses
The school invites you to a language program at a summer camp where, in addition to intensive German, English or French instruction, children will get acquainted and entertained throughout the educational period, enjoying the beauty of the Alpine Nature and clean mountain air.
Children from 10 to 15 years old who want to take 15 interesting lessons + 4 independent lessons per week under the supervision of an experienced teacher will be accepted for studying. Classes will be held in small groups of no more than 10 people, so that each child receives enough attention.
Additionally, golf classes will be held with a coach for 3 hours a day. Here, the guys will be able to develop the technique of the game, skills, because they will be taught by the best instructors, members of the Swiss PGA.
Summer Courses
The school invites you to a language program at a summer camp where, in addition to intensive German, English or French instruction, children will get acquainted and entertained throughout the academic period, enjoying the beauty of the Alpine Nature and clean mountain air.
Children from 10 to 15 years old who want to take 15 interesting lessons + 4 independent lessons per week under the supervision of an experienced teacher will be accepted for studying. Classes will be held in small groups of no more than 10 people, so that each child receives enough attention.
Additionally, golf classes will be held with a coach for 3 hours a day. Here, the guys will be able to develop the technique of the game, skills, because they will be taught by the best instructors, members of the Swiss PGA.
Description of Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz
- Foundation year: 1904
- Location: St. Moritz
- Age of students: 11-18 years
- Type of education: mixed
- Number of students: 320, 200 are foreign students
- Programs: IB, Swiss Matura, German Abitur, summer courses of English, German
- Ranking: one of the best international schools in Switzerland
- Accommodation: residence.
The prestigious international boarding school Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is located in the Alps at an altitude of more than 1,850 meters. Not far from it, there is a popular resort and a very picturesque town St. Moritz. The school occupies part of Zuoz town. This universal resort is famous for its wide range of winter, summer sports entertainments. The location is largely due to the features of the school, in particular, special attention to the sport.
The Enghandin Valley, where the Swiss boarding school is located, is one of the most picturesque places in this part of Switzerland. The surrounding nature provides active lifestyle. Students are fans of hiking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing.
The school-board is proud of academic preparation of its graduates. Most of them can easily enter prestigious universities in Switzerland, Germany (studying in Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is conducted in German and English). The rest are chosen by high-ranking universities of other countries in Europe and in the world.
Fundamental principles of the institution are honesty, tolerance, respect for others. Students in the school not only receive academic knowledge necessary for continuing their studies at the university, but also acquire the skills of interethnic communication. They bring up a sense of responsibility, motivation for achievement. These qualities are valuable for life in general and for a successful career in particular.
What are the key factors parents consider when choosing a Swiss school?
Generally, parents look at the school's reputation, location, level of care, potential for personalized attention, curriculum specifics, teacher quality, extracurricular offerings, and, of course, tuition fees.
Educational process
Classes are held Monday through Friday from 7:45 to 14:40 or 16:10. Each lesson lasts 80 minutes, allowing for deeper engagement with the material compared to the standard format. The academic year is divided into three trimesters.
Teachers instruct primarily in their native language; most hold the highest qualifications in their subjects and have many years of teaching experience. Four times a year, parents receive a written report on their child's academic performance across all subjects.
Each student has access to individual academic support: coaching, tutoring, and assistance from an academic assistant. Every student in the international diploma programme is assigned a personal academic tutor, with meetings held every two weeks.
The College Counselling service includes two experienced counsellors who assist students with university applications, essay writing, and interview preparation. The process begins in Year 9, providing ample time for a thoughtful choice of university and programme.
Scientific achievements
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz can boast a number of unique achievements that set it apart among Swiss and European boarding schools. For example, on the school grounds, on the sports field by the Inn River (Sportplatz Inn), is located the highest-altitude cricket field in Europe: it sits at an altitude of 1,716 meters above sea level and has been in use since 1922.
Things to know about
- The school was founded on June 15, 1904 by five residents of Engadin under the name «Institut Engiadina». Among the first students were 10 Swiss, 4 Americans, 3 French, 3 British, and 2 Russians.
- In 1991, the school opened its doors to girls for the first time, and in 1999 a special building Chesa Arpiglia with 40 modern single rooms was built for them.
- Zuoz Globe — a unique open-air theatre inspired by the London Globe Theatre. It was opened in 2011 on the site of a former swimming pool.
- The famous winter resort of St. Moritz is just 15 minutes away from the school, and the private Samedan airport is 10 minutes away.
- The campus enjoys 320 sunny days a year, making outdoor sports possible year-round.
- The bilingual Matura with Romansh (DE/RM, Maturitad Bilingua Grischuna) is a unique option specific to the canton of Graubünden.
- Alumni are united in the international network Zuoz Club, which organises meetings around the world and helps current students with careers and mentoring.
- The campus runs a «parent ambassador» programme (Elternbotschafter): experienced parents help new families adapt to school life.
- The school serves as an official test centre for the SAT and other international examinations.
Accommodation, meals, prices
There are 5 residences for students. Students live in 1-2-bed apartments with private facilities. Also in the residences there are triple rooms. Single rooms are offered to senior students. The younger children in the dormitories are surrounded by the care of the teachers around the clock. Elder ones are given a certain degree of freedom.
Students' meals are organized in 2 large school canteens. Younger and senior students eat separately. The menu of those and others includes quite useful products. Dishes of national, European cuisine are prepared by professional chefs from farm products.
Subjects and sports
Activities Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz
Extracurricular life at Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is built around sports, creativity, and social participation.
Sport is considered a compulsory subject for all students and is available in a wide variety of formats throughout the school year. In winter, students take part in alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, ice hockey, and ski jumping; in spring and autumn, volleyball, basketball, five-a-side football, unihockey, yoga, Eton Fives, climbing, badminton, and martial arts are available. Summer activities include cricket, football, tennis, rugby, golf, baseball, mountain biking, and beach volleyball. School-wide sports competitions (School Games) involving all students are held regularly, as are inter-school competitions. The house system adds a competitive spirit: Houses compete against one another, and the best athletes receive awards.
Creative development is represented by several areas. The Zuoz Globe theatre is home to two companies — the Shakespeare Company and an English theatre company; theatre is available as both a compulsory and an elective subject. In a well-equipped art studio, students work on drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture, and exhibitions of their work are held regularly. The school orchestra, choir, and chamber ensembles bring together music enthusiasts; individual and group instrument lessons are available, and school concerts are organised regularly.
Social participation is realised through the Service Learning programme — volunteering projects for the benefit of the local community. An elected student council represents the interests of students before the administration. Joint weekends (Gemeinschaftswochenenden) are held regularly, featuring excursions and sporting and cultural events in the Engadin valley.
Advantages
- Choice of educational programs. Students receive classical education in accordance with German, Swiss standards. The board also has a vocational education department. In business school you can get special knowledge, improve command of English.
- Individual support from the school staff. Great importance in the school is attached to the personal approach in studying, leisure, sports and creative development of students.
- A wide range of sports programs.
- Own alumnus club. A broad network of contacts, that helps students to stay in touch. Among the organizers of the club there are administration representatives. They act in most cases as organizers of meetings and events.
Facilities and equipment at Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz
The campus of the boarding school occupies a large territory in a picturesque Alpine valley. Everything here is very convenient for studying, living, sports and interesting pastime. The classes of the boarding school are equipped with everything necessary for quality education. The laboratories are equipped with modern technology. The material base of the school is one of its advantages. The pride of the educational institution is its own theater Zuoz Globe, a multimedia center.
The campus sports infrastructure is represented by 2 football fields, several volleyball courts, 6 tennis courts, 2 ice skating rinks, 6 firecrackers, a field for hockey on grass, cricket.
Admission dates and extra charges
Already included in the program cost:
- educational course,
- 5 lessons from a personal coach,
- assistance with homework,
- supportive learning (if needed),
- consultation on choosing a college/university,
- Project Week (basic),
- use of the entire school infrastructure, including the media library and sports facilities,
- events during Community Weekends, on weekends, after lessons,
- accommodation (living, supervision and care by educators) and meals (three times a day + two snacks),
- care in case of illness or indisposition,
- psychological help and support,
- physical activities, sports,
- Games and Lyceum Balance Programme,
- participation in all school events.
Extras:
- Deposit for a course/programme 16000 CHF
- Registration fee (for a programme/course) 1500 CHF
- Study materials 900 CHF
- Medical insurance 150 CHF
Enrolment process
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz accepts students for all programs from 7th to 12th grade. The school year begins at the end of August; it is recommended to submit an application in advance. Mid-year enrollment is also possible, however enrollment at the beginning of the first trimester is preferable.
The school evaluates candidates based on previous academic performance, teacher recommendations, and entrance exam results. Knowledge of German and/or English is a required condition. Foreign students who do not speak German are advised to consider enrolling first in the German Intensive Year program.
The school handles student visa processing for foreign students.
Smapse specialists will guide you through all stages of the enrollment process: they will help with document preparation, program selection, and communication with the admissions office.
Enrolment statistics
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz enrolls approximately 330 students aged 12 to 19 from more than 45 countries, of whom 220 are boarders and around 110 are day students. 55% of students choose the Diploma Programme, 45% — the Swiss Matura. Bilingualism is considered the norm here: most students speak 2–3 languages.
The average class size is 15–18 students. The teacher/student ratio is 1:5, which ensures a high level of individual attention for each student.
Perspectives
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz pays special attention to the academic achievements of its graduates. Graduates regularly gain admission to leading universities in Switzerland (Bern, Zurich, Basel, Lucerne, and others), Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries around the world.
- The Swiss Matura certificate provides direct access to Swiss universities and higher professional schools.
- The International Diploma (Diploma Programme) is accepted by universities worldwide; admission to Swiss universities with an international diploma requires a minimum of 32 points and a higher-level subject in natural sciences or mathematics.
- Bilingual education (in German and English) significantly broadens graduates' university choices and career prospects. Most students leave school proficient in 2–3 languages.
The school has a College Counselling service that supports students through the university application process. Smapse specialists will guide you through every stage of the application.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz accepts students aged 12 to 19 (from 7th to 12th grade). Admission to 12th grade is possible only in exceptional cases; as a rule, applications are considered no later than 11th grade.
To apply, the following must be provided:
- a completed application form with a photo,
- copies of the two most recent school reports,
- a student questionnaire.
Admission criteria: previous academic performance, teacher recommendations, and entrance examination results. A prerequisite is knowledge of German and/or English. The optimal entry point is the beginning of the academic year, at the end of August; it is recommended to submit the application well in advance.
Entrance examinations are held for admission to the day school (Privatgymnasium). For foreign students who do not speak German, a one-year intensive German language program — German Intensive Year — is available.
Literature and references
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz
Students of the private school Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz.
We are the best friends, we write the "international" opinion about the best school in Switzerland Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz. Why did we leave to study far from home? We always like Switzerland and its nature. But the main thing is that you can be firmly confident in entering the leading European and foreign universities. We have been studying for 2 years. In addition to the studied language, we attend the department of professional preparation. At leisure, we took a great interest in tobogganing and skiing. Winter here is a delight! And we are proud of the student theater Zuoz Globe. We urge our fellow countrymen to follow our example and come to study in Switzerland!
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
