Academic Gateway and Obersee Bilingual School are both in Zug, about 24 km apart. Both schools offer IB and Swiss programmes, and Obersee Bilingual School also offers IMYC and Bespoke. Published annual fees are CHF 19,000 - 68,000 at Academic Gateway and CHF 16,590 - 37,590 at Obersee Bilingual School, which puts Academic Gateway roughly 61% higher. Academic Gateway takes pupils from 16 to 19, and Obersee Bilingual School from 3 to 18.
Swiss Curriculum, IB (DP), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
450
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
15
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, German
Instruction language
German, English
Opened
Opened
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Opened
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Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
The modern schoolhouse at Löwenstrasse 17 in the heart of Zurich was opened in August 2021. It is 500 meters from Zurich Hauptbahnhof and easily reachable from nearby stations (Zurich Enge, Wiedikon, Selnau and Stadeln). The campus features 14 rooms, state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology, lecture rooms, science rooms, a canteen, a library and a terrace.
Location
OBS is located at Sihleggstrasse 9, 8832 Wollerau, Switzerland. It sits on the shores of Lake Zurich, about 20 to 30 minutes from Zurich. It is just a 2‑minute walk from a quiet forest and 10 minutes from downtown Pfäffikon, and is easily reachable from the A3 highway.
Stages
Stages
Offers Matura full-time (1 year and 2 years), Matura preparatory course, Matura in self-study, Matura part-time; IB Diploma Programme; BMS full-time with three orientations (Business & Services, Health and Social Care, Technology, Architecture, Life Sciences); Passerelle (1 year); Self-study options for Matura and BMS.
OBS is a bilingual, international school serving German- and English-speaking students. The language of instruction alternates weekly between German and English from Kindergarten to Grade 6; from Grade 7 the same language is used for each subject for a full year (Mathematics is the exception, with language alternation by semester). From Year 10 onwards, subjects are taught in the language aligned with the chosen school-leaving qualification, with IB Diploma and Federal Matura offered.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
One third Swiss families, one third families with a Swiss parent, and one third families from 41 nations.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Highly qualified teaching staff, central location, personal support with integrated free tutoring, and a comprehensive e-learning platform with the entire curriculum digitized, including HD lecture videos, prepared exercises and short explanations across subjects.
Additional learning support
OBS+ Learning Support provides support across the curriculum.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
Early care is available from 7:15 am; late care is available from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The timetable includes arrival at 8:15–8:30 am and dismissal at 3:55 pm; on Wednesdays dismissal is at 12:40 pm; a late bus is available at 5:10 pm (17:10) on Monday–Thursday.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
In collaboration with Eberhard Travel, OBS provides a bus service with two routes: Pfäffikon – Altendorf – Lachen – Feusisberg – Wollerau and Thalwil – Horgen – Wädenswil – Wollerau. Timetable: Mon–Fri arrival 8:15–8:30; departure 15:55; Wednesdays 12:40; Mon–Thu late bus departure 17:10.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / Enrollment fee
- A non-refundable enrollment (registration) fee of CHF 500 is payable on contract signature for all main on‑site courses.
Tuition fees by programme and year group (amounts and payment options as shown)
- Full‑time Matura (1 year) - Payment in advance: CHF 35,000. - 2 installments: CHF 17,700 (per installment). - 12 installments: CHF 2,950 per month. - Included: E‑Learning access and Office365 package. - Excluded: federal examination fees and teaching aids.
- Full‑time Matura (2 years / four semesters) - Total / first‑year listing on the programme page: Payment in advance: CHF 65,000; 2 installments: CHF 34,000; 12 installments: CHF 2,950 per month. - Included: E‑Learning access and Office365 package. - Excluded: federal examination fees and teaching aids.
- Matura (part‑time / berufsbegleitend, online and self‑study options) - Berufsbegleitend (4 semesters) — total examples shown: Payment in advance: CHF 35,000; 4 installments: CHF 8,850; 24 installments: CHF 1,665 per month. - Online / self‑study Matura — examples shown: CHF 34,000 (online) and CHF 17,000 (self‑study), with installment options available. - Preparatory course (Matura Vorkurs, 1 semester): Payment in advance: CHF 6,000.
- BMS – vocational baccalaureate (full‑time, one year / two semesters) - Total cost examples shown: Payment in advance: CHF 19,000; 2 installments: CHF 9,700; 12 installments: CHF 1,700 per month; 24 installments: CHF 900 per month. - Included: E‑Learning access and Office365 package. - Excluded: examination fees and teaching aids.
- Passerelle (full‑time, one year) - Total cost examples shown (full‑time): Payment in advance: CHF 22,500; 2 installments: CHF 11,650; 12 installments: CHF 1,950 per month. - Self‑study Passerelle example: Payment in advance: CHF 11,250; 2 installments: CHF 6,025; 24 installments: CHF 570 per month. - Included: E‑Learning access and Office365 package. - Excluded: examination fees and teaching aids.
- IB Diploma Programme (two‑year DP) - Payment in advance: CHF 68,000. - 2 installments: CHF 35,000. - 4 installments: CHF 17,700 (per installment as listed). - 24 installments: CHF 2,950 per month. - Included: E‑Learning access and Office365 package. - Excluded: IB/exam fees and teaching materials.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The enrollment fee (CHF 500) is due on contract signature for main on‑site courses. Full tuition or the first instalment is due by the deadlines specified in the contract; if the contract is concluded more than 30 days before course start the full fee (or first instalment when a payment plan is agreed) is due by 30 days before course start. If the contract is concluded 30 days or less before course start, the full fee (or first instalment) is immediately due. Monthly instalments, when agreed, are billed monthly.
- All standard payments are to be made by bank transfer to the accounts stated by Academic Gateway. In individual cases the school may allow other means, in particular cash, at the school management's discretion.
- Payment plan options regularly offered: prepayment, 2 instalments, 12 instalments (monthly) and 24 instalments (monthly), depending on the course.
- Late payment consequences: interest on arrears of 5% plus reminder fees (CHF 25 for first reminder, CHF 200 for second reminder). If two instalments are in arrears the full outstanding tuition becomes due; the school may suspend services until payment and may charge a CHF 500 re‑activation / Wiederaufnahme fee.
Boarding / accommodation fees
- Academic Gateway operates a day‑school campus in central Zurich (Löwenstrasse 17) with classrooms, canteen and library; the school does not list boarding or on‑campus residential accommodation as an offered service. No boarding fees apply.
Other costs and common additional fees
- School supplies / teaching materials not included: a typical school‑materials estimate is listed as CHF 900 (paper, stationery, textbooks and related items), paid by the family. Examination fees (federal and external exam fees) and specific teaching aids are not included in the tuition and must be paid externally.
- Administrations and incidental fees shown in policy documents: - Course‑change / administration fee for moving a course to a later semester: CHF 500. - Compensation for missed individually booked lessons (if an agreed individual lesson is missed without timely notification): CHF 100 per missed unit. - Re‑activation / Wiederaufnahme fee charged when services are suspended and later reactivated: CHF 500.
Refund and cancellation rules
- The school reserves the right to cancel a course up to seven days before course start; in that case already paid course fees are refunded in full.
- If a student or contracting party cancels the contract, the general rule in the school terms is that the full tuition remains due and refunds or reductions for reasons not caused by the school are generally excluded. For cancellations made up to 30 days before course start a processing fee of 10% of the tuition may be charged and remaining paid amounts refunded; later cancellations are subject to the full‑fee rule in the terms. Self‑study courses have specific semester‑based cancellation dates. Detailed contractual cancellation deadlines and any differing rules for multi‑year or self‑study courses are set out in the school contract and terms.
How tuition billing is presented and what is included
- Tuition listings for each programme show the payment alternatives (prepayment or instalment plans) and specify which standard school services are included (E‑Learning access, Office365 package) and which are excluded (external examination fees, textbooks and certain teaching aids). Families are expected to budget separately for exam fees and teaching materials.
Summary of key practical points for parents
- Expect an enrollment fee of CHF 500 due on contract signature for main courses; choose between prepayment and instalment schedules as shown for each programme. - Budget separately for school supplies (approx. CHF 900), external exam fees and teaching materials. - No boarding accommodation is offered by the school; boarding fees do not apply. - Payment is normally by bank transfer; late or missed payments trigger interest, reminder fees and possible suspension of services.
Fee details
Application and Assessment Fees - Application fee (one-off, non-refundable): CHF 300 for Baby Care / Preschool; CHF 500 for Kindergarten, Primary, Middle and Upper School. - Placement assessment (required for new entrants from Grade 5; also available on request to existing students): CHF 1,190.
Registration and One‑off Payments - One-off registration cost for new entrants from Kindergarten: CHF 2,500, due on signing of the contract and invoicing.
Deposit / Security Payment - A deposit is required on contract signing. Deposit amounts by level: - Baby Care / Preschool: CHF 1,500.00. - Kindergarten: CHF 2,500.00. - Grades 1–6 (Primary): CHF 3,000.00. - Grades 7–9 (Middle): CHF 4,000.00. - Grades 10–13 (Upper): CHF 5,000.00. - Deposit refund: the deposit will be refunded if the child leaves after completing at least one academic year and all associated fees for that period have been paid; otherwise the right to a refund is forfeited. The deposit is separate from school fees.
Annual tuition and care fees (school year 2025/2026) — fees shown per school year, with a per-term breakdown given as equal third installments - Baby Care (days per week and annual fee): - Two full days (minimum): CHF 16,590 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 5,530.00. - Additional full day: CHF 7,990 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 2,663.33. - Five full days: CHF 37,590 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 12,530.00. - Separately booked extra day: CHF 209 each — Per term (1/3): CHF 69.67. - (Annual fees for Baby Care include meals, snacks and nappies up to size 6.)
- Preschool (Pre‑K): - Two full days (minimum): CHF 15,590 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 5,196.67. - Additional full day: CHF 7,190 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 2,396.67. - Five full days: CHF 35,240 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 11,746.67. - Half day (Wednesday and/or Friday morning): CHF 4,219 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 1,406.33. - Separately booked extra half-day: CHF 109 — Per term (1/3): CHF 36.33. - Separately booked extra day: CHF 209 — Per term (1/3): CHF 69.67. - (Preschool annual fees include meals, snacks and nappies up to size 6.)
- Kindergarten (school and childcare fee per school year, including lunch and snacks): - 3½ days (minimum: 5 mornings, 2 afternoons): CHF 28,649 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 9,549.67. - 4 days (5 mornings, 3 afternoons): CHF 29,890 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 9,963.33. - 4½ days (5 mornings, 4 afternoons): CHF 31,229 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 10,409.67. - Extra half-day booked separately: CHF 109 — Per term (1/3): CHF 36.33.
- Grades 1–6 (Primary): CHF 34,990 per school year — Per term (1/3): CHF 11,663.33. (Includes 4.5 days of lessons per week; meals and snacks included.)
- Grades 7–9 (Middle School): CHF 35,490 per school year — Per term (1/3): CHF 11,830.00. (Includes five days of teaching; learning community sessions and lunch/snacks included.)
- Grades 10–13 (Upper School — IB or Matura): CHF 35,990 per school year — Per term (1/3): CHF 11,996.67. (Includes five days of teaching; learning community to 17:00 on some days; lunch/snacks included.)
- Meal opt-out (from Grade 7 onwards): a reduction of CHF 810 per year if the student opts out of school meals; canteen meal price when taken: CHF 12 per meal.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoices (tuition and care) are issued via eBill or as a PDF by e‑mail and carry a payment term of 30 days. Overdue invoices trigger staged reminder fees: CHF 10 at 10 days overdue, CHF 30 at 20 days overdue, CHF 50 at 30 days overdue. - The fee regulations treat tuition as fixed annual costs; there is no entitlement to fee reduction for absences (illness, holidays, public holidays). - The fee schedule includes a sibling discount: 10% discount on school fees for the second child; when three or more children are enrolled, each child (including the first) receives a 10% discount.
Boarding - Boarding is not provided; OBS operates as a day school with services such as school meals, bus service, early and late care and holiday clubs.
Other chargeable items and typical additional costs - School camps, study trips, winter sports days, cultural weeks, external examinations (IB, Matura) and voluntary language/computer diplomas are charged separately; examples of camp/trip cost ranges (school year 2025/26): - Years 5–6 summer camp: approx. CHF 400–600 per stay. - Years 7–9 camps: approx. CHF 600–1,200 per stay. - Grade 10 camps: approx. CHF 900–1,500 per trip. - Grades 11–12 study trips abroad: approx. CHF 900–1,800 per trip. - These trip and camp charges are invoiced separately and based on actual costs. - Early care (07:15–08:15), late care (16:00–18:30) and Wednesday afternoon supervision have supplementary fees when applicable (examples from the fee schedule: booked quarterly in advance CHF 10–CHF 61 depending on service; last-minute booking higher). Charges for late pickup after 18:30 are specifically set (e.g., CHF 60 for first 15 minutes, CHF 80 for each subsequent 15-minute interval). Holiday-care daily rate (from Preschool) example: CHF 150 per day. - The school bus is provided by an external operator; bus stops and prices vary by route and are charged separately.
Refunds and non‑refundable items - Application fee: non-refundable. - Deposit: refundable only after the child has completed at least one academic year and all associated fees for that period have been paid; otherwise it may be forfeited. - Registration fee for new entrants from Kindergarten (CHF 2,500) is payable on signing; the fee regulations set out that certain one-off payments are due on contract signature. - Excursion, travel and external-provider costs (flights, train tickets, accommodation) are generally non-refundable by the provider and may still be charged if the child does not participate, except where a medical certificate for illness is provided in time, as detailed in the fee regulations.
Fee payment options - Invoices are issued via eBill or as a PDF by e-mail; the fee regulations specify the invoicing channel and payment term (30 days) but do not list a specific set of payment instruments (e.g., credit card, direct debit) in the published fee regulations. Families receive an invoice and arrange payment according to the invoice instructions (eBill in Switzerland is commonly settled via electronic banking).
If you need the figures presented in a different currency or split on a different instalment basis, the annual amounts provided above can be converted or divided accordingly.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Academic Gateway offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and additional routes including Matura, BMS, Passerelle, and Self-study. The IB fosters international-mindedness and uses a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning approach that connects subjects and real-world contexts. The Diploma Programme emphasizes critical thinking, global contexts, multilingualism, and research skills essential for higher education. Most lessons are conducted in English, with German widely used by many community members and languages such as French, Italian, and Spanish appearing as part of the educational heritage. Assessments are authentic and contextualized, with external IB examinations for the Diploma Programme and progress shared with families through reports and conferences. EduQua Certification supports the school's commitment to quality education and a modern, digitally enabled learning environment.
Curriculum details
The school uses a bilingual curriculum in English and German. From Kindergarten to Grade 6, the entire curriculum is delivered in English and German, with the language of instruction switching weekly. From Grade 7, subjects are taught in the same language for a full academic year per subject, with Mathematics taught in the other language each semester to reinforce skills. From Year 10 onward, the language of instruction is determined by the chosen school-leaving qualification. The curriculum also includes Future Skills to develop contemporary and future-oriented competencies.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Approximately 7.2 students per teacher (456 students / 63 teachers).
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
IB Diploma Program with 48 students; 6 successful Matura graduates; 3 successful IB Diploma years.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Graduates may choose to study internationally or in Switzerland.
Higher education progression
Upper School prepares students for success in the IB Diploma or Federal Matura. The IB Diploma Program is offered with 48 students; the school has produced Matura graduates (6) and completed 3 IB Diploma years.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
From Year 7, students may apply to become Advanced Learners. Advanced learners receive coaching and have monthly meetings with a learning coach to review progress; they can choose where they learn and which inputs they attend. Competencies for advanced learners include strong organisation, time management, focus and self-reflection, objective setting, healthy screen time, conflict-resolution skills, and self-awareness.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Contact and initial discussion. Inquiries can be made by phone at 044 310 10 67, by email, or via the contact form. A preliminary meeting is normally conducted so the student and the school can get to know each other. This meeting helps determine whether Academic Gateway is the right path for the student.
2. Suitability assessment. A suitability assessment is conducted with all interested applicants to determine if this is the right path. In addition to high resilience and perseverance, applicants should have solid language skills in German, English, and another national language (French or Italian), as well as basic mathematics. This assessment helps confirm readiness for the program.
3. Enrollment and contract. Enrollment can be initiated by signing the school contract by phone, email, or via the contact form. Alternatively, students can enroll directly for Matura, BMS, or Passerelle. This step formalizes admission to the chosen program.
4. Start date and deadlines. The enrollment deadline runs until the official school start, and late enrollments may be accepted in some cases. For questions about the program or to arrange a non-binding discussion, call 044 310 10 67. After enrollment, the student joins the program according to the official start date.
Admissions
Step 1: Get in Touch and Visit OBS. Visit the campus to see classrooms, meet teachers, and get a feel for the learning environment. Open days are offered to help families understand whether OBS is the right fit.
Step 2: Complete the application form. To begin, complete the online School registration form. The application fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee admission. Fees are CHF 300 for Baby Care / Pre-kindergarten and CHF 500 for Kindergarten / Primary School / Middle School / Upper School.
Step 3: Submit the relevant documents. For Early Years there is no requirement to submit documentation prior to enrollment. For Primary, Middle and Upper School, provide the most recent report card or end-of-year report; if there are diagnosed conditions or if the child receives additional learning support or therapy, provide further information including recent diagnostic reports and the student's IEP if applicable. OBS reserves the right to offer a conditional place pending receipt of all required documents. If capacity is reached, your child can be placed on the waiting list.
Step 4: Assessments, Trial Days and Feedback. Primary candidates undergo an internal assessment in language proficiency and mathematics. Admission to Middle and Upper School requires a comprehensive evaluation, including language skills, potential analysis, and a personality assessment by a psychologist. Each candidate attends two trial days, with one day in a German-language classroom and the other in an English-language setting. Afterward, there is a consultative meeting with the relevant Department Head; for middle and upper school, the evaluating psychologist discusses the results.
Step 5: Offer of a place. If the application is approved, the Admissions Team extends an offer of enrollment contingent on space availability. A Confirmation of Acceptance will be sent to you via email after we receive the full registration fee, which is non-refundable. If capacity is reached, your child will be added to our waiting list and you will be notified once a space becomes available. Admission approvals depend on the provision of all requested documentation and the payment of the application fee.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
If capacity is reached, a waiting list is used. Families are notified when a space becomes available.
