Institut Montana Switzerland vs International School of Zug and Luzern - Zug Campus
Institut Montana Switzerland and International School of Zug and Luzern - Zug Campus are both in Zug, about 8 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Institut Montana Switzerland also offers Bespoke, Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE. Published annual fees are CHF 32,900 - 72,800 at Institut Montana Switzerland and CHF 16,800 - 36,700 at International School of Zug and Luzern - Zug Campus, which puts Institut Montana Switzerland roughly 98% higher. Institut Montana Switzerland takes pupils from 6 to 19, and International School of Zug and Luzern - Zug Campus from 3 to 14.
Two ISZL campuses are located in Central Switzerland: Baar (Zug Campus) and Hünenberg (Riverside Campus). The Zug Campus address is Walterswil 1, 6340 Baar, Switzerland. The Riverside Campus address is Rothusstrasse 4B, 6331 Hünenberg, Switzerland. The campuses are about 33 km from Zürich Airport.
Stages
Stages
Primary School (Grades 1-6) – Bilingual Primary School; Secondary School (Grades 7-12) including Bilingual Secondary School (Grades 7-9), Swiss Gymnasium (Grades 7-12), International School (Grades 6-12)
Stages
Primary School (ages 3–11) follows the IB Primary Years Programme; Middle School (ages 11–14) follows the IB Middle Years Programme; High School (ages 14–18) offers the IB Diploma Programme or the ISZL High School Diploma.
School type
School type
International day and boarding school
School type
The school is a private, non-profit international day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Students come from all over the world, representing over 55 nationalities.
Pupil nationality mix
60 nationalities represented.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
Support for Additional Learning Needs is tailored to the individual and provided in-class, in small groups, or one-on-one.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Non-denominational
School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
School hours are Primary and Middle School 08:50–15:30 and High School 08:40–16:00, Monday–Friday. A daily hot lunch is available at an additional cost, and the Eagles after-school care runs 15:30–18:00 for Early Years–Grade 8.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
Transportation includes a school bus for the Zug Campus; parents may drive or students can use public transport; High School students primarily use public transport.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
One‑off enrolment / application fees
- Admission / enrolment fee: CHF 5,500 (one‑time). This amount is payable on confirmation of enrolment. - Refundable deposit (paid on admission): Boarding students: CHF 5,000; Day students: CHF 3,000. The deposit is held against outstanding invoices and is normally refunded when the student leaves and accounts are settled.
Annual tuition fees (by programme / year group) — fee per year and per semester
- Boarding — Bilingual Elementary (BE5–BE6), Bilingual Secondary (BSS7–BSS9), Swiss Senior High School (SG1–SG6): CHF 70,400 per year → CHF 35,200 per semester. - Boarding — CEFY & International School (Grades 6–12): CHF 72,800 per year → CHF 36,400 per semester.
- Day — Bilingual Elementary (BE1–BE4): CHF 32,900 per year → CHF 16,450 per semester. - Day — Bilingual Elementary (BE5–BE6), Bilingual Secondary (BSS7–BSS9), Swiss Senior High School (SG1–SG6): CHF 34,600 per year → CHF 17,300 per semester. - Day — CEFY & International School (Grades 6–12): CHF 36,800 per year → CHF 18,400 per semester.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual tuition and boarding fees are billed semester by semester, in advance. Payment deadlines: 1st semester payment due by April 30 (before the school year begins); 2nd semester payment due by November 30 (during the school year). For new enrolments the first invoice includes the enrolment fee, the refundable deposit and 50% of the annual tuition/boarding fees; these items are due according to the invoice deadlines. In cases of late registration or late entry, fees for the current semester become due immediately. Personal expenses are billed monthly and are due within 30 days.
Boarding fees and what they cover
- Boarding rates are set by programme (see annual amounts above). Boarding fees include accommodation typically in a twin/double room, supervision and full board (five meals per day), class instruction for mandatory subjects, study hall supervision, use of the media centre and internet (copying up to a stated limit), participation in the activities programme and use of sports facilities. Flexi‑boarding (short or weekend boarding) is available on request; temporary boarding night rates for short stays are charged separately. Storage, damage or replacement charges (e.g., lost keys or ID) are additional.
Other compulsory or common additional fees and typical optional charges
- Personal expense account advance (held on account): Boarding students: CHF 5,000; Day students: CHF 1,000. Monthly personal expenses are billed against this account. - Programme / exam / curriculum fees: IGCSE programme fee (Grades 9–10): CHF 1,500 per programme; IB Diploma programme fee (Grades 11–12): CHF 5,000; additional IB subject fees (per semester) and per‑subject fees for HL/SL apply (document lists per‑subject charges). External exam fees (IGCSE, IB Diploma) are charged in addition and typically range approximately CHF 500–CHF 1,700 depending on the exam and subject selection. - Private music/instrument lessons: CHF 3,850 per year (CHF 1,925 per semester) for individual lessons. - Temporary boarding (double room, study and meals) when used by non‑boarders: CHF 180 per night. - Incidental charges: replacement Student ID CHF 20; lost room key CHF 100; charges for excessive damage are applied to the family account. Meals for special arrangements and some medical or travel costs may incur additional charges. Towels may be purchased from the Main Office.
Refunds, cancellations and withdrawals
- The refundable deposit is normally returned after the student leaves and all accounts are balanced; it may be retained if there are outstanding invoices. - For new enrolments, the one‑time admission/enrolment fee is non‑refundable. If a withdrawal occurs after specified cut‑off dates or after certain deadlines, the first instalment or other fees already paid may not be reimbursed. Fees already paid are generally not refunded for missed schooling, sickness, injury, suspension, expulsion or in the event the school must close for reasons beyond its control. The school may charge an administration fee in connection with certain contract terminations. Specific deadlines and conditions for refunds and cancellations are set out in the school's enrolment and financial conditions.
Fee payment options and bank details
- Payment by bank transfer is accepted; other payment methods accepted by the school may also be used. Bank account details provided for payments: Zuger Kantonalbank, CH‑6301 Zug; Account: 04‑720.377‑03; IBAN: CH32 0078 7000 4720 3770 3; SWIFT: KBZGH22. Personal expenses are billed monthly and must be paid within 30 days unless a different arrangement (for Swiss residents) is agreed with the Director.
Summary notes (practical)
- Tuition and boarding are billed semesterly in advance; where a yearly figure is shown above, divide by two to obtain the semester (per‑term) amount. Payments required on first invoice for new students typically include the one‑time admission fee, the refundable deposit and 50% of the annual fees. Programme‑specific and optional charges (exam fees, private music lessons, extra language support, temporary boarding, lost key/ID charges, etc.) are billed in addition to the base tuition and must be settled as invoiced.
Fee details
Application / registration fee
- A non‑refundable registration fee is required to confirm each student's place. Starting amounts are: CHF 2,000 for entry in Early Years 1; CHF 3,000 for entry in Early Years 2; and CHF 5,000 for entry in Kindergarten or any grade above. The registration fee is one‑time and is not credited toward tuition.
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term)
- Early Years 1 (mornings only): Annual CHF 16,650 — Per term CHF 5,550.00. - Early Years 1 (full time): Annual CHF 26,050 — Per term CHF 8,683.33. - Early Years 2 (mornings only): Annual CHF 16,850 — Per term CHF 5,616.67. - Early Years 2 (full time): Annual CHF 27,800 — Per term CHF 9,266.67. - Kindergarten: Annual CHF 32,700 — Per term CHF 10,900.00. - Grades 1–5 (Primary): Annual CHF 32,900 — Per term CHF 10,966.67. - Grades 6–8 (Middle School): Annual CHF 36,300 — Per term CHF 12,100.00. - Grades 9–10 (High School): Annual CHF 38,700 — Per term CHF 12,900.00. - Grades 11–12 (High School senior years): Annual CHF 39,200 — Per term CHF 13,066.67.
(Per‑term figures are the annual tuition divided by three terms and shown to two decimal places.)
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Enrolment is for the full school year. All invoices are sent electronically and tuition invoices are payable within thirty (30) days of the invoice date or before the start of the next payment period. Any bank fees charged when transferring funds must be paid by the sender. Interest on overdue amounts is charged at 12% per year. Payment options for private payers may be arranged in 2, 3, 4 or 8 instalments; an administration fee of CHF 200 per child per year applies to any instalment plan. Instalment due dates are specified in the school's financial regulations (examples: for 3 instalments — payments due around July 31, November 30 and February 28; for 4 instalments — July 31, September 30, November 30 and February 28; for 2 instalments — July 31 and January 31). Employer payments (registration or tuition paid directly by an employer) can be indicated on the fees/payment information.
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not offered; ISZL operates as a non‑profit co‑educational day school (no boarding fees apply).
Other costs and typical additional fees
- Lunch programme: charged separately. - School bus / transport service: charged separately. - Music Academy lessons and other optional co‑curricular lessons: charged separately. - Multilingual Academy / extra language classes: charged separately. - External exam and course fees for Grades 11–12 (AP/IB/College Board exam fees) and college application‑related expenses: charged to families as applicable. - Optional trips, tournaments and some extracurricular trips: charged separately as applicable. - Parents' Association annual membership fee: CHF 40 per child, added to the invoice. - Uniform: there is no formal compulsory uniform; a dress code applies and optional branded sports/PE items are available for purchase. Any costs for optional branded items are additional.
Refunds and withdrawal charges (summary of main rules)
- The registration fee is non‑refundable. - New students who cancel a confirmed enrolment before classes start will be charged a percentage of the relevant tuition if cancellation is within the notice window (examples given in the school's enrolment and finance policies: a 25% charge applies for new‑student cancellations unless notice is received at least four calendar months before the start date). Re‑enrolment and late withdrawal rules include a 25% late withdrawal charge if a student is withdrawn after re‑enrolment. - Force majeure, school closure for reasons beyond the school's control, and student disciplinary suspension/expulsion do not entitle families to a refund of tuition or other fees. - Unpaid invoices may be pursued externally and related collection costs may be charged to the family.
Fee payment methods and practical notes
- Invoices are issued electronically. Payment instructions require the payer to cover any bank transfer charges. Payment is arranged via the Business Office; instalment plans must be pre‑arranged each year. Employer direct payment of registration and/or tuition is accommodated where indicated. The school's published materials specify bank transfer and invoicing as the standard mechanisms; families should follow the invoice payment instructions. Overdue fees incur interest (12% p.a.) and missed or late payments may trigger collection action.
Summary statement
- Annual tuition at ISZL varies by age and grade from CHF 16,650 (Early Years 1 mornings) up to CHF 39,200 (Grades 11–12) with standard billing aligned to the school's three‑term academic year. Registration fees, instalment administration fees, and a set of optional additional charges (meals, transport, extracurricular lessons, exam fees, trips, parents' association fee) are applied in addition to tuition. The school is a day school and does not charge boarding fees. Refunds are limited: the registration fee is non‑refundable and withdrawal/cancellation charges apply per the school's enrolment and financial regulations; force majeure and disciplinary exclusions to refunds apply.
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
Institut Montana offers four academic pathways for Grades 1–12: Bilingual Primary School Grades 1–6 follows the Swiss Lehrplan 21 and is taught in English and German. Bilingual Secondary School Grades 7–9 follows the Swiss curriculum with language and subject options in English and German, and offers intensive language courses with certificates in German, French and English (Goethe Institut, DELF, Cambridge). Swiss Gymnasium Grades 7–12 leads to the Swiss Matura, with monolingual German or bilingual pathways and language support in German, French and English (Goethe Institut, DELF, Cambridge). International School Grades 6–12 uses international programmes starting with Cambridge Lower Secondary/IGCSE, progressing to the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a High School Diploma; the main language of instruction is English and English language assessment is used with EAL support. The language/certification mix includes Cambridge, Goethe/DELF, and Cambridge IGCSE; the Swiss Matura provides direct access to ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of St. Gallen and EHL; the IB Diploma offers global university entry.
Curriculum details
ISZL follows the International Baccalaureate framework across the Primary, Middle, and High School. Primary School uses the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Middle School uses the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). High School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the ISZL High School Diploma, with pathways that include Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the BTEC Diploma in Creative Media. The school operates on two campuses: Zug (Zug Campus for Primary and Middle) and Riverside (High School), with English as the main language of instruction and dedicated EAL support and German offered as an additional language.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Student/teacher ratio is 4:1. Average class size is 10.
Student teacher ratio
1:7
Exam results
Exam results
IB Diploma pass rate 99% (2025). The International School serves about 170 students with an average class size of 12 and students from around 45 nationalities. The IB Diploma program is a pathway within the International School, enabling admission to universities worldwide and in Switzerland.
Exam results
ISZL high school students in Grades 11 and 12 earn a range of internationally recognised qualifications, including Advanced Placement exams, BTEC Diplomas in Creative Media, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Our students consistently achieve results well above global averages.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
IB Diploma graduates have access to universities worldwide and in Switzerland. The Swiss Matura path provides direct access to ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of St. Gallen and EHL.
Higher education progression
ISZL provides university advising with personalised guidance on course selection and curriculum pathways, psychometric testing, information about external assessments, and guidance on university applications (including UK UCAS, Netherlands Studielink, and the USA Common Application). Formal university preparation begins in Grade 10, with Grade 11 offering biweekly university seminars and Grade 12 focused on applications; students can submit up to ten university applications worldwide.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
The admissions process is holistic and considers students' interests and talents. Co-curricular activities such as Model United Nations, Performing Arts, and Entrepreneurship Club provide outlets for talented students.
Gifted and talented
Enrichment programmes include the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, Youth Forum Switzerland, after‑school clubs, competitive sports, and service learning, which support leadership, creativity, and global citizenship as part of ISZL's enrichment offering.
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
The admissions process is holistic and evaluates each application beyond academic performance to understand a child's potential, motivation to learn, interests and passions, and whether they will thrive in the international community. The process has six steps: 1. 2. Interview: Visit campus for a free trial day or arrange a video meeting if you cannot visit in person. 3. Academic assessment: CAT4 Ability Test and language placement tests assess academic and language levels; depending on year group, Heads of Programmes join for a short interview. 4. Admissions evaluation: The Admissions Team and Heads of Programmes evaluate the application and advise on needed support. 5. Offer letter: Includes class placement and any required support plans; the offer letter is valid for two weeks. 6. Enrolment confirmation: After accepting, the Admissions Team assists with final documents and shares information for a successful first day; visa applications are supported for boarders. Admissions are rolling throughout the year, with a recommendation to start at the beginning of a semester; the team will help determine the best entry point for each student.
Admissions
1. Submitting Your Application: Applications are accepted throughout the year, depending on availability; there is no application fee, but a registration fee is required once a place is offered. For Primary School (Ages 3–11), complete the online application and upload the passport, school reports, and a teacher evaluation. For Middle and High School (Ages 11–18), submit the online form, passport, transcripts, and two teacher evaluations, including one from a current maths teacher. An English language assessment may be required for mid-year entry from Grade 7.
2. Application Review and Language Assessment: After submission, the Admissions Committee reviews the application and aims to provide an outcome within 10 working days; if support services are required, the process may take longer. If admitted but there is no space, the child may be placed on a waiting list. If entering mid-year (Grade 7+), an English language assessment may be required.
3. Offer and Registration: If admission is granted, a formal offer and a non-refundable registration fee are issued. After payment, the place is confirmed. The offer outlines the next steps and the start date.
4. Preparation and Portal Access: Before your child begins classes, you will receive access to the Parent Portal with resources and the ability to sign up for school services. The portal helps you prepare for the first day at ISZL. Access is provided prior to the start date.
5. The Zug Campus (Early Years–Grade 8) is Walterswil 1, 6340 Baar. The Riverside Campus (Grade 9–12) is Rothusstrasse 4B, 6331 Hünenberg.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
If admission is granted but there is no space, the child may be placed on a waiting list.