Rietberg Montessori School vs School of Tomorrow – Uster
Rietberg Montessori School and School of Tomorrow – Uster are both in Zug, about 14 km apart. Both schools offer Swiss programmes, and Rietberg Montessori School also offers Montessori. Published annual fees are close, at CHF 25,680 - 33,600 for Rietberg Montessori School and CHF 29,400 - 30,600 for School of Tomorrow – Uster . Rietberg Montessori School takes pupils from 3 to 12, and School of Tomorrow – Uster from 4 to 12.
Seestrasse 119/121, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland. Located in Zürich city centre near the Museum Rietberg. Public transport is available via Tram Line 7 to the Museum Rietberg stop.
Location
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Stages
Stages
Kindergarten for ages 3-6 in four mixed-age groups; Elementary school for ages 6-12 in two mixed-age levels (three lower elementary 6-9 and two upper elementary 9-12).
Stages
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School type
School type
Montessori day school; state-accredited by the Department of Education of Canton Zürich; AM(S) licensed.
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Language development and perceptual support (reading, spelling and arithmetic) with a coordinated support programme; DaZ (German as a second language) in small groups or individual lessons; support covers kindergarten and primary levels.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Mealtimes include breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Breakfast is available 7:30–8:00 a.m. The menu is vegetarian with allergies/intolerances options; afternoon snack includes bread and seasonal fruit.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fees
- Registration fee: CHF 1,000, payable as soon as the trial days or introduction days are confirmed. - Contribution to the school's welfare foundation: CHF 1,500, invoiced after the school contract is signed. This contribution may be refunded if the child does not claim the place; the registration fee is not refundable.
Tuition fees by year group (amounts shown per month and per year)
- Kindergarten (Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri): - 07:30–12:00: CHF 2,140 per month (CHF 25,680 per year). - 07:30–13:30: CHF 2,430 per month (CHF 29,160 per year). - 07:30–18:00 (full day): CHF 2,800 per month (CHF 33,600 per year). On Wednesdays the school finishes at 12:00; lunch and extra Wednesday childcare can be booked separately.
- Elementary School (Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri): - Lower elementary (Unterstufe) 07:30–18:00: CHF 2,920 per month (CHF 35,040 per year). - Upper elementary (Mittelstufe) 07:30–18:00: CHF 2,990 per month (CHF 35,880 per year). On Wednesdays the school finishes at 12:00; lunch and extra Wednesday childcare can be booked separately.
- Children with special pedagogical needs: fees handled individually.
Wednesday-afternoon care and per-day options (bookable separately)
- Per semester (pauschal): - Lunch + childcare 12:00–13:30: CHF 760 per semester. - Lunch, childcare and activities 12:00–18:00: CHF 1,560 per semester. - Per day (individual booking): - Lunch + childcare 12:00–13:30: CHF 50 per day. - Lunch, childcare and activities 12:00–18:00: CHF 90 per day.
Holiday programme / holiday care
- Holiday programme per week (08:00–18:00): CHF 600 per week. - Holiday programme per day (08:00–18:00): CHF 150 per day.
Additional charges and optional extras
- Late pick-up charge: CHF 50 per quarter hour. - Extra costs not included in tuition: tickets for exhibitions/performances, costs for excursions/camps/project weeks, ZVV travel card(s) for outings, contribution to the class fund. - Music lessons (optional): individual piano lessons (35 min) CHF 60 per lesson; guitar/ukulele individual (35 min) CHF 60 per lesson. Details are handled in a separate music contract. - Language support (German as a second language / DaZ): group and individual lesson rates listed (examples: 6-person group CHF 35 per lesson; 2-person group CHF 75 per lesson; individual tuition 60 minutes CHF 100; shorter individual lessons also priced). - Holiday-care weekly and daily rates are listed under the holiday programme section above.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing cycle and due date: school fees are due in advance and may be paid annually, half‑yearly, quarterly or monthly as desired. The due date for payment is the 25th of the preceding month. Invoices are issued once per school year. - Additional offers (extra-curricular items, optional bookings) are invoiced separately with a payment period of 30 days. - Late payment penalties: interest for delayed payment is charged at 5% and an additional CHF 10 per written reminder; the school reserves the right to claim further damages.
Boarding fees
- No boarding provision: the school operates as a state‑accredited day school (day school model); there are no boarding fees.
Refund information
- Registration fee: non‑refundable. - Welfare foundation contribution: can be refunded if the child does not claim the place; a donation receipt is issued at the end of the first school year when the place is accepted. - Tuition refunds: holidays, absences or other types of non‑attendance do not justify a reduction or refund of school fees. Temporary school closures ordered by authorities (force majeure) do not justify refunds of school fees. Fees for a child starting mid‑year are calculated pro rata by full months.
Fee payment options
- Bank transfer (including QR‑payment for Swiss online banking) and Twint are used for payments and event collections on the school site; bank account details and QR‑transfer options are used for payments. - Invoicing is managed by the school; payment frequency options (annual / semi‑annual / quarterly / monthly) are accepted as noted under billing schedule.
Other notes on costs
- The tuition amounts include childcare during the stated hours, breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and standard school materials. Additional optional services and excursions incur separate charges as listed above.
Fee details
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Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
The school is a state-accredited day school.
Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack are provided. The kitchen serves a vegetarian menu daily with fresh, seasonal vegetables, and there are options for children with allergies or food intolerances. Breakfast is available from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m., and the afternoon snack includes bread and seasonal fruit.
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
The school is a state-accredited day school under the Department of Education of Canton Zurich and is licensed by the Association Montessori Switzerland (AM(S)).
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Children in kindergarten and elementary are placed in mixed-age groups: 3–6, 6–9 and 9–12 years. Qualified Montessori staff accompany the children in their learning process. Learning takes place in both German and English. The Montessori curriculum fully covers all the Canton Zurich curriculum requirements and guarantees transfer to secondary school. The school is a state-accredited day school under the Department of Education of Canton Zurich and is licensed by the Association Montessori Schweiz (AM(S)).
Curriculum details
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
In kindergarten and elementary school, the children are placed in mixed age groups: 3–6, 6–9 and 9–12 years. Qualified Montessori staff accompany the children in their learning process in both languages of instruction, i.e., German and English. The aim of the school is to help the children become independent, self-confident and self-reliant human beings with a strong community spirit. The activities offered to the children in Montessori classrooms are based on the needs of children and encourage self-motivated and joyful learning. The school supports parental involvement through events and workshops, including a parenting workshop on positive discipline to raise happy and resilient children, and regular parent–teacher contact.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Language development and perceptual support, including reading, spelling and arithmetic training, are provided in a protected and engaging environment. The support covers the kindergarten and primary level and takes place in regular exchange with the respective class teacher. DaZ (German as a second language) offers German in small groups or in individual lessons to help children engage with everyday school life, with a focus on conversation and vocabulary expansion. Additional support is charged separately and takes place during class time.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
Tuition covers instruction in both German and English. In kindergarten, four mixed-age groups are taught by qualified Montessori staff with instruction in both languages.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school offers a parenting workshop on positive discipline to explore how to raise happy and resilient children. Regular contact with parents is emphasized, with opportunities to visit classes and attend parent-teacher conferences. Annual events foster a sense of community between children, parents and the Rietberg Montessori team.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Safety measures follow the rules and recommendations of the Confederation and the canton; the school informs parents, teachers and caregivers about protection measures and has a designated responsible person for safety. General hygiene and conduct rules include regular hand washing and airing of rooms, with CO2 meters and air filters in every classroom. Sick children remain at home until symptom-free for 24 hours, and symptomatic cases are isolated; positive cases are reported to the school management. Protection concepts apply to school events and trips, and protective equipment and hand hygiene stations are provided as needed.
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
Rietberg Montessori School is a state-accredited day school under the Department of Education of Canton Zurich. The Montessori curriculum fully covers the Canton Zurich requirements and guarantees transfer to secondary school. Activities in Montessori classrooms are based on children's needs and encourage self-motivated, joyful learning. The program uses materials developed by Dr. Montessori to support the psychic and physical development at every stage. In kindergarten there are four mixed-age groups for ages 3–6 with instruction in German and English, and elementary is organized in two mixed-age groups (6–9 and 9–12).
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Extracurricular activities are offered as an extension to the programme. Free of charge: Woodwork (ages 5+), Music ensemble (elementary), Kids Go Soccer, Kids Go Sport, Chess Club. Subject to charge: Wednesday afternoon programmes, Holiday programmes, in-house music lessons (Piano, Violin, Clarinet), Yoga/Mindfulness, Film project (elementary), Kung Fu (ages 5+), Robotics, Design Thinking, Architecture for Kids. These programmes complement the Montessori curriculum and provide additional hands-on learning opportunities outside regular class time.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Rietberg Montessori School was founded on July 2, 1987 by Max and Jacqueline Kohler as the “Rietberg School Foundation.” It is governed by the Foundation Board, with Bruno Battaini as Chairman and Jacqueline Kohler among the board members. The school is a state-accredited day school under the auspices of the Department of Education of Canton Zurich and is licensed by Association Montessori Schweiz (AM(S)). The organization maintains formal leadership, including a Managing Director, Principals for Kindergarten and Elementary, and a Head of Extracurricular Structures to oversee operations.
History
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Community
Community
Regular contact with parents is emphasized. Teachers welcome parents to visit classes or accompany group excursions, and parent-teacher conferences and meetings with the principal are available by appointment. The school provides opportunities for parents to learn about the Montessori Method, the structure and organization of the school, and current topics through parents' evenings, a round table, parents' further education, and workshops. Several annual events foster a sense of community between children, parents and the Rietberg Montessori team: Children's Playday, Lantern Parade, Carol Singing, Open Day, Theater Performances.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
Active parent involvement is supported through structured channels. Parents can participate in regular events and forums and engage with teachers and administration. Parent-teacher conferences are offered by appointment, and meetings with the principal encourage ongoing dialogue. Parents have access to learning opportunities about Montessori pedagogy and the school's operations through parents' evenings, a round table, and workshops. The school coordinates events that bring together children, families, and staff, including an annual line-up of activities such as Children's Playday, Lantern Parade, Carol Singing, Open Day, and Theater Performances.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The Montessori program is state-accredited and aligned with the Canton Zurich curriculum, guaranteeing transfer to secondary school. In kindergarten, tuition covers instruction in German and English, and learning is designed to be self-motivated and joyful. In elementary school, teaching continues in mixed-age groups and covers writing, reading and mathematics, introduces science, and includes foreign languages. The school provides intensive preparation for gymnasium entry and employs trained specialists for subjects such as arts, woodwork, music and painting.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The school offers extensive arts and music provision. In elementary school, students study foreign languages, music, woodwork, art and craft, and participate in art studio, sport, dance and theatre projects, supported by trained specialists. In-house music lessons are taught by specialists (piano, violin, clarinet). Theatre projects and school performances are part of the programme, and there are creative projects such as a film project and architecture for kids.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Tuition languages in kindergarten are German and English, and German and English continue in elementary school with French lessons from fourth grade. The school also provides cultural enrichment through visits to museums, art galleries, opera and concerts.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Children learn in mixed-age groups, developing social skills and courtesy through daily collaboration and group activities. Annual events foster a sense of community between children, parents and staff, including Children's Playday, Lantern Parade, Carol Singing, Open Day and theatre performances. Parents are invited to participate in evenings, workshops and round-table meetings, and to accompany group excursions.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
Parent involvement is encouraged through regular communications, conferences with the principal, and opportunities to attend parent evenings and workshops. The school hosts events that bring together children, parents and staff, and offers group excursions and community activities such as theatre, music and cultural outings. Annual events foster a sense of community between children, parents and staff.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Development meetings and progress reports occur regularly to discuss each child's objectives and learning. Students learn to plan their work and assess progress in regular conferences with teachers. The school supports leadership development through student involvement in projects such as theatre, school publishing and other responsibilities.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
After-school activities include woodwork, sports and music ensembles at no charge, and additional options such as Wednesday afternoon programmes and holiday programmes. Free activities include Kids Go Soccer, Kids Go Sport and Chess Club. Mindfulness/yoga, film projects, kung fu, robotics, design thinking and architecture for kids are available for a fee, while sports days, ice-skating, hiking, camp weeks and theatre projects support wellbeing and active lifestyles.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
German and English are the languages of instruction. Instruction occurs in kindergarten and elementary school for ages 3–12. Qualified Montessori staff support language learning in both German and English.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The school uses bilingual instruction in German and English. In kindergarten and elementary school, children are placed in mixed age groups: 3–6, 6–9 and 9–12 years. Qualified Montessori staff accompany the learning in both languages of instruction: German and English. The Montessori curriculum fully covers all the curriculum requirements of Canton Zurich and guarantees transfer to secondary school.
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
The school is a state-accredited day school under the Department of Education of Canton Zurich. The school is licensed by the Association Montessori (Switzerland) AM(S). The Montessori curriculum fully covers the curriculum requirements of Canton Zurich and guarantees transfer to secondary school.
Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Are you interested in a place at our school? Starting school is a special moment – for children, for parents, and for us as a school. At the Rietberg Montessori School, we shape this journey together. Here you can find out how the admissions process works: The first contact – we look forward to hearing from you. Your path to us begins very simply: fill out our prospective family form or give us a call. Our administration team will take time for you and get in touch to arrange a visit to our school. You also have the opportunity to register for one of our Open Days. Getting to know us and experiencing Montessori: During your visit, we open the doors to our learning environment. You will gain insight into our classrooms, experience the atmosphere, and meet the people who shape our school. In a personal conversation with the pedagogical school leadership, we take time for your questions and thoughts. Curious to learn more? Fill out the prospective family form now or give us a call – we look forward to hearing from you! The school is located at Seestrasse 119/121, CH-8002 Zürich. Tel. +41 44 205 50 60.
