Hochalpines Institut Ftan is a co-educational Swiss boarding and day school in Ftan, in the Engadin Alps. Founded in 1793, it welcomes students aged 12 to 18 and offers two main academic pathways: the bilingual German/English Swiss Matura and the International Advanced Diploma, which combines iGCSE and iA-level study with real-world skills and outdoor learning. Boarding is available for five or seven days a week, with students living on campus in single, twin or triple rooms. The school’s alpine location shapes daily life: students can access winter sports such as alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding and ice hockey, as well as summer activities including climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and hiking. A distinctive feature is the HIF Sports Academy, which provides structured support for competitive student athletes while they continue their academic programme. The school also includes wellbeing lessons, leadership opportunities and outdoor challenges.
Location
The school is at Chalchera 154, CH-7551 Ftan, in the Lower Engadin valley of Graubünden canton, Switzerland. The Alpine setting at altitude provides a unique environment for outdoor education and sports. Ftan is accessible from Zurich (about 3 hours by train).
Stages
The school covers Primary, Middle, and High School stages. Two academic pathways are available: the English National Curriculum and the Swiss Matura.
Type
HIF is a private co-educational boarding and day school, part of the Education in Motion (EiM) global school network. It is registered as Hochalpines Institut Ftan AG.
Country affiliation
Swiss boarding school offering both English National Curriculum and Swiss Matura pathways. Part of the EiM global school network.
Boarding Arrangements
Boarding with dedicated boarding staff. The school emphasises wellbeing in the residential context with a holistic approach to pastoral care.
Governance and Ownership
Hochalpines Institut Ftan AG. Member of the Education in Motion (EiM) global school network, connecting it to schools worldwide.
Curriculum
Two pathways: the English National Curriculum and the Swiss Matura. The Ignite Switzerland programme provides additional learning opportunities. Teaching is in both English and German, with Rhaeto-Romansh also taught, reflecting the local linguistic heritage.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
A wellbeing curriculum is central to the school's approach. Holistic care supports students' personal development alongside academics.
Mental Wellbeing
The wellbeing curriculum and commitment to holistic care are core to the boarding experience. Dedicated boarding staff provide pastoral support.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding policies are documented and in place.
History
Hochalpines Institut Ftan is a historic Swiss boarding school in the Engadin Alps, blending academic rigour with Alpine outdoor education.
Community
The boarding community is set in the small Alpine village of Ftan, creating an intimate school environment. The EiM network connects students to a global educational community.
Facilities Overview
The campus is set in the Swiss Alps at altitude, providing natural facilities for outdoor sports and activities. The Sports Academy has world-class training infrastructure.
Sports Facilities
A dedicated Sports Academy provides world-class training for student athletes. Summer and winter sports programmes take advantage of the Alpine location.
Extra Curricular Facilities
The Sports Academy offers competitive-level training. Summer and winter sports programmes. Summer camps are also offered. The Alpine setting enables skiing, hiking, and other mountain activities.
Cultural & Language
Rhaeto-Romansh is taught alongside English and German, connecting students to the unique linguistic heritage of the Engadin valley.
Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Sports Academy provides world-class training for student athletes. The Alpine setting enables skiing, hiking, and outdoor pursuits. A wellbeing curriculum underpins the boarding experience.
Language Provision
English and German are the languages of instruction. Rhaeto-Romansh is taught as an additional language, reflecting the local linguistic heritage of the Engadin region.
Bilingual Teaching
Teaching is delivered in both English and German, supporting bilingual development.
Accreditations
Member of Education in Motion (EiM) global school network.
Admissions
1. Online information sessions available. 2. Contact: +41 81 861 22 11. 3. Summer camps offered as an introduction to the school.
