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Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
Academic Gateway AG is a private school in central Zurich, at Löwenstrasse 17, 8001 Zürich. Opened in August 2021, the schoolhouse houses 14 rooms and technologies for hybrid learning. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) alongside Swiss curricular routes such as Matura, BMS, Passerelle, and Self-study. Most lessons are in English, with German widely used among the community and French, Italian, and Spanish present in the educational heritage. The curriculum uses an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary approach that connects subjects to real-world contexts. Diploma students undertake external IB examinations, with progress shared through reports and conferences. EduQua certification recognizes the school's commitment to quality education and a digitally enabled environment. The learning model combines lectures and small practice groups, supported by e-learning and a broad range of elective subjects. Campus facilities include a library, a music room, chemistry and physics laboratories, a design room, a terrace, and a canteen.
Academic Gateway has instruction in English, German.
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.
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.
Type
The Academic Gateway is a full private school.
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.
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Fees
Annual tuition at Academic Gateway ranges from CHF 19,000 to CHF 68,000 for 2026/27.
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.
Academics
Academic Gateway teaches IB (DP), Swiss Curriculum for students aged 16 to 19.
Curriculum
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.
Higher Education Progression
Graduates may choose to study internationally or in Switzerland.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Personal support includes learning coaching and speech therapy; there are learning development conversations; short assessments (including personal analysis and a personal learning plan) and mock examinations (including personal analysis and a personal learning plan); tutoring is fully integrated and private lessons for 1–3 students are offered.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides personal support including learning coaching and speech therapy; learning development discussions and individually tailored learning plans and assessments are part of the support offered; tutoring and private instruction are integrated into the program.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Most lessons are conducted in English, with German and French offered as language courses; the school supports language learning and offers internationally recognized language certificates in English, German and French.
Safeguarding
Schul- und Hausordnung (School and House Rules) governs behavior and safety on campus, including explicit prohibitions on smoking (inside buildings), alcohol, and drugs; it describes emergency evacuation procedures and the location of emergency facilities, and it sets sanctions for violations.
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.
FAQs
What curriculum does Academic Gateway offer?
Academic Gateway offers IB, French, AP, International Baccalaureate curriculums. Academic Gateway offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and additional routes including Matura, BMS, Passerelle, and Self-study.
What age range does Academic Gateway cater for?
Academic Gateway accepts students from age 16 to 18. 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, Healt
What are the fees at Academic Gateway?
Annual fees at Academic Gateway range from approximately 35,000 to 35,500. **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.
Where is Academic Gateway located?
Academic Gateway is located in Switzerland. 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).
Is Academic Gateway co-educational?
Academic Gateway is a co-educational school. The Academic Gateway is a full private school.
How do I apply to Academic Gateway?
The admissions process at Academic Gateway: 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.
What learning support does Academic Gateway provide?
Academic Gateway provides learning support services. The school provides personal support including learning coaching and speech therapy; learning development discussions and individually tailored learning plans and assessments are part of the support offered; tutoring and private instruction are integrated into the program.
Does Academic Gateway offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support?
Most lessons are conducted in English, with German and French offered as language courses; the school supports language learning and offers internationally recognized language certificates in English, German and French.
What facilities does Academic Gateway have?
The modern schoolhouse at Löwenstrasse 17 opened in August 2021 and forms the heart of Academic Gateway. It is located in central Zurich, just 500 meters from Zürich Hauptbahnhof, with four nearby stations: Zürich Enge, Wiedikon, Selnau and Stadeln.
What extra-curricular activities are available at Academic Gateway?
Academic Gateway offers a range of extra-curricular activities. Art and culture are a central part of Academic Gateway's curricula. The art program is a fixed component of the maturità pathways, fostering creative and critical thinking and a deep engagement with art history.
What languages are taught at Academic Gateway?
English is the primary language of instruction and is used for most of the school day. German is valued as part of the community's linguistic identity. Other languages such as French, Italian, and Spanish are part of students' heritage and are celebrated, though not explicitly taught. The teaching t Most lessons are conducted in English.
Who is the head of Academic Gateway?
The head of school at Academic Gateway is Lukas Barwitzki.
How many students attend Academic Gateway?
Academic Gateway has approximately 200 students. The school serves students from age 16 to 18.
Where do graduates of Academic Gateway go to university?
Graduates may choose to study internationally or in Switzerland.
What is the parent community like at Academic Gateway?
Art lessons are an integral part of the Academic Gateway's high school program, and art history is intensively studied.
