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Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz

Switzerland, Zuoz

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, German
Fees CHF 57,300 - 104,900
Ages 12 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 330
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1904
Bus Service No
Availability Not shared by this school
Academic offering
Curriculum Swiss Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Taught languages German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Latin, Mandarin
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Middle School, Secondary School, High School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is a Swiss international boarding school set in the Engadin valley near St. Moritz. The campus covers about 130,000 square metres and combines modern classrooms with an Arts & Music wing and a dedicated theatre, the Zuoz Globe seating 99. Students aged 12 to 18 follow a multilingual pathway that includes the Swiss Matura, Cambridge IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate programmes (DP and CP). German, English, Italian and Romansh are taught across tracks, with immersion and language stays as core features. The school also prepares for international higher education through its English-language supports and CAE/DELF examinations. A broad activity programme runs alongside academics: competitive sports, theatre and music ensembles, robotics, debating and service projects. A proud tradition begun in 1904 and guided by the Spirit of Zuoz emphasises tolerance, responsible leadership and lifelong learning in a secure valley setting. The school welcomes students from over 45 nations.

Lyceum Alpinum 12, CH-7524 Zuoz, Switzerland

The Essentials

Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz has 330 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English, German.

Location
Zuoz, Graubünden (Engadin valley), near St. Moritz, Switzerland.

Stages
Year 1 (grade 7) to Year 6 (grade 12); students may join in any year up through Year 5.

Type
Day and boarding school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Swiss 36.6%; Chinese 12.2%; German 10.9%; Russian 4.3%; Italian 3.7%; Austrian 1.2%; Other 31.1%.

Country affiliation
Switzerland

School day structure
Afternoon ECAs include science, sports, arts and creative writing; Duke of Edinburgh Award; skiing/snowboarding is obligatory in winter.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is provided on-site in six houses: Spencer House and Chesa Crasta for younger students; Chesa Arpiglia, Chesa Urezza, Grosshaus and Kleinhaus for older students. Girls and boys are accommodated in single- or double-occupancy rooms, furnished to modern standards with views of the surrounding Alps. The houses have in-house kitchens and communal living spaces to foster independence and social development. Our trained boarding and pastoral-care staff are on hand to support boarding students, assist with conflicts, and provide guidance as needed.

House System
The school uses a house-based community. The younger pupils live in Spencer House and Chesa Crasta, while seniors live in Chesa Arpiglia, Chesa Urezza, Grosshaus, and Kleinhaus. Weekend activities include House Matches that strengthen community and identity within the houses.

Governance and Ownership
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is an Aktiengesellschaft (Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz AG) governed by a Board of Directors. The Verwaltungsratspräsident is Sebastian Pawlowski. The company is registered as Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz AG (CH-7524 Zuoz).
Fees

Annual tuition at Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz ranges from CHF 57,300 to CHF 104,900 for 2026/27.

Application and one‑time fees

- Application fee: CHF 1,600 (payable on submission; non‑refundable).
- Deposit to reserve place: Boarding students CHF 16,000; Day students CHF 6,000. The deposit is a non‑interest‑bearing payment that is credited to the final bill when the student leaves.
- Legacy Fund (boarding): CHF 3,000 one‑time contribution (boarders); this contribution to the school's scholarship fund is non‑refundable.

Tuition fees — Boarding students (annual; double room)

- Grades 7–10: CHF 101,100 per year.
- Grades 11–12: CHF 104,900 per year.
- Single room supplement (optional request; not guaranteed): CHF 15,000 per year.
- Sibling discount: 10% off for each additional child when two or more children attend simultaneously (eldest pays full fee).

Tuition fees — Day students (annual)

- Grades 7–10 (International Programme & German Intensive Year): CHF 57,300 per year.
- IB Diploma Programme (day): CHF 67,000 per year.
- Sibling discount: 10% for each additional child when two or more children attend simultaneously.

What the tuition/boarding fees include and exclude

- Included in boarding tuition: accommodation and pastoral care; meals and snacks; compulsory curriculum lessons; school health centre and psychologists; extracurricular activities; an all‑year mountain/ski pass; college counselling; school books; activities associated with community weekends; participation in cultural and sporting events representing the school.
- Not included: personal health/accident insurance premiums and out‑of‑pocket medical costs; university application fees; individual project week costs; non‑compulsory trips and excursions; visa and residence permit fees; airport transfers; and other additional costs listed separately. Trips/excursions are invoiced at cost plus a 5% handling fee and Swiss VAT (8.1%).

Supplementary and incidental charges (examples)

- Private lessons (40 min): CHF 110 (one‑to‑one); CHF 90 per person (pair); CHF 70 per person (group of 3).
- Personalised Learning Coaching (annual tiers): Tier 1 CHF 3,000; Tier 2 CHF 6,000; Tier 3 CHF 9,000. Additional specialist support beyond these tiers is charged separately.
- Examination fees (examples): Entrance examination (Matura) CHF 110; external IGCSE/IBDP exam fees typically start from CHF 1,000 depending on subject choices; final IGCSE/IBDP internal examination fee reference listed at CHF 660 in the day‑student guide.
- General day‑student additional items: school materials/books approx. CHF 900 per year; contribution to cultural events/school journal CHF 170; student organisation CHF 40; lunch/snack voucher pricing examples shown in the day guide.
- Health & accident insurance: approx. CHF 150 per month (indicative; parents are responsible for arranging cover; the school can arrange collective cover for families outside Switzerland/EU).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- New families: the application fee must be paid before testing/interview. For students starting in August, the first semester's tuition/boarding fee is invoiced in March; deposit and any one‑time legacy fund invoices are issued with the enrolment contract. Additional expenses are billed in February and July. Invoice payments are due within 30 days of receipt; full payment is required to guarantee enrolment.
- Returning families: tuition and boarding fees are invoiced twice a year (boarding: May and December; day students: July and December). Additional expenses are billed in February and July. Full payment of each invoice is due within 30 days. Because main costs are billed twice annually, each main invoice will typically represent one semester (approximately half the stated annual fee).

Payment methods and bank details

- Accepted method: bank transfer only. Cash payments are not accepted.
- Swiss Franc account (example): UBS Switzerland AG, St. Moritz; BIC UBSWCHZH80A; IBAN CH89 0022 1221 6732 7801 M. Euro account (example for EUR invoicing): UBS Europe SE, Frankfurt; BIC SMHBDEFFXXX; IBAN DE02 5022 0085 3692 8200 11. (Account details are provided on invoicing and in the school's financial guide.)

Refunds, withdrawals and penalties

- Withdrawal before commencement: Boarding — parents may withdraw before 15 May without further cost except the Application Fee and the Legacy Fund; Day — parents may withdraw before 15 May without cost except the Application Fee.
- Deposit forfeiture: withdrawal between 15 May and 15 June leads to forfeiture of 50% of the deposit; withdrawal after 15 June forfeits 100% of the deposit.
- Notice to leave once enrolled: written notice by registered post to the Head of School by 31 October for withdrawal at the end of Semester 1, or by 28 February for withdrawal at the end of the school year. Late notice generally leaves parents liable for the fees for the following semester.
- Absences and premature departure: no refunds are given for absences (including illness or study‑abroad) because places and boarding accommodation must be retained; meal‑cost reductions may be granted for absences exceeding four weeks on request. Expulsion after certain cut‑off dates can leave parents liable for the current and following semester's fees.

Additional practical points

- What tuition covers: boarding tuition specifically includes the majority of on‑campus living and educational costs (see inclusions above). Non‑compulsory trips, certain project costs, visas/permits, transfers, and some personal services are billed separately.
- VAT and handling: trips and excursions are charged at cost plus a 5% handling fee and Swiss VAT (8.1%) where applicable.

(End of fee overview.)
Academics

Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz teaches Swiss Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme) for students aged 12 to 18.

Curriculum
Swiss Matura is offered in German with bilingual models: German/English from grade 10, Italian/German from grade 9, and Romansh/German from grade 9. In the three-year German/English track, Biology, History and Geography are taught in English, an immersion subject is chosen as a Standard Level Specialisation, and a language stay of at least three weeks in an English-speaking country is completed in grade 9. The four-year German/Italian and German/Romansh tracks start in grade 9 and include four lessons per week in the first language (Italian or Romansh) plus two weekly immersion lessons in Biology, History or Geography. Final Matura examinations are written and oral in First Language, Second Language, Maths, Higher Level Specialisation and Standard Level Specialisation, with a Matura project completing the programme. The Swiss Matura grants admission to Swiss universities as well as international institutes of tertiary education without an entrance examination, and is offered via a six-year long-term programme or a four-year programme of study. Cambridge IGCSE is taught in grades 9–10 to prepare for the IB Diploma Programme, and the curriculum is designed to prepare students for the IB DP; English as an Additional Language and other language supports are provided, along with preparation for external language examinations such as CAE, FCE, PLIDA, DELF and DELE.

Exam Results
The Swiss Matura grants holders the right of admission to all Swiss universities as well as international institutes of tertiary education without the requirement of passing an entrance examination, and students may pursue it via a six-year long-term programme or a four-year programme. Matura final examinations are held in written and oral formats across First Language, Second Language, Maths, Higher Level Specialisation and Standard Level Specialisation, and include a Matura project. The school also prepares students for foreign language examinations such as Cambridge CAE, FCE; DELF; DELE, and PLIDA as part of the curriculum.

Higher Education Progression
A College Counselling team guides students through university applications to colleges and universities worldwide; the Head of College Counselling coordinates support and liaises with external counsellors to assist with admissions paths globally. The curriculum and college counselling aim to prepare students for higher education at Swiss, European and international institutions. The programme and support are designed to position graduates for entry to a broad range of universities after the Matura or IB Diploma Programme.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school promotes positive mental health and wellbeing for the whole school community. Wellbeing awareness is embedded in the PHSE curriculum, assemblies, staff training, and posters aligned with PSHE Association and UNICEF frameworks. A Wellbeing Lead and Deputy, supported by Wellbeing Coaches, coordinate student wellbeing with on-site psychologists available. The PHSE content includes mindfulness, resilience, and coping strategies taught through the PHSE program and house-based activities. Weekly wellbeing meetings with management, house heads, medical staff, and safeguarding teams help monitor vulnerable students and plan targeted support; staff are trained to handle safeguarding and wellbeing concerns and engage external agencies when needed.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school liaises with local organisations to support students with additional needs. A Team Around the Child (TAC) process is used to discuss cases and plan measures for pupils with mental health or other needs. Staff receive safeguarding and wellbeing training to support vulnerable students. Qualified Educational Psychologists are available on campus to provide individual advice and, where necessary, testing. The safeguarding framework coordinates with external agencies to ensure timely support while maintaining confidentiality and proper records.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
All students are viewed as learners of academic English, and learning is structured to support English development across subjects. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) Coordinator reviews new admissions to plan individual pathways and monitor progress. The EAL Coordinator joins classes to provide in-class support where needed. There are guidelines for the English as an Additional Language Programme. Parents may contact the EAL Coordinator at eal@lyceum-alpinum.ch for further details.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental health and wellbeing are prioritized for pupils, staff and families. A Healthy Mind approach includes on-campus psychologists engaging with students and webinars for families to support resilience and coping. Learning Coaching and a dedicated wellbeing team coordinate individualized support for students. The PHSE curriculum emphasizes mental health education and wellbeing, with ongoing staff training to handle safeguarding and wellbeing matters. Weekly wellbeing meetings help review vulnerable students and plan proactive interventions.

Safeguarding
The safeguarding and child protection policy applies to all staff, students, parents, governors and visitors and aligns with international safeguarding standards and Swiss law. There are three primary responsibilities: safeguarding, protecting, and supporting; a designated Safeguarding Lead and safeguarding team coordinate referrals and maintain confidential records. Staff are trained to recognize signs of abuse and to respond appropriately, following procedures and involving external agencies when required. In emergencies, staff act to protect students and report concerns promptly (within 24 hours) and, if needed, contact emergency services (117). The school continually reviews safeguarding policies to reflect changes in law and best practice.
Parent Experience

History
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz was founded in 1904 and is a Swiss international boarding school located in the Engadin near St. Moritz. In 2024 the school celebrated its 120th anniversary. It is organized as Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz AG, a Swiss Aktiengesellschaft, governed by a Board of Directors. The Spirit of Zuoz guides the education, emphasizing tolerance, mutual respect, fair play, commitment and life-long learning.

Community
The student body is cosmopolitan and close-knit, representing close to 50 nations. Open Day events allow visitors to observe lessons and experience the Spirit of Zuoz through performances and exhibitions in theatre, music, art, science and sports. Charity projects and community activities include ‘Students for Students' fundraising and cultural events such as a public evening of Rhaeto-Romanic culture in the Zuoz Globe. Forum Alpinum Fireside Talks bring invited speakers to campus, and the International Summer Camp brings together students from many nations.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz campus spans 130,000 m2 in Zuoz, Graubünden, with classrooms and an Arts & Music wing. The Zuoz Globe theatre seats 99 and a dedicated theatre space is on site. The facilities include an indoor sportshall and winter ice facilities (ice hockey rink and ice rink). Outdoor facilities include 6 tennis courts, 3 football pitches, 3 basketball courts, a beach volleyball court, 7 Eton fives courts, a cricket field, a golf course (18 holes) with a driving range, a fitness studio, and a yoga/dance studio.

Sports Facilities
Sports facilities include an indoor sportshall; ice hockey rink (winter) and ice rink (winter). Outdoor venues comprise 6 tennis courts, 3 football pitches, 3 basketball courts, a cricket field, a golf course (18 holes) with a driving range, a fitness studio, a yoga/dance studio, and a beach volleyball court. The campus also features 7 Eton fives courts for court-based activities.

Academic Facilities
Classrooms and an Arts & Music wing support academic and creative learning. A dedicated theatre space is on site, with the Zuoz Globe theatre seating 99 for performances.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Clubs and societies include architecture, art, calculator, chess, charity, creative writing, cooking, corps of volunteers, cultural appreciation society, debate, digital learning lab, drama, entrepreneurial, gaming and e-sports, gardening, literary society, logical thinking, model UN, philosophy, photography and video, robotics, science, sustainability / Future Planet Forum, and tech. Clubs and societies are available on demand and according to student interest. The Extracurriculars & Sports programme includes athletics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, canoeing, climbing, cricket, cross-country skiing, dance, Eton fives, fitness, football, golf, horse riding, ice hockey, skiing / snowboarding, swimming, table tennis, tennis, trampolining, triathlon, unihockey / floorball, volleyball, windsurfing, and yoga, with activities offered based on seasonal availability and student demand. INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CAMP (ages 10–15) offers language courses in English, French or German and afternoon programmes such as sports & activities, golf training, film & performance, robotics & programming and football. INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR CAMP (ages 6–9) provides language courses plus activities with English or German and afternoon options like painting / handicrafts, bowling / minigolf, sports, nature adventures and valley excursions. ENGLISH PREPARATION PROGRAMME (ages 12–15) provides intensive language study with immersion, January–July, in English, plus sports, games and excursions in the afternoons. INTERNATIONAL WINTER CAMP (ages 10–15) runs for 1, 2 or 3 weeks with options for morning English lessons and afternoon skiing or snowboarding, or all-day skiing/snowboarding, plus evening activities such as sledding, ice skating, curling and snowshoeing.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers Swiss Matura, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). It includes a German Intensive Year and a range of educational initiatives such as Digital Learning Labs, Start-up Challenges, Robotics, International Awards, Student Leadership, and Connected Learning. The programme emphasizes high academic standards with evidence-informed teaching, personalised support, and preparation for university opportunities worldwide.

Arts & Creative
Art, Music, and Theatre are offered at the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz. The school runs two theatre groups for students to explore directing, acting, and production, and supports music ensembles and art education. Culture and creative expression are integral to the curriculum.

Cultural & Language
Students come from over 45 nations, representing 45 cultures. Most students speak three to four languages fluently. The school promotes multilingual diplomas and collaborates on external projects with international universities, companies, and business partners.

Social & Hobbies
The school offers a broad range of sports programmes and has tennis courts and sports fields. Students engage in theatre, music ensembles, and other artistic activities through dedicated programs. A culture of competitions, teamwork, and performance opportunities fosters social interaction within a lively community.

Community & Service
Social responsibility is cultivated through volunteering and Service Learning programs. Students travel to disadvantaged areas to develop solutions and contribute to local projects, gaining hands-on experience of sustainability and solidarity. The program emphasizes experiential learning.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership opportunities are available and College Counselling supports planning for higher education. Electives, Coaching, and Academic Support develop professional skills. Start-up Challenges and Digital Learning Labs broaden entrepreneurial and digital literacy.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The motto mens sana in corpore sano guides the school's approach to wellbeing. The school offers outdoor education, sport, and opportunities for physical activity. Wellbeing is supported by Emotional Support, Safeguarding, and a Health Centre on campus. The valley location provides a safe and secure environment for autonomous and free learning.
Languages

Language Provision
In grades 7–8, the Pre-IGCSE programme is taught in English; German is offered at beginner/intermediate/advanced levels and English support is provided by the EAL Coordinator. For grades 9–10, Cambridge IGCSE is offered; Language A and Language B can be English or German; Additional Languages include French, Chinese and Russian. Electives include Chinese (beginners/intermediate), French (beginners), Spanish (beginners/intermediate), Robotics, Coding and Digital Design. From grade 9, multilingual Swiss Matura models exist: German/English from grade 10; Italian/German from grade 9; Romansh/German from grade 9.

Bilingual Teaching
Bilingual Swiss Matura Diploma models offered: German/English from grade 10; Italian/German from grade 9; Romansh/German from grade 9. In grades 7–8, the Pre-IGCSE programme is taught in English; German is offered at beginner/intermediate/advanced levels and English support is provided by the EAL Coordinator. Grades 9–10 follow Cambridge IGCSE; Language A and Language B can be English or German, with additional languages including French, Chinese and Russian. Grades 11–12 offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Admissions

Admissions
Admission is possible into school grades 7 to 11, but not into 12th grade. Cantonal regulations apply with regard to the admission of students to the Swiss Matura programme. Students seeking admission to the Swiss Matura programme have to fulfil one of the following conditions: pass an entrance test at one of the middle schools in the Canton of Graubünden; be transferred after achieving promotion at a Swiss or international school of equivalent standard; gain provisional admission and subsequently pass an internal entrance examination.

Dates for admission: The best time to enter the school is at the beginning of a new school year. Admission during the school year is not advisable, but is possible in certain circumstances and if places are available. A place in the boarding house can only be guaranteed if registration is completed well in advance (at least six months before the desired date of admission).

Admission procedures: 1) School visit and/or trial stay (optional) 2) Fill in the registration form online on our website; pay registration fee 3) Admission test and interview; on campus or online 4) Accept offer and sign school contract; pay school deposit to secure place; Apply for visa (where applicable) 5) Welcome to the Lyceum Alpinum community! 6) Student visa: Students from certain countries must be in possession of a valid student visa in order to attend the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz. The authorities will not accept a tourist visa. Information about the regulations governing the issue of student visas can be obtained from any Swiss Embassy or Consulate as well as from our school's office.
School Events
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