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Stiftsschule Engelberg

Switzerland, Engelberg

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German, English
Fees CHF 48,500
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational (boarding)
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Swiss Curriculum, IB (DP)
Taught languages German, English, French, Latin
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Stiftsschule Engelberg is a Benedictine Christian boarding school in Engelberg, Switzerland. It is a co-educational institution with boarding for girls and boys. The campus includes an integrated orientation school (IOS) for secondary education and a Gymnasium. The IOS prepares students for an apprenticeship or further study, including direct progression to the Kurzzeitgymnasium. In the Gymnasium, some subjects are taught in English from the second floor, reflecting English as the language of science. Alongside the German Matura, students complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The education meets the requirements of bilingual Matura as well as the IB Diploma Programme. Admission is based on prior grades and an admission interview; there is no entrance examination. Facilities include gymnasiums, a tennis court, a football pitch, volleyball courts, a disc-golf facility, a supervised fitness room, and recreational options. The daily routine emphasizes music, sport, theatre, spiritual experiences and relaxation, with weekends offering recreational activities.

Benediktinerkloster 5, CH-6390 Engelberg, Switzerland

The Essentials

Stiftsschule Engelberg has typical class sizes of 18, instruction in German, English.

Location
Engelberg, Switzerland; boarding school in the heart of the Alps.

Stages
Secondary school delivered through the Integrated Orientation School (IOS) of Engelberg's municipal school; Gymnasium (short-term and long-term). Some Gymnasium subjects are taught in English from the second floor; English is the language of science. In addition to the Matura, students complete the International Baccalaureate (IB). This also supports the bilingual Matura and the IB Diploma program.

Type
Co-educational boarding school (girls and boys).

Religious affiliation
Catholic (Benedictine tradition).

School day structure
Students live in the boarding house from Sunday evening to Friday afternoon. They may also stay at the school or in the boarding house on weekends. Weekends are often used for skiing, tutoring, or study. Weekend stays incur an additional charge for overnight, meals, and supervision, either per year or per weekend.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Internal students live in mixed-age groups on three floors in single or double rooms. Lower grades usually share doubles, while upper grades have singles. Rooms are furnished; bed linen is provided and washed; weekly room cleaning by students is complemented by professional cleaning during holidays; common lounges, kitchens, and dining areas are available, with WLAN and two internet terminals with printers.

Food Options
Meals are eaten together in the Kloster Mensa, with emphasis on healthy, balanced nutrition. A cafeteria is located in the Kloster Mensa, and common areas include kitchens with refrigerators, microwaves, and kettles.

House System
Internat housing is organized on three floors by level: Unterstufe on lower floors (1. UG/1 IOS and 2. UG/2 IOS), Mittelstufe on the 1st and 2nd floors (1. OG/3 IOS and 2. OG), and Oberstufe on the 3rd and 4th floors. Each floor has its own WC and showers, and sanitary measures meet modern standards. Prefects (Präfektinnen/Präfekten) act as the contact persons for each group.

Governance and Ownership
The Klostergemeinschaft (monastery community) is the sponsor/trustee of Stiftsschule Engelberg. It is responsible for providing a good living and working atmosphere and for infrastructure improvements as part of its governance.
Fees

Annual tuition at Stiftsschule Engelberg ranges from CHF 48,500 for 2026/27.

Application & registration fees
- One-time registration (Anmeldegebühr) at contract signing: CHF 500.
- Deposit (Sicherheitsdepot) at contract signing: CHF 5'000. The deposit is refunded when the pupil leaves the school.

Annual tuition (main fees) — School year 2026/27
- Untergymnasium / IOS (inkl. Unterricht, Betreuung, Unterkunft, Verpflegung): CHF 48'500 per year.
- Obergymnasium (inkl. Unterricht, Betreuung, Unterkunft, Verpflegung): CHF 48'500 per year. For the Obergymnasium a single room is provided as standard.

Per-term / per-semester amounts (billing cycle basis)
- Main fees are billed twice per academic year (at the start of each semester). Per-semester amount = annual main fee ÷ 2. Example (2026/27):
- Untergymnasium / IOS: CHF 24'250 per semester.
- Obergymnasium: CHF 24'250 per semester.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Main fees are invoiced biannually at the beginning of each semester (invoices issued in July and in January). Additional fees are invoiced according to use (January and July). Payment term on invoices: 30 days. Processing fees are charged at the first dunning. For entries during a semester main fees are calculated individually. In case of early withdrawal, the main fees for the whole semester and any accrued additional fees remain due.

Boarding & accommodation fees
- Boarding (accommodation and meals) is included in the main annual fee listed above. The Obergymnasium includes a single room as standard; room allocation for other year groups depends on availability.
- Single-room supplement (where applicable, historically published): CHF 3'150 (applies to Untergymnasium when a single room is requested).

Weekend boarding supplement
- Option to stay at the boarding house on weekends is available and charged separately. For the 2026/27 school year the weekend supplement options are:
- Annual weekend flat rate: CHF 6'600 per year.
- Single weekend stay: CHF 350 per weekend.

Other costs and recurring extras
- Private tuition: CHF 60 per 45-minute lesson. Small-group tuition (up to 4 participants): CHF 55 per 45-minute lesson.
- Additional costs billed separately as used: music or other supplementary lessons, examination fees, teaching and learning materials (for Gymnasium), study trips and excursions, and other incidental expenses.

Refunds and contract termination
- The deposit is refunded when the pupil leaves the school.
- The training/education contract may be terminated at the end of each semester (end of January or end of July) with a notice period of four months. In the case of non-promotion, termination can be made within 10 days after receipt of the report documents. Early withdrawal obligations: main fees for the whole semester and accrued additional fees remain payable.

Fee payment options (invoicing & methods)
- Invoices are issued according to the billing schedule above; the payment term is 30 days. Accepted payment methods are specified on the invoice. (Common practice for Swiss schools is to pay by bank transfer to the account details shown on the invoice; that practice is stated here as an inference where invoices indicate the required payment instructions.)

Summary of key numeric items (2026/27)
- Annual main fee (Untergymnasium / IOS): CHF 48'500.
- Annual main fee (Obergymnasium): CHF 48'500.
- Registration fee at signing: CHF 500. Deposit: CHF 5'000 (refundable at departure).
- Weekend annual flat rate: CHF 6'600; single weekend: CHF 350.
- Per-lesson private tuition: CHF 60; small-group: CHF 55.

If you require these figures entered into a database field-by-field, present them exactly as shown above.
Academics

Stiftsschule Engelberg teaches Swiss Curriculum, IB (DP).

Curriculum
The school offers a secondary school (IOS) and short- and long-term gymnasium. The IOS is delivered through Engelberg's integrated orientation school of the municipal school, preparing students for an apprenticeship or further study, including directly into the Kurzzeitgymnasium. In the Gymnasium, from the second floor, some subjects are taught in English, reflecting English as the language of science. In addition to the Matura, students complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The teaching meets the requirements of both bilingual Matura and the IB Diploma Programme. Pedagogy is rooted in Benedictine tradition and emphasizes personal growth and community life, with admission based on prior grades and an admission interview, and there is no entrance examination.

Student Teacher Ratio
Class sizes are small: Untergymnasium around 12 students; Obergymnasium up to about 23 students.

Higher Education Progression
The IB Diploma is internationally recognized and opens access to universities worldwide. The bilingual Matura and IB Diploma together prepare students for global higher education pathways.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Our pedagogy is based on the Benedictine tradition. We foster students to become conflict- and consensus-capable individuals, ready to learn new things for a lifetime. Through living together in the boarding house, we cultivate understanding and commitment to the needs of the community. This is an important goal in personality development.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Some subjects in the Gymnasium are taught in English from the second floor; English is the language of science. In addition to the Matura, our students complete the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Mental Wellbeing
Pastoral care is provided at Stiftsschule Engelberg. The pastoral care (Schulpastoral) is led by a team that includes the Abbot of the Engelberg Monastery, Abt Christian Meyer OSB, who also teaches Religion in the lower secondary. A dedicated Head of Pastoral Care, Benjamin Ledergerber, leads the pastoral care team. For problems, stress, and confusion, the pastoral care team is available, and prefects serve as contacts for boarding students.

Safeguarding
Pastoral care and safeguarding are supported through the Schulpastoral team, including the Abbot and the pastoral leadership. The team assists students in times of difficulty, stress, and orientation, and a dedicated Head of Pastoral Care oversees wellbeing within the boarding community.
Parent Experience

History
We build on a long school tradition in our house. Many generations of young people have learned and lived with us. Secondary students preparing for apprenticeships are supported here, as are gymnasium students who later meet the demands of universities and higher education institutions in Switzerland and abroad. Our Benedictine life obliges us to treat each person in their individuality and enable them to take responsibility in the community for themselves and for others. The Benedictine foundation forms the basis of Stiftsschule Engelberg, a traditional Christian boarding school with a diverse modern educational offering.

Community
Our school is small in size, which allows us to know one another and relate to each other personally. Our Benedictine life commits us to treat every individual with respect and to empower them to take responsibility in the community for themselves and others. We see ourselves as lifelong learners and pursue education in an atmosphere of appreciation, recognition, respect, and responsibility. School and boarding are open to girls and boys; we understand our school as a place of learning and living that enables students to take responsibility for themselves and for the community, with supervised study at set times helping students complete their work in a calm learning atmosphere.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is a Benedictine, Christian boarding school with a Gymnasium, an integrated orientation school (IOS) for secondary education, and boarding for girls and boys. It is small and personal, allowing close, individualized attention. School and boarding are open to girls and boys. From the second floor, some Gymnasium subjects are taught in English, and English has become the language of science. In addition to the Matura, students complete the International Baccalaureate (IB). The instruction meets the requirements of bilingual Matura as well as the IB Diploma Programme.

Sports Facilities
There are two gymnasiums, a tennis court, a football pitch, and two volleyball courts. A disc-golf facility, a supervised fitness room, billiards, table football, indoor and outdoor table tennis, and outdoor chess and Nine Men's Morris are also available. The daily schedule includes time for music, sports, theatre, spiritual experiences, and relaxation. Weekends provide opportunities for recreation and club activities as part of the boarding life.

Academic Facilities
Education at the secondary level takes place at Engelberg's integrated orientation school (IOS). In the Gymnasium, some subjects are taught in English from the second floor. In addition to the German Matura, students complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The program meets the requirements of bilingual Matura as well as the IB Diploma Programme.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The boarding program provides a broad range of extracurricular experiences beyond academics, including music, sports, theatre, and spiritual experiences. Time for music, sports, theatre, spiritual experiences or relaxation is built into the daily routine. Weekends are available for family time or for recreational and club activities. The Benedictine tradition informs the school's approach to community life and active participation in the life of the school.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Some subjects in the Gymnasium are taught in English from the 2nd floor, reflecting English as the language of science. In addition to the Matura, students complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. This program supports bilingual Matura and the IB Diploma Programme. The education is rooted in Benedictine tradition, promoting personal development through community life.

Arts & Creative
Films are part of the school's activities. A 'Filme' section presents the Stiftsschule Engelberg in moving images. The school features film-related content that documents school life.

Cultural & Language
The Gymnasium includes English-taught subjects starting from the 2nd floor, reflecting English as the language of science. The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in addition to the Matura. This provides international study options and bilingual capabilities.

Social & Hobbies
Boarding is available; Students live on campus Sunday evening to Friday afternoon, with weekend stays possible. The weekend stays are often used for skiing or other study-related activities. In the lower secondary, classes may be as small as 12 students; in the upper gymnasium, up to about 23.

Community & Service
Benedictine tradition underpins community life and fosters a sense of service to the community. The rector and teachers foster a close, personal school community. There are scholarships offered by external foundations, including Gertrud-von-Speyr-Stiftung and Benedictus-Stiftung.

Leadership & Professional
The school is led by Rector Urs von Arb. The team includes teachers, and the Abbot of Engelberg Abbey participates in school pastoral care. Most teachers are lay professionals.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Stiftsschule Engelberg is located in Engelberg, in the heart of the Alps. Boarding is small and personal; rooms are two-person or single from the upper gymnasium; Each room has its own washbasin; Showers and WCs are on the floor. Three nurses from Spitex Obwalden care for students and the nearest hospital is Kantonsspital Stans. Weekends often include skiing or other alpine activities.
Languages

Language Provision
German is the primary language of instruction. Some subjects are taught in English in the Gymnasium from the second floor. The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme alongside bilingual Matura, providing access to universities worldwide.

Bilingual Teaching
In the Gymnasium, some subjects are taught in English from the second floor. English has become the language of science. In addition to the Matura, students complete the International Baccalaureate (IB). This internationally recognized degree opens access to universities worldwide.
Admissions

Admissions
1) Requirements for admission: Admission expects a high level of motivation and willingness to work, as well as the ability and readiness to integrate into the boarding community. The language of instruction and interaction is predominantly German, so sufficient German language skills are essential. The school can only fulfill its educational mission if parents or guardians support the school's aims and collaborate with it. There is no entrance examination; admission is determined by the personal admission interview. 2) Admission process: Contact the secretariat to obtain more information and to arrange an admission interview with the head of the school. Prospective students may then spend a few days with the school on an informal basis. After completing the application documents, an enrollment contract is issued, which must be signed and returned. Enrollment becomes definitive upon payment of a one-time application fee of CHF 500 and a deposit of CHF 5,000; the contract can be terminated at the end of each semester with four months' notice, and in case of non-promotion, termination is possible within 10 days after receipt of the transcripts. 3) Costs for the 2026/27 school year: Main costs are CHF 48,500 for Untergymnasium/IOS and CHF 48,500 for Obergymnasium. A weekend surcharge is CHF 6,600 per year, with CHF 350 charged per weekend. Costs for private lessons, examination fees, teaching materials (Gymnasium only), and excursions are billed separately. Recognized students from the cantons Obwalden and Nidwalden may receive reductions. 4) Scholarships: The school offers several scholarship options. Gertrud-von-Speyer-Stiftung provides up to five full scholarships annually, covering all major costs including tuition, accommodation, and meals; applicants must be attending Gymnasium or meet cantonal admission requirements and have demonstrated outstanding effort and community involvement. Entlastungsstipendien are available if costs exceed family finances, with a request to be submitted to the cantonal scholarship offices; the Stiftung's board evaluates based on the parents' current tax assessment, and all documents must be submitted for the following school year between February 1 and April 30. Leistungsstipendien are available for students with a final promotion grade average of 5.2 or higher; CHF 3,000 of the main costs are covered in the following school year. Benedictus-Stiftung grants scholarships for special achievements upon personal request to the Abbot of Engelberg. The Verein der Freunde und Ehemaliger des Instituts La Salle Neuchâtel awards up to CHF 8,000 annually, preferably to a student from a non‑German-speaking region. Cantonal Stipendienstellen also provide scholarships and training loans. Scholarships are awarded only to internal students. Further information about scholarships and application forms can be found in the download area.

Scholarships
Gertrud-von-Speyer-Stiftung offers up to five full scholarships annually, covering all main costs including tuition, accommodation, and meals; applicants must attend a Gymnasium or meet cantonal admission requirements and have demonstrated outstanding effort and community involvement. Entlastungsstipendien are available if costs exceed family finances; applicants must submit a request to the cantonal scholarship offices, with evaluation by the Stiftung's board based on the parents' current tax assessment; documents must be submitted for the following school year between February 1 and April 30. Leistungsstipendien are available for students with a final promotion grade average of 5.2 or higher; CHF 3,000 is covered for the next school year. Benedictus-Stiftung grants scholarships for exceptional achievements on a personal request to the Abbot of Engelberg. The Verein der Freunde und Ehemaliger des Instituts La Salle Neuchâtel awards up to CHF 8,000 annually, preferably to a student from outside the German-speaking region. Cantonal Stipendienstellen also provide scholarships and training loans. Scholarships are awarded only to internal students. Further information and application forms are in the information folder and downloadable materials.
School Events
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