For partners Institut Montana Switzerland
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources: Wikipedia, International Baccalaureate
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Institut Montana Switzerland
Elementary school program based on the Swiss system, Bilingual Primary School
The bilingual elementary school offers English and German: a child may enroll knowing only one of them, and the second will be picked up automatically during the course of study.
The program follows Swiss national standards and incorporates Lehrplan21 — with active use of technology across all school subjects. From the early grades, children actively learn to use computers and basic programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and learn to work on projects and presentations.
The school for younger pupils offers a dedicated area with classrooms and playgrounds — but all other infrastructure (ponds and gardens for walks, the canteen, main buildings) is available to them.
Children can be brought directly to the school doors or to the Zugerberg Bahn funicular station, where they are picked up by an escort. Classes end at 15:20; children may stay at school until 17:00 — an appropriate and engaging activity will be arranged for them:
- Music and singing,
- Sledding, forest walks — outdoor activities according to the weather,
- Homework assistance,
- Art,
- Theatre and drama,
- Cooking and more.
Secondary school program based on the Swiss system, Bilingual Secondary School
The bilingual educational environment of secondary school is the stage when students want to try different academic development paths. Also the school will support them at every step, whether they choose the Swiss Matura or the international International Baccalaureate program. The secondary school diploma also allows choosing a new path after grade 9 — for example, starting vocational/commercial training or a specialized course.
At this level, the modern Swiss standard Lehrplan21 is also applied: this is the most up-to-date approach to developing students' skills, using modern technologies, effective approaches and development methods, and fostering motivation to learn. Small group classes, mentor teachers, experiments and research — these are the keys to success in secondary school.
The language of instruction is German + English; French is studied as the third foreign language (intensive support is available at any stage). Those who need it can also enroll in additional courses — this is accelerated, effective learning in accordance with CEFR recommendations:
- German — Goethe Certificate,
- English — Cambridge English Assessment,
- French — DELF.
Swiss Gymnasium
Studying in this program is possible in German, or in both German and English (bilingual). The process of obtaining a Swiss diploma is designed for children from grades 7 to 12, providing the opportunity to subsequently obtain higher education at the world's best universities.
Each subject studied is ultimately assessed through an exam, and the scores obtained are entered into the student's diploma. Classes are kept small, with up to 15 students each, so that every student can count on an appropriate amount of personal attention from the teacher.
Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme (CLSP)
Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
An international course is designed for students aged 12–15 who are choosing international education — CLSP & IGCSE (Cambridge Lower Secondary). This is a logical, natural continuation of the primary school curriculum, leading into the upper grades. The program not only deepens academic skills, it also helps develop healthy curiosity, a passion for learning, analytical and critical thinking, and intellectual drive. This is the best option if you plan to study the International Diploma Programme in the senior, graduating years.
International Diploma Programme
The programme is taught in English (80% of course instructors are native speakers), allowing students to obtain the valuable International Diploma Programme qualification, which is recognized in all countries of the world and provides the opportunity to apply to any universities and colleges. The International Diploma Programme course is designed for 2 years (final years 11 and 12).
Summer Camp for Children and Schoolchildren
- Students' age: 9–15 years
- Number of participants: 50
- Language of instruction: English + German
- Type of accommodation: boarding
- Duration: 2 weeks
- Dates: July.
The Institut Montana summer camp is the best opportunity to discover your talents and potential. All students are divided into two age groups:
9–12 years: Explorers
The theme of the first week is emotional intelligence and communication, the theme of the second is a global view of the world. First, counselors and teachers will get to know the children and try to identify their obvious and hidden talents and strengths. The rest of the session is dedicated to strengthening and developing these talents and learning teamwork. At the end of the session, a final evening is held where everyone can show their abilities and receive a Talent Pass listing all their achievements and successes.
13–15 years: Discoverers
The two-week camp is also divided into themed weeks, but given the older age group, the topics can be deeper and more complex: for example, «Sustainable Development and Climate Change» and «Innovation».
The students' day begins at 7:00, lights out at 21:00–22:00.
Airport transfer (both ways) is included in the price.
Description of Institut Montana Switzerland
- Location: Zug, Switzerland,
- Year of foundation: 1926,
- Number of students: about 380,
- Language of instruction: English, German, French,
- Type of studying: mixed.
Institut Montana Switzerland is an international school in Switzerland (Zugerberg, Zug) offering full—time and boarding education for children aged 6-19.
Representatives of 55 nationalities study here, about 380 people in total, a third of the students are on full board. The school's campus is a perfect combination of idyllic nature, quiet, ideal for focused study, and easy transport links to the nearest city and Zurich International Airport (15 and 60 minutes away, respectively).
The Institut Montana Switzerland is confident that every child has talent, and the task of the school is to find and unleash abilities. Therefore, there is a wide variety of studying courses — accredited by the Canton of Zug or internationally.:
- Bilingual Primary School
- Bilingual Secondary School
- Swiss Gymnasium
- Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme (CLSP)
- Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
- High School or International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
But the academic track is not limited to education at the Institut Montana Switzerland — students here strive to develop holistically, comprehensively. Children are offered more than 50 extracurricular activities, clubs, events, communities: sports, art, music, engineering and technology, tobogganing, hiking, mountain biking ... If we take into account world-class teachers, small studying groups, it becomes clear why the atmosphere of Institut Montana Switzerland is so productive for the growth and development of children. Studying here is a confident investment in a child's future, skills, and chances of success.
What are the key factors parents consider when choosing a Swiss school?
Generally, parents look at the school's reputation, location, level of care, potential for personalized attention, curriculum specifics, teacher quality, extracurricular offerings, and, of course, tuition fees.
Accommodation, meals, prices
The boarding school is open for children from 10 years old. There are three residences on the campus, where children are assigned depending on age and gender, and occupy 1-2-bed rooms. They are guaranteed 24/7 care, support and supervision, while studying in Switzerland.
Meals are full board, three times a day: the dishes are prepared fresh each time, mainly local and seasonal products are used.
Subjects and sports
Activities Institut Montana Switzerland
The extensive extracurricular program is divided into different areas:
Creative thinking, culture
- The UN Model
- Theater, dramatic art, musical
- Student government
- The choir
- Digital photography
- Radio broadcasting.
Sports and physical education
- Self Defence Girls
- Ski
- Tennis
- Judo
- Kickboxing.
Healthy lifestyle
- Yoga
- Pilates
- A holistic approach
- Culinary art.
Technology and engineering
- Robotics and virtual reality
- 3D design and printing
- Coding.
Eco-programs
- Forest School
- Recycling and reuse.
These are just examples: events change from year to year, some have already firmly established themselves in the school, have become a tradition, some are changing to more relevant and popular ones, adapting to the interests and hobbies of children. Surveys are regularly conducted among schoolchildren on what activities they would like to see at school, and the administration, working through the answers, adjusts extracurricular opportunities.
Advantages
- The studying programs are accredited in Switzerland and internationally,
- Small classes, professional teachers, dedicated to their work,
- Individual approach: the ratio of children to teachers is only 4:1,
- International environment — representatives from 55+ countries live and study on the campus,
- Flexible boarding: it is possible to book full, partial, weekly boarding, flexi-format,
- The campus is conveniently located in a cozy, quiet, green natural area, while the nearest city and airport are easy to reach.
Facilities and equipment at Institut Montana Switzerland
Zug is an economically prosperous city and the headquarters of many multinational companies, located on the shore of the lake. It can be seen from the study area, as it is located slightly below the campus. Zurich International Airport is just an hour away, providing easy access to many European capitals: London, Paris or Rome. The cities of Zurich, Zug and Lucerne are located within a few dozen minutes' drive from the studying area.
The school is located on the Zugerberg Mountain, at an altitude of about 1,000 meters. A short funicular ride takes students to the 60-acre campus. From its territory you can see farmlands with grazing cattle, a forest with its inhabitants: foxes and deer. The panoramic view of the lake and snow—capped mountains creates an amazing atmosphere for relaxation and a calm one for learning.
The two main school buildings have a rich history. Initially, they were elegant hotels for tourists coming for rest and treatment in Switzerland. The buildings have been renovated and now offer modern equipment for academic and additional development.:
- The Schoenfels Grand Hotel, known as the Grosses Haus, is the epicenter of school life. There is a dining room, a meeting and relaxation room, classrooms and offices,
- Felsenegg houses the girls' bedrooms, as well as classrooms, a library and a media center, an art room, a training room and a fitness center,
- The Haus Juventus elementary school building with classrooms and recreation areas.
The school also has:
- Scientific laboratories,
- Workshops,
- A study hall with booths for self-study, a large hall for concerts and theatrical productions,
- The Art Room,
- A creative center,
- Playing fields and tennis courts,
- Access to the lake for swimming,
- A two-kilometer track for cycling or winter sports.
There is an equipped and secure passage between the buildings, offering students a short walk along the tree-shaded alley.
Admission dates and extra charges
The academic year is divided into two semesters, starting at the end of August and ending at the end of June.
- Fall semester: August-January,
- Spring semester: February-June.
Holidays of one and three weeks respectively are planned for mid-October and Christmas. Then, in February, the Winter Sports Week takes place, and three weeks of rest are set aside for Easter with the opportunity to go home or prepare for the upcoming final exams.
Approximate list of additional expenses includes:
- Entrance fee for new students,
- Deposit for boarders and day students,
- A personal account that stores finances for travel and entertainment.
Extras:
- Registration fee (for a programme/course) 5500 CHF
- Deposit for a course/programme 5000 CHF
Enrolment process
Admission process stipulates:
- Submitting an application with the necessary documents,
- Visit the campus for an interview or communicate with the admission committee from Skype to Teams,
- Passing the entrance tests,
- Receiving and responding to an admission offer,
- Arrival at the campus to start your studies.
Perspectives
Since its foundation (already a hundred years ago!) The Montana Institute has already accepted more than 8,500 students from all over the world. Graduates enter the world's top universities and become members of the Montana Club, an international community that strengthens ties and provides networking around the world.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
The bilingual Swiss primary school is organized for children from the age of six who have spent at least two years in kindergarten. The class is bilingual, with English and German being taught, but knowledge of both is optional at the beginning. Language support is provided in the classroom so that all children can make the most of the lessons.
The boarding school is available for children from the age of ten.
The bilingual Swiss Secondary School is designed for grades 7-9 and combines support with studying strategies, basic skills, and language acquisition.
Entrance requirements are:
- Good grades in the last two academic years (from the bilingual elementary school Unstitute Montana, you can enroll in SEK A or SEK B, depending on academic performance),
- Swiss school:
- SEK A: if further studies in Swiss schools or vocational education are planned,
- SEK B — if you plan to enroll in an international/foreign school or vocational studyinh.
- International school: good knowledge of German/English/French (minimum level B1), willingness to improve German (Goethe test) and French (DELF).
A proper level of German and French is required before enrolling in the Matura program. For example, when applying from the canton of Zug to Grade 6: English from B1, German from B2 (average score 5.2), a similar average score in mathematics, ecology, natural sciences and humanities.
Required for admission:
- Extract of grades from previous schools,
- Passport,
- Teacher recommendations,
- Certificates of language exams/tests,
- Essays in English,
- Passing the interview,
- The CAT4 test (assessment of logic and cognitive skills).
There are no special requirements for admission to the summer camp, it is open to students aged 9-15.
Scholarships Institut Montana Switzerland
Currently, the school does not provide scholarships, grants, or other forms of financial assistance.
Literature and references
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Institut Montana Switzerland
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
