Academia Bilingual School Winterthur and Lipschule are both in Zug, about 24 km apart. Both schools offer Swiss programmes. Academia Bilingual School Winterthur also offers Cambridge (Primary) and Cambridge (Secondary), and Lipschule also offers Montessori. Published annual fees are close, at CHF 25,200 - 27,240 for Academia Bilingual School Winterthur and CHF 21,456 - 31,416 for Lipschule. Academia Bilingual School Winterthur takes pupils from 3 to 15, and Lipschule from 3 to 16.
Lip Private School Zurich is located at Seestrasse 561, 8038 Zürich. It lies on the left bank of Lake Zurich near the city border with Wollishofen. The school is accessible by public transport.
Stages
Stages
Kindergarten to Year 8
Stages
Cycle 1: Montessori Kindergarten and Primary Level from 3 years; Cycle 2: Middle Level from 9 years; Cycle 3: Secondary Level from 11 years; Focus Year: 10th School Year from 15 years.
School type
School type
Private bilingual day school
School type
The school is a private Montessori-based school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Language booster lessons; smaller classes; differentiation; newcomer language support.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Day school with daily midday meals at L'Arena on campus and after-school care with clubs.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
Bus connections; WIN4 campus well connected by bus; Winterthur-Grüze railway station within walking distance.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / registration fee
- A one-time registration fee of CHF 600 is payable when enrolling a pupil.
Tuition fees (annual, semester and monthly options) — current academic year
- Tuition is charged by school year and may be paid as an annual amount, by semester instalments or by monthly instalments (10 months). All amounts are in Swiss francs (CHF).
- School fees are invoiced in advance. If a pupil enters during the school year, fees are charged pro rata temporis.
- Payment timing and instalments: - Fees may be paid as a single one‑off payment in advance or in instalments; instalment payment carries an administrative surcharge where stated. - The general time allowed for payment is 30 days unless otherwise specified on the invoice or in the price list. Specific items (for example lunch and short courses) may have shorter payment deadlines.
- Deadlines and consequences: - Course/club fees are invoiced before the start of the programme and are due for payment within 10 days. Lunch invoices are due within 10 days. - If instalments are not paid on time, the school may exclude the pupil from the programme until outstanding amounts are settled; continued non‑payment may result in contract withdrawal and the imposition of administrative and cancellation fees. Interest on outstanding amounts may apply.
- Registration fee / deposit timing: - Where a registration fee and deposit are required, these are due within 5 days after conclusion of the school contract; the deposit is refundable on leaving the school provided the notice periods and payment conditions are fulfilled.
After‑school care, lunch and other additional charges
- After‑school care: - After‑school care is billed based on actual use in 15‑minute intervals. - Hourly rate quoted: CHF 14 per hour (Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 16:00–18:30; Wed 14:00–18:30).
- Lunch: - Lunch is invoiced for the whole school year in advance and the invoice is due for payment within 10 days; changes to lunch bookings are possible only at the beginning of the following month. - First and second semester (5 days per week): CHF 1,230 per semester for Primary and Secondary; CHF 1,100 per semester for Pre‑K and Kindergarten. - 1 day per week option: CHF 246 per semester (Primary/Secondary) and CHF 220 per semester (Pre‑K/Kindergarten). - Individual meal booking: CHF 15.40 (Primary/Secondary) and CHF 14.00 (Pre‑K/Kindergarten) per meal.
- Clubs, trips, camps and excursions: - Costs for after‑school clubs, holiday clubs, school trips and camps are charged in addition to tuition according to the applicable price lists or actual expenditure; club/course fees are invoiced prior to the activity and must be paid within 10 days. Teaching materials and care from 07:15 until lessons start are included in the school fee; excursions, trips, school camps and some certificates are not included.
Sibling discount
- A 10% sibling discount is available on the youngest child's school fee for families who are self‑financing and have more than one child enrolled concurrently.
Boarding fees
- Boarding fees are not applicable. Academia Bilingual School Winterthur operates as a day school; there is no boarding provision or boarding charges.
Other costs or fees (summary)
- One‑time registration fee: CHF 600. - After‑school care: billed per 15‑minute intervals at CHF 14 per hour. - Lunch: annual/semester prepayment options and individual meal prices as detailed above. - Clubs, holiday clubs, trips and camps: additional charges; invoiced in advance for each activity. Teaching materials and early morning care (from 07:15) are included in the tuition.
Refund and cancellation rules affecting fees
- Refunds and cancellations: - If an entire course of study is definitely cancelled, fees already paid shall be refunded; reimbursement of further costs is excluded. - The deposit is refundable after the student leaves the school provided the notice of termination has been submitted within the prescribed notice period (not during the probationary period) and all tuition fees and additional charges have been settled. - If the student does not attend school despite a concluded school contract, the school is entitled to an administrative fee and a cancellation fee equal to three months' school fees. - Missed lessons do not release the payer from the payment obligation; there is no automatic right to reimbursement for missed lessons. - If lessons must be changed to distance learning or are affected by force majeure, lessons are deemed to have been held and there is no entitlement to fee reductions or refunds. - In the event of late payment, the school may withhold certificates and diplomas until outstanding amounts are paid and may charge collection and reminder fees; interest on overdue amounts may apply.
Fee payment options (credit card / bank transfer / other)
- The published price list and the school's general terms and conditions set out billing, instalment options and deadlines but do not specify accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, credit card, or other electronic payment providers). Therefore the specific payment methods accepted are not listed in the school's published fee documents.
Notes for budgeting
- All listed school fees and supplementary charges are quoted in Swiss francs (CHF). Teaching materials and early morning care (from 07:15) are included in the tuition; additional services such as clubs, trips and camps are invoiced separately. Instalment payments incur an administrative surcharge where indicated. If a student joins mid‑year fees are charged pro rata.
Fee details
Application / registration fees - No separate application or one‑off registration fee is published as part of the school's publicly‑listed fee schedule for the current academic year.
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term equivalent) - Kindergarten 1 (age 3): Annual CHF 27,120. Per term equivalent (annual ÷ 3): CHF 9,040. - Kindergarten 2 (age 4): Annual CHF 27,120. Per term equivalent: CHF 9,040. - Kindergarten 3 (age 5): Annual CHF 27,120. Per term equivalent: CHF 9,040. - Grade 1 (age 6): Annual CHF 27,840. Per term equivalent: CHF 9,280. - Grade 2 (age 7): Annual CHF 27,840. Per term equivalent: CHF 9,280. - Grade 3 (age 8): Annual CHF 27,840. Per term equivalent: CHF 9,280. - Grade 4 (age 9): Annual CHF 30,480. Per term equivalent: CHF 10,160. - Grade 5 (age 10): Annual CHF 30,480. Per term equivalent: CHF 10,160. - Grade 6 (age 11): Annual CHF 30,480. Per term equivalent: CHF 10,160. - Grade 7 (age 12): Annual CHF 30,480. Per term equivalent: CHF 10,160. - Grade 8 (age 13): Annual CHF 30,480. Per term equivalent: CHF 10,160. - Grade 9 (age 14): Annual CHF 30,480. Per term equivalent: CHF 10,160. - Grade 10 (age 15): Annual CHF 30,480. Per term equivalent: CHF 10,160.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is presented and charged on an annual basis (the published fee figures are annual amounts). Per‑term figures above are simple thirds of the annual amount to show a per‑term equivalent.
Boarding / accommodation - The school operates as a day school; boarding provision is not part of the school's offering.
Sibling discount and family reductions - Sibling reductions apply: second child receives a 15% reduction; third child receives a 25% reduction on the published tuition.
Other costs and typical extras - No separate, mandatory uniform fee is stated in the published fee overview. Additional costs for items such as learning materials, school trips, extracurricular activities, lunches or late‑care are not included in the headline tuition figures and may incur extra charges.
Refunds and withdrawals - No public, itemised refund policy for partial terms, late starts, or early withdrawals is included in the school's published fee figures.
Fee payment options - The published fee information does not itemise accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, direct debit or credit card). Contact details are provided for direct enquiries about payment arrangements.
Notes for record use - The amounts above are the school's published annual tuition rates for the current academic cycle and include the sibling discounts rule shown. Per‑term figures shown here are computed as one‑third of the annual fee to provide a term‑equivalent value for database display.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
No boarding is offered; it is a day school.
Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Freshly prepared daily lunch in the WIN4's L'Arena restaurant.
Food options
Tuition includes meals. A Wednesday afternoon care option (12:30–18:00) is available for 265 CHF per month (3,180 CHF per year). Nachschulbetreuung (after-school care) runs after the end of classes from 16:00 to 18:00 and can be added for 1–4 days per week: 90 CHF per month (1,080 CHF per year) for 1 day; 137 CHF per month (1,644 CHF per year) for 2 days; 184 CHF per month (2,208 CHF per year) for 3 days; 231 CHF per month (2,772 CHF per year) for 4 days. The tuition schedule also lists full-time options with and without Wednesday meals (e.g., Vollpensum) priced accordingly (e.g., 2,440 CHF per month with Wednesday meals; 2,618 CHF per month without Wednesday meals; amounts vary by cycle).
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Private school; recognized by the Canton of Zurich.
Governance and ownership
Lip Privatschule Zürich operates Lip Schule as a private school. The operator's address is Seestrasse 561, 8038 Zürich, and the Handelsregisternummer is CH-020.4.018.819-2. Oliver Steinlin is listed as Co-Geschäftsleitung (Co-Managing Director). Lipschule AG is the corporate entity behind Lip Schule.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Bilingual education for kindergarten, primary and secondary levels in an international environment; the school is private and recognized by the Canton of Zurich.
Curriculum details
Lip Private School Zurich is a Montessori private school offering Kindergarten and Primary (Cycle 1) from age 3, followed by Cycle 2 Middle Level from age 9, Cycle 3 Secondary Level from age 11, and a Focus Year (the 10th school year) from age 15. Cycle 2 features mixed‑age groups where students deepen their skills, explore interests, and learn to take responsibility, in an environment that strengthens personality and talents. The school is state‑recognized. Multilingual education is central: German and English are the everyday and teaching languages, and in Cycle 2 (grades 3–6 and the transitional year) lessons are conducted in German, English and French. New media are a fixed part of the curriculum, and every child has access to their own tablet. The Focus Year provides an individualized bridging year after secondary school for deepening, development and future planning, with personal guidance and flexible design.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
Holistic development is emphasized, focusing on high social competence, independence and creativity. The school culture is characterized by mutual respect. In small classes with committed and highly qualified teachers, each pupil is individually supported. A school island provides special care during lessons, ensuring targeted support for individual needs. For talent in sports or music, tailored solutions balance training with schooling. Tailor-made extracurricular care runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., including leisure courses, supervised homework hours and holiday programs.
Social & emotional learning
Learning is personal. Reliable relationships between teachers and students address individual needs. The school emphasizes personal development and provides a learning environment that fosters self-esteem within a familial setting.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school island offers special care during lessons. Individual support is provided for missed lessons or for students needing extra help. New students can join any time as long as places are available. Booster lessons help pupils acquire German or English as needed.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
Kindergarten, primary and secondary levels are bilingual. Mothertongue, qualified and dedicated teachers support language learning. If a pupil does not yet speak German or English, booster lessons ensure rapid acquisition of the second language. Booster language support is available to help new students catch up in language skills.
English as an additional language
The school uses bilingual German/English Montessori pedagogy and has multilingual teachers and staff.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
A positive learning atmosphere characterized by mutual respect supports pupil wellbeing. Small classes and highly qualified teachers provide individualized support to help each pupil realise their potential. The school island and tailored after-school care contribute to a balanced, supportive environment. The multilingual and international setting fosters resilience and independence.
Mental wellbeing
Wellbeing is fostered through a familial environment, personal development, and positive learning experiences that strengthen self-esteem.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The school is located on the WIN4 Campus in Winterthur. The campus offers modern sports, conference and catering facilities. It also houses the Academia International School and the Swiss Academy Zurich, enabling our secondary students to transfer to our international high school without exams. As a day school, daily lunch is freshly prepared at L'Arena restaurant on campus and there is comprehensive afternoon care with attractive clubs. The campus has excellent public transport connections and is easy to reach by car.
Facilities overview
Lip Montessori Private School Zürich sits in Zürich-Wollishofen near the lake. The building is designed for children's needs with bright, well-structured spaces that provide orientation and freedom of movement. Learning happens everywhere: in the learning landscape, on the break courtyard, and in the after-care area. The learning environment includes ateliers, learning niches, learning halls, and a school garden. The Kindergarten and early primary use a bilingual German-English Montessori approach, with German and English integrated into daily life.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The WIN4 Campus provides modern sports facilities and is adjacent to the Deutweg sport complex.
Sports facilities
On-site there is a large hall on the first floor used by the middle school, providing space for movement and sometimes serving as a theatre. The school operates an open learning space with personal workstations, group rooms, ateliers and a lakeside break area suitable for a variety of activities. There is no dedicated on-site gym; Lip Schule rents sports halls in Zürich and surrounding communities.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Lessons are held in a modern temporary facility on campus during the construction of our new classrooms. The WIN4 Campus also hosts Academia International School and the Swiss Academy Zurich, and offers on-campus dining and meeting spaces.
Academic facilities
Lip Schule Zürich follows Montessori pedagogy in the Kindergarten and primary years, with a bilingual German-English environment. German and English are part of everyday life, supported by native-speaking teachers to encourage natural language acquisition; all other subjects are taught in German. The school emphasizes Montessori philosophy and a learning culture that fosters independence and curiosity. In the second cycle, digital competence and media literacy are integrated; students learn to research, evaluate sources, and use digital content responsibly, including use of iPads and other devices. In the third cycle, individual coaching focuses on expanding personal, social, and methodological competencies, with an emphasis on guiding the learning path toward future career choices. Examinations exist in various forms to demonstrate competencies, and a competence profile guides next steps toward future career choices.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
After-school clubs range from free play to cooking, coding, football and dance; holiday clubs are offered; after-school supervision is provided; midday meals are served at L'Arena restaurant on campus.
Extra curricular facilities
Exkursionen, camps and project days are integral to the program. From the primary to the secondary levels, students take part in field trips to nature, culture, and society, as well as theatre and museums. There are several project weeks and camps across three school years to explore different subject areas.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Established in Basel in 2010, Academia Bilingual School opened its second campus in Winterthur in August 2021.
History
Lip Privatschule Zürich is a familial private school on Lake Zurich that offers children and adolescents an inspiring place for personal development. Since 1998 Lip has stood for an inspiring learning environment—before, during, and beyond compulsory schooling. As a Montessori private school, Lip operates with room within Lehrplan 21 for holistic, competence-oriented education.
Community
Community
The community is open and supportive. It welcomes pupils, parents and teachers.
Community
Lip maintains a close, friendly network with partners, suppliers, alumni, and the parents of its students. This Lip network provides graduates with additional opportunities and perspectives for entering the job market. The school emphasizes three core values: Inspiring learning happens everywhere—at the Wollishofen site, in the mixed-age open spaces, in the diverse learning niches, in the workshop, outdoors by the lake, and during outings; Personal learning is supported by reliable relationships between teachers and students and among staff, enabling holistic, competence-oriented growth within Lehrplan 21; and a Family-like environment that strengthens self-worth through positive learning experiences and encourages students to deepen their interests and pursue their own path.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school emphasizes holistic development and achievement of school goals, with a strong value placed on social competence, independence and creativity. Classes are small with committed, highly qualified teachers who provide individual support so every pupil can realise their potential. A modern, flexible classroom environment supports a wide variety of learning styles and fosters an inspiring learning atmosphere. Tailor-made extracurricular care runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., extending development beyond lesson times.
Academic & intellectual
Digital literacy is emphasized; students learn to use iPads, phones, and computers to research, evaluate, prepare, and present information. Responsible use of digital and social media is taught in class and daily life, with parental involvement. English and French are part of daily schooling; native-speaking teachers enable natural language learning while other subjects are taught in German. Excursions, camps, and project days bring world topics into the classroom and support cross-disciplinary learning.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Talent Promotion supports students with identified talents in sports, music and dance. Students may be exempt from lessons to train or compete and receive individual or small-group lessons to catch up on missed work. Specific talent development is provided in cooperation with Swiss Academy and partners on the WIN4 site, including access to practice facilities. An exam-free transfer to the Swiss Academy's sports, dance and music upper secondary school is available after Year 8 or 9 (subject to academic aptitude).
Arts & creative
The Focus Year includes theater and music as modules. Project work and ateliers are integral to the curriculum. Rhythmized learning, stress management, and communication and teamwork are addressed. Garden projects, theater activities, and swimming courses are part of the experiential program.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Bilingual kindergarten, primary and secondary education is offered. The teaching team is diverse and international, with teachers from Switzerland, Germany, France, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, the USA, New Zealand, Ireland, Sweden and Finland. The student body is diverse, with about one third from Switzerland, one third from English-speaking countries, and students from around 25 nations. New students can join at any time if there are places, and booster lessons support rapid acquisition of German and English when needed.
Cultural & language
English and French are part of daily life not only in language classes but also during breaks, supervision, and meals. Native-speaking teachers enable natural, playful language acquisition. All other subjects are taught in German. The school uses Zurich's cultural offerings for excursions and projects to broaden students' cultural experiences.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Tailor-made extracurricular care is available from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and includes leisure courses, supervised homework hours and holiday programmes. On the school island, pupils receive individual support to catch up on missed lessons or to receive targeted help. The program fosters social engagement and personal development beyond the standard timetable.
Social & hobbies
Community is built by collaboratively developing rules and encouraging respectful cooperation. Students develop social and personal competencies through teamwork and shared meals, strengthening their sense of belonging within the school. Open spaces support movement, play, and social interaction across age groups.
Community & service
Community & service
A school for the whole family, Academia Bilingual School Winterthur maintains a warm and open relationship with pupils, parents, teachers and management. Regular interactions and information exchange among all stakeholders define the community. Respect, cooperation, trust and goodwill distinguish the school environment, which is described as loving, welcoming and open-minded by staff and families.
Community & service
Garden projects near Grenzsteig involve caring for the community garden, chickens, planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting; harvested produce is used in the garden kitchen. Internships and service-learning opportunities occur with partner companies to connect learning with real-world contexts.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Teaching is delivered by a collaborative team where two class teachers work closely with subject teachers. The school supports talent development in sports, music and dance through its Talent Promotion program, with exemptions from lessons to train or compete and access to tailored coaching in partnership with Swiss Academy and WIN4 facilities. After Year 8 or 9, students can transfer without exams to the English-language high school of Academia International School or to the Swiss Academy Zurich high school in Winterthur, or pursue other paths after the entrance exam.
Leadership & professional
Career exploration is facilitated through modules on career choice, internships, and applications. There are internships and service-learning opportunities with partner businesses, plus development of communication, presentation, teamwork, and conflict-resolution skills. The Focus Year spaces resemble coworking environments to prepare students for the working world, supported by personal coaching.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The campus features modern, flexible classrooms and is surrounded by sports facilities to foster a stimulating environment. The school offers fresh daily lunch in L'Arena and a comprehensive after-school program with flexible care and clubs. It is located on the WIN4 campus with excellent public transport connections and easy car access, supporting convenient and healthy daily routines.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Swimming courses and first-aid training are offered as part of the program. Rhythmed learning and stress management are included to support well-being. An in-house kitchen serves fresh meals daily and accommodates dietary needs, with opportunities for students to assist in meal preparation. The Focus Year provides open, calm coworking-style spaces to foster balance and focused work.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Bilingual education is provided across Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary School. Mother-tongue, qualified and dedicated teachers support language learning. If a pupil does not yet speak German or English, booster lessons ensure rapid acquisition of the second language. The student body is diverse, with about one third from English-speaking countries, and there is an English-language high school option at Academia International School.
Language provision
German, English and French are taught across Lip Schule Zurich. Cycle 1 uses German and English as everyday and teaching languages. Cycle 2 uses German, English and French. Cycle 3 provides English and French taught by a dedicated English teacher and a French specialist.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The school offers bilingual education for Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary School.
Bilingual teaching
Cycle 1 is bilingual, with German and English as part of everyday life and teaching languages. Cycle 2 uses German, English and French as teaching languages. Cycle 3 includes English and French taught by a dedicated English teacher and a French specialist.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Book a personal consultation and tour of the Winterthur campus. Academia Bilingual School Winterthur invites families to meet the team and learn about the bilingual Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary programs on the WIN4 campus. The visit includes a view of facilities and daily routines, including lunch at L'Arena and the after‑school care options. Contact the school to arrange your tour.
2. Admission is based on an interview, a recommendation from the current school, past report card, an entrance assessment and trial days where possible. When available, trial days are arranged to help both sides assess fit. This process helps us understand the applicant's readiness for bilingual instruction.
3. If a pupil does not yet speak German or English, booster lessons are provided to accelerate the acquisition of the second language. The booster lessons support both German and English language learners. These language supports are integrated with the school day to enable full participation in lessons.
4. New students can join at any time as long as there are free places. After admission, families select the schooling level (Kindergarten, Primary or Secondary) and the timetable, with options for before/after school care and lunch included in the day. The school day offers a comprehensive before and after school program from 7:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with on‑campus lunch and clubs.
5. Complete registration and costs: book the tour and follow the registration steps. Fees are invoiced in advance and include teaching materials and care from 7:15 a.m. until the start of lessons and during lunch. A one‑time registration fee is CHF 600. After‑school care and lunch are billed according to use; trips and camps are charged per the price list. The price list provides detailed fees for Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary levels.
