Academic Gateway vs Obersee Bilingual School

	A Academic Gateway Zug, Switzerland	O Obersee Bilingual School Zug, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 19,000 - 68,000	Fees / year CHF 16,590 - 37,590
Age range	Age range 16 - 19 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Swiss Curriculum	Curriculum Swiss Curriculum, IB (DP), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 450
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language German, English
Opened	Opened —	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The modern schoolhouse at Löwenstrasse 17 in the heart of Zurich was opened in August 2021. It is 500 meters from Zurich Hauptbahnhof and easily reachable from nearby stations (Zurich Enge, Wiedikon, Selnau and Stadeln). The campus features 14 rooms, state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology, lecture rooms, science rooms, a canteen, a library and a terrace.	Location OBS is located at Sihleggstrasse 9, 8832 Wollerau, Switzerland. It sits on the shores of Lake Zurich, about 20 to 30 minutes from Zurich. It is just a 2‑minute walk from a quiet forest and 10 minutes from downtown Pfäffikon, and is easily reachable from the A3 highway.
Stages	Stages Offers Matura full-time (1 year and 2 years), Matura preparatory course, Matura in self-study, Matura part-time; IB Diploma Programme; BMS full-time with three orientations (Business & Services, Health and Social Care, Technology, Architecture, Life Sciences); Passerelle (1 year); Self-study options for Matura and BMS.	Stages OBS offers Babycare, Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, and Upper School.
School type	School type The Academic Gateway is a full private school.	School type OBS is a bilingual, international school serving German- and English-speaking students. The language of instruction alternates weekly between German and English from Kindergarten to Grade 6; from Grade 7 the same language is used for each subject for a full year (Mathematics is the exception, with language alternation by semester). From Year 10 onwards, subjects are taught in the language aligned with the chosen school-leaving qualification, with IB Diploma and Federal Matura offered.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix One third Swiss families, one third families with a Swiss parent, and one third families from 41 nations.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Highly qualified teaching staff, central location, personal support with integrated free tutoring, and a comprehensive e-learning platform with the entire curriculum digitized, including HD lecture videos, prepared exercises and short explanations across subjects.	Additional learning support OBS+ Learning Support provides support across the curriculum.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland	Country affiliation Switzerland
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Early care is available from 7:15 am; late care is available from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The timetable includes arrival at 8:15–8:30 am and dismissal at 3:55 pm; on Wednesdays dismissal is at 12:40 pm; a late bus is available at 5:10 pm (17:10) on Monday–Thursday.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details In collaboration with Eberhard Travel, OBS provides a bus service with two routes: Pfäffikon – Altendorf – Lachen – Feusisberg – Wollerau and Thalwil – Horgen – Wädenswil – Wollerau. Timetable: Mon–Fri arrival 8:15–8:30; departure 15:55; Wednesdays 12:40; Mon–Thu late bus departure 17:10.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Enrollment fee - A non-refundable enrollment (registration) fee of CHF 500 is payable on contract signature for all main on‑site courses. Tuition fees by programme and year group (amounts and payment options as shown) - Full‑time Matura (1 year) - Payment in advance: CHF 35,000. - 2 installments: CHF 17,700 (per installment). - 12 installments: CHF 2,950 per month. - Included: E‑Learning access and Office365 package. - Excluded: federal examination fees and teaching aids. - Full‑time Matura (2 years / four semesters) - Total / first‑year listing on the programme page: Payment in advance: CHF 65,000; 2 installments: CHF 34,000; 12 installments: CHF 2,950 per month. - Included: E‑Learning access and Office365 package. - Excluded: federal examination fees and teaching aids. - Matura (part‑time / berufsbegleitend, online and self‑study options) - Berufsbegleitend (4 semesters) — total examples shown: Payment in advance: CHF 35,000; 4 installments: CHF 8,850; 24 installments: CHF 1,665 per month. - Online / self‑study Matura — examples shown: CHF 34,000 (online) and CHF 17,000 (self‑study), with installment options available. - Preparatory course (Matura Vorkurs, 1 semester): Payment in advance: CHF 6,000. - BMS – vocational baccalaureate (full‑time, one year / two semesters) - Total cost examples shown: Payment in advance: CHF 19,000; 2 installments: CHF 9,700; 12 installments: CHF 1,700 per month; 24 installments: CHF 900 per month. - Included: E‑Learning access and Office365 package. - Excluded: examination fees and teaching aids. - Passerelle (full‑time, one year) - Total cost examples shown (full‑time): Payment in advance: CHF 22,500; 2 installments: CHF 11,650; 12 installments: CHF 1,950 per month. - Self‑study Passerelle example: Payment in advance: CHF 11,250; 2 installments: CHF 6,025; 24 installments: CHF 570 per month. - Included: E‑Learning access and Office365 package. - Excluded: examination fees and teaching aids. - IB Diploma Programme (two‑year DP) - Payment in advance: CHF 68,000. - 2 installments: CHF 35,000. - 4 installments: CHF 17,700 (per installment as listed). - 24 installments: CHF 2,950 per month. - Included: E‑Learning access and Office365 package. - Excluded: IB/exam fees and teaching materials. Billing schedule and payment terms - The enrollment fee (CHF 500) is due on contract signature for main on‑site courses. Full tuition or the first instalment is due by the deadlines specified in the contract; if the contract is concluded more than 30 days before course start the full fee (or first instalment when a payment plan is agreed) is due by 30 days before course start. If the contract is concluded 30 days or less before course start, the full fee (or first instalment) is immediately due. Monthly instalments, when agreed, are billed monthly. - All standard payments are to be made by bank transfer to the accounts stated by Academic Gateway. In individual cases the school may allow other means, in particular cash, at the school management's discretion. - Payment plan options regularly offered: prepayment, 2 instalments, 12 instalments (monthly) and 24 instalments (monthly), depending on the course. - Late payment consequences: interest on arrears of 5% plus reminder fees (CHF 25 for first reminder, CHF 200 for second reminder). If two instalments are in arrears the full outstanding tuition becomes due; the school may suspend services until payment and may charge a CHF 500 re‑activation / Wiederaufnahme fee. Boarding / accommodation fees - Academic Gateway operates a day‑school campus in central Zurich (Löwenstrasse 17) with classrooms, canteen and library; the school does not list boarding or on‑campus residential accommodation as an offered service. No boarding fees apply. Other costs and common additional fees - School supplies / teaching materials not included: a typical school‑materials estimate is listed as CHF 900 (paper, stationery, textbooks and related items), paid by the family. Examination fees (federal and external exam fees) and specific teaching aids are not included in the tuition and must be paid externally. - Administrations and incidental fees shown in policy documents: - Course‑change / administration fee for moving a course to a later semester: CHF 500. - Compensation for missed individually booked lessons (if an agreed individual lesson is missed without timely notification): CHF 100 per missed unit. - Re‑activation / Wiederaufnahme fee charged when services are suspended and later reactivated: CHF 500. Refund and cancellation rules - The school reserves the right to cancel a course up to seven days before course start; in that case already paid course fees are refunded in full. - If a student or contracting party cancels the contract, the general rule in the school terms is that the full tuition remains due and refunds or reductions for reasons not caused by the school are generally excluded. For cancellations made up to 30 days before course start a processing fee of 10% of the tuition may be charged and remaining paid amounts refunded; later cancellations are subject to the full‑fee rule in the terms. Self‑study courses have specific semester‑based cancellation dates. Detailed contractual cancellation deadlines and any differing rules for multi‑year or self‑study courses are set out in the school contract and terms. How tuition billing is presented and what is included - Tuition listings for each programme show the payment alternatives (prepayment or instalment plans) and specify which standard school services are included (E‑Learning access, Office365 package) and which are excluded (external examination fees, textbooks and certain teaching aids). Families are expected to budget separately for exam fees and teaching materials. Summary of key practical points for parents - Expect an enrollment fee of CHF 500 due on contract signature for main courses; choose between prepayment and instalment schedules as shown for each programme. - Budget separately for school supplies (approx. CHF 900), external exam fees and teaching materials. - No boarding accommodation is offered by the school; boarding fees do not apply. - Payment is normally by bank transfer; late or missed payments trigger interest, reminder fees and possible suspension of services.	Fee details Application and Assessment Fees - Application fee (one-off, non-refundable): CHF 300 for Baby Care / Preschool; CHF 500 for Kindergarten, Primary, Middle and Upper School. - Placement assessment (required for new entrants from Grade 5; also available on request to existing students): CHF 1,190. Registration and One‑off Payments - One-off registration cost for new entrants from Kindergarten: CHF 2,500, due on signing of the contract and invoicing. Deposit / Security Payment - A deposit is required on contract signing. Deposit amounts by level: - Baby Care / Preschool: CHF 1,500.00. - Kindergarten: CHF 2,500.00. - Grades 1–6 (Primary): CHF 3,000.00. - Grades 7–9 (Middle): CHF 4,000.00. - Grades 10–13 (Upper): CHF 5,000.00. - Deposit refund: the deposit will be refunded if the child leaves after completing at least one academic year and all associated fees for that period have been paid; otherwise the right to a refund is forfeited. The deposit is separate from school fees. Annual tuition and care fees (school year 2025/2026) — fees shown per school year, with a per-term breakdown given as equal third installments - Baby Care (days per week and annual fee): - Two full days (minimum): CHF 16,590 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 5,530.00. - Additional full day: CHF 7,990 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 2,663.33. - Five full days: CHF 37,590 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 12,530.00. - Separately booked extra day: CHF 209 each — Per term (1/3): CHF 69.67. - (Annual fees for Baby Care include meals, snacks and nappies up to size 6.) - Preschool (Pre‑K): - Two full days (minimum): CHF 15,590 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 5,196.67. - Additional full day: CHF 7,190 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 2,396.67. - Five full days: CHF 35,240 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 11,746.67. - Half day (Wednesday and/or Friday morning): CHF 4,219 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 1,406.33. - Separately booked extra half-day: CHF 109 — Per term (1/3): CHF 36.33. - Separately booked extra day: CHF 209 — Per term (1/3): CHF 69.67. - (Preschool annual fees include meals, snacks and nappies up to size 6.) - Kindergarten (school and childcare fee per school year, including lunch and snacks): - 3½ days (minimum: 5 mornings, 2 afternoons): CHF 28,649 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 9,549.67. - 4 days (5 mornings, 3 afternoons): CHF 29,890 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 9,963.33. - 4½ days (5 mornings, 4 afternoons): CHF 31,229 per year — Per term (1/3): CHF 10,409.67. - Extra half-day booked separately: CHF 109 — Per term (1/3): CHF 36.33. - Grades 1–6 (Primary): CHF 34,990 per school year — Per term (1/3): CHF 11,663.33. (Includes 4.5 days of lessons per week; meals and snacks included.) - Grades 7–9 (Middle School): CHF 35,490 per school year — Per term (1/3): CHF 11,830.00. (Includes five days of teaching; learning community sessions and lunch/snacks included.) - Grades 10–13 (Upper School — IB or Matura): CHF 35,990 per school year — Per term (1/3): CHF 11,996.67. (Includes five days of teaching; learning community to 17:00 on some days; lunch/snacks included.) - Meal opt-out (from Grade 7 onwards): a reduction of CHF 810 per year if the student opts out of school meals; canteen meal price when taken: CHF 12 per meal. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoices (tuition and care) are issued via eBill or as a PDF by e‑mail and carry a payment term of 30 days. Overdue invoices trigger staged reminder fees: CHF 10 at 10 days overdue, CHF 30 at 20 days overdue, CHF 50 at 30 days overdue. - The fee regulations treat tuition as fixed annual costs; there is no entitlement to fee reduction for absences (illness, holidays, public holidays). - The fee schedule includes a sibling discount: 10% discount on school fees for the second child; when three or more children are enrolled, each child (including the first) receives a 10% discount. Boarding - Boarding is not provided; OBS operates as a day school with services such as school meals, bus service, early and late care and holiday clubs. Other chargeable items and typical additional costs - School camps, study trips, winter sports days, cultural weeks, external examinations (IB, Matura) and voluntary language/computer diplomas are charged separately; examples of camp/trip cost ranges (school year 2025/26): - Years 5–6 summer camp: approx. CHF 400–600 per stay. - Years 7–9 camps: approx. CHF 600–1,200 per stay. - Grade 10 camps: approx. CHF 900–1,500 per trip. - Grades 11–12 study trips abroad: approx. CHF 900–1,800 per trip. - These trip and camp charges are invoiced separately and based on actual costs. - Early care (07:15–08:15), late care (16:00–18:30) and Wednesday afternoon supervision have supplementary fees when applicable (examples from the fee schedule: booked quarterly in advance CHF 10–CHF 61 depending on service; last-minute booking higher). Charges for late pickup after 18:30 are specifically set (e.g., CHF 60 for first 15 minutes, CHF 80 for each subsequent 15-minute interval). Holiday-care daily rate (from Preschool) example: CHF 150 per day. - The school bus is provided by an external operator; bus stops and prices vary by route and are charged separately. Refunds and non‑refundable items - Application fee: non-refundable. - Deposit: refundable only after the child has completed at least one academic year and all associated fees for that period have been paid; otherwise it may be forfeited. - Registration fee for new entrants from Kindergarten (CHF 2,500) is payable on signing; the fee regulations set out that certain one-off payments are due on contract signature. - Excursion, travel and external-provider costs (flights, train tickets, accommodation) are generally non-refundable by the provider and may still be charged if the child does not participate, except where a medical certificate for illness is provided in time, as detailed in the fee regulations. Fee payment options - Invoices are issued via eBill or as a PDF by e-mail; the fee regulations specify the invoicing channel and payment term (30 days) but do not list a specific set of payment instruments (e.g., credit card, direct debit) in the published fee regulations. Families receive an invoice and arrange payment according to the invoice instructions (eBill in Switzerland is commonly settled via electronic banking). If you need the figures presented in a different currency or split on a different instalment basis, the annual amounts provided above can be converted or divided accordingly.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options There is an on-site cafeteria (Mensa) and a dining area on campus.	Food options Head chef Marc Köhler and the team provide well-balanced meals using organic and locally sourced ingredients. Two to three days a week feature meat or fish, with vegetarian and vegan options available on other days, and Bircher muesli served daily. Over 550 meals are prepared daily.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Academic Gateway AG operates the school. The address is Löwenstrasse 17, 8001 Zürich. It is registered in the Zurich commercial registry as CHE-312.196.609. Alexandre Touihri serves as Chairman of the Board and Dimitar Jauch is a Board member.	Governance and ownership The school is an independent German and English school. It is part of the Cognita group.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Academic Gateway offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and additional routes including Matura, BMS, Passerelle, and Self-study. The IB fosters international-mindedness and uses a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning approach that connects subjects and real-world contexts. The Diploma Programme emphasizes critical thinking, global contexts, multilingualism, and research skills essential for higher education. Most lessons are conducted in English, with German widely used by many community members and languages such as French, Italian, and Spanish appearing as part of the educational heritage. Assessments are authentic and contextualized, with external IB examinations for the Diploma Programme and progress shared with families through reports and conferences. EduQua Certification supports the school's commitment to quality education and a modern, digitally enabled learning environment.	Curriculum details The school uses a bilingual curriculum in English and German. From Kindergarten to Grade 6, the entire curriculum is delivered in English and German, with the language of instruction switching weekly. From Grade 7, subjects are taught in the same language for a full academic year per subject, with Mathematics taught in the other language each semester to reinforce skills. From Year 10 onward, the language of instruction is determined by the chosen school-leaving qualification. The curriculum also includes Future Skills to develop contemporary and future-oriented competencies.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Approximately 7.2 students per teacher (456 students / 63 teachers).
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results IB Diploma Program with 48 students; 6 successful Matura graduates; 3 successful IB Diploma years.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates may choose to study internationally or in Switzerland.	Higher education progression Upper School prepares students for success in the IB Diploma or Federal Matura. The IB Diploma Program is offered with 48 students; the school has produced Matura graduates (6) and completed 3 IB Diploma years.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented From Year 7, students may apply to become Advanced Learners. Advanced learners receive coaching and have monthly meetings with a learning coach to review progress; they can choose where they learn and which inputs they attend. Competencies for advanced learners include strong organisation, time management, focus and self-reflection, objective setting, healthy screen time, conflict-resolution skills, and self-awareness.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Personal support includes learning coaching and speech therapy; there are learning development conversations; short assessments (including personal analysis and a personal learning plan) and mock examinations (including personal analysis and a personal learning plan); tutoring is fully integrated and private lessons for 1–3 students are offered.	Social & emotional learning The school has a social-emotional learning programme and counselling services. Aikido is integrated into the curriculum to support mental resilience and conflict resolution. The environment prioritizes emotional safety and wellbeing through staff training in safety procedures and safeguarding.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides personal support including learning coaching and speech therapy; learning development discussions and individually tailored learning plans and assessments are part of the support offered; tutoring and private instruction are integrated into the program.	Special educational needs (SEN) OBS+ Learning Support provides in-class, small group, or individual support. Learning support teachers work with classroom and specialist teachers to give the right help at the right time. German and English as an Additional Language programmes build language skills, with a placement assessment for new Middle and Upper School applicants (Grades 5–12).
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Most lessons are conducted in English, with German and French offered as language courses; the school supports language learning and offers internationally recognized language certificates in English, German and French.	English as an additional language German and English as an Additional Language programmes build language skills, with a placement assessment for new Middle and Upper School applicants (Grades 5–12).
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Counselling services are available and an integrated social-emotional learning programme supports student well-being. Aikido is used to foster mental resilience and stress management within the curriculum.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Schul- und Hausordnung (School and House Rules) governs behavior and safety on campus, including explicit prohibitions on smoking (inside buildings), alcohol, and drugs; it describes emergency evacuation procedures and the location of emergency facilities, and it sets sanctions for violations.	Safeguarding A comprehensive safeguarding and safety framework prioritizes student safety, with a Designated Safeguarding Lead and deputies, mandatory safeguarding training for staff, clear reporting procedures, and policies covering first aid and anti-bullying. The framework emphasizes early intervention, parent communication, and age-appropriate education on personal safety, including online risks.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The modern schoolhouse at Löwenstrasse 17 opened in August 2021 and forms the heart of Academic Gateway. It is located in central Zurich, just 500 meters from Zürich Hauptbahnhof, with four nearby stations: Zürich Enge, Wiedikon, Selnau and Stadeln. The campus features 14 rooms and modern infrastructure and technology, including lecture rooms, science rooms, a canteen, a library, a terrace, and more. The learning environment is exclusive and excellent, with aesthetically pleasing and technically well-equipped classrooms.	Facilities overview OBS is located near Lake Zurich, providing an ideal learning environment that combines accessibility with natural beauty. The campus's proximity to both urban amenities and natural surroundings creates opportunities for experiential learning and outdoor activities. The school is a 20–30 minute distance from Zürich, making it accessible while preserving a peaceful, focused learning environment away from urban distractions. Our facilities are state-of-the-art and designed to support modern learning while inspiring creativity and collaboration. Technology-enabled classrooms and specialized labs for science and arts are complemented by outdoor learning spaces and sports facilities.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities Sports facilities are part of the campus. Outdoor learning spaces are integrated with the sports facilities. The facilities support physical activity and environmental awareness. The school invests in maintenance and upgrades to ensure access to the tools and environments needed for learning.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic Gateway uses an innovative digital school model that combines traditional instruction with e-learning, and university-style teaching methods (lectures and exercises) with small practice groups. The school provides up-to-date teaching materials and resources and offers a broad range of elective subjects. The campus includes a library, a music room, chemistry and physics laboratories, a terrace, and a design room with exhibitions. Streaming technology is available in all rooms to support hybrid learning. Learning support includes access to learning coaching and speech therapy, with learning development discussions, short assessments (including personal analysis and a personalized learning plan), mock examinations (including personal analysis and a personalized learning plan), and integrated tutoring, with private tutoring available for 1–3 students.	Academic facilities Technology-enabled classrooms support modern learning. Specialized labs for science and arts are available. Every space is designed to enhance the learning experience. Outdoor learning spaces complement indoor facilities. Maintenance and upgrades ensure students have access to up-to-date resources.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The campus includes a music room for practice and a design space for visual arts with exhibitions. There are spaces for exhibitions and a foyer area for gatherings, and a meeting room can be rented for external meetings, supporting student creative projects and related activities.	Extra curricular facilities Clubs and activities include E-Sports, Prime Time Math Club, Miss Marcela's Cooking & Baking Club, and Aikido. Future Skills programs include OBS Media Academy, OBS Space Agency, and OBS Ocean & Life Explorers. There are 30+ leisure clubs. Leisure activities, holiday clubs and after-school services extend participation beyond the school day.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Academic Gateway operates as Academic Gateway AG. The campus at Löwenstrasse 17, 8001 Zürich, opened its modern schoolhouse in August 2021. The school follows a university education approach and aims to prepare students for federal maturity, vocational maturity or passerelle. It also seeks to develop proficiency in English and German to support studies at universities worldwide. The leadership includes Alexandre Touihri as chair of the board and Dimitar Jauch as a board member.	History —
Community	Community Art lessons are an integral part of the Academic Gateway's high school program, and art history is intensively studied. Excursions and research-based learning enrich school life; destinations include Kunsthaus Zürich, Kunsthalle, Landesmuseum, Zoological Museum and Museum Rietberg, with many closer-to-home options within walking distance. There are also excursions outside of Zurich, such as to Fondation Beyeler, and former students' works are showcased and alumni interviews are featured.	Community OBS has a diverse, international community with one third Swiss families, one third families with a Swiss parent, and one third families from 41 nations. The school offers 30+ leisure clubs to support students' interests. Clubs and activities include E-Sports, Prime Time Math Club, Miss Marcela's Cooking & Baking Club, and Aikido.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association OBS Parents Association serves as a vital bridge between parents and the school, safeguarding student, parent, and school interests while providing support services to create an optimal learning environment. The association welcomes and integrates new families, particularly those from abroad, by facilitating connections between parents and helping them build social networks within the school community. The association remains politically and religiously neutral and operates through a General Meeting, Board of Directors, Project Teams, and Auditors. All parents with enrolled children automatically become active members unless they opt out. The association organizes events, manages funds from activities and donations, and provides a formal channel for parents to contribute to the school community while building lasting friendships and support networks.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Academic Gateway emphasizes experiential learning beyond the classroom. The school uses practical activities to deepen understanding, including hands-on experiments in the chemistry laboratory and structured excursions linked to Geography and Culture. Excursions provide real-world contexts for learning, complementing maturità curricula.	Academic & intellectual Clubs include Euler Club, Maths Program, Prime Time Math Club and Number Wizards. Other options include Science through Play and Coding and Robotics. The after-school programme extends learning beyond class and supports academic growth.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Art and culture are a central part of Academic Gateway's curricula. The art program is a fixed component of the maturità pathways, fostering creative and critical thinking and a deep engagement with art history. Visual arts activities include drawing, collage, and watercolors, with student artworks regularly displayed as part of the artistic process. A dedicated music room supports musical practice, and a design space enables painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital art with high-quality materials.	Arts & creative Clubs include Adventures in Art 1 and 2, Art (language Swiss German) and Kunst. Miss Marcela's Afternoon Talent Club and Miss Marcela's Cooking & Baking Club foster creativity. Dance, Ballet, Theatre and Piano Lessons offer performance and musical expression.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Excursions enrich cultural learning with visits to institutions such as Kunsthaus Zürich, Kunsthalle, Landesmuseum, Zoologisches Museum, and Museum Rietberg, among others. Field trips extend beyond Zurich to places like Sammlung Oskar Reinhart, Bruno Weber Park, Fondation Beyeler, and Zentrum Paul Klee. These experiences connect cultural topics to on-site learning and museum contexts.	Cultural & language French, German Story Telling Club, Swiss German, Chinese and Spanish are offered. Spanish Mother Tongue and other language clubs support bilingual development. Clubs provide language practice in authentic, after-school contexts.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The Schulleben includes opportunities to share and celebrate student artwork, with exhibitions and projects that showcase creative work. The visual arts program emphasizes collaborative and individual inquiry, encouraging students to pursue personal topics and interests. The dedicated arts spaces, including the music room and design room, foster creative collaboration and ongoing personal projects.	Social & hobbies Clubs cover a wide range of hobbies and social interests, including E‑Sports, CrossFit Kids and Playball. Dance Club, Karate, Aikido and Chess promote teamwork and leisure. Adventures in Art, Theatre and Music clubs offer creative outlets.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Physical activity is a focus with CrossFit Kids, Darren's Football Training and Forest Adventures. Dance Club and Karate contribute to fitness and coordination. The after-school programme supports wellbeing through structured, safe activities.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the primary language of instruction and is used for most of the school day. German is valued as part of the community's linguistic identity. Other languages such as French, Italian, and Spanish are part of students' heritage and are celebrated, though not explicitly taught. The teaching team represents over 20 language communities and language support is available.	Language provision Languages of instruction are English and German. The entire curriculum is delivered in English and German from Kindergarten to Grade 6, with weekly language switching. From Grade 7, instruction is in the same language for a full year per subject (Mathematics is the exception). From Year 10, the language of instruction for subjects is determined by the chosen school-leaving qualification.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Most lessons are conducted in English. German is valued as part of the community's linguistic identity. Other languages such as French, Italian, and Spanish are part of students' heritage and are celebrated, though not explicitly taught. The school does not describe a formal bilingual programme.	Bilingual teaching The school offers bilingual education in English and German. From baby care through kindergarten to Grade 6, the curriculum is delivered in English and German, with the language of instruction switching weekly. From Grade 7, students receive instruction in the same language for an entire year for each subject, with Mathematics as the exception where the teaching language alternates each semester. From Year 10 onwards, subjects taught in German or English are determined by the chosen school-leaving qualification.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs A bilingual immersion approach is used, with native speakers of both German and English on staff. The curriculum alternates weekly between German and English instruction from Kindergarten through Grade 6, and key terms for every new subject are introduced in both languages to build a bilingual vocabulary.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Contact and initial discussion. Inquiries can be made by phone at 044 310 10 67, by email, or via the contact form. A preliminary meeting is normally conducted so the student and the school can get to know each other. This meeting helps determine whether Academic Gateway is the right path for the student. 2. Suitability assessment. A suitability assessment is conducted with all interested applicants to determine if this is the right path. In addition to high resilience and perseverance, applicants should have solid language skills in German, English, and another national language (French or Italian), as well as basic mathematics. This assessment helps confirm readiness for the program. 3. Enrollment and contract. Enrollment can be initiated by signing the school contract by phone, email, or via the contact form. Alternatively, students can enroll directly for Matura, BMS, or Passerelle. This step formalizes admission to the chosen program. 4. Start date and deadlines. The enrollment deadline runs until the official school start, and late enrollments may be accepted in some cases. For questions about the program or to arrange a non-binding discussion, call 044 310 10 67. After enrollment, the student joins the program according to the official start date.	Admissions Step 1: Get in Touch and Visit OBS. Visit the campus to see classrooms, meet teachers, and get a feel for the learning environment. Open days are offered to help families understand whether OBS is the right fit. Step 2: Complete the application form. To begin, complete the online School registration form. The application fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee admission. Fees are CHF 300 for Baby Care / Pre-kindergarten and CHF 500 for Kindergarten / Primary School / Middle School / Upper School. Step 3: Submit the relevant documents. For Early Years there is no requirement to submit documentation prior to enrollment. For Primary, Middle and Upper School, provide the most recent report card or end-of-year report; if there are diagnosed conditions or if the child receives additional learning support or therapy, provide further information including recent diagnostic reports and the student's IEP if applicable. OBS reserves the right to offer a conditional place pending receipt of all required documents. If capacity is reached, your child can be placed on the waiting list. Step 4: Assessments, Trial Days and Feedback. Primary candidates undergo an internal assessment in language proficiency and mathematics. Admission to Middle and Upper School requires a comprehensive evaluation, including language skills, potential analysis, and a personality assessment by a psychologist. Each candidate attends two trial days, with one day in a German-language classroom and the other in an English-language setting. Afterward, there is a consultative meeting with the relevant Department Head; for middle and upper school, the evaluating psychologist discusses the results. Step 5: Offer of a place. If the application is approved, the Admissions Team extends an offer of enrollment contingent on space availability. A Confirmation of Acceptance will be sent to you via email after we receive the full registration fee, which is non-refundable. If capacity is reached, your child will be added to our waiting list and you will be notified once a space becomes available. Admission approvals depend on the provision of all requested documentation and the payment of the application fee.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist If capacity is reached, a waiting list is used. Families are notified when a space becomes available.
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