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Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug

Switzerland, Zug

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German, English
Fees CHF 12,924 - 30,035
Ages 3 - 15 years
Pupil numbers 300
Bus Service No
Part of
Academic offering
Curriculum Swiss Curriculum, British Curriculum
Taught languages French
Typical class size 12
Strengths Languages, Outdoor Education, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug is a school offering a bilingual German–English education for students aged 3 to 15, with campuses in Lucerne and Zug. The Zug campus provides classrooms, science labs, art and music rooms, a library, and outdoor spaces including a forest school. The school follows Swiss Curriculum 21 as the basis for all subjects, with English instruction aligned to British National Curriculum. Students are immersed in one language at a time, alternating weekly between German and English. Preschool and early years introduce language through bilingual play, while Primary (Grades 1–6) builds knowledge in Swiss Curriculum 21 with English taught under the British framework. Secondary (Grades 7–9) continues bilingual delivery with subjects taught in their designated language. Graduation pathways include Swiss Gymnasium (grade dependent), Swiss Secondary, or International Pathway from Grade 7. Since 2024, Four Forest has been part of the Cognita family, supporting leadership across campuses.

This campus is part of Four Forest Bilingual International School Swiss

Chollerstrasse 23, 6300 Zug, Switzerland

The Essentials

Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug has 300 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in German, English.

Location

Zug campus: Chollerstrasse 23, CH-6312 Zug-Steinhausen; Luzern campus: Maihofstrasse 95a, CH-6006 Luzern. The Zug campus is centrally located between Zug, Steinhausen, Cham and Hünenberg, with views of the central Swiss Alps.

Stages

Pre-School (from age 3), 1st Kindergarten, 2nd Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary (grades 7–10).

Type

Private day school; bilingual international school delivering a bidirectional German–English education; Swiss cantonal curricula with the British National Curriculum applied to English.

Additional learning support

Small class sizes with targeted progression; additional support and support teaching when required; progress discussed with students and parents.

Country affiliation

Affiliated with Cognita (Cognita family of Schools).

School day structure

Morning supervision starts at 7:30am; lessons run during the day; after-school care available until 6:00pm; after-school club and Homework Club from Grade 1.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Private day school

Food Options

Two lunch options are available: students may bring a packed lunch from home, or participate in a catered lunch programme at an additional cost. Water is served at school and sweetened drinks are not allowed. Lunch is supervised and followed by time for outdoor play.

Governance and Ownership

The school is part of the Cognita family of schools.
Fees

Annual tuition at Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug ranges from CHF 12,924 to CHF 30,035 for 2026/27.

Overview — School Year 2026/27

This summary lists the school fees and related payment terms for Four Forest Bilingual International School for the School Year 2026/27. All amounts are shown in CHF and are presented as annual and per-term values (fees are billed in four equal instalments per academic year).

Application / one-time enrolment fee

- Enrolment fee (one-time, payable on confirmation of enrolment): CHF 2,500.

Tuition fees — Four Forest Luzern (School Year 2026/27)

- 1st Kindergarten (options):
- 3 half days (mornings only): CHF 13,776 per year (CHF 3,444 per term).
- 4 half days: CHF 14,796 per year (CHF 3,699 per term).
- 5 half days: CHF 15,804 per year (CHF 3,951 per term).
- 6 half days: CHF 17,376 per year (CHF 4,344 per term).
- 7 half days: CHF 18,960 per year (CHF 4,740 per term).
- 8 half days / Full-time: CHF 20,544 per year (CHF 5,136 per term).
- Minimum programme: 3 mornings for 3-year-olds; 5 mornings for 4-year-olds.

- 2nd Kindergarten: CHF 21,828 per year (CHF 5,457 per term).

- Primary
- Grades 1–4: CHF 23,088 per year (CHF 5,772 per term).
- Grades 5–6: CHF 24,048 per year (CHF 6,012 per term).

Tuition fees — Four Forest Zug (School Year 2026/27) — Canton resident / non-resident

- 1st Kindergarten (options):
- 3 half days: CHF 12,924 p.a. / CHF 14,379 p.a. (CHF 3,231 / CHF 3,594.75 per term).
- 4 half days: CHF 14,496 p.a. / CHF 15,951 p.a. (CHF 3,624 / CHF 3,987.75 per term).
- 5 half days: CHF 16,080 p.a. / CHF 17,535 p.a. (CHF 4,020 / CHF 4,383.75 per term).
- 6 half days: CHF 17,664 p.a. / CHF 19,119 p.a. (CHF 4,416 / CHF 4,779.75 per term).
- 7 half days: CHF 19,236 p.a. / CHF 20,691 p.a. (CHF 4,809 / CHF 5,172.75 per term).
- 8 half days / Full-time: CHF 20,832 p.a. / CHF 22,287 p.a. (CHF 5,208 / CHF 5,571.75 per term).
- Minimum programme: 3 mornings for 3-year-olds; 5 mornings for 4-year-olds.

- 2nd Kindergarten: CHF 22,740 p.a. / CHF 24,195 p.a. (CHF 5,685 / CHF 6,048.75 per term).

- Primary (Zug):
- Grades 1–4: CHF 23,688 p.a. / CHF 25,143 p.a. (CHF 5,922 / CHF 6,285.75 per term).
- Grades 5–6: CHF 25,896 p.a. / CHF 27,351 p.a. (CHF 6,474 / CHF 6,837.75 per term).

- Secondary (Zug):
- Lower Secondary Grades 1–3: CHF 27,540 p.a. / CHF 30,035 p.a. (CHF 6,885 / CHF 7,508.75 per term).

Sibling discounts

- Second child: 10% reduction on school fees (private payers).
- Third child: 25% reduction on school fees (private payers).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition fees are invoiced in four equal instalments per academic year and are payable in advance on the following dates: 1 August, 1 November, 1 February and 1 May. Fees for an entry during the school year are invoiced from the first day of the month of entry. Late payment may incur interest, reminder and collection charges.

- A place is only guaranteed once the Schulgeld (tuition) for the first quarter has been paid. If a reserved place is not taken or a registration is withdrawn prior to the contractual start, the school fee for the first quarter remains payable and is due within 10 days.

- Annual “Schulgeldpauschale” (a general tuition package) is included in the tuition and covers many routine school costs (examples listed include excursions, camps, dental hygiene checks, theatre and museum visits). Optional or extra services such as the school club, language exams, individual music lessons and after‑school paid courses are charged separately and are payable in advance. Lunch catering is an additional cost when chosen and is invoiced together with the school fee invoices.

Boarding

- Four Forest operates as a day school; boarding is not provided.

Other costs and typical additional fees

- After-school clubs, extra-curricular activities and individual music lessons: charged separately; separate price lists apply.
- Catered lunch (optional): charged in addition to tuition and invoiced with tuition invoices if used. Water is provided at school; sweetened drinks are not permitted.
- One-off enrolment / material fee on first enrolment (amount covered above as the CHF 2,500 enrolment fee).
- Incidental costs not covered by the tuition package (e.g., optional courses, private exams, certain external activities) are billed separately and must be paid in advance.

Refunds and cancellation terms

- Cancellation and notice: the school contract requires written notice and a four-month notice period that takes effect to the end of a semester (semester end dates: 31 January or 31 July). The date of receipt of the written notice determines the end of the payment obligation; outstanding fees and other obligations remain payable through the end of the notice period and are due within 10 working days after final billing.

- Refunds: the first-quarter tuition payment is required to secure a place and remains due if a registration is withdrawn before the contractual start; other refunds are governed by the contract and the final settlement will follow the contract's closing invoice. Late-payment charges and collection fees may apply where payments are overdue.

Fee payment instructions and methods

- Tuition and additional charges are invoiced according to the billing schedule above and must be paid in advance. Invoices include payment terms and will state the required payment arrangements; late payment may incur interest and collection fees.

Notes on adjustments

- Tuition fees are set on an annual basis and the school reserves the right to amend the fees for new school years. Sibling discounts apply only to private payers as indicated.
Academics

Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug teaches Swiss Curriculum, British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 15.

Curriculum

Swiss Curriculum 21 forms the basis for all subjects, with English instruction aligned to the British National Curriculum. The school immerses students in one language at a time, spending one week in English and the next in German. Preschool and 2nd Kindergarten introduce language through bilingual play, while Primary School (Grades 1-6) builds knowledge in Swiss Curriculum 21 with English taught under the British framework, alternating languages weekly. Secondary School (Grades 7-9) continues bilingual delivery, with each subject taught in its designated language. Graduation pathways include Swiss Gymnasium (grade-dependent), Swiss Secondary School, or an International Pathway from Grade 7.

Student Teacher Ratio

Small class sizes.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates move on to Swiss Gymnasium (grade-dependent) or Swiss Secondary School; some follow an International Pathway from Grade 7.

Gifted and Talented

Talentia enrichment programme takes place on Thursday mornings at the Zug campus for highly gifted Primary students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Care & Support creates a supportive environment with a familial atmosphere. Class sizes are small, enabling individual needs to be addressed and progress discussed with parents. When required, additional support and learning support is provided. After-school activities strengthen SEL by giving students opportunities to practice teamwork, empathy and resilience in real-world settings. The after-school club runs until 6:00 pm and supervision is provided before lessons begin at 7:30 am.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Individual learning needs are addressed through small class sizes and targeted progression. Teachers model different learning styles to support each child's development. When required, additional support and learning support is used. The school provides language support as part of its inclusive approach.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school offers a comprehensive bilingual program with immersive instruction in English and German. Following Swiss Curriculum 21 with elements of the British National Curriculum for English, the language of instruction alternates weekly between English and German (one week English, the next week German). Additional language support in German and English is available as required.

Mental Wellbeing

Safety and wellbeing are a priority; the school follows policies and procedures to ensure a happy, healthy experience. Be Well Day and anti-bullying campaigns support students' mental wellbeing.

Safeguarding

Safety and wellbeing of students are the priority; the school follows policies and procedures to ensure safety.
Parent Experience

History

Two campuses operate in Lucerne and Zug, offering education from pre-school through lower secondary. The curricula follow the cantons of Lucerne and Zug with English instruction aligned to the British National Curriculum. Four Forest is part of the Cognita global family. In 2024 Four Forest joined the Cognita family, and leadership across the group guides both campuses. A leadership team guides both Luzern and Zug campuses.

Community

Fasnacht celebrations at Four Forest Zug and Luzern feature student performances and community activities. Visiting Educators from Yew Chung International School explored bilingual learning at Four Forest Zug. Family language workshops and Be Well Day events have been held to foster multilingual learning and community. Four Forest Zug Sports Day 2025 demonstrated the school's active community life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Parents Association regularly organizes coffee meetups and events during the school year to strengthen community and actively involve parents. A highlight is the annual Four Forest Community Event that brings together families, students and staff to connect, celebrate, and create memories. The association supports open and respectful communication between parents and the school. Approximately 45% of our families have Swiss or German roots, with the remainder representing around 40 nations. The prospectus describes these activities as integral to the Four Forest family and community-building.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Zug campus at Chollerstrasse 23, Zug-Steinhausen (CH-6312). Four Forest offers modern facilities at both Lucerne and Zug campuses, including 1st and 2nd Kindergarten, all Primary classes, and a Forest school as part of the Swiss Curriculum. Secondary education for grades 7–10 (Secondary 1–3) is provided at both campuses. The school serves international, multilingual, and Swiss families and maintains regular parent–school communication and mutual respect to support students on their educational journey.

Sports Facilities

Access to well-equipped sports facilities; playgrounds and recreational spaces.

Academic Facilities

Modern classrooms with advanced learning technologies; dedicated art, music, and science rooms; libraries with diverse resources; extensive outdoor areas including a forest school; dedicated spaces for extracurricular activities and events.

Extra Curricular Facilities

A wide range of after-school programmes including ball skills, Robotics, extra language classes and drama; art and craft sessions; individual music lessons (including piano); Homework Club after school on specified days.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The Four Forest Group offers education from Preschool through Secondary levels under one roof. It follows Swiss Curriculum 21, with elements of the British National Curriculum for English. Teaching is delivered in German and English, with one week taught in German and the following week in English. Classes are led by teachers who teach in their native language or a language in which they are fluent, and class sizes are kept small to address individual needs and support progression.

Arts & Creative

An extensive range of after-school activities is offered, including ball skills, Robotics, drama, and extra language classes. Art and craft sessions provide creative development, and music lessons (including piano) are available. From Grade 1, Homework Club operates after school, and the After-School Club runs daily from 3:15pm to 6:00pm.

Cultural & Language

Four Forest provides immersive bilingual education in English and German. Following Swiss Curriculum 21, with elements of the British National Curriculum for English, students are immersed in English and German on alternating weeks, taught by teachers in their native language or a language in which they are fluent. Early immersion yields faster language mastery and enhances confidence; after several years, students' second language proficiency nearly matches their mother tongue.

Social & Hobbies

Regular class and whole-school events such as sports days, autumn camps, ski days, and celebrations of annual festivals foster community and social interaction. Students participate in class council to learn how different opinions and positions can be represented in a discussion. After-school care and a broad range of clubs provide opportunities to socialise and pursue interests, with sports, arts, and clubs reinforcing social-emotional learning.

Community & Service

The Parents' Club plays a vital role in fostering community engagement by organizing family events and welcoming new families, and supports fundraising for the Four Forest charity and initiatives such as Be Well Day and anti-bullying campaigns.

Leadership & Professional

The Talentia Programme nurtures highly gifted students with a weekly enrichment morning that replaces normal lessons. It focuses on projects and life skills and runs on Thursdays at the Zug campus, and is available to internal Four Forest pupils, LMS students, and external pupils who are gifted.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Outdoor Learning emphasizes movement and outdoor play in a forest setting. The program aims to develop personal, social, and emotional skills through experiences in a natural environment, building confidence and teaching respect for the environment. Sessions are supervised by fully trained and qualified specialists.
Languages

Language Provision

Languages taught: English and German. Instruction languages: English and German. English is taught according to the British Curriculum as part of the Swiss Curriculum 21. Language support is available in English and German. LMS German Path is offered at both Zug and Luzern locations in primary (1st–6th grade) and in Luzern for secondary, following Curriculum 21.

Bilingual Teaching

A unique bilingual learning model where children study one week in English and the next in German, taught by teachers and assistants who teach in their mother tongue or in a language in which they are fluent.

Immersion Programs

Preschool through primary use weekly language immersion: one week in English, the next in German, with English taught according to the British Curriculum as part of Swiss Curriculum 21. The program is delivered by staff who are native speakers or fluent in the language.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Application for the appropriate programme: The application form lists programmes as 1st Kindergarten, 2nd Kindergarten, 1st Grade Primary, 2nd Grade Primary, 3rd Grade Primary, 4th Grade Primary, 5th Grade Primary, 6th Grade Primary, 1st Grade Secondary, 2nd Grade Secondary, and 3rd Grade Secondary. 2. Admission interview and class visit: Admission includes an interview; the School Management may contact the child's previous schools for academic details and behaviour. A visit to an existing class may be recommended to gauge the classroom environment. 3. Availability and trial days: Admission is subject to availability and possible trial days. 4. Written decision: The decision will be confirmed in writing. 5. Enrolment contract: By signing the School Contract, a binding enrolment is concluded; the completed application must be returned to School Management; this is a binding reservation of a place and the decision regarding admission and place remains reserved. 6. Enrolment fee and first trimester fees: If admitted, a one‑time enrolment fee is due and the school fees for the first trimester are payable within 10 days. 7. Fees and payment schedule: School fees are payable in three equal installments (in advance) on August 1, December 1, and April 1; the current price list is published before the end of March each year; if a child enters mid‑year, the school fee is invoiced for the entire month of entry. 8. Withdrawals/late entry: If enrolment is withdrawn or a child does not start, the enrolment fee and the first trimester fee are due as described. 9. Year‑round applications: Applications are accepted throughout the school year. 10.
School Events
The school has not added events