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Institut Montana Switzerland

Switzerland, Zug

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, German
Fees CHF 32,900 - 72,800
Ages 6 - 19 years
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1926
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Japanese
Strengths Sport, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Institut Montana on the Zugerberg is a co-educational international day and boarding school in Switzerland for students aged 6 to 18. It offers four pathways for Grades 1–12: a Bilingual Primary School (Swiss Lehrplan 21) taught in English and German; a Bilingual Secondary School with the Swiss curriculum and English/German options; a Swiss Gymnasium leading to the Swiss Matura with bilingual pathways and language support; and an International School pathway (Grades 6–12) using Cambridge Lower Secondary/IGCSE, then the IB Diploma or a High School Diploma, with English as the main language of instruction and EAL support. The language and certification mix includes Cambridge, Goethe/DELF, and Cambridge IGCSE. The Matura pathway provides direct access to ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of St. Gallen and EHL; the IB Diploma offers global university entry. The campus sits on the pre-alpine Zugerberg, with forest surroundings and views of Lake Zug, on-site dining and health and wellbeing support, and spaces for music, choir, drama, private instrument lessons, and Model United Nations. A 2024 Innovation Hub and a planned 100-year anniversary in 2026 reflect ongoing development.

Schönfels 5, 6300 Zug, Switzerland

The Essentials

Institut Montana Switzerland has instruction in English, German.

Location
Schönfels 5, 6300 Zug, Switzerland

Stages
Primary School (Grades 1-6) – Bilingual Primary School; Secondary School (Grades 7-12) including Bilingual Secondary School (Grades 7-9), Swiss Gymnasium (Grades 7-12), International School (Grades 6-12)

Type
International day and boarding school

Pupil Nationality Mix
Students come from all over the world, representing over 55 nationalities.

Country affiliation
Switzerland
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Three boarding houses provide accommodation: Grosses Haus for older boys, Haus Juventus for younger boys, and Haus Felsenegg for girls. A total of about 120 boarding students live on campus, representing around 24 nationalities, with boarding starting at age 10. Flexi-boarding is available for weeks or weekends, and boarders participate in weekend activities and trips around Switzerland.

Uniform Requirement
Primary School students wear Montana School clothing during the school day, with orders placed via Unique Uniforms. The bilingual primary school specifies Montana School uniforms for everyday wear.

Food Options
Dining is done in a sit-down dining hall with daily meals that include breakfast, cocoa breaks, lunch, afternoon breaks, and dinner. The menu combines served and buffet-style options, includes vegetarian dishes, and uses locally sourced ingredients, with milk supplied from the Zugerberg.

House System
There are three boarding houses: Grosses Haus (older boys), Haus Juventus (younger boys), and Haus Felsenegg (girls). Each house has its own house manager and dedicated facilities, supporting a family-like boarding community.

Governance and Ownership
The school is owned and operated by Institut Montana Zugerberg AG, the independent Swiss company that runs Institut Montana Zugerberg in Zug, Switzerland.
Fees

Annual tuition at Institut Montana Switzerland ranges from CHF 32,900 to CHF 72,800 for 2026/27.

One‑off enrolment / application fees

- Admission / enrolment fee: CHF 5,500 (one‑time). This amount is payable on confirmation of enrolment.
- Refundable deposit (paid on admission): Boarding students: CHF 5,000; Day students: CHF 3,000. The deposit is held against outstanding invoices and is normally refunded when the student leaves and accounts are settled.

Annual tuition fees (by programme / year group) — fee per year and per semester

- Boarding — Bilingual Elementary (BE5–BE6), Bilingual Secondary (BSS7–BSS9), Swiss Senior High School (SG1–SG6): CHF 70,400 per year → CHF 35,200 per semester.
- Boarding — CEFY & International School (Grades 6–12): CHF 72,800 per year → CHF 36,400 per semester.

- Day — Bilingual Elementary (BE1–BE4): CHF 32,900 per year → CHF 16,450 per semester.
- Day — Bilingual Elementary (BE5–BE6), Bilingual Secondary (BSS7–BSS9), Swiss Senior High School (SG1–SG6): CHF 34,600 per year → CHF 17,300 per semester.
- Day — CEFY & International School (Grades 6–12): CHF 36,800 per year → CHF 18,400 per semester.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Annual tuition and boarding fees are billed semester by semester, in advance. Payment deadlines: 1st semester payment due by April 30 (before the school year begins); 2nd semester payment due by November 30 (during the school year). For new enrolments the first invoice includes the enrolment fee, the refundable deposit and 50% of the annual tuition/boarding fees; these items are due according to the invoice deadlines. In cases of late registration or late entry, fees for the current semester become due immediately. Personal expenses are billed monthly and are due within 30 days.

Boarding fees and what they cover

- Boarding rates are set by programme (see annual amounts above). Boarding fees include accommodation typically in a twin/double room, supervision and full board (five meals per day), class instruction for mandatory subjects, study hall supervision, use of the media centre and internet (copying up to a stated limit), participation in the activities programme and use of sports facilities. Flexi‑boarding (short or weekend boarding) is available on request; temporary boarding night rates for short stays are charged separately. Storage, damage or replacement charges (e.g., lost keys or ID) are additional.

Other compulsory or common additional fees and typical optional charges

- Personal expense account advance (held on account): Boarding students: CHF 5,000; Day students: CHF 1,000. Monthly personal expenses are billed against this account.
- Programme / exam / curriculum fees: IGCSE programme fee (Grades 9–10): CHF 1,500 per programme; IB Diploma programme fee (Grades 11–12): CHF 5,000; additional IB subject fees (per semester) and per‑subject fees for HL/SL apply (document lists per‑subject charges). External exam fees (IGCSE, IB Diploma) are charged in addition and typically range approximately CHF 500–CHF 1,700 depending on the exam and subject selection.
- Private music/instrument lessons: CHF 3,850 per year (CHF 1,925 per semester) for individual lessons.
- Temporary boarding (double room, study and meals) when used by non‑boarders: CHF 180 per night.
- Incidental charges: replacement Student ID CHF 20; lost room key CHF 100; charges for excessive damage are applied to the family account. Meals for special arrangements and some medical or travel costs may incur additional charges. Towels may be purchased from the Main Office.

Refunds, cancellations and withdrawals

- The refundable deposit is normally returned after the student leaves and all accounts are balanced; it may be retained if there are outstanding invoices.
- For new enrolments, the one‑time admission/enrolment fee is non‑refundable. If a withdrawal occurs after specified cut‑off dates or after certain deadlines, the first instalment or other fees already paid may not be reimbursed. Fees already paid are generally not refunded for missed schooling, sickness, injury, suspension, expulsion or in the event the school must close for reasons beyond its control. The school may charge an administration fee in connection with certain contract terminations. Specific deadlines and conditions for refunds and cancellations are set out in the school's enrolment and financial conditions.

Fee payment options and bank details

- Payment by bank transfer is accepted; other payment methods accepted by the school may also be used. Bank account details provided for payments: Zuger Kantonalbank, CH‑6301 Zug; Account: 04‑720.377‑03; IBAN: CH32 0078 7000 4720 3770 3; SWIFT: KBZGH22. Personal expenses are billed monthly and must be paid within 30 days unless a different arrangement (for Swiss residents) is agreed with the Director.

Summary notes (practical)

- Tuition and boarding are billed semesterly in advance; where a yearly figure is shown above, divide by two to obtain the semester (per‑term) amount. Payments required on first invoice for new students typically include the one‑time admission fee, the refundable deposit and 50% of the annual fees. Programme‑specific and optional charges (exam fees, private music lessons, extra language support, temporary boarding, lost key/ID charges, etc.) are billed in addition to the base tuition and must be settled as invoiced.
Academics

Institut Montana Switzerland teaches IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 6 to 19.

Curriculum
Institut Montana offers four academic pathways for Grades 1–12: Bilingual Primary School Grades 1–6 follows the Swiss Lehrplan 21 and is taught in English and German. Bilingual Secondary School Grades 7–9 follows the Swiss curriculum with language and subject options in English and German, and offers intensive language courses with certificates in German, French and English (Goethe Institut, DELF, Cambridge). Swiss Gymnasium Grades 7–12 leads to the Swiss Matura, with monolingual German or bilingual pathways and language support in German, French and English (Goethe Institut, DELF, Cambridge). International School Grades 6–12 uses international programmes starting with Cambridge Lower Secondary/IGCSE, progressing to the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a High School Diploma; the main language of instruction is English and English language assessment is used with EAL support. The language/certification mix includes Cambridge, Goethe/DELF, and Cambridge IGCSE; the Swiss Matura provides direct access to ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of St. Gallen and EHL; the IB Diploma offers global university entry.

Student Teacher Ratio
Student/teacher ratio is 4:1. Average class size is 10.

Exam Results
IB Diploma pass rate 99% (2025). The International School serves about 170 students with an average class size of 12 and students from around 45 nationalities. The IB Diploma program is a pathway within the International School, enabling admission to universities worldwide and in Switzerland.

Higher Education Progression
IB Diploma graduates have access to universities worldwide and in Switzerland. The Swiss Matura path provides direct access to ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of St. Gallen and EHL.

Gifted and Talented
The admissions process is holistic and considers students' interests and talents. Co-curricular activities such as Model United Nations, Performing Arts, and Entrepreneurship Club provide outlets for talented students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
We take a holistic approach to learning and development, recognizing that overall well-being (physical and emotional) supports academic success. Emotional resilience and happiness are fostered through programmes and workshops. Confidential student support is available on-site through the Care Team and school counsellors. Early intervention and preventative counselling are part of our Care Team services. KiVa anti-bullying programme supports a safe and respectful school climate.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English and/or German are the main languages of instruction, with additional language support provided as needed.

Mental Wellbeing
The Care Team runs mental health and social skills workshops to help students manage stress, build self-esteem and develop healthy relationships. Confidential student support is available on-site through our guidance counsellors. KiVa anti-bullying programme supports the mental wellbeing of our community.

Safeguarding
Anti-bullying and child protection policies uphold the emotional well-being of the community. KiVa anti-bullying programme is embedded in the curriculum. Clear guidelines focus on respect, responsibility and kindness.
Parent Experience

History
Opened on May 3, 1926, the school on the Zugerberg was founded by Dr Max Husmann to educate a multinational student body and foster international mindedness and respect for different cultures. In the 1920s and 1930s it expanded the programme to include languages, business and technical skills, with an emphasis on student happiness and close bonds between teachers and students, and classrooms sometimes moved outdoors in summer. The school remained open through World War II, though many buildings were requisitioned; after the war Husmann established the Max Husmann Foundation in 1946 and transferred ownership to safeguard the school's values. In 1987 Institut Montana joined the International Baccalaureate Organisation, expanding Swiss and international diploma paths, and the 1990s saw a financial crisis overcome through community support and changes in ownership. More recently the campus has evolved with a 2024 Innovation Hub and the 100-year anniversary planned for 2026.

Community
Day students and boarders come from many countries, creating an international Montana family. The Montana student community is lively and international, and everyone learns languages. Students participate in musical performances, Model United Nations, skiing in the Swiss mountains and a busy social calendar. The friendships formed here are carried forward into the alumni community that students join on graduation.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Campus on the Zugerberg sits on a pre-alpine mountain in Zug, Switzerland, surrounded by forests and meadows. It offers easy access to the city of Zug and connections via Zurich. In summer, there are breath-taking views over Lake Zug with opportunities to swim and row. The campus provides on-site dining services and health and well-being support. Co-curricular spaces support activities such as music, private instrument lessons, choir and drama club, and Model United Nations.

Sports Facilities
In summer swimming and rowing on Lake Zug are available. Outdoor activities such as walking and biking trails are directly accessible from the campus doorstep, with mountain biking in the surrounding area. The mountain setting supports seasonal outdoor activities and access to nearby ski resorts.

Academic Facilities
Bilingual Primary School offers immersive German-English language learning with project-based studies and extensive tech integration. Bilingual Secondary School provides individual support and mentoring to develop skills for further study or training. Swiss Gymnasium focuses on Swiss Matura with a bilingual option for some subjects in English. International School guides students toward International Baccalaureate or a High School Diploma. Summer Camp combines language learning with interactive workshops and activities.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Co-curricular activities emphasize Be active, Be creative, Be inspired and Be compassionate. Performing Arts includes music, private instrument lessons, choir and drama club. Model United Nations enables students to represent UN Member States. Learn more about co-curricular activities on Institut Montana's site.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Offers Cambridge Lower Secondary (Pre-IGCSE), IGCSE, International Baccalaureate Diploma, or Swiss high school diploma as academic pathways. The International School uses English as the main language of instruction, with an English language assessment during admissions and English-language support as needed. Bilingual Primary School and Bilingual Secondary School provide instruction in English and German, with intensive language courses and certificates for German, French, and English; first-language courses in German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese help maintain students' home languages.

Arts & Creative
Be creative offers a wide range of activities including writing and producing the school magazine; culinary arts; clay ceramics; performing arts with private instrument lessons, drama club, and school choir; and photography.

Cultural & Language
Languages of instruction include English as the main language for the International School, with bilingual English–German pathways in the primary and secondary levels. Intensive language courses and certificate programs for German, French, and English are available, with EAL support as needed. First-language options include German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese to support language maintenance and development.

Social & Hobbies
Be active features team sports (volleyball, football, unihockey), tennis and badminton, running, fitness and zumba, archery, mountain biking, and beginner swimming, encouraging outdoor activity and health. Be inspired includes activities like drama, science and technology, entrepreneurship, chess, Student Council, book club, and Model United Nations to foster social and intellectual engagement.

Community & Service
Be compassionate covers service-oriented activities such as IBDP CAS (creativity, activity, service) programmes, school project weeks, a Student Council Environment Committee, forest club, and upcycling projects to develop civic responsibility.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership opportunities include Student Council involvement, entrepreneurship initiatives, and Model United Nations; there is a Head of Co-Curricular and ICT teacher guiding activities and technology integration to develop leadership and professional skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
We provide Health and Well-Being counselling and confidential student support, along with Dining Services that offer meals in a home-like environment. A broad range of co-curricular activities supports physical and mental health, with outdoor surroundings encouraging active lifestyles.
Languages

Language Provision
English and German are the main languages of instruction, and French is introduced.

Bilingual Teaching
Primary School offers bilingual education with full-immersion classrooms in German and English; Secondary School provides bilingual German–English instruction with French introduced.

Immersion Programs
Primary School features full-immersion classrooms in German and English as part of its bilingual program.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
CIS; Cambridge; Canton of Zug; plus additional accreditations and logos displayed on site.
Admissions

Admissions
The admissions process is holistic and evaluates each application beyond academic performance to understand a child's potential, motivation to learn, interests and passions, and whether they will thrive in the international community. The process has six steps: 1. 2. Interview: Visit campus for a free trial day or arrange a video meeting if you cannot visit in person. 3. Academic assessment: CAT4 Ability Test and language placement tests assess academic and language levels; depending on year group, Heads of Programmes join for a short interview. 4. Admissions evaluation: The Admissions Team and Heads of Programmes evaluate the application and advise on needed support. 5. Offer letter: Includes class placement and any required support plans; the offer letter is valid for two weeks. 6. Enrolment confirmation: After accepting, the Admissions Team assists with final documents and shares information for a successful first day; visa applications are supported for boarders. Admissions are rolling throughout the year, with a recommendation to start at the beginning of a semester; the team will help determine the best entry point for each student.
School Events
The school has not added events
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