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Kantonsschule am Burggraben St. Gallen

Switzerland, St. Gallen

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German, English, French
Fees Fees not listed
Ages 12 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1400
Type Co-educational
Opened 1865
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP)
Taught languages German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Latin, Mandarin
Strengths Languages, STEM, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Located at Burggraben 21 in St. Gallen, Kantonsschule am Burggraben is a large cantonal gymnasium with Untergymnasium and Gymnasium serving around 1,400 students aged 12 to 18. The school offers International Baccalaureate programs alongside cantonal degrees, including a bilingual Matura in English or French available from 2026, and ImmerSion language opportunities. The curriculum follows cantonal frameworks and the Eidgenössischer Rahmenlehrplan, with promotion norms guiding examinations. The campus comprises Altbau and Neubau buildings, a central library with group rooms and a Library of Things, a 300-seat Mensa, a Sternwarte observatory, and on-site instrumental teaching through Kantiheim. Facilities support arts, sciences, and sports, including a Kraft- und Ausdauerraum and Sportanlagen der Kantonsschule. The school emphasizes Begabungsförderung, climate education, UNESCO affiliation, and international exchanges, with a strong focus on personal development alongside rigorous academic pathways. A welcoming community fosters collaboration, curiosity, and responsible global citizenship through diverse student activities and partnerships across campuses worldwide.

Burggraben 21, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland

The Essentials

Kantonsschule am Burggraben St. Gallen has 1,400 pupils, instruction in German, English, French.

Location
The Kantonsschule am Burggraben St.Gallen is located at Burggraben 21, 9000 St.Gallen. It sits in the city center of St.Gallen. The campus comprises multiple on-site locations: Altbau (old building), Neubau (new building), Sportanlagen (sports facilities), Kantiheim (cantonal house), and the library.

Stages
Untergymnasium (lower secondary) and Gymnasium (upper secondary).

Type
Public cantonal gymnasium.

Country affiliation
Switzerland

School day structure
The timetable shows a start of 07:40 for the first period, with classes continuing throughout the day. Some class blocks end around 16:33–17:23, depending on the student's timetable.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
The school has a Mensa (cafeteria) on campus.
Fees
Application fees

- No application or admission fee is charged for entry to the Kantonsschule am Burggraben; admission is handled via the official electronic registration/entry process for the Gymnasium/Untergymnasium.

Tuition / core school fees by year group (amounts in CHF)

- General tuition: there is no regular annual tuition charged to students resident in the Canton of St. Gallen; parents contribute to specific costs listed below.

- Costs that parents are asked to cover (typical ranges and fixed items):
- Personal computer (expected for classroom use): guideline CHF 1,000 (device cost).
- Annual services contribution (Dienstleistungen): CHF 300 (per school year, guideline).
- Copy/printing flat fee: CHF 15–50 per school year (charged as a pauschale).
- Course- or activity-specific costs (examples and ranges):
- BU I sport and related activities: CHF 60 up to ~CHF 500 depending on the offer.
- BU II class week (Klassenwoche): CHF 210 (guideline).
- Obligatory French language stay (2 weeks for relevant foundation subjects): ~CHF 2,000 (school contributes CHF 90 toward this).
- Obligatory English language stay for bilingual classes (4 weeks): ~CHF 3,000.
- Wahlpflicht-/project trips, excursions or camps: CHF 50 up to CHF 600 depending on the activity.
- Schwerpunktfach (advanced focus) related travel or lessons: CHF 150–600 depending on destination and duration.
- Estimated total per pupil varies by selected options; typical overall ranges are shown in the school's summary (examples given there).

- Class / semester charges (class funds / materials) — amounts per semester and by school year (Gymnasium):
- 1st school year: 1st semester CHF 700 (books, school material, excursions etc.; includes CHF 30 orientation event), 2nd semester CHF 350.
- 2nd school year: 3rd semester CHF 300 (books, material, excursions etc.).
- 3rd school year: 4th semester CHF 250 (books, material, excursions etc.); 5th semester CHF 250; 6th semester CHF 200 (books, material, excursions etc.).
- 4th school year: 7th semester CHF 200 (books, material, excursions etc.), 8th semester CHF 150 (books, material, Matura photos, Maturatag etc.; additional Matura-related costs up to ~CHF 300 possible).
- For the Untergymnasium (two-year course) typical semester figures are lower; example items and recommended semester contributions are given in the Untergymnasium overview. Annual service and copy charges are billed separately.

- Instrumental / private-lesson fees (school music programme):
- Freifach instrumental or solo singing lessons: semester fee CHF 725. Enrollment commits to the lesson for the full school year. If more than one member of the same family takes lessons, a reduction to CHF 520 per semester (from the second child) may be granted on written request to the Rectorate (deadline stated in the school notice). Lessons within the Musik Schwerpunktfach are free of charge.

- International Baccalaureate (IB) programme additional fees:
- IB-specific additional costs: approximately CHF 200 in the 3rd and 4th school years (per year) plus IB examination fees around CHF 800.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- How fees are invoiced:
- The school issues invoices for the annual services contribution and the copy/printing pauschale (these are billed annually). Instrumental tuition is charged as a semester fee. Class/semester amounts (class funds for books, materials, excursions) are collected per semester as shown above. Special programme costs (language stays, project weeks, excursions, private external providers) are invoiced according to the provider's timetable and terms.

- Payment timing and deadlines:
- The school's documents indicate that service and copy charges are billed annually and that instrumental lessons are billed per semester; payment deadlines and exact due dates are specified on the individual invoices or on programme/provider documents (for language-stay providers the invoice and final payment deadlines are specified in the provider's terms). Example: external language-stay invoices often require final payment several weeks before departure.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- The school operates a building referred to as the Kantiheim which is used by the school for activities and rooms; the Kantiheim has been subject to renovation and is not described as a publicly advertised permanent boarding-for-fee programme in current materials. No public, fixed boarding/boarding-fee schedule is published with the school's fee documents.

Other costs or fees

- Examples of other costs parents should expect to cover (guideline amounts in CHF):
- School-related travel and language-stay costs: CHF 2,000–3,000 depending on destination and provider.
- Project weeks, camps, excursions and Wahlpflichtangebote: CHF 50–600 depending on the program.
- Course-specific charges (e.g., special courses, exam fees for certain projects/practica): examples shown (e.g., project/practical fees around CHF 300).
- Nothelferkurs/optional extracurricular course example: CHF 100 (student-organised SO events).

Refund information

- General school-level refunds: no general, school-wide refund policy for the routine parent contributions is published in the financial summary documents; specific refund or cancellation rules are set by the provider for externally organised activities (language stays, third-party offers).
- Instrumental lessons: enrollment obliges pupils for the full school year; the semester fee applies and the written statement indicates commitment for the full school year.
- Language-stay and external provider refunds: cancellation and annulation fees are governed by the language-stay provider's conditions (examples given in provider documents show specific cancellation penalties and payment schedules).

Fee payment options

- Invoicing practice: the school issues invoices for the listed charges (annual services, copy pauschale, semester instrument fees, class/semester contributions). The invoices specify the exact payment terms and methods; for externally organised language stays and providers the payment methods commonly include bank transfer and may permit payment in the programme's currency as stated on those invoices.

Notes for budgeting

- Total parental contribution varies strongly with chosen optional offers (instrumental lessons, language stays, project weeks, Schwerpunktreisen). The school's financial summary provides semester figures for class funds and ranges for the common optional items to assist family budgeting.
Academics

Kantonsschule am Burggraben St. Gallen teaches IB (DP) for students aged 12 to 18.

Curriculum
Cantonal curricula and promotion regulations guide the school's programs. The Gymnasium and Untergymnasium follow official Stundentafeln: Stundentafel L, W, S, I, M; Stundentafel N, P; Schwerpunkt N with IB and Schwerpunkt P with IB (valid until August 2025). The school publishes Lehrpläne for Instrumentalunterricht and Lehrplan Ergänzungsfächer. The cantonal framework curriculum (Eidgenössischer Rahmenlehrplan) applies alongside local regulations. The Matura pathway is supported by Maturaprüfung at the end of the fourth year, Vormaturaprüfungen, Maturaarbeit, and, for IB pathways, Extended Essay; promotion norms govern examinations.

Higher Education Progression
The Matura provides general university entrance eligibility and advanced maturity, enabling study at universities and higher education institutions in Switzerland and abroad. The Gymnasium is the direct path to this qualification. Matura signifies more than study readiness; it denotes personal maturity. Vormaturaprüfungen and Maturaarbeit are part of the process, and the IB pathway includes an Extended Essay; promotion norms guide the examinations.

Gifted and Talented
Gifted education is central to the school's mission. The school runs Untergymnasium and Gymnasium with a broad, attractive educational offering and is a Talent School. A school for talents. About 1,400 talented students attend with the aim of obtaining the Matura and pursuing higher education.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school educates gifted and motivated young people toward university entrance. Gifted education is central to its educational mission. It seeks a balance between knowledge transmission and personal development, and it fosters a culture of openness that motivates rigorous teaching and learning, collaboration, and student participation in shaping the school.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides a school psychological service offering assessments and diagnostics in exceptional cases.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is offered as a subject, and the school provides language experiences such as exchange programs and language stays.

Mental Wellbeing
The school offers a school psychological service that provides assessments and diagnostics in exceptional cases, and a health service to support student well-being.

Safeguarding
The school provides safeguarding support through the school psychological service and health services.
Parent Experience

History
The Kantonsschule am Burggraben St.Gallen is one of the oldest and largest gymnasia in Switzerland. It runs an Untergymnasium and a Gymnasium with a broad, attractive educational offering. Begabungsförderung stands at the center of its educational mission. It aims for a balance between knowledge transfer and personal development and fosters a culture of openness that motivates rigorous teaching and learning, collaboration, and participation in school life.

Community
The school is a large city-center institution with Untergymnasium and Gymnasium and maintains contact with schools in Switzerland and around the world. It is open to the world with exchange programs and language stays. There is an on-site Sternwarte (astronomy observatory) as part of student life. The school offers International Baccalaureate (IB), Klimaschule, and UNESCO initiatives.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Elternabende, Elternbesuchstage (Unterrichtsbesuch) and Elternsprechtage (conversations with teachers) help maintain a strong link between school and home throughout the year. The school outlines the financial participation of parents for teaching materials, school supplies, and excursions and special weeks. Admissions and orientation events for parents and students are provided to help families understand the paths for Untergymnasium and Gymnasium. Information about language stays and other parent resources is available for families. The Untergymnasium finances page provides details on parental involvement and costs for teaching materials and excursions.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school operates on a two-building campus: the Altbau houses rooms A–E and the Neubau houses rooms F–H, with established sports facilities (S) and the Kantiheim for instrumental teaching, plus a central library. The Mensa seats 300 and offers daily freshly prepared menus and a salad buffet. The on-site Library provides broad resources and services, including group rooms I30 and I34 for collaborative work. The library also offers a Library of Things to borrow non-book items. The Sternwarte observatory is part of the school, hosting public observation evenings and a planet-walking path nearby. About 1,400 talented students attend, and the school offers International Baccalaureate (IB), Klimaschule, and UNESCO affiliations.

Sports Facilities
Sports facilities include a Kraft- und Ausdauerraum (fitness room) available for voluntary extra training during the semester. Sportanlagen der Kantonsschule provide spaces for classes and for individual training. The school hosts athletic events such as the KSBG Championships and Sporttage, among other sports activities.

Academic Facilities
The school offers International Baccalaureate (IB) and is active as a Klimaschule and UNESCO school. The Bibliothek der Kantonsschule am Burggraben provides research support and access to group rooms I30 and I34, which are equipped for flexible classwork. Printing, laminating, and book scanning services are available at the library, and there is a clear library concept with resources like Neuerwerbungen and a Wunschzettel for acquisitions. The Bibliothek der Dinge extends lending to items across sports, leisure, music, games, and technical gear. A wide range of subjects is taught, including Bildende Kunst, Biologie, Chemie, Informatik, Englisch, Französisch, Geographie, Geschichte, Mathematik, Sport, Wirtschaft und Recht, and more.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Student activities include the SO – Die Schüler:innenorganisation, Ultimatum – the student newspaper, and the Klimarat. The Sternwarte hosts public observing evenings and astronomy events, and the school regularly features Events und Ausflüge in its galleries. The Lernwerkstatt (learning workshop) events are organized through the library system and are available to students each year.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
We lead gifted and motivated students to university entrance. A bilingual Matura in English or French can be earned. In English, bilingual classes exist, and some subjects are taught in English. From 2026, the bilingual Matura can be combined with the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Arts & Creative
Visual Arts is offered as a subject. School Music is part of the curriculum. Instrumental music instruction is available. Music events are organized throughout the school year.

Cultural & Language
International Baccalaureate (IB) is part of the school's offerings. The school is designated as a Klimaschule and UNESCO partner. A bilingual Matura in English or French is available, with ImmerSion opportunities for French and English instruction. Language stays and exchange experiences, including ImmerSion, are provided.

Social & Hobbies
Ultimatum, the student newspaper, is published. Galleries and impressions of school life, along with events and excursions, are part of student life. Freifächer in Economics and Law are offered as electives. The school life includes a range of events and excursions.

Community & Service
UNESCO affiliation is part of the school profile. ImmerSion and international exchanges are offered. The school hosts events and excursions as part of its community life. Climate education and global learning are emphasized as part of the school's profile.

Leadership & Professional
The Matura Navigator helps students orient themselves among different Matura paths. Freifächer in Economics and Law build professional skills. The IB and bilingual Matura provide opportunities to develop advanced academic and professional competencies. The school offers programs to prepare for higher education and professional pathways.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Mensa provides on‑campus meals. A Gesundheitsdienst (health service) is available on campus. Sport is included in the timetable. The Klimaschule designation reflects the school's commitment to a sustainable and wellbeing‑oriented campus.
Languages

Language Provision
German, English, French, Italian, Latin, Spanish and Chinese are taught as languages. A bilingual Matura is available in English or French. The IB Diploma Programme is offered with one class per year group; its subjects include German HL, English HL, French SL, History SL (in English), Mathematics SL (in English) and Biology HL (in English). The four-week English-language language stay is required in the second year for the IB.

Bilingual Teaching
The school offers bilingual Matura in English or French. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) is offered, with one class per year group and English-language components in several DP subjects (e.g., English HL; History SL, Mathematics SL and Biology HL are conducted in English).

Immersion Programs
Sprachaufenthalte (language stays) and Austauschprogramme (exchange programs) are available. In the IB Diploma Programme, the second school year ends with a compulsory four-week language stay in an English-speaking area.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Requirements: Entry to the Untergymnasium requires an entrance examination and a one‑semester probation. The entrance examination content corresponds to the cantonal middle‑school curriculum in German and Mathematics. Because this program is a voluntary offering in talent promotion, students from outside the Canton of St.Gallen are not admitted. 2. Information events: An orientation for parents and students to clarify prerequisites for attending the Untergymnasium is held on Monday, November 16, 2026 at 19:30 in Aula Neubau, and on Tuesday, January 5, 2027 at 19:30 in Aula Neubau. 3. Admission examination: Entry to the Untergymnasium involves an entrance examination and a one‑semester probation. The examination tests the material of the middle school in German and Mathematics. It is prepared entirely by the paritarian Aufnahmeprüfungskommission, composed of Cantonal School and primary school teachers of the middle school. The examination takes place in March at the Cantonal School. 4. Examination dates: The German exam is scheduled for Wednesday, March 10, 2027 and Thursday, March 11, 2027. It includes an 80‑minute language test (reading comprehension), a 45‑minute listening/viewing test, and a 60‑minute writing task (320–420 words). The Mathematics exam consists of a 30‑minute session without notes and an 80‑minute session with notes; required materials are a ruler, a protractor, and a compass; calculators are not allowed. Competencies cover three areas (Numbers and Variables; Form and Space; Quantities, Functions, Data and Chance) and three performance aspects (Operating and Naming; Exploring and Arguing; Mathematising and Representing), and topics tested include percentages, equations, symmetry, probability, and volume calculations; use of electronic aids is not relevant. 5. Anmeldung zur Prüfung: Registration for the examination is carried out by guardians through an electronic registration portal (Anmeldeportal) at zentrale.nesa-sg.ch. The registration portal opens on November 24, 2026 and the deadline for registration is February 9, 2027.
School Events
The school has not added events
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