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Obersee Bilingual School

Switzerland, Zug

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German, English
Fees CHF 16,590 - 37,590
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 450
Type Co-educational
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Swiss Curriculum, IB (DP), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages German, English, French, Latin, Spanish, Mandarin
Typical class size 15
Strengths STEM, Languages, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Obersee Bilingual School (OBS) is a Swiss international school serving German- and English-speaking families. From Kindergarten to Grade 6, instruction alternates weekly between German and English, while from Grade 7 subjects are taught in a single language per year, with Mathematics alternating by semester. From Year 10 onward, the language of instruction follows the chosen school-leaving qualification, with the IB Diploma and Federal Matura offered. OBS uses the Swiss Curriculum alongside the IB Diploma Programme, IMYC, and a bespoke curriculum designed for a bilingual student body, ages 0 to 18. The campus, located near Lake Zurich, combines accessibility with natural surroundings to support experiential learning. Facilities include technology-enabled classrooms, science and arts labs, and outdoor spaces, complemented by sports facilities. The school offers 30+ leisure clubs, plus Future Skills programs like OBS Media Academy, OBS Space Agency, and OBS Ocean & Life Explorers, and a range of language and cultural activities.

Sihleggstrasse 9, 8832 Wollerau, Switzerland

The Essentials

Obersee Bilingual School has 450 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in German, English.

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
OBS offers Babycare, Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, and Upper 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
One third Swiss families, one third families with a Swiss parent, and one third families from 41 nations.

Additional learning support
OBS+ Learning Support provides support across the curriculum.

Country affiliation
Switzerland

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
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.
Diving Deeper

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.

Governance and Ownership
The school is an independent German and English school. It is part of the Cognita group.
Fees

Annual tuition at Obersee Bilingual School ranges from CHF 16,590 to CHF 37,590 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

Obersee Bilingual School teaches Swiss Curriculum, IB (DP), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
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
Approximately 7.2 students per teacher (456 students / 63 teachers).

Exam Results
IB Diploma Program with 48 students; 6 successful Matura graduates; 3 successful IB Diploma years.

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
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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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)
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 (EAL)
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
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
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.
Parent Experience

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 (PTA)
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.
Facilities

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 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
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
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.
Extra-Curricular Activities

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
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
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
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.

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.
Languages

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
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
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.
Admissions

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.

Waitlist
If capacity is reached, a waiting list is used. Families are notified when a space becomes available.
School Events
The school has not added events
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