doris
Currency
S

Swiss Boarding Schools Disentis & Zurich - City Campus

Switzerland, Zug

Save school

· Reviewed by · Chief Marketing Officer

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CHF 82,000
Ages 14 - 18 years
Type Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2022
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Taught languages German, English
Strengths Sport, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Swiss Boarding Schools Disentis & Zurich – City Campus is a boarding school in Winterthur/Zurich offering Cambridge IGCSE in Years 9–10 and International A Levels in Years 11–12. The school serves students aged 14 to 18. English is the language of instruction, with language classes taught by native speakers. Students study three to four subjects in depth, with a core set including English, German, Mathematics, Biology, History and Geography, and electives such as Sports, Art & Design and Life Skills. Lessons are in small classes, and a Head of Academics creates tailor‑made learning plans while each student has a personal learning coach. A Careers Advisor supports subject choices and university applications, guiding pathways toward higher education worldwide. City Campus sits in Winterthur/Zurich, hosting the Sport, Dance & Music Academy. Boarding offers en‑suite rooms, separate living areas for boys and girls, staff and meals, with summer camps in Disentis and Winterthur.

Via Sogn Sigisbert 1, 7180 Disentis/Mustér, Switzerland

The Essentials

Swiss Boarding Schools Disentis & Zurich - City Campus has instruction in English.

Location

The City Campus is located in Winterthur, Switzerland, at Grüzefeldstrasse 34, 8400 Winterthur. It is about 20 minutes from Zurich Airport and just under 30 minutes from Zurich city centre.

Stages

The school offers International A Levels (upper secondary).

Type

Boarding school.

Country affiliation

Switzerland

School day structure

A typical day starts at 7:15 with breakfast. 8:00–12:00 classes; 12:00–13:00 lunch; 13:00–14:35 classes; 14:35–14:50 afternoon snack; 15:00–16:00 classes; 16:00–17:00 supervised study time; 17:00–18:30 extracurricular activities; 18:30 dinner; 19:30–22:00 supervised study time/leisure (late snack); lights out around 22:00.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

En-suite single rooms with their own shower and toilet; individual rooms have connecting doors. Boys and girls are accommodated separately, with a staff member on-site at all times. The City Campus boarding is open 44 weeks per year, closed for six weeks in summer and two weeks over Christmas.

Food Options

All meals are freshly prepared daily; learners have a healthy and balanced diet.

Governance and Ownership

Partnership with Academia Group and the Swiss Academy Zurich; City Campus located on the WIN4 site in Winterthur.
Fees

Annual tuition at Swiss Boarding Schools Disentis & Zurich - City Campus ranges from CHF 82,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Administration Fee (one-time, non-refundable): CHF 900.

Tuition and boarding fees (City Campus — applicable rates)

- School and boarding fee per year (annual, boarding included): CHF 82,000.
- School and boarding fee per semester: CHF 41,000.

(These amounts are the stated full School and Boarding Fee; the standard billing splits below apply for new and continuing students.)

Billing schedule and payment terms

- New students — two payment options:
- Single payment: Administration Fee, Boarding Deposit and the full School and Boarding Fee payable within 20 working days of receipt of the dual-signed School Agreement (single-payment discount applies).
- Two-payment option: Administration Fee, Boarding Deposit and a Semester Deposit (see below) payable within 20 working days of receipt of the dual-signed School Agreement; the outstanding semester payment is payable by the end of October of the academic school year.
- Continuing students — two payment options:
- Single payment: Full School and Boarding Fee payable by March 31 of the current academic year (single-payment discount applies).
- Two-payment option: Semester Deposit payable by March 31 of the current academic year; outstanding second-semester payment payable by the end of October of the upcoming academic year.
- Semester Deposit for registration: equal to 50% of the total yearly School and Boarding Fee; the registration is only confirmed on receipt of the Semester Deposit.
- Payment deadlines and consequences: late or missing payments may lead to exclusion from the programme, withholding of certificates/diplomas, interest charges on outstanding amounts (annual rate stated at 5%) and debt-collection procedures; cash payments are not accepted.

Discounts and special conditions

- One-time payment discount: 2% discount on the yearly School and Boarding Fee when the Administration Fee, Boarding Deposit and full yearly fee are paid in a single payment.
- Sibling discount (self-financing families): 5% for the second child; 10% for the third child and above.
- Early Bird discount (conditions apply for year-one entrants): a 10% discount on the yearly School and Boarding Fee for candidates who complete admissions and pay the Administration Fee, Boarding Deposit and Semester Deposit by the stated early-bird deadline.

Boarding fees and deposits

- Boarding is included in the School and Boarding Fee stated above (seven-day boarding with en-suite single rooms, all meals, bedding and laundry, supervised activities as listed in the fee package).
- Boarding Deposit (one-time, refundable): CHF 5,000. The Boarding Deposit is refundable without interest at the end of schooling provided all financial obligations have been met. The Boarding Deposit must be paid at the same time as the Administration Fee and Semester Deposit.

Other costs and optional fees

- Exam fees: approximately CHF 1,800 per year (actual exam fees vary by exam board and subjects and are invoiced at the effective rate).
- Medical insurance: compulsory in Switzerland for non-Swiss-resident students; medical insurance is invoiced separately depending on provider if the school arranges it.
- Private tuition (examples): private lesson (60 min) CHF 120; semi-private (2 students) CHF 68 per hour; small group (3–5 students) CHF 50 per hour. Private music and sports lessons priced depending on provider.
- Pocket money recommendation: CHF 50 per week.
- Not included in the School and Boarding Fee (to be organised and paid by the student/family): clothing (no school uniform), personal sport equipment, personal notebook, mobile phone and subscription, private excursions, visa and residence-permit fees, travel to/from Switzerland and other personal costs.

Refunds, cancellations and termination

- Administration Fee: non-refundable.
- Boarding Deposit: refundable (see Boarding Deposit above) provided all financial obligations have been met.
- Cancellation/withdrawal: in the event of withdrawal from the agreement, the school is entitled to a handling fee and a cancellation fee equal to three months' School and Boarding Fees in addition to the fee for tuition already provided. In case of extraordinary termination by the school for serious reasons, the same handling and cancellation fees apply.
- No refunds for missed lessons: absence from lessons does not reduce fee obligations and there is no right to a refund for missed lessons. Exam fees and some optional-activity fees are non-refundable once registration/booking is binding.
- Visa refusal or late arrival due to visa issues: taxes, visas and residence-permit fees are not included in the School and Boarding Fee; in the event of visa refusal or late arrival due to visa issues, no refund or fee reduction is possible.

Fee payment options and invoicing

- Cash payments are not accepted. Invoices include the required payment instructions and parents/guardians should ensure that payments do not originate from sanctioned countries or sanctioned bank accounts. For invoice or payment queries, contact the school's finance department.

Summary of key amounts

- School and boarding fee (annual): CHF 82,000.
- School and boarding fee (per semester): CHF 41,000.
- Administration Fee (one-time, non-refundable): CHF 900.
- Boarding Deposit (one-time, refundable): CHF 5,000.
- Approximate exam fees per year: CHF 1,800.
Academics

Swiss Boarding Schools Disentis & Zurich - City Campus teaches Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE for students aged 14 to 18.

Curriculum

City Campus offers IGCSE (Years 9–10) and International A Levels (Years 11–12). English is the language of instruction, with all language classes taught by native speakers. Students study three to four subjects in depth, with a core set including English, German, Mathematics, Biology, History and Geography, and electives such as Sports, Art & Design and Life Skills. Teaching is delivered in small classes by teachers from around the world, and a Head of Academics creates tailor-made learning plans while each student has a personal learning coach.

Exam Results

Exams are taken in IGCSE and AS/A Level subjects, with up to three examination sittings per year. The highest IGCSE grade is 8/9 and the highest A Level grade is A* & A. Some students have won Pearson Edexcel prizes for top marks in Advanced German, Science, Advanced Maths and English.

Higher Education Progression

University destinations at Switzerland include ETH Zurich, University of St. Gallen, Lausanne Hotel Management, and the Universities of Basel, Bern and Zurich. Worldwide destinations include the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, University of Massachusetts, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Sorbonne Université.

Gifted and Talented

A Head of Academics creates tailor-made learning plans; a personal learning coach supports each student; teaching occurs in small classes and electives such as Sports, Art & Design and Life Skills are offered.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Flexibility and individual support are core at the city campus. Teaching methods encourage learners to reach their full potential. In addition to academic knowledge, personal competencies and learning techniques are taught. Independence is promoted and an environment that enables holistic development is created. Learners study in small classes with experienced teachers and benefit from cutting-edge facilities. The aim is to help learners become well-educated, responsible people who can feel at home anywhere in the world.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The language of instruction is predominantly English. German and English are used for social interactions, and lessons are offered in other languages.

Mental Wellbeing

The well-being and health of the young people entrusted to us are top priorities. A family-like atmosphere is maintained and staff are available around the clock, on-site or by telephone. The boarding school also has a security service. If ill, the medBase health centre is located in the neighbouring building, with a GP nearby and Winterthur Cantonal Hospital only 10 minutes away.

Safeguarding

The safety and safeguarding framework prioritizes the well-being of learners. Staff are available around the clock, on-site or by telephone, and a security service is in place. Medical facilities are nearby, including the medBase health centre in the neighbouring building, a GP in the vicinity, and Winterthur Cantonal Hospital about 10 minutes away.
Parent Experience

History

The school's history traces back to Disentis Abbey, where education for young people began in the 7th century, and the first written mention of a school at the abbey appears in 1285. From 1881 a senior secondary school with boarding in the modern sense was gradually constructed. In 2005 Academia Group founded a language school and expanded boarding facilities, and in 2022 the Swiss Boarding Schools Disentis & Zurich were founded to bring Mountain Campus and City Campus together. In 2025 SBSDZ started the first classes in Disentis and Winterthur/Zurich.

Community

There are extensive sporting options in Winterthur, including ice hockey, ice skating, tennis, athletics, football, and American football, with a gym hall for handball and floorball on site, and local clubs feed athletes to world and European championships. We cooperate with the Winterthur Conservatory to support students with musical ambitions. On weekends, communal activities are organized in Winterthur and the surrounding area, including movie nights, and students can access Zurich's cultural offerings such as museums, theatre performances and city festivals. Holidays include autumn and spring one-day or multi-day excursions, and summer camps are run in Winterthur and Disentis, allowing stays up to 46 weeks per year.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The City Campus is a modern boarding school located in Winterthur/Zurich. It is surrounded by top-class sports facilities just outside the city centre, 20 minutes from Zurich Airport and just under 30 minutes from Zurich's vibrant heart. Winterthur/Zurich offers a wide range of cultural activities, sports facilities, a pedestrianised old town with shops and restaurants, and recreational areas in the surrounding forests and along nearby rivers. The City Campus provides excellent tuition in state-of-the-art facilities. The Sport, Dance & Music Academy is part of the campus, and leisure time in Winterthur includes sports, concerts and exploring Winterthur's old town.

Sports Facilities

The City Campus is surrounded by top-class sports facilities just outside the city centre. It offers sports facilities of all kinds. The Sport, Dance & Music Academy specifically promotes talent. Leisure time in Winterthur includes sports, concerts and the pedestrianised old town. There is always plenty to do in Winterthur/Zurich.

Academic Facilities

The City Campus delivers excellent tuition in state-of-the-art facilities.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Sport, Dance & Music Academy promotes talent. Leisure time in Winterthur includes sports and concerts. Winterthur offers a pedestrianised old town with shops and restaurants, and nearby forests and rivers provide recreation. A typical day includes time for personal interests.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school offers IGCSE (Year 9–10) and International A Levels (Year 11–12). English is the language of instruction, with language classes taught by native speakers. English, German, Mathematics, Biology, History and Geography are available subjects, with additional subjects offered on request. Classes are small and taught by experienced teachers, and graduates have access to higher education opportunities worldwide.

Arts & Creative

The Sport, Dance & Music Academy provides coaching in sport, dance and music within the City Campus environment. It uses state‑of‑the‑art facilities on campus, including dedicated studios for music and dance, and offers tailor‑made programmes with personalised coaching. The academy combines academic study with practical training through regular workshops, training sessions and live performances, supported by mentoring and health and wellbeing resources.

Cultural & Language

Winterthur Conservatory collaboration supports students with musical ambitions. Weekends feature communal activities and access to Zurich's cultural offerings, including museums, theatre performances, concerts and city festivals. Holidays include excursions and summer camps in Winterthur and Disentis, broadening cultural exposure.

Social & Hobbies

A wide range of activities is available beyond classes, including on‑site sports facilities for ice hockey, ice skating, tennis, athletics, football, handball and floorball, plus weekend activities and social events such as movie nights. Weekend and holiday programs provide opportunities to engage in sport, culture and music, as well as city‑region attractions and events.

Leadership & Professional

Leadership and career development are integrated into the programme. The Head of Academics creates tailor‑made learning plans, and each student has a Personal Learning Coach. A Careers Advisor assists with subject choices and university applications, guiding students toward higher education opportunities worldwide.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The City Campus is located in Winterthur at Grüzefeldstrasse 34, 8400 Winterthur, just outside the city centre and about 20 minutes from Zurich Airport. The Winterthur/Zurich location offers access to diverse cultural activities in the city and nearby areas. The boarding facility is in a new WIN4 campus building with en‑suite single rooms, separate boys' and girls' living areas, on‑site staff, common rooms and freshly prepared meals. The boarding house operates 44 weeks a year, closing for six weeks in summer and two weeks over Christmas, with summer camps available in Disentis and Winterthur.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the language of instruction. All language classes are taught by native speakers. German is taught as a subject alongside English, Mathematics, Biology, History and Geography. Students are prepared for IGCSE and International A Levels in small classes within an English-speaking boarding environment.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Contact us for a non-binding consultation by phone, video call, or in person on campus. We admit learners only after an in-person meeting or a successful interview with the Head of School. The consultation helps determine whether Swiss Boarding Schools Disentis & Zurich is the right choice for your child.

2. If you wish to proceed, fill in the application form we send and return it with the required documents. This starts enrollment and shows your child's profile. We will confirm receipt and note any missing items.

3. Placement tests may be necessary depending on subject choice and prior education. On entry, English language level is generally expected to be B1. If B1 is not yet reached, students can begin with a reduced range of subjects while improving language skills and building vocabulary.

4. An in-person or online interview with the Head of School completes the evaluation. The interview provides an opportunity to learn more about the student and confirm alignment with the program. The outcome is a decision about admission.

5. If accepted, we send the Letter of Acceptance and the contract. We provide all documents needed for the visa application. Visa processing can take up to two months, so plan accordingly.

6. Admission usually occurs in August at the start of the school year. If places are available, admission can occur at other times after consultation with school management. Parents should coordinate with the admissions team to ensure timely enrollment.
School Events
The school has not added events