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Terra Nova Bilingual School

Switzerland, Zug

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German, English
Fees CHF 22,110 - 29,040
Ages 3 - 12 years
Pupil numbers 150
Type Co-educational
Opened 1996
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Swiss Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary)
Taught languages French
Typical class size 16
Strengths Languages, Outdoor Education, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School
Introduction

Terra Nova Bilingual School in Küsnacht near Zürich offers a bilingual German–English education for ages 3 to 12, based on the Swiss curriculum with English taught through Cambridge Primary. In primary years, instruction in language, mathematics, science and social studies is delivered in parallel in German and English by native speakers, with French introduced from Year 5. Pre-Kindergarten (age 3) is bilingual with a 1:6 ratio; Kindergarten (age 4) is a two-year program split 50/50 between High German and English. After Year 6, the school joins Academia Group Switzerland and provides a pathway to higher education through Academia International School Basel, Winterthur and Zurich, including a Pre-IGCSE for Years 7–8, followed by IGCSE and International A Levels. The campus serves around 150 students with more than 40 teachers. Highlights include after-school programs, ski camps, cultural and language activities, and a school bus connecting Meilen and Tiefenbrunnen. Lunch is included daily.

Florastrasse 19, 8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland

The Essentials

Terra Nova Bilingual School has 150 pupils, typical class sizes of 16, instruction in German, English.

Location
Terra Nova Bilingual School is located at Florastrasse 19, 8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.

Stages
Pre-Kindergarten; Kindergarten; Primary school

Type
Bilingual school

Additional learning support
Individual and differentiated instruction to cater to all learners.

Country affiliation
Switzerland
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Lunches are included on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; Wednesday lunch is available at an additional cost.

Governance and Ownership
Part of Academia Group (Academia Schools GmbH).
Fees

Annual tuition at Terra Nova Bilingual School ranges from CHF 22,110 to CHF 29,040 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Registration (one-time): CHF 500.

Tuition fees by programme and billing option

School fees are shown below as annual, per-semester, per-quarter and a 12-month instalment amount (the 12-month instalment price includes an administrative surcharge of 3%). All amounts are in Swiss francs (CHF). School fees are invoiced in advance; if a student enters during the school year, fees are charged pro rata. All teaching materials, supervision from 08:00 until lessons start and over lunch are included in the school fees; costs for after-school care, holiday camps, exam preparation, excursions and school camps are charged separately. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday lunches are included; Wednesday lunch is available at additional cost.

- Pre‑Kindergarten — 5 mornings and 4 afternoons (Wednesday afternoon off):
- Annual: CHF 29,040
- Per semester: CHF 14,520
- Per quarter: CHF 7,260
- 12 monthly instalments: CHF 2,495.

- Pre‑Kindergarten — 5 mornings and 3 afternoons (Wednesday and Friday afternoon off):
- Annual: CHF 27,420
- Per semester: CHF 13,710
- Per quarter: CHF 6,855
- 12 monthly instalments: CHF 2,285.

- Pre‑Kindergarten — 4 mornings and 3 afternoons (Wednesday afternoon and Friday off):
- Annual: CHF 24,900
- Per semester: CHF 12,450
- Per quarter: CHF 6,225
- 12 monthly instalments: CHF 2,140.

- Pre‑Kindergarten — 3 mornings and 3 afternoons (Wednesday and Friday off):
- Annual: CHF 22,100
- Per semester: CHF 11,060
- Per quarter: CHF 5,530
- 12 monthly instalments: CHF 1,900.

- Kindergarten 1 & 2 — 5 mornings and 3 afternoons (Wednesday and Friday afternoon off):
- Annual: CHF 27,420
- Per semester: CHF 13,710
- Per quarter: CHF 6,855
- 12 monthly instalments: CHF 2,355.

- Kindergarten 1 & 2 — 4.5 days (Wednesday afternoon off):
- Annual: CHF 29,040
- Per semester: CHF 14,520
- Per quarter: CHF 7,260
- 12 monthly instalments: CHF 2,495.

- Primary (Grades 1 to 6):
- Annual: CHF 29,040
- Per semester: CHF 14,520
- Per quarter: CHF 7,260
- 12 monthly instalments: CHF 2,495.

Additional regular charges and discounts

- Refundable deposit (due on contract): CHF 2,500. The deposit is refundable after the student leaves the school provided notice of termination was submitted within the prescribed notice period (not during the probationary period) and all tuition fees and additional charges have been settled in full; otherwise the deposit may be forfeited.

- School bus (between Meilen and Tiefenbrunnen) — cost per semester for an individual trip: CHF 210. Departure times and locations are communicated before the semester begins.

- Sibling discount: 10% discount on the youngest child's school fees for self‑funding families with more than one child enrolled at the same time.

- Items charged separately (not included in tuition): after‑school care or courses, holiday camps, exam preparation, excursions, school camps, certain lunches (Wednesday), excursions/trips and certificates. Teaching materials are included in the tuition.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- School fees are invoiced in advance. Options shown in the price list include annual payment, per‑semester payment, per‑quarter payment and payment by 12 monthly instalments (the monthly instalment option includes an administrative surcharge of 3%). The time allowed for payment is 30 days unless otherwise specified on an invoice.

- The registration fee and deposit are due within five days after conclusion of the school contract when stated in the price list. Changes to payment arrangements (for example changing from semester payment to monthly payment) are only possible at the beginning of a new semester and must be notified at least six weeks before the semester begins.

- Consequences of late or non‑payment: the school may exclude a student from the programme if instalments are not paid by the agreed deadlines; continued non‑payment after reminders may result in contract withdrawal and the school charging an administrative fee and a cancellation fee of three months' school fees. Interest on outstanding amounts is charged at an annual rate of 3% and collection costs are chargeable to the payer.

Refund and cancellation terms

- If an entire course of study is cancelled by the school, fees already paid shall be refunded; reimbursement of further costs is excluded. Refund or forfeiture of the deposit depends on timely and correct notice of termination and full settlement of fees and charges. If a student does not attend despite a signed contract, an administrative fee and a cancellation fee of three months' school fees may be charged. There is a probationary period during which either party may withdraw; specific financial consequences for withdrawal are set out in the school contract and general terms. Missed lessons do not entitle the payer to a reimbursement of fees.

Boarding

- No boarding fees are listed. The school operates as a day school; boarding is not offered.

Fee payment options (invoicing and instalments)

- The published fee documents show that fees may be paid as a single advance payment or by instalments (monthly instalment option shown with a 3% administrative surcharge). The published general terms set standard payment deadlines (30 days) and allow payment in advance or by instalments subject to administrative fees. Specific payment methods (for example bank transfer, credit card, third‑party payment platforms) are not listed in the public price list or general terms; the invoice or school contract provides the applicable payment instructions and options for each payer.
Academics

Terra Nova Bilingual School teaches Swiss Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary) for students aged 3 to 12.

Curriculum
Terra Nova Bilingual School provides a bilingual German–English program based on the Swiss curriculum from pre-kindergarten through Year 6, with English instruction based on the Cambridge International Curriculum. Primary (Year 1–6) instruction in language, mathematics, science and social studies is delivered in parallel in German and English by native speakers, with French introduced from Year 5. Pre-Kindergarten is bilingual from age 3, with a 1:6 supervision ratio and a focus on bilingual vocabulary and early numeracy. Kindergarten is a two-year bilingual program for children from age 4, with instruction split 50/50 between High German and English by native speakers, emphasizing early literacy, numeracy and social development. After Year 6, Terra Nova is part of Academia and offers higher-education pathways through Academia International School Basel, Winterthur and Zurich: a Pre-IGCSE program for Years 7–8 in bilingual format, followed by IGCSE and International A Levels to prepare for university studies in Switzerland and abroad. English instruction is based on the Cambridge curriculum, and the program is designed to support students in developing strong language and learning skills.

Student Teacher Ratio
Small classes; supervision ratio 1:6 in Pre-Kindergarten.

Higher Education Progression
Academia International School Basel, Winterthur and Zurich prepares Year 7 students for IGCSE and International A Levels. A Pre-IGCSE program (Years 7–8) is offered in bilingual format, followed by IGCSE and A Levels to support university studies in Switzerland and abroad.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a team of more than 40 teachers and around 150 students aged 3–12. It supports each child individually, welcomes diversity, and aims to nurture intelligence, creativity and personality. It fosters independence, empathy and healthy self-esteem, and provides a lively community with a broad range of extracurricular activities and after‑school care.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides individual support for each child.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
From pre‑kindergarten through Year 6 the school delivers a bilingual German/English education, with English taught by native speakers and English instruction based on the Cambridge international curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
The school aims to help students mature into strong personalities, recognise talents and overcome barriers, and to develop self-esteem and resilience, while fostering social responsibility and a lifelong love of learning.
Parent Experience

History
Terra Nova Bilingual School was founded in 1996 in Küsnacht, near Zürich. It provides a bilingual German/English education from pre-kindergarten through the end of primary school, based on the Swiss curriculum with English taught via the Cambridge international curriculum. Lessons are taught in High German and English. Terra Nova joined Academia Group Switzerland in 2017 and has been rooted in the Swiss educational landscape for over 25 years.

Community
The community is lively, welcoming and supportive. The school values close relationships and tailors support to meet each child's unique needs. It is a day school with a homework club and a varied programme of extracurricular activities, including after-school clubs.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is located in the heart of Küsnacht in a modern building described as an attractive and open educational and cultural hub. It serves around 150 students aged 3 to 12 with a team of more than 40 teachers. It provides bilingual education in High German and English, with English instruction based on the Cambridge curriculum. Lunch is included in the school fees and meals are catered by Meals for Kids. Homework supervision is provided and there is a diverse after-school programme and holiday activities.

Extra Curricular Facilities
An after-school program provides homework supervision and a diverse range of activities after classes, including after-school clubs and holiday programs. A Terra Nova school bus operates between Meilen and Tiefenbrunnen to transport students. Camps and excursions are part of the program, including a ski camp in Splügen for students in years 4–6. The extracurricular offering extends beyond the regular day to support students' interests. Terra Nova fosters an open, engaging environment outside teaching hours.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
We provide supervised homework support for Year 1 onwards. After-school clubs are led by experienced instructors and offer a broad range of activities. These programs enable pupils to pursue special interests, develop talents, and have fun after the regular timetable. During at least six weeks of the school holidays each year, we offer a range of exciting holiday courses across autumn, winter, spring, and summer breaks.

Cultural & Language
The Parents' Association organizes special events regularly, including regional customs such as the Räbeliechtli parade and Advent or Halloween celebrations to promote cultural understanding. Literature Week is among the events that celebrate culture. From time to time interclass project weeks are run around a specific theme.

Social & Hobbies
Every afternoon Terra Nova offers a range of after-school clubs led by experienced instructors. The clubs are designed to be fun and to help students build friendships while developing social and practical skills.

Community & Service
Camps and excursions include a ski camp in Splügen for years 4–6, which combines skiing with camp life and runs during the winter season. Several day trips or longer excursions take place during the year to connect classroom learning with real-world contexts. Regular events are organized in collaboration with the Parents' Association to promote community and cultural understanding.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Lunch is included in the school fees and meals are catered by Meals for Kids, with a varied, healthy menu. The Terra Nova school bus operates between Meilen and Tiefenbrunnen, with departure times provided before the semester. Sports are active through the Terra Nova Tigers, which participate in matches and promote team spirit and fair play. During the school holidays, a range of holiday courses is offered across autumn, winter, spring, and summer.
Languages

Language Provision
German (High German) and English are the languages of instruction. The English program uses the Cambridge International Curriculum in the secondary years. From pre-kindergarten to end of primary school (Year 6), the school operates a bilingual German/English program. The Pre-IGCSE years (Year 7 and 8) employ a unique bilingual concept.

Bilingual Teaching
Lessons are taught in High German and English. Kindergarten is taught in German and English. Pre-Kindergarten is bilingual.

Immersion Programs
A bilingual German/English education is offered from pre-kindergarten to the end of primary school (Year 6). A unique bilingual concept is used for the Pre-IGCSE years (Year 7 and 8). English instruction in the later years follows the Cambridge international curriculum.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Visit and guided tour. We welcome you and your family for a visit and a guided tour of Terra Nova Bilingual School. If it meets your expectations, your child is welcome to spend a week getting to know us, our teaching staff, the other students and our daily routine. This initial contact helps families understand life at the school. Language of instruction is High German and English. 2. Initial consultation. An initial consultation is conducted to get to know the student and the family, and to discuss the student's needs, interests and background. This meeting helps assess fit for Terra Nova. 3. Trial week (Grades 1+). For students applying to Grades 1 or higher, a few non-binding trial days are arranged to get to know Terra Nova. The trial period lets both sides assess fit before enrollment. 4. Progress reports. We request the last two progress reports from the current or previous school to inform the admissions consideration. These reports help us understand the student's prior progress and needs. 5. Decision. The principal, together with feedback from teachers, the family and the child, decides whether Terra Nova is the right choice for the student. The decision reflects a holistic view of the student's readiness and fit with Terra Nova. 6. Next steps. Arrange an appointment with us to discuss enrollment. Fees and the price list are available for review, and contact us to arrange an initial consultation meeting.
School Events
The school has not added events
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