Freies Gymnasium Zürich

Founded in 1888, the school balances tradition with innovation, viewing education as a responsibility for shaping the future. It aims to foster a strong community that provides space for personality development and encourages students to think critically about the world. The school emphasizes the tension between knowledge and religion, and reason and revelation, encouraging students to engage with these challenges.

The school offers a variety of educational paths, including preparatory classes (grades 5 and 6), the Progymnasium, and the lower and upper schools of the Gymnasium. It provides both monolingual and bilingual (English/German) education programmes, with the latter allowing students to pursue a bilingual path from primary school through to the Matura. The curriculum includes core and supplementary subjects, with specific study profiles such as Economics and Law. Digital skills are integrated into the upper school curriculum through the use of tablets and digital media.

The school prepares students for the Swiss Matura, with programmes that are state-recognized. The "Zukunftsklasse" provides motivated students in their final two years with practical research experience to build bridges to tertiary education and the professional world. Alumni maintain a strong connection to the school through the Alumni Association and events like the Homecoming Day.

The school offers homework support and provides guidance and individual support to students, particularly in the preparatory classes where teachers offer project-based assistance. The school also maintains a focus on student well-being and development, with structures in place for advice and support. Lessons are structured into 80-minute blocks to allow for individualization and to accommodate different learning requirements.

The school provides information about its educational paths through information events and open mornings, which offer insights into typical lessons. Prospective families can contact the school administration for personal consultations regarding the admission process. The school offers various entry points, including preparatory classes and different levels of the Gymnasium.

The school operates on a semester system, with the academic year typically beginning in late summer. Tuition fees are payable in four installments throughout the year, with specific deadlines in August, November, February, and May. The school also hosts special events, such as open mornings and project weeks.

Located in the Seefeld district of Zurich, the campus includes a library that serves as a space for study, presentation, and encounter. The school is equipped with computer rooms and has implemented a "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) concept in the upper school, supported by "Genius Bars" for teacher training. The facilities also feature a canteen for school lunches and specialized classrooms for various subjects.

Students participate in a wide range of activities, including the student organisation (SO), which features a parliament and board to advocate for student issues. The «Theaterwerkstatt Freigymi» drama society produces annual performances, and students engage in project mornings, research projects within the "Zukunftsklasse," and international student exchanges, such as the programme with Sydney Grammar School. Additionally, the school hosts events like the "FGZ Homecoming Day" and traditional celebrations like the "Trübelitag."