Lakeside School Küsnacht

The school is a non-profit foundation where all proceeds are reinvested into the school to benefit the students. Its educational approach is based on full immersion in German and English (50:50), aiming to foster social, emotional, and academic development. The school values a familiar, welcoming atmosphere where students are encouraged to develop core competencies: subject knowledge, methodology, social skills, and self-competence.

The academic programme spans from Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten to primary school (Grades 1-6) and extends to bilingual upper school options. The bilingual concept utilizes a 50:50 immersion model where classes rotate languages weekly, taught by native-speaking teachers in both German and English. The curriculum integrates the local Lehrplan 21 with international standards to ensure a seamless transition to other educational systems.

As a performance-oriented school, approximately 60% of students transition to a gymnasium (compared to 20% in the public system). The curriculum is designed to prepare students for both national and international educational paths, including the bilingual Swiss Matura. The school is state-recognized and follows the local Lehrplan 21, while also incorporating elements from Anglo-Saxon curricula.

The school provides dedicated support for students, including specialized rooms for individual and small-group learning assistance. The staff includes coordinators for the support area and German as a Second Language (DaZ). The school emphasizes a familiar environment with small class sizes (averaging 12-15 students) to ensure individual attention.

The school follows a structured admissions process, with details available upon request. Financial support is available for families in need, including options for installment payments, deferrals, or tuition reductions/waivers based on an application process. Prospective families are encouraged to contact the school office for specific registration procedures and fee structures.

The school operates on a schedule that includes four weeks of holiday care per year, typically during the autumn, sports, spring, and summer breaks. Each holiday week features a specific theme and includes related excursions. The school provides detailed holiday calendars for both the Horgen and Küsnacht campuses for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years.

The school operates two modern campuses in Horgen and Küsnacht. The Horgen campus features a dedicated kindergarten building with a large garden, and a primary school building equipped with specialized rooms including a music room, a theater with a stage, a handcraft room with workbenches, and a private library. The Horgen site also includes its own gymnasium and a partially covered playground.

A wide range of after-school clubs and leisure activities are available to suit diverse interests, including sports (such as Kung Fu and gymnastics), coding, and drama. These activities are organized by external third parties and take place immediately following the end of the school day. Additionally, the school offers before- and after-school care (Day Care) in a supportive, familiar environment.