Lipschule

Lip is a Montessori private school that prioritizes personal development, reliable relationships, and self-esteem. It operates on the principle that children are naturally curious and capable of independent learning in a prepared environment. The school values mutual tolerance, an open approach to foreign cultures, and the belief that children are competent beings whose developmental rhythms and decisions should be respected.

The school is structured into four cycles: Cycle 1 (Kindergarten and Lower School, from age 3), Cycle 2 (Primary School, from age 9), Cycle 3 (Secondary School, from age 11), and a Focus Year (10th grade, from age 15). The curriculum is competency-oriented and integrates Montessori principles, covering subjects such as mathematics, languages, science, technology, arts, and sports. Practical, interdisciplinary learning is emphasized, including opportunities for teenagers to assist in the school kitchen and participate in gardening.

The school aims to develop confident, responsible, and joyful individuals who can fully realize their potential. Graduates benefit from a close network of partners, alumni, and parents, which provides additional perspectives and opportunities for entering the professional world. The 10th-grade focus year specifically supports students in future planning and personal development after secondary school.

The school emphasizes reliable, personal relationships between teachers and students to address individual needs. It operates as a Montessori school, focusing on self-directed learning and competence-oriented development within the framework of the Lehrplan 21. The environment is designed to foster independence, concentration, and intrinsic motivation, with adults acting as companions who provide support and guidance.

Prospective families can book a personal tour via the school's website by selecting a preferred cycle, weekday, and time period. The school management conducts these tours to provide insight into the learning environment, including the studios, learning niches, and school garden. Admission processes involve personal conversations and trial days to determine if the school is a suitable fit for the child.

The main campus in Zurich Wollishofen features open, bright learning spaces for each cycle, equipped with individual workstations and learning niches rather than traditional classrooms. The site includes a wood workshop, a design room, a spacious outdoor area with a playground, and access to adjacent beach volleyball courts. A separate location at Seestrasse 367 serves the 10th-grade focus year, offering a modern, coworking-style environment with flexible workspaces and presentation technology.

The school offers a variety of activities, including wood workshop and design room projects, where students engage in craftsmanship and creative work. Outdoor activities are central to the experience, ranging from sandboxes and ball games to ping pong and stand-up paddleboarding. Students also participate in the Garden at Grenzsteig association, where they care for chickens, manage garden plots, and process harvests in the garden kitchen.