FAQ

+ Self-determined and free learning sounds great in theory... but what if a child doesn't want to learn?

Children are natural learners. Like every creature of nature. Research has proven this is not only the case for animals, but that even plants can learn. So, learning is not something we need to artificially acquire. But rather, a skill that we should cultivate in order not to lose it.

However, every child learns differently; with different rhythms, methodologies and interests. No child is uninterested across the board. But clearly, if we give the same task to an entire class, the probability is very high that this task will only suit a select few children (if any at all!).

Instead, if we give a child the structure and opportunity to delve into the areas that naturally trigger their interest, not only does learning become easy, but it becomes fun. Every child can learn. And every child wants to learn.

Our job is to understand the child so well that we meet them where their own intrinsic interest lies. It seems clear that every child will choose a different path. Kids may indeed learn the same things, but with completely different approaches. If we create an environment where every child can learn through play, each child will create their own path and go so much further than they ever could within a rigid and enforced structure.

+ Doesn't too much freedom reduce the willingness to perform? Some pressure must be necessary!

Children are always ready to perform if they are allowed to perform within the right context. When playing a game, children already want to jump further, run faster, build a higher tower.... all this without us adults having to set the bar where WE want it to be. Therefore, it is still best if a child enjoys the freedom to motivate oneself. This is exactly why a certain structure is needed. To make sure good learning possibilities are available, but also to ensure safety and hence an environment of trust.

Learning - which is very different from "conditioning" - rarely happens under pressure and is often more efficient and easier when discipline is not the main focus. From a neuroscientific perspective, learning cannot occur during a "state of fear" or a state similar to fear - the brain goes into "survival mode" and all non-vital functions will be reduced or shut down. This happens for learning too. For this reason, it is extremely important and beneficial that children can move in a fear-free space - this is how they learn fastest.

For children who struggle with self-motivation, our educators and mentors will of course help to set up a child-friendly, committment-based structure with clear rules. It is not that children don't want or don't tolerate rules (every game has them and would not work without them). But often we set rules that imply discipline and obedience instead of enabling fun, learning and creativity.

+ How does the school ensure that children learn the necessary school material?

Our method is based on the scientific findings of recent years and the principle that learning is almost always happens faster and more naturally when there is genuine interest and a component of fun. For this reason, our teachers take on the role of mentors in order to build a relationship with every child and to understand him or her on a personal level. Based on this, we ensure that each child can pursue projects and interests that are of their own interest (intrinsically motivated).

In addition, the teachers ensure that the necessary school material is weaved into the individual learning paths and thus fulfill the Lehrplan21, with all the necessary skills (and many more). Children often do not even notice that they are learning, because learning is not associated with "effort" but rather with "fun". If we can instill this new definition of learning early on, it will remain as part of the personality far into adult life.

+ Is public school damaging our children?

To make such a generalized claim would be wrong and unfair. However, the public school system (there are exceptions thanks to very good teachers who enforce their own system!) is often rather inefficient, unfair and covers only a small part of the necessary child-development. It's a one-size-fits all (which is definitely not a "fit" for "all", not even for "most") which keeps building on previous knowledge; meaning, if you missed something or did not understand a particular topic, you end up dragging this knowledge gap along for years. It's a system that has been designed to fill-up on theoretical knowledge and promotes obedience through reward and punishment. Instead, we want to build on intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy.

Learning goals should not be more important than personal development. Hobbies, joy and fun should not be condemned to gap between school and homework or reserved for weekends. Learning should not simply imply memorization and performance. But rather it should involve fun, active questioning, and finding solutions confidently and independently. This will directly carry on into adulthood and will define not only careers, but also relationships, meaning, and fulfillment as a whole.

+ I went through the public school system myself, and I turned out OK....

While this is not strictly a question, it is indeed a valid thought. We humans usually find paths, solutions and opportunities, even if the circumstances are not ideal. But why should we make it harder than it needs to be? This isn't about public school ruining our kids (which, sadly, is becoming more and more the case - if we just look at how many kids need extra instruction, psychological care, and tutoring from a very young age...!). Rather, it's about what's possible these days.

We want to create a structure of possibility, of creativity, of invention. Humans used to do machine-like labor. But today we are a bad substitute for a machine. Today, robots and AI's are replacing us humans in many areas. So we need to evolve and shift toward becoming "thinking humans". If we lose our cognitive ability, we become comparable to a machine - and that's where our cards are stacked against us. That is why we have to innovate ourselves and our school! The world is changing faster than ever and only if we follow suit - if we challenge our thinking and grow with it - only then we can create and shape our future, and thus truly enjoy the benefits that come with it. That's why we need to make space for creativity and free thinking - without unnecessary pressure and constant assessments. Unfortunately, this type of environment is still an absolute exception in the field of public education.

+ Gifted and other "diagnoses"....

As humans, we often tend to look for a term or a reason for everything that does not fit into the "norm". At SOT we are convinced that EVERY child is different! We are also convinced that a child-centred school should adapt to the child and not force every child through a predefined and blanket system. In this sense, we welcome children as they are. Some are more active, some are more relaxed, some ask a lot of questions, some observe a lot, some are interested in everything, some have specific interests.... No matter where your child stands and how he or she may have been "diagnosed", we do our best every day to create the most ideal environment possible for this child, this unique individual, and to develop a personalised curriculum. Your child deserves this!

+ Is SOT an officially recognized school?

School of Tomorrow is a private school approved by the Canton of Zurich. Since we make sure to fulfill the official Lehrplan21 (and go far beyond it), a transition to a public school (or also to the Gymnasium) is always possible. We are officially approved for kindergarten and primary school. Our secondary school will be added in 2025, in order to provide to all students a complete learning path at our school.

+ What makes School of Tomorrow different from other schools?

There are a variety of very different schools, many with very good ideas and methods. What makes School of Tomorrow special is the focus on the child and the family, the flexibility, the personalized curriculum, the bilingual education, the modern resources and technology, the promotion of core competencies, the development of one's own personality, and much more. Check out our other pages to find out more about our curriculum, our method, or our philosophy. And feel free to contact us directly at any time, if you have more questions.

When is the ideal time to register my child for the SOT?

This depends on the needs and wishes of the family, but usually the earlier the better. Because we put a lot of focus on mindset and the development of one's individual personality, it's best to enroll your child as young as possible. We don't recommend waiting until the end of a regular school year, should you have already decided that your child will transfer to SOT. If in doubt, contact us and we will be happy to discuss everything with you personally.

+ Is it possible to join during an ongoing school year?

Absolutely! Your child can join School of Tomorrow at any time. Because we don't have a fixed curriculum for everyone - but rather offer personalized learning for each child - it is possible to join at any time. The integration process is much quicker and smoother at SOT than in conventional schools.

+ What language skills does my child need to enroll?

SOT is a bilingual school in German and English. However, a child who joins the school does not need to have any previous knowledge of German or English. Based on the level in these respective languages, a personalized curriculum will be developed together with the child. This way both languages can be learned or developed quickly, yet without generating unnecessary pressure to perform.

+ How does a day at School of Tomorrow look like?

Every day is different! We open at 8am and children are welcome to arrive anytime between 8am and 10am. These flexible start times are meant to support families in their own schedule and to accommodate children who are not a "morning person" (there are many scientific studies which show that a significant percentage of children are not receptive until much later in the morning).

As a full-day school we are all together until at least 4pm, but our daily lunch break is around noon but varies each day. Children are welcome to stay at school until 6pm.

There are no fixed lessons, no bell or interruptions. The children devote themselves to their weekly goals, their projects and pursue a wide variety of activities. Some of these activities may be structured similar to lessons, but more often it's self-determined learning.

Certain days or half-days take place completely outside the school building. Spontaneous excursions or activities outside the school are also part of the flexible and always changing daily routine at School of Tomorrow.

+ Are all meals provided by the school?

Yes, SOT offers not only healthy snacks for in-between, but also a fresh and hot lunch on all school days. All meals are already included in the tuition!

+ What happens after my child completes SOT?

There are a wide variety of options! Since we follow the Lehrplan21 a transition into the public schools can always be guaranteed.

For those children who wish to transition into the Gymnasium, we also offer preparation for the admission exams.

Children who stay with us until the 3rd Cycle will have a wide range of options such as an apprenticeship, BMS, Fachmittelschule, etc. or even paths to transition into certain universities. There are countless possibilities and many more will become possible in upcoming year (there are, for example, more and more universities that no longer require a "Matura"!)

The direct path to entrepreneurship is also a feasible option - especially thanks to the practical and realistic experience already gained over the years at SOT.

+ What distinguishes SOT from other "international schools"?

There are many decisive factors that make a big difference. Simply put, SOT can be seen as an international local school.

This is because international schools usually only teach in English (German is merely one of the many subjects and is not learned like a mother tongue), whereas SOT is bilingual English and German.

Most international schools follow the IB program (international baccalaureate) which does not correspond to the Swiss curriculum. SOT follows the Zurich Lehrplan 21 and is therefore recognized under the Swiss school system; however, SOT students also acquire the necessary knowledge to continue their schooling internationally if desired.

Most other schools still teach according to the traditional model with grades, subjects, exams, pressure, homework and lectures. We are convinced that the school of the future has to pursue completely new paths.

Therefore, we offer (unlike the international schools) flexible start and end times, full-day care, flexible holidays (only 9 weeks of closure, instead of the usual 14-18 weeks) and above all personalised curricula which are individually tailored and adapted to each child.

Schools should no longer limit themselves to being the source of knowledge (like they once were). Rather, they should become a space for discovery, creation and innovation. And that is exactly what we offer!