"Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Let me do and I understand."

- Confucius

Curriculum

Local and international - combined?

As a school fully recognized by the Canton of Zurich, the SOT follows Lehrplan 21 - but goes far beyond it. In addition to fulfilling these required competencies, SOT draws on the British curriculum for the English language. Great emphasis is also placed on creativity, the arts and sports. All of this is combined with a foundation that promotes the development of a strong mindset and focuses on the individual personality of each child.

Swiss or international?

In an ever-internationalizing world, this dilemma may be familiar: a local school is important for integration, culture and belonging. An international school, however, also seems essential for long-term success in a flexible, cosmopolitan and global society. So we asked ourselves: why can't a school be both?

SOT combines the advantages of an "international school" with the foundation of the local Swiss school.

Lehrplan 21:

For the so-called cycles 1-3 (which correspond to kindergarten, primary and secondary), the SOT is based on the Zurich Lehrplan 21, as is the elementary school. In addition, the English language takes center stage and is learned to a level equivalent to a second mother tongue. A seamless transition from the SOT to both elementary school and an international school is therefore possible!

International Baccalaureate (IB):

Starting in secondary school choose whether to pursue a path leading to the Swiss system with a Swiss Matura or an internationally recognized Matura (IB Diploma Programme). SOT offers a gymnasium with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma (available starting in summer 2028). This diploma is recognized worldwide and accepted by virtually all universities and colleges in Switzerland. This decision can also be made as late as the third year of secondary school. If students leave our school during grades 7–9, they are well prepared for the transition to the Swiss public education system. A child at SOT can thus develop their potential without unnecessary and premature pressure.

Mindset and personal development:

Lehrplan 21 provides a solid foundation for a child's learning progress and development. However, it does not teach essential areas of interpersonal skills, personal development and mindset. These areas are crucial for future success and lifelong fulfillment. This is why SOT attaches great importance to these areas, which are promoted, learned and trained in a targeted, individual and continuous manner - with every single pupil!

Technology & Digital Literacy:

Technology has become an integral part of our everyday lives. However, it is often used as a crutch rather than a tool. That is why one of the cornerstones of the SOT is ensuring that every child achieves a high level of digital literacy. This means not only the purposeful and skillful use of the latest technology, but, above all, the development of awareness and responsibility in the broad field of technology. This includes not only skills such as coding or robotics, but also the conscious and responsible use of screens, smart devices and the internet, as well as an understanding of the dangers and risks of social media (which, by the way, we do not recommend for students up to and including secondary school).

FAQ

  • SOT is accredited by the Canton of Zurich and follows Lehrplan 21 Cycles 1–3 (kindergarten, primary, and secondary school). In addition, English instruction is enriched by international best practices and specifically promotes language proficiency, critical thinking, and communication skills. There is a special focus on project-based and hands-on learning, individualized support, and the development of interdisciplinary future-oriented skills. Furthermore, creativity, the arts, sports, mindset development, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and the SOT values shape everyday school life. 

  • Yes, absolutely. Since SOT covers the Lehrplan 21, a seamless transition to public primary school is guaranteed at any time. At the same time, the integrated English curriculum, taught at a native-speaker level, also ensures a smooth transition to an international school. SOT thus deliberately combines the best of both educational worlds. 

  • SOT is based on Lehrplan 21 and supplements it with an expanded educational program that includes German and English at a native-speaker level, personal development, mindset training, digital skills, and creative subjects. Within this framework, students receive individualized support and targeted guidance. Rather than a standardized, one-size-fits-all curriculum, the approach is tailored to the individual needs of the students. 

  • The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is an internationally recognized high school diploma that is highly regarded by universities worldwide. SOT plans to offer the IBDP for grades 11 and 12 starting in the summer of 2028. A Pre-IB class (10th grade) is already planned for the 2027–2028 school year. SOT is an IB Candidate School and is currently in the accreditation process. 

  • SOT places just as much emphasis on personal development and the cultivation of key cross-curricular skills as it does on academic content. The development of a growth mindset is actively supported and integrated into the daily school routine. Skills such as resilience, personal responsibility, empathy, and self-confidence are continuously developed and nurtured. 

  • Digital education is a central component of SOT’s educational philosophy. Students acquire solid skills in working with modern technologies, such as coding, robotics, and digital applications. At the same time, they develop a deeper understanding of the responsible, reflective, and purposeful use of digital media. This includes, in particular, media literacy, critical thinking when engaging with digital content, and mindful behavior regarding internet use, data protection, and social media. SOT recommends no use of social media up until and including secondary school and promotes an age-appropriate, mindful, and responsible approach to digital technologies. 

  • German and English are the two main languages taught at SOT. Starting in 5th grade, French is taught as a required subject. Additional languages may be added depending on student interest and availability. In addition, SOT encourages various forms of expression, such as programming, music, and philosophy, and views these as key pathways to thinking, creativity, and communication. 

  • Yes. Secondary school students acquire a solid foundation that opens up various options for continuing their education within the Swiss education system, including the possibility of transferring to a cantonal gymnasium. Students aiming for the IB Diploma are also guided in their subject selection to ensure that their individual options for continuing their education are optimized, taking Swiss requirements into account. 

  • Yes, SOT issues official progress reports that are recognized in the context of transfer procedures to public schools. In addition, families receive regular and transparent feedback on their child’s development through personal meetings. These provide clear guidance on the next steps in their child’s development, aligned with the students’ long-term goals, and highlight how their skills can be further strengthened in a targeted manner.  

  • Creativity, art, music, and sports are central components of the SOT curriculum and are considered just as important as traditional academic subjects. They are not viewed as supplementary activities, but rather as integral elements of a well-rounded education. Project-based learning creates opportunities for creative thinking and artistic expression at all age levels.