Secondary school & IB-Diploma
Secondary school & IB-Diploma at SOT
Our secondary school & IB-Diploma programs combine German-English bilingual education with the benefits of small class sizes and personalized attention. Students learn primarily through real-world projects and are supported by individualized coaching to translate academic knowledge into practical skills—including problem-solving, collaboration, self-management, and effective learning strategies.
From our centrally located campus in Zurich, we prepare students for both Swiss and international educational pathways. After completing secondary school, students can seamlessly transition into our International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or flexibly transfer to public Swiss educational pathways, including completing Sek A, transferring to gymnasium pursuing basic vocational training (EFZ/EBA with optional BMS).
We are planning to offer the first "Pre-IB" (10th grade) for the 2027/2028 school year and, starting in the 2028/29 school year, we plan to offer the IB Diploma Program for grades 11 and 12. School of Tomorrow is a recognized Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. We are in the process of becoming accredited as an IB World School from 2027.
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Secondary school
Our secondary school & IB-Diploma programs combine German-English bilingual education with the benefits of small class sizes and personalized attention. Students learn primarily through project-based work on real-world issues, supplemented by clear instruction and individualized coaching. In this way, academic knowledge is continuously linked to practical skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, self-organization, and effective study habits.
From our centrally located campus in Zurich, we prepare students for both Swiss and international educational paths. We currently have students in secondary level A (Sek A), the highest academic track within Swiss lower secondary (typically grades 7–9), as well as students in "Langzeitgymnasium", an extended academic pathway that begins after primary school and leads directly towards the Swiss Matura (university entrance qualification).
Students who remain with us after 9th grade can seamlessly transition into our IB-Matura program and work toward the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma (available starting in the summer of 2028). If students leave the school during grades 7–9, they are well prepared to transition into the Swiss public education system—whether to upper secondary school (Sek A), a gymnasium basic vocational training (EFZ/EBA, with the option of a vocational baccalaureate [BMS]), which combines practical work experience with recognized academic credentials.
In the canton of Zurich, compulsory schooling lasts eleven years (Kindergarten + Primary + Secondary I). Students typically finish around age 15/16 and then enter Sekundarstufe II: Gymnasium, Fachmittelschule, or an apprenticeship.
Educational pathways after Secondary school at SOT
Apprenticeship (EFZ/EBA, with optional BMS)
What it is: The Swiss vocational education and training (VET) system. Students train part-time in a company and part-time in vocational school.
EFZ (3–4 years): Federal VET Diploma, preparing for skilled professions (e.g., IT, healthcare, business, skilled trades, design, and many more)
EBA (2 years): Federal VET Certificate, a more practice-oriented entry point that can later lead to the EFZ.
BMS (Berufsmaturität): Optional extra qualification giving access to Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen).
Where this leads: Qualified employment or—with BMS—access to higher education.
SOT advantages:
Solid Sek A–level academic preparation in Math, German, English, Sciences, Humanities, the Arts
Bilingual career readiness: CVs, applications, and interview practice in German & English
Portfolio-based projects showcasing skills for professions of interest
Sek A Completion
What it is: Completion of compulsory schooling at Sek A level
Where this leads: EFZ/EBA apprenticeships , BMS, vocational high school, or transfer to gymnasium.
SOT advantages:
Domain-based placement set by readiness and adjusted regularly
Bilingual language of instruction, supporting German for Swiss educational pathways, English for international options
A structured route for students entering from Sek B to reach Sek A within 1 year
Clear, personalized milestones shared with families
Ongoing coaching on next-step options within the Swiss system
IB-Diploma
Our IB Matura program is a forward-looking, university-preparatory program that culminates in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. "Langzeitgymnasium" either after secondary school directly after primary school our "Langzeitgymnasium" .
From day one, we focus on global readiness. Graduates are prepared for admission to universities worldwide as well as to Swiss public universities, provided their IB subject choices meet the EDK requirements for recognition as equivalent to the Swiss Matura.
Toward the end of secondary school , students secondary school specifically choose the IB track, which combines a broad range of educational options with increasing depth in specific subjects. The combined secondary school IB Matura track (Sek & IB Matura) typically lasts 5–7 years, depending on the students’ pace of learning, interests, and individual needs.
Students with ambitious sporting or artistic goals are explicitly supported, with flexible timetables and the option to extend their program by 1–2 years, so that high-level training and academic excellence can develop side by side.
Why choose the SOT-IB Matura?
Flexible learning pace by academic department, based on actual competence and readiness to learn
Strategic IB planning to ensure that subject selection meets the EDK recognition criteria
Learning coaching to strengthen research skills, longer writing assignments, and exams
Flexible schedules for competitive athletes, artists, and highly dedicated students
Study counseling tailored to Swiss and international university admissions
*IB = International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
**The first IB cohort is expected to begin in the summer of 2028.
What comes after the IB Diploma at SOT?
Our students move on to:
International universities across Europe, North America, and beyond
Swiss public universities, provided their IB Diploma satisfies the EDK requirements for Swiss Matura equivalency
We work closely with families and students to design IB subject combinations that keep these pathways open.
Gymnasium with IB* qualification
Our Gymnasium is a forward-thinking, university-preparatory program culminating in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. Students may join after Secondary school or directly after Primary school through our Langzeitgymnasium track.
From day one, we focus on global readiness. Graduates are prepared for admission to universities worldwide as well as to Swiss public universities, provided their IB subject choices meet the EDK requirements for recognition as equivalent to the Swiss Matura.
Towards the end of Secondary school, students can opt into the IB pathway, combining broad opportunities with growing subject specialization. The combined Sekundarschule & Gymnasium (Sek & Gymi) journey typically takes 5–7 years, depending on each student’s learning pace, interests, and personal needs.
Students with ambitious sporting or artistic goals are explicitly supported, with flexible timetables and the option to extend their program by 1–2 years, so that high-level training and academic excellence can develop side by side.
Why Choose the SOT Gymnasium?
Flexible learning pace by subject area, based on genuine competence and learning maturity
Strategic IB planning to ensure that subject choices meet EDK recognition criteria
Learning coaching to strengthen research skills, longer writing assignments, and exams
Time flexibility for competitive athletes, artists, and highly committed students
Study counseling tailored to Swiss and international university admissions
*IB = International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
**The first cohort of the IB Diploma Program is expected to begin in summer 2027.
What Comes After Gymnasium at SOT?
Our students move on to:
International universities across Europe, North America, and beyond
Swiss public universities, provided their IB Diploma satisfies the EDK requirements for Swiss Matura equivalency
We work closely with families and students to design IB subject combinations that keep these pathways open.
Structure & everyday school life
Bilingual instruction: German & English
Timetable:
Mon–Thu: 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (arrival from 8:00 a.m.)
Fri: until 1:00 p.m.
Extended support: Teachers are available on site from Monday to Thursday until 6:00 p.m. for coaching, questions, and quiet study.
Entrepreneurial Fridays: A fixed project and coaching day for in-depth study, creativity, and reflection
Block weeks: Special weeks set aside for assessments, interdisciplinary projects, excursions, and class camps.
Holidays:
3 fixed weeks in summer
3 fixed weeks over Christmas/New Year
6 flexible weeks, individually chosen by families
Please note: Our flexible vacation model offers families more freedom and may differ from the vacation calendars of public schools.
How learning works at SOT
At School of Tomorrow, we believe that students thrive when learning is both supportive and challenging—with the structure they need, and the freedom to explore who they can become. Our approach blends Swiss academic standards with innovative, future-focused learning.
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We follow the Swiss Lehrplan 21 to ensure strong academic foundations while building the skills, mindset, and global readiness that prepare students for the International Baccalaureate (IB) and other future pathways.
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Strong foundations in core subjects, with room for specialization depending on individual interests
A focus on the 12 SOT Core Competencies, the skills that matter most for life beyond school
A balance of academic expertise and transferable life skills, keeping Swiss and international options open
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Every student follows a personalized learning pathway, but always within a supportive community. Students set goals, practice essential skills, and work independently, but they are never working alone. Teachers and peers offer continuous feedback, guidance, and collaboration.
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Instead of short, fragmented lessons, we work with extended learning blocks. This enables:
deeper concentration
fewer transitions
more than one teacher in the room
This allows learners to benefit from different perspectives, targeted support, and richer learning experiences.
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Alongside strong foundations in math, languages, humanities, and sciences, students regularly engage in real, challenging, interdisciplinary projects. Projects bring learning to life by connecting academic content with:
creativity
problem-solving ability
Collaboration
real-life relevance
This is where students explore, design, research, build, and present-developing confidence and agency.
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At SOT, learning is fluid and responsive—not limited by fixed tracks.
Readiness is defined per learning domain (e.g., languages, quantitative reasoning, sciences, humanities, arts).
Students move through competency bands, meaning they may work at Gymnasium level in one area and Sek A in another.
Everyone shares the same timetable; teachers differentiate within projects and domains using individual goals, feedback, and clear next steps.
This ensures every student progresses at the right pace-their pace.
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Bilingualism is woven into daily school life, not taught as a separate add-on.
This is how bilingual teaching works at SOT:
Morning circles alternate between German and English, grounding both languages in everyday communication.
Integrated lessons mix English and German across core subjects, helping students develop academic vocabulary in both languages.
In the first two secondary years, students build a balanced foundations in both languages, key for success in Swiss and international pathways.
As students advance, we guide them towards the pathway that fits their goals:
Swiss Matura (focus on German, with strong English), or
International Baccalaureate (IB) (focus on English with German maintained as a core subject).
This bilingual framework keeps every door open-Swiss and international-while ensuring students develop the language proficiency they need.
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Learning at SOT is hands-on and varied. Students explore ideas through:
digital tools
experiments
field research
art
cooperative problem solving
Every day balances structured input with choice, exploration, and creativity.
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We welcome students with demanding athletic or artistic schedules.
If necessary, we can:Timetables and assessments can be adapted.
The full program can be extended by 1-2 years without losing continuity.
This allows young athletes and artists to pursue excellence in both their education and their passion.
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Students' progress based on evidence of learning, not age alone. Families receive clear, regular updates showing what has been mastered and what comes next.
Timetable example
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00–8:45 a.m. | Flexible arrival | Flexible arrival | Flexible arrival | Flexible arrival | Flexible arrival |
| 8:45–9:15 a.m. | Preparation & kick-off | Preparation & kick-off | Preparation & kick-off | Preparation & kick-off | Preparation & kick-off |
| 9:15–11:00 a.m. | Main subjects: Input / Focus groups / Guided practice | Main subjects: Input / Focus groups / Guided practice | Main subjects: Input / Focus groups / Guided practice | Main subjects: Input / Focus groups / Guided practice | Entrepreneurial projects |
| 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. | Main subjects: Input / Focus groups / Guided practice | Main subjects: Input / Focus groups / Guided practice | Main subjects: Input / Focus groups / Guided practice | Main subjects: Input / Focus groups / Guided practice | Entrepreneurial projects |
| 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. | lunch break | lunch break | lunch break | lunch break | lunch break |
| 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | project work | Natural sciences Input / Focus groups | The world of music in theory and practice | class council | Complete weekly goals / Optional self-study |
| 2:40–3:25 p.m. | French: Input, focus groups / guided practice / self-study | Body Competence | art | Workshop 1 | Complete weekly goals / Optional self-study |
| 3:35–4:20 p.m. | French: Input, focus groups / guided practice / self-study | Body Competence | art | Workshop 2 | Complete weekly goals / Optional self-study |
| 4:20 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Reflection | Reflection | Reflection | Reflection | |
| 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | Optional self-study | 4:45–5:45 p.m. SOT singing, musical, dance (optional) | Optional self-study | 4:45–5:45 p.m. SOT singing, musical, dance (optional) |
Note: This timetable is for illustrative purposes only and may vary depending on the children's needs and the respective learning phase.
Assessment & Learning Outcomes
A balanced mix of learning activities, projects, presentations, and performance assessments enables fair grading and an appropriate learning pace.
Projects also serve as evidence for apprenticeship applications or for IB preparation.
Degrees & Prospects
At SOT, students can achieve:
Secondary school diploma A → for EFZ/EBA apprenticeships, BMS, Fachmittelschule, or transfer to Gymnasium
International Baccalaureate (IB) → internationally recognized for university admission (compliant with EDK standards for Swiss universities)
Transfers: Students can also move into Swiss Federal Gymnasium or other schools, subject to cantonal entry rules (usually an entrance exam).
Admission & Requirements
We focus on motivation and potential, not on a single high-stakes exam. We are convinced that a single exam on a specific date is not a good basis for such and important and long-term decision.
Steps:
Short video and personal letter
Recent school reports
Admission conversation with the student and parents
Students joining with a Sek-B recommendation receive a clear development plan to reach Sek A, with milestones and regular review.
As we are a bilingual school, we recommend that all students who want to join have a level of at least B1 in the weaker language (German or English).
School fees
Our school fees are transparent and cover almost all services. The monthly fees include:
Teaching, mentoring, materials, and project work
Supervision Mon–Thu 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Fri 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Only 6 fixed closure weeks (3 in summer, 3 at Christmas)
6 additional flexible family holiday weeks
Day trips, family events, and community activities
Admissions are rolling; students can start school at any time. Fees are calculated on a pro rata basis.
Our locations
School of Tomorrow offers different school grades at three locations.
Our school offers a first-class education at three locations for kindergarten primary school, secondary school the IB Diploma Program. Since not all grade levels are available at every location, you’ll find an overview here to help you choose the best possible learning environment for your child.
Schloss Sihlberg (ZH Enge)
Kindergarten & Primary
Uster
Kindergarten & Primary
Augustinerhof (ZH City)
secondary IB Diploma
FAQ
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Students at SOT can earn the Secondary School Diploma A (Sek A). This qualifies them for EFZ and EBA apprenticeships, the vocational baccalaureate (BMS), specialized secondary schools, and, depending on their qualifications, public high schools. Students can also pursue studies at the gymnasium level, particularly if they plan to transfer to a school offering the Matura diploma.
SOT is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The IB Diploma Programme is recognized worldwide and opens up a wide range of opportunities for admission to international and Swiss universities.
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The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a globally recognized high school diploma that provides access to universities worldwide. In Switzerland, too, the IB Diploma is recognized by universities as a qualification for admission to higher education, provided that the specific admission requirements of each institution are met.
The program is characterized by a holistic educational approach and, in addition to developing subject-specific skills, places particular emphasis on fostering critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and the ability to work independently and in a research-oriented manner.
SOT is a candidate school for the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). The school is working toward introducing the programme in the future.
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Yes. Students classified as Sek-B receive an individualized development plan at SOT with clearly defined milestones to help them gradually reach the Sek-A or gymnasium level, particularly with a view to further educational pathways such as the IBDP.
Placement is determined by subject area (e.g., math, German, English) and is continuously updated. SOT focuses on motivation and potential rather than on a single entrance exam.
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Study time begins at 9:00 a.m. Subject-specific sessions are held throughout the week and are attended as needed. Teachers may require attendance if it is necessary for academic progress. At the same time, students have the opportunity to request specific sessions. The scope and number of sessions per week are based on the cantonal guidelines for the respective subject areas.
Study time is organized into longer study periods during which several teachers are present at the same time. This allows students to work on different tasks simultaneously and encourages them to be independent and to reflect on their own learning needs and priorities.
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Bilingualism (German & English) is an integral part of everyday school life. During the first two years of secondary school, students build a solid foundation in both languages. After that, students follow a specific track: The English-language track can be continued at SOT toward the IB Diploma (currently in candidate status), while the German-language track typically transitions into a Swiss Matura program after the 8th or 9th grade. Both tracks remain open.
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Students who are deeply involved in sports or the arts receive special support. Class schedules and exams can be customized, and the program can be extended by 1–2 years if necessary, so that both education and passion can be nurtured equally.
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After secondary school grades 7–9), several paths are open to students: enrollment in the SOT-IB-Matura program, transfer to a public cantonal gymnasium, a vocational apprenticeship (EFZ/EBA) with an optional vocational baccalaureate (BMS), or enrollment in a specialized secondary school. The bilingual education program provides a solid foundation for these various educational paths.
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The curriculum includes core subjects such as mathematics, German, English, natural sciences and humanities, art, music, physical education, and French. These subjects form the foundation for further educational paths, such as gymnasium, college, or vocational training.
You can learn more about our bilingual approach here.
At the same time, learning is enhanced through interdisciplinary, project-based formats and Entrepreneurial Fridays. These are a regular part of the weekly schedule, during which students develop and implement their own ideas and take on responsibility.
A distinctive feature is the individualized placement by subject area. Students work at a level that corresponds to their current proficiency, for example, at the high school level in mathematics and at the Sek A level in languages. This ensures both targeted support and appropriate challenges.
This is how we combine a solid academic foundation with the ability to apply knowledge in the real world.
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Experience Day on-site for the child. The day begins with an introduction between the child, the parents, and the educators. After this, the parents leave the premises and the child experiences a full school day. For children applying from outside Switzerland who are unable to attend in person, a video call can be arranged instead.
For more information, visit ourAdmissions page—or contact our Admissions Team directly at admissions@schooloftomorrow.ch.
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The monthly tuition covers: instruction, mentoring, materials, and project work; supervision Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; only 6 fixed weeks of school closure (3 in summer, 3 at Christmas); 6 additional flexible family vacation weeks; as well as day trips, family events, and community activities. Students may enroll at any time; tuition is calculated on a pro-rata basis.
You can find all the details about prices and terms on ourtuition page.
