Secondary & Gymnasium

The Secondary and Gymnasium at SOT are a place of learning that promotes personal growth, curiosity and personal responsibility. We treat our students as equals - in small, bilingual classes, with project-based lessons and room for individual development.

Here, children not only develop knowledge, but also skills for life - in the heart of Zurich, accompanied by dedicated teachers and with a view to a strong future: be it at the Swiss Federal Gymnasium or the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Secondary school

Our secondary school consists of children aged around 12-16 and is the last part of compulsory schooling.

This cycle offers a wide range of options and is often decisive for the academic and professional future of the children. The SOT will offer this secondary school with Gymnasium from 2025 so that current pupils can continue their education seamlessly with us.

The idea here is similar to the first two levels, with an in-depth focus on basic knowledge and expansion options in the individually desired areas. Please note: As the SOT does not only aim to impart knowledge, but rather to "learn to learn" and strengthen the personality through the 12 core competencies, the children receive a valuable treasure on their way - regardless of the chosen academic or professional direction.

High School

Our Gymnasium is the advanced level after Secondary - but can also be started immediately after primary school (as a "Langzeitgymnasium").

This cycle prepares students for university or college. SOT offers two possible diplomas: Either the Federal Mature (Swiss standard - recognized everywhere in Switzerland) or the International Baccalaureate "Diploma Program" (international standard - recognized worldwide).

This decision can also be made towards the end of secondary school. The aim is therefore to leave as many doors and options open to the students as possible and at the same time give them the opportunity to specialize if they wish to pursue a clear field of study.

Our motto is also: Personalized learning for every student. The Sek&Gymi levels can be completed within approx. 5-7 years, depending on interests, learning speed and personal needs.

N.B.: Students who aspire to a sporting or artistic career are also very welcome at the SOT and benefit from the great flexibility of school times and the possibility of "stretching" their learning goals by up to 1-2 years.

Admission & requirements:
We do not have a traditional exam. We are convinced that a single exam on a specific date is not a good basis for such an important and long-term decision. For this reason, applications for the SOT Sek&Gymi are made by means of an interview video and a personal letter of application, accompanied by current school reports. This is followed by a personal admissions interview with the student and parents.

Students with a Sek B recommendation can also be accepted - with the aim of reaching Sek A level within a year. Learning progress is regularly reviewed and monitored.

Structure & everyday school life:

  • Bilingual lessons in German and English

  • Lesson times: Mon-Thu, 9:00-16:30 (arrival possible from 8 am)

  • Study time & additional project work: daily until 18:00

  • Fridays: Project day (in-depth, individual work and personal coaching)

  • Vacations: Fixed only three weeks in summer and three over Christmas/New Year. A further six weeks can be freely selected as desired.

Degrees & prospects:
There are basically three possible degrees at the SOT:

1) Secondary school "A" qualification: A solid basis for pursuing an apprenticeship or specific further education afterwards.

2) Federal Matura: The Swiss standard, recognized at all universities in Switzerland.

3) International Baccalaureate (IB): The so-called "Diploma Program" of the IB, which is recognized at universities and colleges worldwide.

Our students are specifically prepared for transfer to the Swiss Federal Gymnasium or the IB program, unless they decide to take a different path after secondary school. Transfer to public or private secondary schools is also possible thanks to our recognition by the Canton of Zurich.

School fees:

The school fees for the secondary level of the School of Tomorrow already include almost all services and thus ensure maximum transparency and planning security. The monthly fee includes

  • Teaching, materials, project work, personalized curriculum and mentoring

  • Learning and supervision times from Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

  • Only 6 weeks of school closure per year (3 weeks summer, 3 weeks Christmas)

  • Additional 6 vacation weeks of your choice, which can be taken flexibly

  • Day trips, SOT nights for families, events and more

It is possible to join the SOT at any time - the school fees are calculated on a pro rata basis.

Secondary and Gymnasium at SOT

Augustinerhof - ZH City

If you have any questions about the school and the registration process, please contact us by e-mail: admissions@schooloftomorrow.ch

Our locations

The School of Tomorrow offers different school grades at three locations. 

Our school offers a first-class education at three locations for kindergarten, primary, middle and high school. As not all school grades are available at every location, you will find an overview here to help you choose the best possible place of learning for your child.

Sihlberg Castle (ZH Enge)

Kindergarten & Primary

Uster
Opens in September 2025

Kindergarten & Primary

Augustinerhof (ZH City)
Opens in August 2025

Secondary & Gymnasium

FAQ

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Quick Facts

  • Seamless and flexible school pathways: From 2025, the SOT will offer a combined secondary school and Gymnasium - individually adaptable, with entry also possible directly after primary school ("Langzeitgymnasium").

  • Two recognized qualifications to choose from: Students can choose between the Swiss Federal Matura (Swiss standard) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) (recognized worldwide) - depending on their future path.

  • Personalized learning structure & time flexibility: learning at your own pace - degrees can be achieved in 5-7 years, or extended if required, e.g. for sporting or artistic careers.

  • Admission without a traditional entrance exam: Instead of an exam, admission is based on a creative application process with video, personal letter and interview - also open to students with a secondary school B recommendation.

  • Modern teaching methods & learning environment: Bilingual teaching (DE/EN), flexible project work, personal coaching, Friday consolidation day and free choice of learning environment in modern rooms.

  • Transparent total costs: The monthly school fees include all services - lessons, supervision, project work, meals, excursions, flexible vacation arrangements (only 6 weeks closed) and more.