Entry age
11/12
Grades
6-12
Language of instruction
Other languages offered
Opening minds and a world of opportunities
International School
Our international school welcomes students from all over the world, including Switzerland. They are part of a lively learning community working towards globally recognised qualifications. Their ultimate goal is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or a High School Diploma, but there are rich learning experiences and many adventures along the way. We take a holistic approach to learning and development, as we believe that overall well-being - both physical and emotional - is important for academic success. Our teachers are highly skilled and passionate educators. They guide students through the curriculum according to their individual learning needs, and so help everyone to discover where their talents lie.
Accreditations and memberships for the pursuit of excellence
178
students
12
average class size
45
nationalities
100%
pass rate IB Diploma (2024)
Overview of our International School programmes
Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme (CLSP)
A broad and balanced curriculum that is an excellent foundation, preparing students from all over the world for future academic studies. It brings learning to life, helping students to develop creativity, curiosity and a lasting passion for learning that will serve them well as they progress.
Age | 11-14 |
Grades | 6-8 |
Language of instruction |
Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
The Cambridge IGCSE teaches students to think analytically and creatively, as well as acquire the intellectual inquisitiveness and problem-solving skills that are important for the next stage of their academic career.
Age | 14-16 |
Grades | 9-10 |
Language of instruction |
International Baccalaureate Diploma programme
A passport to higher education all over the world, this demanding programme is structured to combine breadth and depth. It equips students with the insights to operate as respectful, tolerant global citizens. They grow into enquiring, knowledgeable, lifelong learners.
Age | 16-19 |
Grades | 11-12 |
Language of instruction |
Building a strong foundation for further studies
CLSP
Designed to help children transition from primary education and prepare them for future studies, the CLSP has a broad-based curriculum. Clear learning objectives focus on developing knowledge and skills across all subjects while enabling space and flexibility for creativity and expression. Its international perspective is both culturally sensitive and inspiring, opening students' minds as well as their future opportunities. It is excellent preparation for Cambridge IGCSE in years 9 and 10.
A truly international qualification that prepares for advanced study
IGCSE
The Cambridge IGCSE is a well-respected, globally-recognised syllabus. It has an intellectually stimulating curriculum that schools make relevant to their unique needs. A foundation of core subjects enables extra subjects to be added for breadth as well as cross-curricular perspectives that enliven the whole curriculum. Along with the mandatory subjects, students are guided towards choosing options that best suit their abilities and ambitions. Externally graded assessment takes place at the end of the 2 year course, and the IGCSE certificate is recognised worldwide as evidence of academic ability.
Results and demographics (2024):
- 85.3% scored A-C
- 44% took their certificates in under 1 year of study
A passport to higher education all over the world
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
The IBDP is a challenging two-year programme that is recognised by the world's most prestigious universities. It is designed for ambitious students to acquire the breadth and depth of knowledge as well as the personal qualities and academic skills that they need to thrive and succeed in higher education. IB students become strong analytical thinkers by continuously challenging themselves, and strive to build a better world through intercultural understanding and respect. They choose six subjects, each from a different discipline. They also study Theory of Knowledge and write an extended essay on a research question of their choice. As part of the CAS programme, they engage in creative and active experiences, as well as a project in service of those in need. They graduate as well-rounded, mature young people, ready for advanced studies anywhere in the world. Having offered the IBDP since 1987, we have a wealth of experience with the programme that our students benefit from every day on their path to sucess.
Results and demographics (2024)
- Pass rate: 100%
- Highest score: 43 (out of 45)
- Average score: 32
An alternative secondary track awarding a recognised academic certificate.
High School Diploma
A High School Diploma is awarded to students who have successfully completed their higher secondary studies and meet our graduation requirements by accruing the required credits in core subjects and another of their choice in which they have particular interest and strength. We provide guidance to help individual students choose wisely from various options, combining IB courses with our own High School Diploma classes to devise a programme suited to each student's strengths, interests and personal goals. This qualification is recognised by many institutions in the USA, Canada, and some private European universities.
Studying at our International School
- Qualifications that are recognised and highly respected all over the world
- Options to cater for a range of abilities, talents and ambitions
- Extensive options for language studies
- Comprehensive language instruction
- Individual support programme
- Strong bond between teachers and students
- Teacher-led Studium for boarding students
Beyond the classroom
Benefits of Team Days for our students
At the beginning of the new school year, each class has a special excursion with exciting activities.
These are called our Team Days. This is a chance to socialise outside of the classroom, learn about each other and make friends. Students and their teachers also get to challenge themselves with outdoor activities that make the most of our wonderful location in the heart of Switzerland.
Meet our Heads of Programmes
International education towards global citizenship
Why choose our International School?
Targeted support
At Montana, each student is a valued individual. We believe that every one of them has their own talent, so we look at the whole person to identify where their strengths lie. Our subject teachers and class advisors work closely together to develop an understanding of how best to support each child as they develop intellectually and personally. They help them find what truly motivates their learning, and motivation is a key to success.Beyond the classroom
We put a lot of value on learning beyond the taught curriculum. Qualifications are important, but learning skills are enhanced by different motivators, therefore co-curricular activities have a positive impact on academic success too. Our students sing and play music, join poetry and science clubs, join study trips to exciting cities or local firms like Novartis and much more.
Smooth transitions from one programme to another
The international programmes we offer are designed to build on each other. This harmony is enhanced as we have teachers who work across all the programmes. They get to know their students well and understand how to get the best out of them.Multiple language learning opportunities
The language of instruction is English, and we have an expert language support team who work with our students to bring their English up to the required level. We also have a wide selection of languages to study at different levels from native to beginner.
International School Experience
Hear what our staff and students say about us
Simone Burban
Head of CLSP
Speaks about XXX
Siobhan Gleeson
Head of IGCSE
Speaks about XXX
Michael Meier
Head of IB DP & HD
Speaks about XXX
Languages | 14 | 14 | 5 | 5 |
Cocoa Break |
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10:45 – 11:25 |
English |
Mathematics | Social Science | Sports |
11:35 12:15 | English | Sports | Music | Sports |
Lunch |
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13:10-13:50 |
English I EAL |
Handwriting | Extra-curricular activities | English |
13:55-14:35 |
Social Science | Crafts | Art | |
14:40 - 15:20 |
Social Science | Craft | Art | |
Tea Break |
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Activities** until 16:40 |
Life after our International School
Your child can continue
with the IB Diploma to
universities all over the world and in Switzerland. IB score will be an important factor, depending on the institution. Many universities and courses will also take into account other achievements, such as activities beyond the curriculum. The key elements of the IB - Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS - are looked on favourably by many universities, including the most well-subscribed.
with the High School Diploma
In the USA and Canada, the HSD is widely accepted as a valid qualification by numerous institutions. In Switzerland, private universities and hospitality management schools (excluding EHL) recognise this qualification, as do some private universities and institutions across continental Europe that follow a US-style university system. In the UK, direct entry to less selective universities may be possible, and students can also apply for an International Foundation Programme.
FAQ
Your Academic Path
Institut Montana is an international day and boarding school in Switzerland.
Institut Montana is conveniently connected to the city of Zug and less than one hour by car to Zürich airport. There are rich opportunities for students to immerse themselves in culture and the outdoors. The surrounding lakes and mountains offer activities in all seasons: boating and mountain biking in summer, skiing and sledging in winter.
At Institut Montana, we offer different academic pathways to suit the individual needs of our students. Bilingual Primary and Secondary Schools follow the national (Lehrplan 21) curriculum. A Swiss High School (Schweizer Gymnasium) leads to the Swiss Matura in either German or Bilingual DE/EN. An International School follows international programmes that lead to the IB Diploma Programme. At the high school level, we provide personalised college counselling that guides students towards the higher education choices that will meet their ambitions for the future.
Institut Montana admits students from ages 6 to 19, offering programmes for primary (Grade 1) through to secondary education. Students from age 10 years and older can join our international boarding programme.
Institut Montana has around 360 students. We are a close-knit community in a beautiful setting surrounded by mountains and forests. We maintain small class sizes of around 10 students for a more personalised learning experience. Our students come from all over the world, representing over 55 nationalities. Institut Montana truly offers an international education in a Swiss environment and a Swiss education in an international environment.
Students are required to achieve proficiency in at least one first language and a second language. English and/or German are the main languages of instruction, with additional language support provided as needed.
Institut Montana offers full boarding, weekly boarding, and flexible boarding options. Full boarding includes accommodation, class instruction, supervision, meals and access to school facilities and activities.
Our students enjoy a variety of co-curricular activities including ice hockey, skiing/cross-country skiing, tennis, beach volleyball, hiking. There are also activities that encourage creative thinking such Model United Nations, Drama Club, Entrepreneurship Club, Choir, private music lessons, Yoga, Archery and more.
Institut Montana offers enrolment on a rolling basis throughout the school year. Please contact our Admissions Office for more information on our admissions process.
Our day students take a very special, panoramic 8-minute ride on the Zugerbergbahn, a funicular railway that climbs every 30 minutes up to the Zugerberg from Schönegg, on the edge of the city of Zug. Our campus sits conveniently just above the Zugerbergbahn funicular station.
Each year, we welcome students from around the world to experience the spirit of Institut Montana at our Summer Camp. For 2-3 weeks, students ages 10 – 15 years old can take intensive English and German courses, participate in exciting workshops and activities, and make lasting friendships. Day and boarding options are available. Please contact our Admissions Office for more information.
We can assist our boarding students with their visa application and residence permit. We also provide invitation letters for visits from family members of enrolled students. However, we cannot assist day students or family members of any student with their Swiss residence permit.