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Seven young students of boys and girls pose in a bushy garden.

Entry age

12

Grades

7-9

Language of instruction

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Other international terms for secondary school:

Middle School
SEK A/B
Grade 7-9
Prep School
Junior High School

Strong basic skills and language learning 

Bilingual Secondary School

With a level of individualised care hard to find elsewhere, our private secondary school provides an important step between primary and high school. There are many young people who benefit from a nurturing environment where they can explore ambitions and develop skills. Perhaps they need to improve their English or German to follow an IBDP or Swiss Matura course. Or they want to investigate options that take them towards a prestigious hotel school or an apprenticeship. Our Bilingual Secondary School uses modern, motivating skill development strategies, innovative teaching methods like experiential learning, small groups, and independent study with teacher mentors, so that students can achieve their aspirations.

Accreditations and memberships for academic excellence

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29

students
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10

average class size
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12

nationalities

Following the Swiss curriculum

Our Swiss programmes, in accordance with the decentralised Swiss education system, are based on the framework provided by the Canton of Zug. We adapt them to the context of our school and offer an international approach that includes bilingual (English and German) tracks. 

Your next step to success

Why choose our Secondary School?

A girl student speaks in front of a microphone with a group of other student behind her

Diverse and international learning environment 

The mix of Swiss and international students in our Bilingual Secondary School creates a lively setting where students enrich their understanding of different cultures, improve their languages and make friends from around the world.
The languages of instruction are German and English, and French is also introduced. With plenty of support, students develop confidence and competence in multiple languages, keeping open future academic options between Swiss and international programmes. 
Two girl students and a teacher pose and smile to camera.

Comprehensive learning support  

We have a robust and student-centred system to support every student's learning needs. This includes weekly coaching sessions in languages and maths, project-based learning, elective subject afternoons, and project weeks.

This individualised approach means that each student can learn at their own pace with the right encouragement to reach their academic goals. 

 

A group of students do a public speaking with a boy in the front.

Language proficiency and certification  

The programme includes intensive language support with fast-track options following CEFR guidelines.


Our students work towards the Goethe Institute certificates for German, the Cambridge English Assessment certificates for English, and the DELF certification for French. They have opportunities for future studies and careers in a wide range of industries across the world.

A group of students on a farm-like field studying a plant.

Holistic development and healthy lifestyle 

Our beautiful location surrounded by meadows and forests provides fresh air and a connection with nature. We encourage a healthy lifestyle with daily movement breaks, outdoor lessons, and fun activities like cooking weeks, ski camps, and an annual end-of-year trip. Students develop healthy habits to last a lifetime.
A girl student in a class laughs in a middle of discussion.

Bilingual education with a strong foundation  

The Bilingual Secondary School curriculum is based on the Swiss Lehrplan 21, focusing on competence and skills while adapted to the specific context of our student-centred teaching and international community. 


Beyond the classroom

Coaching 

The well-being and mental health of our students are just as important to us as their academic performance.


For this reason, personal coaching sessions are held every two weeks between the class advisor and each student. In addition to academic performance and behaviour, personal development goals are defined. Students have the opportunity to discuss challenges and seek advice from their teacher. Thanks to these coaching sessions, the class advisor remains fully informed about each student’s situation and can promptly involve other parties if necessary. 

A female mentor coaches a girl student in a class.
Syllabus taught in German

  • Life skills: economics & personal budgets, the working world, nutrition & health, responsible living

  • German (1st language)

  • Ethics, religion, community

  • Media and information technology

  • Class advisory session

  • Accompanied study (study planning)

  • Mathematics

  • Visual arts

  • Textiles and technical crafts

  • Music/choir

  • Vocational orientation


Syllabus taught in English:

  • Geography, history and civic education

  • Nature and technology (including physics, chemistry, biology)

  • English (2nd language)

  • Physical education

Syllabus taught in French:

  • French (2nd language)

Elective subjects BSS grade 7

  • Choir

Elective subjects BSS grades 8 and 9

  • Textile design

  • Computer science 

  • Accompanied study

  • Visual arts

  • Music/choir

  • Italian private classes

  • Spanish private classes

  • Entrepreneurship

  • French (special preparation for Gymnasium)

 

Subjects on offer change annually.

Secondary School Experience

Hear what our staff and students say about us

Arlette Bisang

Head of the bilingual secondary school

Speaks about XXX

bilingual-elementary-school
                                                                                                                                                       7th grade BSS                     Lessons in learn studio
                                                                                                                                     Core level           extended level   core level   extended level
 

Languages 14 14 5 5
Cocoa Break 

 

      
10:45 – 11:25

English

 Mathematics Social Science Sports
11:35 12:15 English Sports Music Sports
Lunch 

 

      
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
        
Activities** until 16:40
        

 

Next steps

Your academic path

from Secondary School grade 9

57%

transfer to 

Swiss Gymnasium

To study for the Swiss Matura, you need a grade point average (GPA) of 5.2 in German, French, mathematics (double weighting), social science (half weighting), sciences (half weighting)

Learn more

29%

transfer to 

International School

to study for the Cambridge IGCSE towards the IB Diploma or High School Diploma.

Learn more

14%

transfer to an

apprenticeship

Complete compulsory education in the Swiss system and start an apprenticeship or transfer to another vocational or commercial high school.

Numbers are based on the 2024 school year

Meet our Head of Secondary School

We look forward to getting to know you and your child.

"My passions include history, historical buildings, and all things French. I also love travelling, gardening and sewing my own clothes. Reliability, punctuality, good food and my family are values I hold dearly."


Plan a visit to our campus

Plan an online meeting with our Admissions Team

Arlette Bisang 

Head of Bilingual Secondary School
arlette.bisang@montana-zug.ch
Languages spoken
A blond-haired female staff smiles to the camera.
info

Helpful information

Joining from our primary school: all our students may join based on average SEK A or SEK B

Joining from a Swiss school: SEK A aiming for the Swiss Gymnasium or an apprenticeship. SEK B aiming for the International School or an apprenticeship

Joining from an international school: good knowledge of DE/EN/FR or minimum B1 (DE and/or EN) and willingness to continue with DE (Goethe) and FR (Delf)

FAQ

Your Academic Path

What kind of school is Institut Montana?
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Institut Montana is an international day and boarding school in Switzerland.

Where is Institut Montana located?
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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.

What educational programmes does Institut Montana offer?
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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. 

What age of students does Institut Montana admit?
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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.  

How many students study at Institut Montana and where are they from?
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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.

What are the language requirements for students?
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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.

What boarding options does Institut Montana offer?
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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.

What co-curricular activities are available at Institut Montana?
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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.

Is there a deadline for applications?
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Institut Montana offers enrolment on a rolling basis throughout the school year. Please contact our Admissions Office for more information on our admissions process.

How do day students arrive and depart Institut Montana each school day?
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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.

Do you offer summer activities for students?
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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.

Does Institut Montana provide assistance with visa applications?
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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.