FAQ
The School
What is the philosophy of the school?
The Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is a co-educational international boarding school. Our school philosophy is founded on respect for tradition combined with innovation. It finds expression in the Spirit of Zuoz, inspired by the sporting ethos of the Lyceum Alpinum, which attaches supreme importance to tolerance, respect, fair play, commitment and life-long learning. We expect our students to learn and live by those values in the classroom, boarding house and on the sports field.
How many students study at the school?
About 340 students, of which 220 students are boarders and 120 are day students.
Which academic programmes does the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz offer?
We offer the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in English as well as the Swiss Matura in German. In addition to the German-speaking Matura, a bilingual Matura programme in German and English is offered and the Swiss Matura “Maturità Bilingue Grigionese” in Italian and German.
How many boarders and day students does the school have?
We have 220 boarding students living in four different houses. 110 students are day students coming from the area of the Engadine valley.
Is the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz accredited by any educational organisations?
Yes, we are fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) as an IB World School. We are a member of SwissLearning and the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).
What is the distribution between IB and Matura?
It is about 50 – 50: 50% of the students in IB and 50% in Swiss Matura.
What is the distribution between girls and boys?
About 50% girls and 50% boys.
How many students are typically in one class?
We have an average of about 15 – 18 students per class.
In which grade can a student enter the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz?
We offer grades 7 – 12.
Who are the teachers and what are their qualifications?
Our teachers are native speakers of English, the majority with a post-graduate degree in their teaching subjects as well as many years of teaching experience. Some of them also work in the boarding houses as tutors. More details will be gladly supplied upon specific requests. All teachers can be contacted via: Contact Teaching Staff
What does a typical school week look like?
Students attend classes from Monday to Friday starting at 07:45 and finishing at 14:40 or 16:10. On one afternoon per week students have Games (sports) for two hours. After class there are various extracurricular activities (academic and non-academic) students take part in, then go to dinner and afterwards attend the daily “Studium” (study time of 40 – 90 minutes). Wednesday afternoons are free for grades 7 – 10. On Sunday from 20:00 to 21:00 is time for students to make final preparations for the following week.
How long are the lessons?
Our classes consist of 80-minute lessons in order to allow students to get a more in-depth understanding of the subject taught.
How old is the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz?
The school was founded in 1904.
What does the school calendar look like?
Please find the detailed calendar here.
How are parents informed about a student’s grades?
Four times a year parents receive a written report about their child’s grades in each subject as well as detailed comments about his/her development and progress at the school. At any point throughout the year parents can contact the boarding house for a current update and get in touch with each teacher directly.
Where do students at the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz come from?
We have over 45 nationalities at the school. The majority comes from Switzerland, Germany and Italy (~50%) but we have students from all around the world: Brazil, Turkey, France, Bulgaria, Mexico, Japan, Belgium, Russia, Austria, Spain, Fiji, China etc. No single nationality is allowed to make up more than 10% of the student body.
Where is the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz located?
The school is located in the alpine village of Zuoz in the beautiful Engadine valley in the south-eastern part of Switzerland. The famous ski resort of St. Moritz is only 15 minutes away. Zuoz is very close to the Italian and Austrian borders and therefore has an international flair. Further directions can be found here.
How do we get to your school?
Please refer to our detailed description which can be found here.
How big is the campus?
The school campus covers 130,000m2 and encompasses 13 buildings, sports fields, ice rinks, tennis courts, Eton Fives courts etc. The skiing area and the golf driving range are within walking distance. Find more details here.
How do the students travel to the school?
The nearest airports are Zurich, Milan, Innsbruck and Munich. There is a private airport in Samedan, which is 10 minutes from the school. Normally students travel by train between Zuoz and Zurich or by private transport to Milan (upon request). Swiss trains are very reliable, safe, inexpensive and easy to use. We also work with a transportation company which picks up students at the airport and brings them directly to the school (extra fee). There are no direct train connections from Munich, Innsbruck and Italy and transport services must be used. More details will be provided on request.
School Life
Who lives in which boarding house?
- Grosshaus: senior boys in grades 11 and 12
- Kleinhaus: junior boys in grade 10
- Spencer House: junior boys in grades 7-9
- Chesa Urezza: senior girls grades 11 and 12
- Chesa Arpiglia: junior girls grades 7, 8, 9 and 10
How many students share a room?
In grades 7-8 all students share a double room. In grades 9-11 it is possible to have a single room (additional costs apply) if available. In grade 12 all students are in single rooms.
Do all students have their own computer?
Yes, most students have their own laptop or computer. However, there are many computer work stations and printers provided at school that are for students’ use only.
Do students have Internet access?
Yes, students get WLAN-Internet access in their rooms as well as WiFi throughout the rest of the school. Certain pages are blocked in the class rooms and study areas.
How much pocket money do students have?
Depending on their age between CHF 50.- and 300.- per month.
How do girls and boys interact?
Boys and girls live in separate houses but can visit each other in the community rooms. In class, school and all extra-curricular activities girls and boys participate together.
What do students do at weekends?
At weekends, students are free and can go home either on Friday night or Saturday morning or they can stay at the school. The school and boarding house is open and tutors are around 24/7. There are always activities organised by the school that students can take part in (one activity per day is mandatory). On ten weekends per year, students stay at the school as we run our community weekends.
What about smoking, alcohol and drugs?
The school campus is smoking, alcohol and drug free.
Students over 16 years with a written permission to smoke from their parents (smoking pass) are allowed to smoke at designated places outside the campus during specific times of the day. If anyone without a smoking pass is caught smoking a written reprimand will be issued.
Students over 16 years are allowed to drink alcohol outside the campus on designated days of the week but only to a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 per mill (drink-drive limit). When they return they are randomly tested by breath or blood tests. Anyone over this limit receives a written reprimand.
There is zero tolerance of drugs. Students consuming, possessing or dealing in drugs are immediately expelled from the school.
Do students wear a school uniform?
No. However all students have to follow our dress code guidelines that are distributed before attending school.
What if my child needs to buy items, such as stationery items or new ski boots?
We have a school shop on campus for all stationery items, school books, etc. New ski boots can be rented or bought. Please inform us about your child’s needs. We will issue a voucher with which he or she can go to the sports store in the village of Zuoz and rent or buy the requested item without cash. With the signed voucher he or she returns to the boarding house, where the voucher is signed and brought to the financial department which will pay the store’s bill and put it on the students invoice.
What happens during the holidays?
During the holidays we offer sports trips, cultural visits, expeditions, Corps of Volunteers projects, “get-to-know-Switzerland-holidays” and our Summer Camps. The school remains closed during this time. For further information please click here.
Admissions
When is the best time to apply for the school?
We have a rolling admission process and therefore spaces can only be guaranteed as long as there is availability. Ideally, an application should be submitted 6-8 months prior to the beginning of the school year. However, due to last minute changes late applications are considered.
When is the best time of the year to enter the school?
The best time to enter the school is at the beginning of a new school year, at the end of August. Admission during the school year is possible, but not recommended.
Which documents are necessary for a registration?
- Completed Registration Form with photograph
- Copies of the two most recent school report cards
- Completed Student Questionnaire
Do you accept students into grade 12/the final year?
Usually we only accept students into grade 11 at the latest. In exceptional cases, an admission into grade 12 can be considered.
How does the admission procedure work?
The admission and assessment of a student are dependent on their previous school performance, assessment or recommendation from teachers. Applications are evaluated on receipt and, candidates are invited to attend an interview and to take assessment tests at the school or online. Candidates are subsequently informed of the school’s decision. On acceptance, candidates’ families receive a School Contract and an invoice for payment of a deposit. The enrolment becomes effective and the place at the school guaranteed, as soon as the deposit has been paid and the signed contract has been received by the school.
What are the tuition fees?
All details on fees can be found here.
Do you apply for a visa for students?
Yes, we undertake all administrative work with the Swiss authorities for students requiring a visa.
College Counselling & University Enrolments
Do you help students in applying to universities?
Absolutely. Our experienced college counsellor helps students from the very beginning from brainstorming ideal universities to preparing the interviews at the desired institution. As part of the process we organise the Morrisby-Test, conduct workshops for decision-making, prepare them for their SAT’s, IELTS, Oxbridge, write recommendation letters, prepare them for entrance interviews etc.
Are you a testing centre for SAT’s, IELTS etc.?
Yes. We prepare and test the students at our school.
How do students learn about their university options?
From grade 9 we do workshops on how to choose a university (academically, geographically etc.), what subject combination is required for which profession etc. Also, universities visit the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz throughout the year and present themselves to students. There are also visits to Swiss universities and universities and colleges abroad.
Zuoz Club / Our Alumni
Do you have an alumni organisation?
Yes, it is called the Zuoz Club. Founded in 1923, the Zuoz Club offers its members the unique opportunity to sustain friendships, regardless of geographical distances, differing cultures, generations and nationalities. The Zuoz Club presently has 2200 members in 42 countries. Students who completed a school year at the school can become a member (fees apply), when their class graduates – regardless of how long they were at the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz. For further information see www.zuozclub.com
Are there regular alumni gatherings?
Yes, there are 18 regional groups worldwide which organise regular social events, sports meetings and cultural trips. Furthermore “Old Boys” and “Young Girls” from all over the world gather twice a year in Zuoz to celebrate “Winter Games” and “Summer Games”, dedicated to sports, culture and the renewal of friendships. For further information see www.zuozclub.com