Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
We anticipate in 2024 a maximum of 20 students per grade (grades 9-12). |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
We anticipate in 2024 to have at least 15 nationalities. |
| Most common nationality |
We anticipate in 2024 to have an equal mix of European (particularly Swiss, German, French & Italian) and Asian (particularly Vietnamese, Thai & Chinese) as the most common nationalities. However, the student body will be global with students from all parts of the world. |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
We anticipate in 2024 to have a ratio of 1:9 of local to international students. |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
German, French, Italian. |
| Max. number of students per class |
20 |
| Average number of students per class |
15 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
No |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Yes |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No. The school is multi-denominational and students of all religious affiliations are welcome. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IGCSE and International A-Levels |
| Results in these examinations |
96% IGCSE: Grade 5 or higher A Level: Grade C or higher |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
The timetable has 2 hours of supervised study per day (Monday to Friday). |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
+90% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| Learning support offered |
The Head of Academics deals with the individual needs of our students and creates tailor-made learning plans. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
A Personal Learning Coach is provided for each student to meet regularly and cover topics that go far beyond the actual imparting of knowledge in a specific subject. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
This area is dealt with by the Head of Academics and the Personal Learning Coach. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Each student is interviewed and English language proficiency is also assessed. |
| Waiting list |
No. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
There is no official deadline for registration but early application is advised especially for visa requiring students. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, upon request and depending on availability. |
| School start time |
Classes begin at 08:00. |
| School finish time |
Classes finish at 16:00 |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes. There are two supervised hours of study per day (Monday to Friday). Boarding students have a member of staff available 24 hours a day seven days a week. |
| School bus service available |
Yes. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes, upon request and availability. |
| Uniform required |
No. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
The school offers an attractive range of communal activities outside school hours. GENERAL ACTIVITIES
Singing in the traditional choir (once a week at lunchtime).
During the summer holidays, we offer holiday camps in Winterthur/Zurich and Disentis. |
| Sports activities included |
A wide variety of sports activities are built into a daily programme. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes. |
| Facilities at the school |
Science laboratories, music rooms, cinema, library, theatre. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Football field, indoor gymnasium, climbing wall, skiing, cross-country skiing, ice hockey, ice skating, snowshoeing, hiking, climbing, mountain biking (mountain bikes are available). |
| Grades/ages available for boarding |
Grades 9-12 (approximate ages 14-18). |
| Boarding facilities at the school |
The boys are accommodated in modern en-suite single rooms in the venerable abbey building, with their own shower/toilet. The girls also live in en-suite single rooms in the Caminada House. Built in 2005, Caminada House is the winner of several architectural awards. On-site staff are available around the clock. Common rooms with a small kitchen invite learners to gather in a cosy atmosphere – this is where friendships are forged that often last a lifetime. All learners are provided with fresh, healthy meals every day. European cuisine is served, and vegetarian options are also available. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Go to school where others go on holiday. Disentis is nestled in the fantastic mountain scenery of the Grisons. The spectacular landscapes around the source of the Rhine, the Oberalp and Lukmanier Passes and the Rhine gorge are perfect for biking, hiking or climbing. One of the largest ski areas in Switzerland, Andermatt+Sedrun+Disentis, is right on the doorstep. The village is home to 2000 inhabitants, with many shops, cafés and restaurants. Weekend excursions to Milan or the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland are also easily undertaken, given our geographical proximity. The abbey and its school have shaped the village for hundreds of years. Here, great value is placed on education, community and mutual respect, and a tradition-rich musical culture is cultivated. Alumnis keep in touch with each other and with our school for decades. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
With small classes and a friendly atmosphere, we ensure that our young people enjoy learning and are eager to do so while developing their specialised strengths and personality in the best possible way. After two years of general education, your child will concentrate on the subjects that interest them – and, thus, prepare specifically for a university course that suits their strengths. The typical day at the boarding school is structured as we provide your child with direct guidance. An attractive, campus-specific range of optional subjects and leisure activities enables us to strike a good balance and promote a sense of community. The language of instruction is predominantly English with German and English used for social interactions. Lessons are also offered in other languages. |