James Stenning
Executive Principal
Four Forest offers high-quality bilingual education using a curriculum tailored to the cantons of Lucerne and Zug and elements of the British National Curriculum. Students are immersed in either English or German on a weekly basis, with lessons taught by teachers in their native language or a language in which they are fluent. This immersive method allows students to naturally acquire language through play, singing, and gestures, making the process intuitive.
Early immersion yields faster, more effective language mastery and enhances confidence. After several years, students' second language proficiency nearly matches their mother tongue.
At Four Forest, students learn English and German immersively, even if their native language is different.
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 38 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
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Number of students
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150+
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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45
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Most common nationality
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Swiss
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Ratio of local students to international students
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40% Swiss-German families and 60% International families - 51% native German speakers
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Native English and German speaking teachers
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Yes
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Language support for students not fluent in English and German
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Yes, we have language support in English and German.
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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French (Grade 5 and 6), in line with the Swiss Curriculum 21 that we teach
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Max. number of students per class
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17/18 students per grade and class
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Average number of students per class
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15
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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Yes
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Use of technology in the classroom
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We have interactive white boards that teachers access via their laptops. We have a set of school laptops and IPADS which are used in conjunction with lessons in the classroom.
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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)
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The school is technologically stable and would use technological assistance when needed and when appropriate.
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Do students practice religion at the school? What religion?
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No
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External examinations or assessments available
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At the end of Grade 6, children can enter Swiss Gymnasium or Swiss Secondary school (depending on their results).
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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Yes
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Approximate hours of homework given
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This varies across the grades and academic level of each student.
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Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation
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Our students graduate at the end of Grade 6 and then move on to Gymnasium or Secondary school.
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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No
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students
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Students in Four Forest Luzern are able to participate in our Talentia Enrichment Programme in Zug. This was created to address the needs and interests of gifted and talented students ready for more intensive, challenging learning experiences. With guidance and support, students’ curiosity and natural inclination towards inquiry is fostered as they investigate and explore new subject matter or delve into areas of the curriculum in much greater depth. Students become more aware of their thinking strategies and learn to yield these as tools towards investigation, problem-solving and further inquiry be it in History, Geography or Art.
Enrichment classes take place on Thursday from 08h30 -12h00 at our Zug campus.
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Student access to education psychologist
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We can recommend an educational psychologist to parents but do not have an educational psychologist at our school.
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Entry evaluation for students
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We invite potential students to attend a few Schnuppertage/Trial Days so that they can experience a few school days in our bilingual environment, and our teachers can get to know the students.
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Waiting list
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In some grades where the class is full, we do have a waiting list.
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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We accept applications and enrolments all year round (subject to our Admissions process).
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Yes
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School start time
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8:30
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School finish time
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15:15
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Supervised care before/after school
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Four Forest offers its parents a modern and family-friendly day school. This begins with supervision before lessons begin in the morning from 7.30 am. Children stay in school and are supervised over lunchtime and after school. There is a wide range of activities and courses within the framework of the after-school club, which is open until 6.00 pm. Homework can also be done during this time in the homework club.
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School bus service available
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We only have a school bus for school trips during the school day, but not to and from school.
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School provided lunches
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Yes
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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We offer a meat and vegetarian option for lunch. Children are welcome to bring their own lunch to school.
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Uniform required
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No
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Facilities at the school
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Library, creative arts room/studio and indoor movement room/mini sport hall
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Sports facilities at the school
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Soccer area for the schools use at break time
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug is a reputable private day school offering a high-quality bilingual education. Based on the curricula of the cantons of Luzern and Zug, teaching is delivered equally in German and English. Students are taught one week in German and one week in English. Four Forest offers a pre-school and a kindergarten as well as all classes of the primary school age range (Grade 1 to Grade 6). Four Forest families include international and multilingual families as well as Swiss families with an interest in bilingual education.
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Teaching approach of the school
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Four Forest follows Curriculum, 21, the Swiss schooling curriculum. Students from 2nd Kindergarten to Grade 6 are taught one week in English and one week in German. The English language taught follows the British curriculum. In our pre-school (age 3 to 5 years), we have German and English days. All our teachers are native speaking German or English.
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Kindergarten | Ages 3-6
Four Forest offers an excellent 1st Kindergarten programme designed to foster early childhood development in a bilingual setting.
The school provides a nurturing and stimulating environment, ensuring children have the space and support to explore and learn through play and structured activities. Additionally, the kindergarten programme includes full day care options, catering to the needs of modern families.
Our 2nd Kindergarten marks the first year of compulsory schooling in Switzerland.
Children enter this grade at 5 years old (according to the age guidelines as set out by Kanton Lucerne and Zug respectively), ready to embark on a structured yet adventurous educational journey that blends rigorous academics with playful exploration. We offer a full-time programme giving children a balanced schedule that fosters both learning and play.
Primary | Ages 6 to 12
Our primary school offers a full-time, bilingual education from Grades 1-6, building on the foundation established in Kindergarten.
With a focus on both academic excellence and immersive language learning, our programme prepares children for the challenges ahead.
Children alternate weekly between English and German instruction, guided by our experienced teachers who are fluent in the language they teach.
This approach ensures deep linguistic immersion and helps children develop fluency in both languages.
Our primary school curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire young minds. Rooted in the Swiss Curriculum 21, our programme ensures that children receive a well-rounded education in all subjects. English is taught in line with the British National Curriculum, offering robust language instruction that complements our bilingual approach.
Secondary | Ages 12 to 15
Our Secondary school programme is designed to prepare children for the next stage of their education, whether that be entry to short-term Gymnasium, or an Apprenticeship.
Our curriculum focuses on providing children with the academic and linguistic tools they need to excel in both pathways, and learning goals are tailored to meet the needs of each individual student. Students continue their bilingual education, with each subject assigned a specific language of instruction (either German or English).
This method ensures that children not only deepen their understanding of academic content but also acquire a broad and sophisticated vocabulary in both languages. By the end of the programme, children will have developed strong linguistic skills that prepare them for further education or entry into the working world.
Our Facilities
Four Forest boasts excellent facilities designed to support comprehensive education and development. The campuses feature well-equipped classrooms, dedicated spaces for art, music, and science, and extensive outdoor areas including a forest school, allowing for immersive nature-based learning.
Additionally, the school offers access to modern sports facilities and a variety of after-school programmes. These resources, combined with a bilingual curriculum in German and English, ensure students receive a balanced education in an inspiring environment, promoting both academic and personal growth.
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