academia group

Academia International School follows the British International Curriculum (IGCSEs and A Levels). We are an international school, small by design, where your son or daughter will not get lost in the crowd. We are a multi-cultural, city centre school that aims to provide academic excellence in a cosy, caring environment.

IGCSE and IAL, Matura or IB?
The IGCSEs are an internationally recognised international secondary school leaving qualification and equivalent to a US High School Diploma. With IGCSEs students already have internationally recognised academic currency after year 10. The level of academic rigour at A levels is so highly regarded that in some US universities students with good grades can directly enter the 2nd year of study.

We have opted for IGCSEs and A levels because of the flexibility and choice this curriculum provides. In years 11 and 12 our students can study 3 to 4 subjects they are passionate about and interested in. This means breadth and range in a student’s program is much more flexible and can be adjusted and adapted according to the individual student. For example, while some students will want to supplement an A level STEM focus (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) with a language or an elective such as Art; other students will benefit from the opportunity to focus on their three sciences having already completed a broad academic programme with their IGCSEs.

Basel and Zurich

children and youths

We support your child to develop and achieve his or her full potential from Kindergarten to the end of Secondary School. Our pupils enjoy an attentive and respectful environment, small classes, bilingual teaching in German and English by mother-tongue trained teachers as well as personal support which provides the foundation for your child's further education – be it in Switzerland or abroad.

From Kindergarten to the end of Secondary School we provide students with a supportive learning environment in a nurturing atmosphere. In preparing our students for a globalised world, we frame a considered approach to fostering a healthy respect and empathy for the world around them. The development of self-confidence and responsibility are held in high regard.

At Academia Bilingual School, parents can be assured that their child will be afforded the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be accepted into Gymnasium or senior schools or further educational pathways including apprenticeships, depending on personal abilities and aptitudes. The options for continued education internationally are broadened through both bilingual schooling and our international curriculum design.

Basel and Zurich

children and youths

Optimal and personalized education is our top priority. This enables us to help our students find the ideal solution in order for them to continue their further education – with targeted individual support rather than the unnecessary pressure of early selective entry exams.

Small classes, an informal atmosphere and mutual respect provide an ideal and comfortable learning environment for children and adolescents. We take each child and his or her requirements seriously. Students receive intensive and individual attention in order to optimise their academic performance. We attach great importance to making learning a positive and enjoyable experience for your child!

Reinach (BL)

Children and Youths

We support and coach children and young persons at all levels and in all subjects. Our style of teaching is personal and individual – for sustainable academic success and an enjoyable learning experience.

Academia Nachhilfe provides personal and tailored remedial instruction at all school levels an in a great variety of subjects.

We work with the students’ own study materials so that the lessons have direct relevance to teaching at school. Our teachers explain things patiently and vividly. Putting theoretical content in a real-life context for the students also facilitates a better understanding. Training and exercises help to repeat, apply, and remember content.

Tuition is either provided in our premises in Basel, Reinach and Zurich, or online (further locations on request).

Children, Youths, Adults

Study programmes tailored to personal requirements are our speciality. We offer individual support helping adults and adolescents to successfully gain an international English-language university entrance qualification (referred to as Matura in Switzerland). International A Levels allow for access to universities and higher education institutions – in Switzerland and all over the world.

Our curriculum
Subject selection and duration of study
Six subjects in A Levels are generally required in order to be accepted at a university. International A Levels (IAL) offer you maximum flexibility and an opportunity to focus on your strengths.
A consultation interview will take place to discuss your goals, wishes and strengths as well as determine which subjects should be selected and the period of time necessary for achieving this.
You can select your subjects from an extensive range including Mathematics, Natural Sciences, the Humanities and Economics as well as numerous languages.
Depending on your previous knowledge and the desired study workload, International A Levels can be completed within one to three years. Up to 80% of your time can be dedicated to another activity carried out in parallel. The course can be joined at any time.

Instruction in English
The language of instruction is English. If your proficiency in English does not yet correspond to the required B2 level, you may attend our internal preparation courses and start with individual subjects such as German, French or Mathematics. By the time you finish your International A Levels, you should be able to speak English at a near native level.

Form of study
You can decide whether you want to study in a classical classroom setting at one of our locations in Aarau, Basel, Bern, Lucerne or Zurich, or online in the comfort of your home. Our programmes are based on the curricula of the largest education providers worldwide: Cambridge Assessment International Education and Pearson Edexcel.

Study and examinations
In parallel to the lessons, you will study and revise the material on your own. You should allow for approximately two hours of self-study for each hour of instruction. The amount of time invested would depend on the subject, previous knowledge and your learning aptitude.
Each subject is completed individually; several exams may sometimes be required for one subject. Each exam can be repeated as often as desired. Exams are held at the Academia locations in Basel and, starting from 2021, will also be offered in Zurich.
Apart from your teachers, both the educational management and our administration staff are available and happy to support or advise you as required throughout the period of study.

Aarau, Basel, Bern, Lucerne, Zurich and Online

Youths and Adults

Academia Integration is an expert for integration programs and a valued, competent and reliable partner of asylum organisations, social welfare offices, local authorities, regional employment centres (RAV), integration offices, school communities, foundations, associations and aid organisations such as Caritas, SRK, HEKS and others. A wide range of integration courses ensures the successful integration of children, adolescents and adults in school, social, cultural and/or professional life.

German for foreigners, literacy courses, mathematics courses, computer courses with ECDL certification, preparatory courses for vocational schools, job choice coaching, job application training, basic skills, intercultural skills, EBC*L (European Business Competence Licence), career re-entry

Aarau, Amriswil, Baden, Basel, Bern, Dübendorf, Horgen-Oberdorf, Winterthur, Zürich

Children, teenagers, adults