Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
Currently 20 students.
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| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
7 |
| Most common nationality |
Swiss and American |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
50% local / 50% international |
| Native English and German speaking teachers |
Yes, all our teachers are native speakers of our instruction languages (English and German). |
| Language support for students not fluent in English and German |
Yes, we offer tailored language support for both English and German to ensure smooth integration for students who might only speak one of the languages initially. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
In addition to English and German, we offer French (integrated for grades 5-9). |
| Max. number of students per class |
We have an exceptional maximum teacher-to-student ratio of 1 teacher to 7 children. |
| Average number of students per class |
Average teacher-to-student ratio is 1:4 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
No |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
We use technology intentionally. While we prepare children to steer AI rather than be steered by it (focusing on mathematics, science, and writing), we also protect their childhood. Cell phones stay out, and personal devices (laptops) are only recommended starting from Grade 4. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online during emergencies) |
Yes, we are fully set up for flexible learning. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No, we are a non-denominational school. |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
Not applicable, as we are a non-denominational school welcoming all families. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
Our 1-on-1 instruction prepares students for various academic pathways, including the Swiss Matura, IB (International Baccalaureate), or GCSEs. |
| Results in these examinations |
Not applicable yet. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Our academic foundation is highly efficient due to our low teacher-to-student ratio and 1-on-1 instruction. This means all core learning and practice can happen during school hours, eliminating the need for regular homework. |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Homework is kept to a minimum as core learning is achieved efficiently during school hours. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
Our curriculum is fully aligned to prepare students for traditional Gymnasiums, universities, or apprenticeships. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Our small cohort size and daily 1-on-1 instruction allow us to understand every child deeply and provide highly personalized support. However, families of children with severe special learning needs are encouraged to contact us to discuss whether our setting can provide the right environment. |
| Learning support offered |
We offer daily 1-on-1 coaching tailored to individual learning speeds, ensuring that no student is left behind, advances students can move more quickly and core concepts are thoroughly mastered. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
Our personalized learning pathways and 1-in-1 instruction mean gifted students can move at the speed that is right for them, even if that means moving several grade levels ahead in specific subjects. We also provide time each week for personal projects where kids can dive deep into topics they are passionate about. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
We do not have psychologists on staff. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
We evaluate the fit of prospective students via a written application, previous school reports and a trial visit to our school. |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
We evaluate the fit of prospective students via a written application, previous school reports and a trial visit to our school. |
| Waiting list |
Due to our intentionally small size, spots are limited and a waiting list applies once cohorts are full. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
We do not have a hard registration deadline; we evaluate applications and make admission decisions on a rolling, monthly basis. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, mid-year entry is possible if a spot is available and the student fits our cohort. |
| School start time |
To optimally promote the well-being and performance of our students, we deliberately start the day slightly later than traditional schools. Our school day begins with a relaxed arrival window between 8:45 and 9:00, allowing everyone to arrive calmly before lessons start promptly at 9:00. |
| School finish time |
The regular instructional day runs until 15:30. |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Not at this time. |
| School bus service available |
No. However, our campus at Soodring 33 in Adliswil is highly accessible: just a few minutes' walk from the Sood-Oberleimbach station, which is only a 13-minute train ride from Zurich HB. |
| School provided lunches |
No. Students bring their own healthy lunchbox to school every day. |
| Uniform required |
No, there is no uniform requirement. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
We do not offer extracurricular clubs at this time. |
| Sports activities included |
Our sports program exposes students to a range of sports, from athletics and ball sports to orienteering and ice skating. We also offer three weeklong expeditions annually that expose students to a range of outdoor activities including hiking, rock climbing, kayaking and biking. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Not yet. |
| Facilities at the school |
Our light-filled ground floor campus is includes a library, community space for school-wide events and parent showcase days, a science lab, a maker space and a large outdoor play area. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
We feature a large private green space right outside our doorstep for sports and outdoor exploration. Additionally, we are located right next to a major local sports facility and forest trails. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Lumos is an innovative, bilingual private school (grades 1–9) that prepares young minds for an accelerating future. We combine highly personalized 1-on-1 instruction and strong academic basics with hands-on projects, character-building expeditions, and a tight-knit, supportive family community. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Our pedagogy is rooted in learning science (using retrieval practice, spacing, and productive struggle) and rests on four pillars:
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