Philosophy & History

The Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz has a long and rich history, yet is anything but bound by tradition.

It is a forward-thinking and outward-looking school, proud of the calibre of its education, of the methods used to encourage and achieve the best, of the spirit which unites Zuoz students past and present, and of how its graduates go on to make their mark upon and contribute to the world.

Our School

The Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz, founded in 1904, is a Swiss international boarding school set in spectacular alpine landscape near St. Moritz, Switzerland. The Lyceum campus occupies an extensive site with its own sports fields overlooking the alpine village of Zuoz.

Spirit of Zuoz

In 2004, the school celebrated its 100^th jubilee year. Our school philosophy is founded on respect for tradition, combined with innovation. It finds expression in the Spirit of Zuoz, which attaches supreme importance to tolerance, mutual respect, fair play, commitment and life-long learning. Respectability and orderliness in everyday life, respect and helpfulness towards others coupled with an open-minded attitude: these are the guiding principles of an education at the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz, and they equip ambitious and enthusiastic young people with the qualities they need for life.

Academic programmes

The Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is one of Switzerland’s leading international boarding schools, where 220 boarders and 120 day students between the ages of 12 and 19, from over 45 nations, are prepared for their higher education entrance qualification exams, while receiving an education which promotes intellectual, physical and emotional balance within a family environment, We offer the following academic programmes:

In English

International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

In German

Swiss Matura

Bilingual

Bilingual Swiss Matura German/English
Swiss Matura “Maturità Bilingue Grigionese” Italian/German

The Thinker

Precicely as multi-facetted as our sculpture with its piercing gaze are the programmes of the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz, which open to participants new perspectives on a variety of different levels:

From spirit, language and culture,
to creativity, sport and nature.

Our holistic pedagogical approach has always enabled us to cultivate the full potential of each individual.

That is the „Spirit of Zuoz“

Philosophy

Vision

Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is a vibrant school with a strong sense of community. It is both locally anchored and outward-looking. Our students enter Swiss and international universities and become responsible global citizens, who help shape the future.

Mission statement

Our local and international students benefit from a holistic education that fosters their intellectual, physical and creative growth. The school’s cultural diversity is rooted in a set of shared values, providing a strong foundation for students to develop into global citizens, who are prepared for the challenges of the future.

Philosophy and objectives

The Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz combines both respect for tradition and innovation. The “Spirit of Zuoz” is driven by four key concepts, which also define the academic and pastoral aims of education at the school.

Individuality and leadership

Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz encourages the development of its students’ sense of personal responsibility, while giving them ample scope to discover and foster their own interests and creativity.

At Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz, education means instilling in young people confidence in themselves and in their potential. They are encouraged to find their own path in the world, while remaining open and respectful to others.

Community and values

Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is a close-knit yet culturally diverse community, bound by shared values, which all members of the community embody.

In their daily interactions, students of diverse backgrounds and languages form life-long friendships, underpinned by their shared values. This helps to shape them into responsible, future citizens.

Educational goals and innovation

Education at the Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is holistic, attaching equal importance to personal growth and academic aspirations. The school constantly reflects on and encourages innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

The school promotes intellectual curiosity, independence and academic performance as well as creativity, an appreciation of nature and healthy living. Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is committed to innovation in teaching and prepares students for future studies by providing opportunities for research, digitalisation, and international experience and by bringing together theory and practice.

Cooperation and partnerships

Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz builds on the strengths of Swiss and international education and its local and global networks provide a strong foundation for students’ futures.

Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is rooted in the unique natural and cultural landscape of the Engadine, yet is open to the world. The school maintains close ties to the community and collaborates with universities, cultural institutions, national and international organisations and business partners. The Zuoz Club is the school’s global alumni network and it plays an important role in the life of the school.

Respect and openness

Our students treat each other with respect and openness to create a community in which all feel valued.

Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz students learn to value cultures and beliefs different from their own, in a community underpinned by trust, honesty, generosity and empathy, in which individuals feel safe and secure.

Responsibility and engagement

Our students assume responsibility for their actions and engage with environmental and global issues.

Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz students actively contribute to a positive school culture. They value fairness and willingness to help others, use resources responsibly and participate in global initiatives to create a sustainable future.

Inquiry and critical thinking

Our students shape their own educational pathway, develop intellectual curiosity and demonstrate critical thinking.

At Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz, high academic standards are underpinned by learning support structures and students are encouraged to strive for high academic achievement. The school fosters inquiry-based learning and critical thinking in order to motivate students to take greater personal responsibility for their learning.

Creativity and balance

Our students embrace their creativity and learn to balance ‘head, heart, and hand.’

At Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz, art, theatre, music, sports and time spent in the natural world are as important as academic achievement. These activities enrich imagination, inspiration and the shaping of ideas. Experiences both inside and outside the classroom allow our students to understand their own potential.

Chronicle

The Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz celebrated its 100^th Anniversary in 2004. Founded by five visionaries from the Engadine in 1904, the “Institut Engiadina”, as it was then called, had 22 students in its first year. It was run by a director and two teachers. It developed as an international school which dedicated itself not only to knowledge and learning, but also to physical exercise and sports. This led to the motto which is still valid in our current age: “mens sana in corpore sano”.

1902	A group of influential men from the Engadine (Gilli, Juvalta, Planta, Geer, Jäger, Töndury) assigns the building contract to the architect Koller, St. Moritz.
1904	On 15 June the Institut Engiadina opens its doors in Zuoz with ten Swiss, four American, three French, three English and two Russian students.
1913	Construction of new premises : Grosshaus (for 58 students), administrative building with a theatre and concert hall, dining hall, indoor pool, director’s apartment and a medical centre.
1921	The "Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz" is granted the right to conduct state examinations.
1922	By purchasing a meadow of 60, 000 m2, the Lyceum Alpinum acquires the sports fields near the River Inn („AI“) and the highest cricket pitch in Europe.
1923	First cricket matches on the highest cricket field in Europe.
1930	First German Abitur examinations at the Lyceum Alpinum.
1964	Opening of the Arvenhaus (with classrooms, labs and storerooms for science subjects).
1973	The school’s Swiss Matura certificates receive federal recognition.
1977	Construction of a triple sports hall.
1991	Admission of girl boarders and establishment of a media centre.
1997	The Lyceum Alpinum is given permission to conduct examinations for the International Baccalaureate (IB).
1999	The Chesa Arpiglia is built (40 modern single rooms for girls, five multifunctional classrooms).
2003	The regional secondary school La Plaiv moves into premises of the Lyceum Alpinum.
2004	The 100th Anniversary is celebrated with festivities lasting several days. Old Boys and Young Girls from all over the world take part.
2007	The completely renovated Nadighaus (former Arvenhaus) is inaugurated; it offers new facilities for science and music classes.
2008	Award of Accreditation by the Council of International Schools.
2011	Opening of the school’s own theatre , the Zuoz Globe, in the old swimming pool.
2013	Grosshaus turns 100.
2017	Opening of Chesa Urezza (state-of-the-art classrooms and new rooms for 59 senior girls).
2019	Installation of a new apartment for the heads of boarding house in the intermediate wing.
2019	New office space for the rectorate and administration.

Cricket in the year 1934

The love affair with Cricket at the Lyceum Alpinum has been going strong for nearly a hundred years. It all started when a Scottish Games Master, Gordon Spencer, joined the school in 1923. He not only introduced cricket, but also Eton Fives, which has been hugely successful at the school.

For a full 40 years, Gordon Spencer remained a loyal employee of the Lyceum Alpinum and has remained in the school’s memory as a figure who made a lasting impression. Spencer was not only convinced of the great worth of passing on traditionally British sports, he equally prized the value of fairplay. When the legendary Games Master left the school in 1963, the tradition of playing cricket had become cemented in the school’s identity where it remains until this very day.

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