Elementary school
The Montessori Method is based on the careful observation of children and focuses on aiding and supporting the child’s natural development.
The children are taught in mixed-age groups (lower elementary from 6 to 9 and upper elementary from 9 to 12 years old). Depending on the size of the groups, they are accompanied by two to three qualified teachers. The tuition languages are German and English. The Rietberg Montessori School is known for its highly experienced and dedicated team.
Tuition
Classroom teaching fully covers the curriculum of Canton Zurich and goes far beyond its requirements. The transfer to secondary schools is guaranteed.
In elementary school the children continue to work in mixed age groups of developmental phases lasting three years each. All children pass through these phases at their own pace.
In elementary school, the children develop their writing, reading and mathematical skills further. They are introduced to different sciences. The classroom hours of at least three hours per day, during which the children are assisted individually, are complemented by a wealth of classes such as foreign languages, music, woodwork, art and craft, art studio, sport, dance and theatre projects.
For these supplementary classes, Rietberg Montessori School employs trained specialists.
In their daily classroom hours, the children learn to plan their work. In regular conferences with their teachers, they assess their objectives, reflect on their learning process, discuss current projects and agree upon new assignments.
Development meetings and progress reports
Once every six months, the child, the parents and the teachers meet to discuss the development of the child. This helps the parents to assess and support their child in his or her educational development. Achievements are discussed and new objectives agreed upon. At the end of third and sixth grade, the teachers write a comprehensive report on the child’s development and achievements.
Secondary school
The teachers direct the children carefully towards the transfer to secondary school. Children aspiring to “Gymnasium” (grammar school / a general baccalaureate school) receive specific training for the entry exam. This training is included in the classes.
Services, teaching and childcare hours
In elementary school, we offer the following services:
Included in the school fees
- Two to three trained teachers per class (German/English), depending on class size
- French lessons from fourth grade onwards
- Calm/quiet time
- Intensive preparation for “gymnasium” entry exam or other secondary schools
- Specialised teachers for French, arts and crafts, woodwork, music and painting
- Sports day
- Ice-skating
- Theatre project week including performance of school play at the end of the school year
- Carol singing
- Voice training (upon consultation) from fourth grade onwards
- The school magazine is being written by the students during school time and it is published twice a year
Additional services
- Visits to museums, art galleries, opera and concerts
- Art workshops
- Hiking tours
- Snow sports day from fourth grade onwards
- Camp week from fourth grade onwards
Childcare hours
- The School is open daily from 7.30 am - 6.00 pm.
- Wednesday afternoons: Childcare and meals available on request
12.00 noon - 1.30 / 6.00 pm
Lesson time
- 8.00 / 8.15 am - 3.30 / 4.00 pm
- Wednesdays until 12.00 noon