Strive. Achieve. Grow.
The Swiss Academy Group offers talented young people in sport, music and dance a unique combination of first-class grammar school education and individual support. Our flexible teaching concept allows students to combine their school career with their training and artistic ambitions without having to compromise.
Welcome
"Welcome to the Swiss Academy! We firmly believe in the individual potential and talent of our students, and our ultimate goal is to enable excellence through passion, commitment and a positive attitude. We build great athletes, musicians and people. We want our students to discover their goals and realize their own potential through learning and achievement. Our exceptional teaching and training staff provide a unique, positive and excellent educational experience. The Swiss Academy is the best decision you can make for your future."
Kind regards,
Dr Ludovic Allenspach
Founding Principal, Board of Directors
"A warm welcome from Switzerland! At the Swiss Academy, we believe that all children are unique, which is why we offer each of our students a holistic and individualized learning experience. Because the simple principle of "head - heart - hand", which goes back to the Swiss pedagogue Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, is still at the center of a comprehensive education, our goal is to sustainably develop our students' skills in the areas of knowledge, movement, health and personal appearance. For us, education is not limited to the classroom, but our students take part in a wide range of sporting, cultural and extracurricular activities that complement and enrich traditional lessons. That's why the Swiss Academy is definitely the best way to develop your own talents comprehensively. "
Kind regards,
René Furrer
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Welcome
‘Welcome to Swiss Academy! Here, we’re firm believers in our students’ unique potential and talent. Our top priority is to help them excel by encouraging them to approach their learning with zeal, commitment and a positive attitude. At the academy, we turn students into brilliant athletes, musicians and human beings. We want our students to discover where they want to go in life, and we’re here to help them fulfil their potential through learning and hard work. Our excellent teaching and training staff give students a unique, positive and first-rate learning experience. Coming to Swiss Academy is the best decision you can make for your future.’
Kind regards,
Dr. Ludovic Allenspach
CEO, Founding Principal
‘Here at Swiss Academy, we believe that every child is unique, which is why we give every student a well-rounded learning experience tailored to them and their skills. We believe that the simple ‘head, hand, heart’ model first espoused by Swiss pedagogue Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi remains pivotal to a holistic education. That’s why our goal is to help our students develop over the long term, refining their academic and sporting abilities, promoting good health and encouraging personal growth. We believe that education continues beyond the classroom. Our students participate in a wide range of sporting, cultural and extra-curricular activities that reinforce what they learn through traditional teaching. This makes Swiss Academy the perfect environment for young people to fully develop their talents.’
Kind regards,
René Furrer
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Our philosophy: education & talent in harmony
We understand the challenges of young athletes, dancers and artists. That's why we offer flexible schedules, individualized attention and a learning environment that maximizes students' development opportunities. Our goal is to provide them with a high-quality academic education while allowing them to fulfill their potential in their area of talent.
What we offer:
- International Matura (A-Levels) for worldwide study opportunities
- Flexible timetables, tailored to training and competitions
- Individual support from experienced coaches and teachers
- Workshops and events with professionals from sport, music and dance
- Optimal infrastructure with modern learning and training conditions tailored to your needs - including modern classrooms and training facilities
Our Values
- We educate globally aware, culturally adept and highly skilled individuals
- We respect individuality and create an atmosphere of open and rich dialogue
- We aim to multiply our students’ talents and to develop their potential
- We practice future-oriented learning and focus on the educational goals of our students
- We exemplify passion, excellence and competitiveness
- We value critical thinking and innovation
Our Objectives
- To give the opportunity to align a successful career in sports or music with an excellent, and internationally accepted, academic education
- To combine sports or music and high quality academic education according to one‘s talents and passion
- To develop future professional athletes and world class champions in a wide variety of sports
- To develop professional artists and world class musicians and performers
- To nurture an awareness of the importance of health and wellbeing among the young
STRIVE.
Commitment and dedication
Goal: To strengthen students' intrinsic motivation and passion for their personal development by encouraging them to engage with themselves, recognize their strengths and focus on their holistic development.
- Individual goal setting
Every student is different and we adapt to their individual needs. By understanding their goals, we can create an academic and athletic action plan that is personalized to them and supports them on their developmental journey. - Practice and time management
We review their schedules and practice times to ensure they find a balance between effectiveness and mental wellbeing. - Coaching
Students receive individual sessions with coaches specializing in their respective talent area, in which progress, interests and personal concerns are reflected on and discussed together.
ACHIEVE.
Performance, feedback and evaluation
- Measurable milestones
We define SMART interim goals and set clear benchmarks that make progress transparent. - Development status & feedback
By taking a holistic view of their academic, sporting and personal development, pupils receive targeted feedback from specialists - precise, appreciative and implementation-oriented. The individual level of development is made visible, strengths are highlighted and concrete next steps are clearly defined. - Monitoring & recognition
Progress is documented (journals, reports) and discussed on a regular basis. Achieved goals are made visible and recognized in an appreciative manner in order to strengthen motivation in the long term.
GROW.
Artistic and professional development
- Personal development & mindset
We promote self-reflection, focus and constructive ways of dealing with pressure and setbacks. The focus is on working with values and clarity of purpose. - Health & balance
Regeneration, sleep, nutrition and prevention are firmly anchored in everyday life - for sustainable performance and well-being. - GROW sessions
These sessions enable students to come into contact with experts from various disciplines. Their vision and experience in different subject areas help students with their professional future. - Community & responsibility
Teamwork, leadership and social responsibility are actively practiced - for example through peer learning, mentoring and binding roles in the group and environment.
Who is the Swiss Academy suitable for?
- Interested and internationally oriented competitive athletes, musicians and dancers
- International students with an above-average interest in sports, dance and/or music
What are the Swiss Academy's admission criteria?
- Successful completion of secondary school; cantonal differences are clarified individually.
- Good knowledge of English at level B1+; if not yet achieved, reduced entry possible
- High interest in music, dance and/or sport or above-average talent in a sport (including dance) or on a musical instrument
- Trial training or instrumental auditions and recommendations from external specialists
Management
Dr Ludovic Allenspach
Board of Directors, CEO
"Studied Romance languages and literature, musicology and theatre studies, singing. Teacher and Head of School at Academia since 2011, Managing Director Academia Schools, Member of the Board of Directors Swiss Academy Group."
Marcel Herzog
Managing Director
"Former professional soccer player. Talent manager at FC St. Gallen, FC Basel and Swiss Football Association (2017-2024). Responsible for holistic development of young athletes. Bachelor's degree in psychology. Further management training. Focus on personal responsibility and learning culture."
School management and staff
Nicole Rösch
Head of School Basel, Co-Head of School Zurich
"Bachelor of Education (Sport). Qualified swimming and aerobics coach. Former State Champion (Victoria, Australia) in Kyokushin Karate. Participant in national and world cup selection tournaments. Holder of various other full contact titles."
Michael Martinez
Year 7 and 8 Head tutor
"Bachelor in Human Development, many years of experience in child and youth work. Qualified teacher of English as a second language. Deputy head teacher (pastoral care) at Academia International School."
Simon Scherrer
Co-Head of School Zurich, Head of Sport
"Sports scientist (EHSM) and in training to become a school principal and professional trainer (BTL). Experience as an ice hockey coach at junior level with EHC Biel-Bienne Spirit and the SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers at elite level."
Sol Bilbao
Head of Dance & Artistic Sports
"Studies Classical Ballet and Master Expanded Dance Practice. 2008-2017 Ballet Theater Basel. Teacher of dance history and professional studies (stage dancer EFZ). Lecturer ballet and contemporary dance."
Nuño Fernández Ezquerra
Head of Music
"Master in Composition. Currently Master in Composition for Film, Theater and Media. Works have been performed at international festivals (Switzerland, Finland, Spain,
Norway etc.) by leading ensembles, orchestras and soloists. Experienced music teacher."
Lise Schuerwegen
Student Development & Events
"Former professional volleyball player from Belgium. Master's degree in Pedagogical Sciences with a focus on educational sciences and nine years of experience in teaching psychology and pedagogy."
