Private schools in Aargau

In this article, you’ll get an overview of private schools in Aargau, their concepts and special features, as well as helpful tips for choosing the right private school in Aargau.

There are currently around 30 approved private schools in the canton of Aargau. This gives families a lot of flexibility to shape their child’s education and deliberately choose an environment that fits their child’s talents and needs.

How diverse private education is in the canton of Aargau

Private schools in Aargau are available to both the youngest children of daycare age and teenagers exploring career options after finishing school.

This variety gives parents the opportunity to choose the school option that best fits their child’s strengths and needs—supporting long-term development. Modern approaches such as the Acton School model, which builds students’ independence and enables project-based learning, also add to the educational offering in the canton of Aargau.

Approval and oversight of private schools in Aargau

Private schools in the canton of Aargau must meet their educational responsibilities and comply with legal requirements. They require a cantonal licence and are overseen by the cantonal education authority. A key condition for approval is that their educational goals and curriculum align with public-school standards. Only then may private schools in Aargau provide compulsory education as recognised “substitute schools.”

In addition, there are supplementary offerings such as day schools or tutoring centers. They do not replace compulsory schooling, but they create additional learning opportunities.

Sonnenweg Private School, Meisterschwanden & Hilfikon

Sonnenweg Private School has been operating since 2017 and supports children from kindergarten through lower secondary level at two locations. The focus is on a future-oriented learning environment that builds language skills, digital skills, and social interaction equally. The school profile is complemented by a diverse leisure and nature program.

Lern mit AG, Wohlen

The private school Lern mit in Wohlen has been state-approved since 1999 and offers both primary and lower secondary levels. With intentionally small classes of a maximum of 12–14 students, it creates a close-knit environment where personal guidance and individual support are central. Students receive intensive support with career choice.

Forum 44, Baden & Aarau

Forum 44 is aimed at teenagers who have not found their place in the public school system and now want to benefit from a more individual learning environment. The private lower secondary level at Bez and Sek level forms small classes with a maximum of 12 students. This makes close personal support possible. In addition to targeted tutoring and individual support, the school pursues the idea of English immersion in certain subjects.

Rudolf Steiner School Aargau (Schafisheim & Rheinfelden)

Rudolf Steiner School Aargau guides children and young people from early childhood through to the Matura along a holistic educational path based on Waldorf education. In addition to kindergarten, primary, and lower secondary levels, this private school in the canton of Aargau also accepts daycare-age children. On the spacious, nature-oriented campus in Schafisheim, there are historic buildings with modern interiors.

Montessori schools (Brugg, Lenzburg)

The Montessori schools in Aargau are aimed at children aged 3 to 12 and combine the principles of Montessori education with bilingual concepts (German/English). In small, mixed-age groups, children follow the guiding principle “Help me do it myself” using specially developed materials that encourage independent and responsible learning. The concept includes independent work time and a deliberate focus on social skills. After 6th grade, students transfer to the public lower secondary level.

An innovative learning approach is offered by the relatively new Acton School concept, which builds children’s independence and sense of responsibility in a distinctive way. In mixed-age groups, children develop and lead their own projects. Digital tools and English as the main working language play an important role in everyday school life and prepare students for an increasingly globalised world.