In recent years, the city of Aarau has developed into an important education hub. Alongside public schools, private institutions are also increasingly coming into parents’ focus. Many families choose a private school because they value smaller classes, specialised educational approaches, or more personal support for their children.
The range of private schools in Aarau is correspondingly diverse: from full-day schools and special education institutions to bilingual programmes and alternative school models such as Waldorf or Montessori, families will find a broad selection of educational options here and can choose the approach that suits them best.
Table of Contents
- These private schools are available in Aarau
- Selected private schools in Aarau: Profiles
- Professional development & business schools in Aarau
- More private schools & specialist offerings in the region
- Is there any funding for private schools from the City of Aarau?
- How to make the right decision for your child
Author
Sinan Güzelsahin
Category
Updated
10. April 2026
IIn this guide, you’ll learn which private schools there are in Aarau, how the different options differ from one another, and what to look out for when deciding on a school approach.
These private schools are available in Aarau
If you’re looking in Aarau for an alternative to public education, you can choose from a wide range of school models that differ significantly in terms of sponsorship, care model and educational approach.
In general, the following private school options are available:
Full-day schools with block schedules and afternoon care. Ideal for working parents.
Bilingual schools that teach two languages equally from primary level.
Waldorf and Montessori schools: Alternative school models focused on holistic, self-directed learning.
International schools offering internationally recognised qualifications such as the IB.
Faith-based schools that combine education with a religious orientation. Community and values are highly important.
Thanks to this diversity of private schools in Aarau, parents have the opportunity to find an approach that suits both the child’s personality and the family’s circumstances.
Legal framework: How private schools in Aarau are supervised
Before a private school in Aarau is allowed to teach students, it must meet clear legal requirements that are also reviewed regularly. To operate at all, a school needs a permit from the Canton of Aargau. This is granted on the basis of the cantonal school law. This ensures that private institutions also meet minimum standards in terms of teaching quality, safety and organisation. Oversight remains the responsibility of the cantonal authorities, which regularly check compliance with the requirements.
Selected private schools in Aarau: Profiles
To make it easier for you to find your way, we introduce a few private schools in and around Aarau below. You’ll get an initial impression of each school’s orientation, focus areas and special features, and may already be able to prioritise one of these approaches for your family.
Tagesschule Drive, Aarau
Tagesschule Drive in Aarau is a full-day private school for children and young people from Year 4 to Year 9. It places great value on a clear daily structure, small class sizes and close personal support. A key element is individual support, which is strongly reinforced by having two teachers per class. From Year 7 onwards, career-choice preparation also becomes a fixed part of lessons, helping students prepare specifically for their future.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational approach | Clear structures, individual support, two teachers in the classroom |
| Year groups | Years 4 to 9 |
| Number of students | Small classes with intensive support |
| Location | Aarau – central and easy to reach |
| Costs | CHF 2,150 per month (incl. lessons, meals, study and homework time, school materials and teaching resources); sibling discount CHF 4,800 per year; for students with recognised special-school status by arrangement |
Forum 44, Aarau
Forum 44 is a state-recognised private school in the centre of Aarau. It is aimed specifically at young people in Years 9 and 10 who want to prepare for further education or an apprenticeship. In addition to the regular school years, Forum 44 also offers tutoring, individual learning support and courses for students of all ages.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational approach | Individual learning support, a trusting learning atmosphere, two levels in Years 9/10 (“Plus year” at district school level, “Bonus year” at lower secondary level) |
| Year groups | Years 9 and 10, tutoring and course offerings from primary to upper secondary (Matura) level as well as for adults |
| Number of students | Several hundred learners per year in courses and annual programmes |
| Location | Central location in Aarau, easy to reach from the surrounding regions |
| Costs | By arrangement, depending on courses and programmes; set individually |
Rudolf Steiner School Aargau, Schafisheim
Rudolf Steiner School Aargau has created a holistic education and care offering for families, spanning from early childhood through to the Matura. In addition to kindergarten, primary school and lower secondary, the programme also includes pathways into further programmes such as the Integrative Upper Secondary School (IMS) or the Matura at Atelierschule Zürich. Educationally, the school follows anthroposophical principles, leaving plenty of room for children’s individual development and artistic growth.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational approach | Holistic education based on Rudolf Steiner, fostering intellectual, artistic and practical skills |
| Year groups | Daycare, kindergarten, primary school, lower secondary through to Matura (transition from Year 10 to Atelierschule Zürich) |
| Number of students | Several hundred children and young people from the Aargau region |
| Location | Schafisheim, easy to reach within the Canton of Aargau |
| Costs | Income-based: CHF 850-2,500 per month (for 1 child); contributions scaled by family income and number of children, incl. sibling scale and discounts for kindergarten |
Schule Quadrius, Suhr (near Aarau)
Schule Quadrius has created an alternative way of learning for children from kindergarten through to lower secondary. The educational approach is based on intrinsic motivation. Children learn in mixed-age groups and develop a respectful attitude towards their classmates. Homework and exams are deliberately avoided. Instead, coaching conversations, individual learning paths and a wide range of projects, practical activities and guided sessions are at the centre.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational approach | Individual, self-organised learning, complemented by coaching conversations and guided sessions; no homework or exams |
| Year groups | Foundation level (approx. 4-8 years), middle level (approx. 9-12 years), lower secondary (approx. 13-16 years, Real/Sek/Bez) |
| Number of students | Approx. 50 students |
| Location | Suhr, near Aarau, centrally located in the Canton of Aargau |
| Costs | Family contribution: 1.4% of taxable income (min. CHF 500, max. CHF 1,300 per month) / Level fee per child: kindergarten CHF 600, Years 1-2 CHF 710, Years 3-4 CHF 820, Years 5-6 CHF 930, lower secondary CHF 1,040 / additional enrolment fee: CHF 1,000 per child |
Acton School
The Acton School in Aarau sees education as a personal hero’s journey. Each child-known as an “Eagle”-sets out on their individual learning path with the goal of discovering their calling and finding meaningful work in life. Traditional subjects are replaced by themed “Quests” that tackle real-world challenges. Instead of grades or traditional report cards, the focus is on portfolios, exhibitions and badges.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational approach | Three pillars: Learn to Learn (independent academic study), Learn to Do (projects, e.g. starting a business, experiments), Learn to Be (character development, teamwork, honour code). Guides ask questions but don’t provide answers; learning goals are guided through trackers, peer feedback and badges. |
| Year groups | Studios for different age groups, mixed-age learning in small communities |
| Number of students | Small, intentionally manageable learning groups (numbers vary by studio) |
| Location | Aarau, centrally located in the Canton of Aargau |
| Costs | Individually arranged contributions by agreement; no traditional flat fees as with conventional private schools |
Acton Academy Switzerland launches in 2026 School, kindergarten & daycare
The first Swiss location of this successful concept: Acton Academy Switzerland launches in August 2026 in German-speaking Switzerland.
Start of classes: August 2026 | Application: From late 2025 (via newsletter)
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Professional development & business schools in Aarau
Private education pathways don’t end with the Matura. That’s why Aarau offers a wide range of vocational schools and continuing education programmes that prepare young adults specifically for commercial and entrepreneurial roles. These institutions stand out for practice-oriented curricula and flexible time models. These are ideal conditions for parents who want a sustainable educational pathway for their child.
Minerva Aarau – business school with breadth and bilingual options
Minerva Aarau is a state-recognised business and vocational baccalaureate school in the Gais Center, just a few minutes from the main train station. It is aimed at young adults seeking a solid commercial education and offers a broad range of business programmes-from the commercial diploma (VSH) and the Federal VET Diploma (KV EFZ) to the vocational baccalaureate BM1 (full-time) and BM2 (part-time alongside work).
Minerva Aarau stands out in particular for the following features:
Bilingual qualification: As the only business school in the canton, it offers KV programmes in German and English, in some cases combined with BM1.
Flexible formats: Training options are available full-time, part-time or alongside work, depending on your individual situation.
Professional learning environment: Modern rooms, technical equipment and a pleasant infrastructure create a learning atmosphere where students feel comfortable and can work with focus.
HSO Business School Aarau – broad educational offering with a practical focus
HSO Business School Aarau is one of the established private providers of education and continuing education in Switzerland. It covers a wide spectrum-from basic commercial training and specialised fields through to degree programmes at university of applied sciences level. The offering includes, among other things, HF diplomas, postgraduate programmes (NDS HF), federal professional certificates, and practice-oriented bachelor’s programmes.
HSO Business School Aarau stands out in particular for the following features:
Variety of specialisations: Learners can choose between business administration, computer science and business informatics, finance, HR & leadership, marketing & sales, and business school programmes.
Strong practical orientation: All programmes are closely linked to the demands of working life and teach not only specialist knowledge but also the practical skills needed.
Network and locations: With multiple schools across Switzerland, including Zurich, Bern, Lucerne and Basel, learners benefit from a broad network and the option to switch locations flexibly.
This makes the Aarau location an ideal opportunity to complete a high-quality business education in a central location in the Swiss Plateau.
More private schools & specialist offerings in the region
There are also many other individual approaches that round out Aarau’s educational offering and appeal to very specific target groups because they are tailored to particular needs.
The Zwärglihuus kindergarten at Aarau Cantonal Hospital welcomes the youngest children. Early childhood support is closely connected to the hospital environment. Parents benefit from professional care that takes everyday hospital life into account while also supporting children’s age-appropriate development.
The academia Language and Learning Centre Aarau offers a broad range of language courses and learning support. Alongside classic foreign-language programmes, there is also individual tutoring and special offerings for teenagers and adults who want to develop further linguistically or academically.
Careum Continuing Education specialises in professionals in healthcare and social services. It offers practice-oriented programmes aligned with the demands of everyday working life. In this way, it enables continuing education alongside work, making it easier for young people to specialise or take the next step in their career.
Is there any funding for private schools from the City of Aarau?
In the Canton of Aargau, private schools are generally not subsidised by the state. Parents therefore usually have to cover the costs of a private educational institution themselves. Depending on the school, the contribution model varies widely. Some institutions work with fixed monthly fees, others with income-based cost models where the amount is adjusted to the family’s situation.
Even though there are generally no subsidies from the canton, it’s worth making an individual enquiry-especially when it comes to special support programmes, recognised special schooling, or scholarships for further education.
How to make the right decision for your child
To choose the right private school option, parents should set their own priorities and focus areas during the search. Think carefully about what matters to you, and then contact the school promptly to get a personal impression.
- 1
Educational profile and recognition: Does the approach fit your family situation, and is the school state-approved?
- 2
Location and organisation: Are accessibility, daily school journeys, infrastructure and care hours compatible with everyday family life?
- 3
Cost structure: What fees apply-are there income-based models or sibling discounts?
- 4
On-site insight: What impressions do you get from a personal visit, introductory sessions or trial days?
- 5
Additional activities: What options are there for sports, music or other leisure activities that complement the school day?
- 6
Transition options: What pathways are open after school-for example apprenticeships, Gymnasium or further education?
- 7
Composition of learning groups: How large are the classes, and how are ages and performance levels mixed?
The private school offering in Aarau is very diverse, giving parents a wide choice to make the right decision-one that fits both the child and your own values and everyday family life. Take the time in advance to explore each school’s approach and offering in depth-after all, choosing a private school in Aarau sets the course for your child’s future.