If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
In general, the following private school options are available: <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>- <\/i><\/span>
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Full-day schools <\/b>with block schedules and afternoon care. Ideal for working parents.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>
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Bilingual schools<\/b> that teach two languages equally from primary level.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>
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Waldorf and Montessori schools:<\/b> Alternative school models focused on holistic, self-directed learning.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>
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International schools<\/b> offering internationally recognised qualifications such as the IB.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>
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Faith-based schools<\/b> that combine education with a religious orientation. Community and values are highly important.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Thanks to this diversity of private schools in Aarau, parents have the opportunity to find an approach that suits both the child\u2019s personality and the family\u2019s circumstances.<\/p>\n
Legal framework: How private schools in Aarau are supervised<\/h3>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/div>
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<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>Selected private schools in Aarau: Profiles<\/h2><\/div>To make it easier for you to find your way, we introduce a few private schools in and around Aarau below. You\u2019ll get an initial impression of each school\u2019s orientation, focus areas and special features, and may already be able to prioritise one of these approaches for your family. <\/p>\n
Tagesschule Drive, Aarau<\/h3>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\n\n\nFeature<\/strong><\/th>\nDetails<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n\n| Educational approach<\/td>\n | Clear structures, individual support, two teachers in the classroom<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Year groups<\/td>\n | Years 4 to 9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Number of students<\/td>\n | Small classes with intensive support<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Location<\/td>\n | Aarau – central and easy to reach<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Costs<\/td>\n | 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<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\nForum 44, Aarau<\/h3>\nForum 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n\n\nFeature<\/strong><\/th>\nDetails<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n\n| Educational approach<\/td>\n | Individual learning support, a trusting learning atmosphere, two levels in Years 9\/10 (\u201cPlus year\u201d at district school level, \u201cBonus year\u201d at lower secondary level)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Year groups<\/td>\n | Years 9 and 10, tutoring and course offerings from primary to upper secondary (Matura) level as well as for adults<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Number of students<\/td>\n | Several hundred learners per year in courses and annual programmes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Location<\/td>\n | Central location in Aarau, easy to reach from the surrounding regions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Costs<\/td>\n | By arrangement, depending on courses and programmes; set individually<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\nRudolf Steiner School Aargau, Schafisheim<\/h3>\nRudolf 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 Z\u00fcrich. Educationally, the school follows anthroposophical principles, leaving plenty of room for children\u2019s individual development and artistic growth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n\n\nFeature<\/strong><\/th>\nDetails<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n\n| Educational approach<\/td>\n | Holistic education based on Rudolf Steiner, fostering intellectual, artistic and practical skills<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Year groups<\/td>\n | Daycare, kindergarten, primary school, lower secondary through to Matura (transition from Year 10 to Atelierschule Z\u00fcrich)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Number of students<\/td>\n | Several hundred children and young people from the Aargau region<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Location<\/td>\n | Schafisheim, easy to reach within the Canton of Aargau<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Costs<\/td>\n | 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<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\nSchule Quadrius, Suhr (near Aarau)<\/h3>\nSchule 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n\n\nFeature<\/strong><\/th>\nDetails<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n\n| Educational approach<\/td>\n | Individual, self-organised learning, complemented by coaching conversations and guided sessions; no homework or exams<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Year groups<\/td>\n | Foundation level (approx. 4-8 years), middle level (approx. 9-12 years), lower secondary (approx. 13-16 years, Real\/Sek\/Bez)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Number of students<\/td>\n | Approx. 50 students<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Location<\/td>\n | Suhr, near Aarau, centrally located in the Canton of Aargau<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Costs<\/td>\n | 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<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\nActon School<\/h3>\nThe Acton School in Aarau sees education as a personal hero\u2019s journey. Each child-known as an \u201cEagle\u201d-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 \u201cQuests\u201d that tackle real-world challenges. Instead of grades or traditional report cards, the focus is on portfolios, exhibitions and badges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n\n\nFeature<\/strong><\/th>\nDetails<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n\n| Educational approach<\/td>\n | Three pillars: Learn to Learn<\/em> (independent academic study), Learn to Do<\/em> (projects, e.g. starting a business, experiments), Learn to Be<\/em> (character development, teamwork, honour code). Guides ask questions but don\u2019t provide answers; learning goals are guided through trackers, peer feedback and badges.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n| Year groups<\/td>\n | Studios for different age groups, mixed-age learning in small communities<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Number of students<\/td>\n | Small, intentionally manageable learning groups (numbers vary by studio)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Location<\/td>\n | Aarau, centrally located in the Canton of Aargau<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n| Costs<\/td>\n | Individually arranged contributions by agreement; no traditional flat fees as with conventional private schools<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |