Kindergarten

In our bilingual Kindergarten, we use the power of imagination and play to lay a strong foundation for academic success
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Early bilingualism
Your child experiences both English and German already in kindergarten.
Full immersion
Our kindergarten teachers are native German or English speakers.
Playful learning
Playing and learning do not contradict but complement each other at this age. We place great emphasis on having fun while learning.
Supportive environment
We treat every child as an individual and support it in its wellbeing and development.

Developing Basic Competencies

We develop the basic competencies necessary for reading and writing in two languages with a systematic learning approach that includes all senses.

Our native German and English-speaking kindergarten teachers use various methods, ranging from tightly structured to very open work assignments.

Admission to Kindergarten

Your child can join Kindergarten at any time. If their 4th birthday is before July 31, they enter Kindergarten 1. If their 5th birthday is before July 31, they enter Kindergarten 2.

A Day in Kindergarten

Doors open at 8.30, and Kindergarten day starts at 8.45 in Horgen and 9.00 in Küsnacht. A day in Kindergarten lasts until 15.45, except on Wednesday, where it ends at 12.00. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can already pick your child up before (11.45) or after (13.30) lunch.

Groups consist of up to 20 children. In the morning, two native German and English-speaking kindergarten teachers share responsibility for the group. In the afternoon, one kindergarten teacher — if there are more than 15 kids, this includes an assistant — teaches the children. The mornings are consequently bilingual, and the afternoons are monolingual (2 x German and 2 x English).

Play-based learning with all the senses and using both open-ended and targeted tasks characterise Kindergarten classes. Individual assignments, sessions with all children in a circle, experimenting, and free play all mix together.

Special Days that make Learning at Lakeside School Memorable

We playfully explore the world on regular excursions and afternoons or full days in the woods. Two weekly physical education classes enrich our curriculum — in Horgen in our gym hall and in Küsnacht in the auditorium.

Events for the entire school are hosted several times throughout the year. Examples include Sports Day, the Advent Singing, the Welcome Apéro, the Easter Breakfast, or the Children's Festival, as well as project weeks.

Before and After School Care for Kindergarteners

Outside of kindergarten hours, you can book various before and after school care options. You can also leave your child in our care during lunch on half-days. Our Hot Lunch offer guarantees a healthy, balanced meal with local, fresh, and organic ingredients.

Our carefully selected external partners offer various after school clubs at our campus, ranging from sports such as Kung Fu and gymnastics to coding club and acting classes.

In addition, we are happy to care for your child during four weeks of the school holidays!

We are here for you

Register your child for kindergarten online or contact us with any additional questions.
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FAQ

Why is it called kindergarten?

In 1840, Friedrich Fröbel in Thuringia, Germany, came up with the word. In his institution for small children, they should be cared for like plants in a garden. Thanks to Fröbel's ideas, more and more "kindergartens" appeared in Germany and elsewhere.

How do bilingual classes work?

In Kindergarten, each class has one English and one German-speaking class teacher teaching together. Like in a bilingual family, children are simultaneously exposed to both languages.

Are there any language prerequisites for Kindergarten?

No. Your child can enter without any English or German language background. Our immersive bilingual educational model fully equips your child for a successful move into primary school years.

Why should your child attend a bilingual kindergarten?

A bilingual education from the early years comes with various advantages that last a lifetime. Being able to acquire both English and German like a native speaker is clearly the largest advantage. Even if a child transitions to a monolingual education system after Primary School, the acquired language stays with them for the rest of their life. Additionally, research suggests that the brain of a bilingual learner forms differently and fosters skills such as adaptability and cultural competency, allowing one to make conceptual connections more easily.

How do bilingual classes work?

In kindergarten, one German-speaking teacher teaches together with one English-speaking teacher. The children are continuously exposed to both languages.

Is an enrolment possible at any time?

Yes, children in kindergarten always enter according to their age. For example, if your child starts in February and will be 5 years old by August, he/she will start in the 1st kindergarten and move to the 2nd kindergarten in August.

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