Tandem International School – Academic Upper Secondary School (Swiss Matura Programme)

Tandem IMS Gymnasium Küsnacht

An Academic Pathway to the Swiss Matura

Tandem IMS Gymnasium Küsnacht is an academic upper secondary school in the Canton of Zurich leading to the Swiss Matura, which provides direct access to Swiss universities and is widely recognised internationally. Situated on the shores of Lake Zurich, the campus offers a calm and inspiring environment that supports focused learning, personal growth, and preparation for tertiary education.

Founded in 2025, the Gymnasium extends Tandem IMS’s long-standing bilingual approach into the final stage of secondary education. Pupils may choose between a bilingual (German–English) pathway or a monolingual (German-only) pathway leading to the Swiss Matura. Both tracks combine rigorous academic standards with strong personal guidance and a values-based philosophy centred on curiosity, empathy, responsibility, and community engagement.

Distinctive Academic Focus

Building on over two decades of experience in bilingual education, Tandem IMS integrates subject mastery with interdisciplinary thinking and real-world application. A distinctive feature of the programme is its focus on Design Studies and Humanitarian Studies, complementing the traditional academic curriculum.

Design Studies

Design Studies introduces pupils to design thinking, creative problem-solving, and sustainable innovation. The programme includes product, architectural and digital design, as well as coding, robotics, automation, and AI applications. Through project-based learning and industry collaborations, pupils develop technological competence alongside creativity and analytical skills.

Humanitarian Studies

Humanitarian Studies integrates elements of economics and law with global perspectives on sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility. Pupils explore international development, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, human rights, and fair trade, while strengthening project management, communication, and leadership skills. This pathway prepares pupils for both traditional academic disciplines and socially engaged career fields.

A Connected Campus in Küsnacht

The Küsnacht campus brings together the Gymnasium, the final years of Primary (Grades 5 and 6), and a dedicated 10th Grade bridge programme. This focused preparatory year combines targeted academic preparation for Gymnasium entry with the development of creative portfolios, supporting pupils in making informed decisions about their next educational step. It enables smooth progression into the Gymnasium and other academically or creatively oriented upper secondary pathways.

Pedagogical Approach

Teaching at Tandem IMS Gymnasium is pupil-centred and personalised. Lessons emphasise critical and creative thinking, intercultural exchange, collaboration, and independent learning strategies. In an increasingly complex and media-driven world, the school encourages pupils to apply knowledge to real-world challenges and to develop a sense of purpose that extends beyond academic achievement.

Admissions

Admission requirements vary depending on the chosen pathway. Entry into the Progymnasium (Grade 7) is based on academic performance and a successful interview with the school leadership. Admission to the Kurzgymnasium (Grade 9) requires passing the official entrance examination, in addition to meeting the school’s academic and motivational criteria.

Location

With its lakeside setting close to the city of Zurich, Tandem IMS Gymnasium Küsnacht offers an academically rigorous, internationally minded pathway to the Swiss Matura within a supportive and forward-looking learning community.