Guidance for parents navigating Swiss education.
Honest, experienced advice. Paid by fee, never on commission.
Choosing a school in Switzerland is rarely straightforward. Public, private, bilingual, international. Canton-by-canton differences. Primary, secondary, and Gymnasium pathways. For families relocating, reconsidering, or facing a hard moment, the picture can feel opaque.
I offer advisory work for parents who want clear, experienced guidance from someone who has spent nearly two decades inside Swiss schools, and who has navigated the system as a parent as well. My own children have attended private bilingual, Swiss public, and Gymnasium schools, which gives me a perspective on the system from the family side as well as the leadership side.
I work on a fee basis only. I do not take referral commissions from schools, and I have no financial relationship with any school I might discuss with a client. My income comes from the families I work with, which means the guidance reflects what suits your family rather than what a school is looking to fill.
Most family engagements fall into one of the categories below. Many cut across several.
Every engagement starts with an initial conversation. We talk through your situation: the ages of your children, where you are based, what you are weighing up, what timing you are working with, and what you are hoping to get from the advisory work. There is no charge for this initial conversation, and no obligation to proceed.
If we agree to work together, I will scope the engagement in writing before it begins, so you know what to expect and at what cost. Engagements take several forms.
Initial consultation A 60 to 90 minute conversation for families who need an experienced perspective on a specific question or decision. Useful as a one-off, or as a starting point for a fuller engagement.
Single-decision advisory package A more substantial engagement around a specific decision such as school selection, Gymnasium pathway, or a particular transition. Typically includes the initial conversation, a follow-up review of options, support through school visits and applications, and a final review meeting.
Full relocation or transition support For families managing a relocation to Switzerland, a significant move between school systems, or a complex transition between schools, an extended engagement covering the full arc of the decision and its implementation. Typically runs over three to six months. Scope is agreed in writing for each engagement.
Ongoing advisory For families with longer-term complexity, such as multiple children at different stages, evolving international moves, or particular educational considerations, an ongoing relationship where I am available as a sounding board over time.
Engagements can be in person in Canton Zurich, by video call from anywhere, or a mix of both. School visits, where useful, are arranged separately.
I am transparent about pricing. Every engagement is scoped before it begins, so there are no surprises.
For families approaching a difficult moment where the standard package feels inappropriate, I offer a shorter focused consultation at CHF 350, which can be scaled up if more help is needed.
The simplest way to start is a conversation.
Tell me a little about your family's situation, what you are weighing up, and what timing you are working with. I will respond within two working days and we will arrange a call to talk it through.
The practice operates on fees, never commissions. No referral arrangements with any school.