The Grüninger School Thalwil: Our guiding principles and educational philosophy
Our guiding principles and educational philosophy are the foundation of our daily work. They are geared towards the needs of our children and create a framework in which learning, relationships and personal development are fostered in constant harmony.
Learning with passion and commitment
Our guiding principles
Learning in a family-like atmosphere – individualised, warm, and holistic - our school is a place where children feel comfortable and can develop their full potential. In a bright, welcoming environment, we create space for creativity, concentration, musicality, and relaxation. With 6 to 12 students, our manageable class sizes allow us to recognise each child's uniqueness and provide individualised support.
Our lessons take place in a compact and child-friendly school timetable, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. This leaves plenty of time in the afternoon for hobbies, therapies, and additional support. Learning should take place in a calm, predictable environment, without any hustle and bustle.
The child is always at the heart of everything we do. Supported by a dedicated, warm, and cheerful team, we cultivate a culture of trust and respect. In our close-knit school environment, genuine relationships develop, facilitating learning and strengthening personalities. Our school is a place where learning is enjoyable and fosters a sense of community.
Educational philosophy
Individualised support, rethought: Our Multiprofessional Model
We are a specialist private school in Thalwil for children and adolescents who often struggle in mainstream education. To give each student real prospects, we use a closely integrated, multidisciplinary team approach. We provide personalised instruction, focusing on each student’s strengths and fostering confidence in their abilities.
The Three-Pillar Model: Achieving Success Together
We are unique in the region in that we work within a multiprofessional team. We support young people through a coordinated team of experts, meeting them at their current stage of development.
Educational Leadership & Special Needs Education
A qualified special educational needs teacher oversees learning objectives and individual support plans (ISPs). They provide consistent support to ensure academic progress.
Social-pedagogical support
An experienced social worker acts as a 'social anchor', supporting students in their daily school life and helping them to regulate their emotions. They create a stable classroom environment where learning without fear becomes possible again.
Vocational integration and coaching
a specialised coach prepares students for the world of work. Through personalised mentoring and assistance with application portfolios, we help each student find a sustainable pathway for their future.
Relationships Before Performance
In small groups of six to twelve students, we replace performance pressure with reliable relationships. We create a school environment where fears are reduced and self-confidence is strengthened. Our goal is to lay the foundation for a future full of opportunities, regardless of individual support needs.
Quality and guidance
We work with highly qualified professionals to ensure that all students receive the support they need to integrate successfully into society and the world of work. We work closely with the relevant authorities and training companies to ensure that every student leaves us with a concrete opportunity for the future.
Would you like to learn more about our school philosophy?
We would be happy to explain our mission statement and educational principles to you in person and answer your questions in a no-obligation discussion.