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school
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"serious"
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fun.
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fun.
Lumos School combines support with independence, play with challenge, and strong foundations with hands on practice. Kids rise to the occasion and love school more than ever.
The capabilities Lumos students develop
The capabilities Lumos students develop
Skills that matter today — and make the difference tomorrow.
#1
Learn how to learn
If you know how to teach yourself anything, the future stays wide open.
#2
Think and create
Use evidence and logic to understand problems, and creativity and iteration to solve them.
#3
Communicate and collaborate
Communicate and collaborate
Speak and write clearly, listen well, and work effectively with others because we go further together than alone.
#4
Execute and persevere
Learn to break big work into steps, finish strong, and grow from setbacks, because those who keep going learn the most.
#5
Navigate the world
Understand what drives people, how systems work, and the role they play in them. That’s how kids learn to handle complexity, think clearly, and take responsibility.
#6
Find a spark
Discover what truly sparks your interest and build the habits to go deep. Once something clicks, curiosity does the rest.
The pathways open to Lumos students
The pathways open to Lumos students
Swiss Matura
Our 1-on-1 instruction in German and math puts our German speaking students in good shape to take the gymni exams in 6th or 8th grade. And because we follow the Lehrplan 21, they’ll be ready for all their gymni subjects once accepted. They’ll even have a leg up - high proficiency in English, deep research and thinking skills and lots of practice at setting goals and managing their time.
Schweizer Matura
Unser personalisierter Unterricht in Deutsch und Mathematik bereitet deutschsprachige Schüler sehr gut auf die Gymi Prüfungen in der sechsten oder achten Klasse vor. Da wir nach dem Lehrplan 21 arbeiten, sind sie nach der Aufnahme auf alle Gymi Fächer vorbereitet. Gleichzeitig kommen sie mit einem Vorsprung. Starkes Englisch. Klares Denken und gute Recherchefähigkeiten. Und echte Erfahrung darin, Ziele zu setzen und ihre Zeit selbst zu managen.
International Baccalaureate & GCSEs
For students moving into English-medium high schools, Lumos offers a natural head start. Our focus on academic depth trains students to ask good questions, connect ideas across subjects, and build strong foundations. Our "Free Work" approach teaches students to take ownership of their learning. Solid German skills make second language requirements feel straightforward.
Vocational education and training
A strong grounding in Lehrplan 21 prepares students for the Multicheck and our Mastery based (graded) transcripts give employers the clarity they need. Our weekly 1-on-1 coaching gives students extra support when it comes to career pathing, securing trial internships and building resumes. Proficiency in English and deep practice in managing their own work and priorities provide an extra advantage.
The pathways open to Lumos students
Swiss Matura
Our 1-on-1 instruction in German and math puts our German speaking students in good shape to take the gymni exams in 6th or 8th grade. And because we follow the Lehrplan 21, they’ll be ready for all their gymni subjects once accepted. They’ll even have a leg up - high proficiency in English, deep research and thinking skills and lots of practice at setting goals and managing their time.
International Baccalaureate & GCSEs
For students moving into English-medium high schools, Lumos offers a natural head start. Our focus on academic depth trains students to ask good questions, connect ideas across subjects, and build strong foundations. Our "Free Work" approach teaches students to take ownership of their learning. Solid German skills make second language requirements feel straightforward.
Vocational education and training
A strong grounding in Lehrplan 21 prepares students for the Multicheck and our Mastery based (graded) transcripts give employers the clarity they need. Our weekly 1-on-1 coaching gives students extra support when it comes to career pathing, securing trial internships and building resumes. Proficiency in English and deep practice in managing their own work and priorities provide an extra advantage.
What Lumos students learn
What Lumos students learn
Solid foundations for life.
Core academics
Core academics
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Math
Deep understanding, personal pace
+
Math
Deep understanding, personal pace
+
Science and Technology
Invent, test, solve
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Science and Technology
Invent, test, solve
+
Art of Expression
Finding your voice
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Art of Expression
Finding your voice
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Humanities
Making sense of the world
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Humanities
Making sense of the world
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The Arts
Create, design, express, build
+
The Arts
Create, design, express, build
Core academics
+
Math
Deep understanding, personal pace
+
Science and Technology
Invent, test, solve
+
Art of Expression
Finding your voice
+
Humanities
Making sense of the world
+
The Arts
Create, design, express, build
Projects
Each week, we carve out real time for students to work on projects they genuinely care about. Alternating between individual and team pursuits, these deep dives run for weeks or months—whether building something real, learning a hard skill, or following a curiosity. Along the way, students learn to plan, stick with hard problems, and finish what they start. They share their work with real audiences, gaining not just knowledge, but the judgment, resilience, and quiet confidence that comes from seeing difficult things through.
Projects
Each week, we carve out real time for students to work on projects they genuinely care about. Alternating between individual and team pursuits, these deep dives run for weeks or months—whether building something real, learning a hard skill, or following a curiosity. Along the way, students learn to plan, stick with hard problems, and finish what they start. They share their work with real audiences, gaining not just knowledge, but the judgment, resilience, and quiet confidence that comes from seeing difficult things through.
Expeditions
Expeditions
Some things can’t be learned in a classroom. That’s why we set aside four weeks each year for expeditions. These are not school trips with a checklist. They are real experiences that put kids slightly out of their depth and make them want to do more, not less. The kind that stretch you in the moment and stay with you long after. The structure grows with age. Younger students start with day trips. Older ones take on longer, more demanding journeys. Two expeditions are physical challenges in nature. One is focused on service, learning empathy by helping others. The fourth is fully student led, from the first idea and fundraising to execution in the real world. Each expedition is supported by experienced coaches and built around teamwork and reflection. In a world that increasingly cushions independence, these weeks give students something rare: the chance to test themselves, take responsibility, and discover that they are capable of far more than they imagined.
Expeditions
Some things can’t be learned in a classroom. That’s why we set aside four weeks each year for expeditions. These are not school trips with a checklist. They are real experiences that put kids slightly out of their depth and make them want to do more, not less. The kind that stretch you in the moment and stay with you long after. The structure grows with age. Younger students start with day trips. Older ones take on longer, more demanding journeys. Two expeditions are physical challenges in nature. One is focused on service, learning empathy by helping others. The fourth is fully student led, from the first idea and fundraising to execution in the real world. Each expedition is supported by experienced coaches and built around teamwork and reflection. In a world that increasingly cushions independence, these weeks give students something rare: the chance to test themselves, take responsibility, and discover that they are capable of far more than they imagined.
Self-reflection
Self-reflection
The ability to think critically, reflect on yourself, know your strengths, collaborate well with others, and communicate and reason clearly is essential for thriving in life. That is why every day starts with Agora, the Greek word for a gathering place. It is a forty five minute block for team and community building: Socratic discussion, thinking games, tricky questions, mental models, short mindfulness moments, and movement breaks. It is where students learn how to think together. The day ends more quietly. Students spend thirty minutes reflecting as a group and in a journal on what they learned, what surprised them, and what they would do differently next time. Reflection turns experience into insight.
Self-reflection
The ability to think critically, reflect on yourself, know your strengths, collaborate well with others, and communicate and reason clearly is essential for thriving in life. That is why every day starts with Agora, the Greek word for a gathering place. It is a forty five minute block for team and community building: Socratic discussion, thinking games, tricky questions, mental models, short mindfulness moments, and movement breaks. It is where students learn how to think together. The day ends more quietly. Students spend thirty minutes reflecting as a group and in a journal on what they learned, what surprised them, and what they would do differently next time. Reflection turns experience into insight.
How Lumos students learn
Learning formats that create joy and depth
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1-on-1 Coaching
Every child, deeply known
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1-on-1 Coaching
Every child, deeply known
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Group Learning
Together when it counts
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Group Learning
Together when it counts
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Bilingual learning
Thinking in two worlds
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Bilingual learning
Thinking in two worlds
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Free work
Independence in action
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Free work
Independence in action
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Showcase
A chance to shine
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Showcase
A chance to shine
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Synthesis
Time to make it stick
+
Synthesis
Time to make it stick
How Lumos students learn
Learning formats that create joy and depth
+
1-on-1 Coaching
Every child, deeply known
+
Free work
Independence in action
+
Group Learning
Together when it counts
+
Showcase
A chance to shine
+
Bilingual learning
Thinking in two worlds
+
Synthesis
Time to make it stick
How we put the science of learning into practice
How we put the science of learning into practice
So much is known about how the brain learns, yet few schools put it into practice. Kids cram and forget. Memorize without understanding. Listen passively instead of thinking deeply. At Lumos, we build on decades of science of learning so learning sticks.
Try first, then understand
At Lumos, kids don’t start by listening. They start by trying. They wrestle with a math problem before being taught how to solve it. They dive into a science experiment before getting the instructions. Research shows this kind of early struggle primes the brain. Even wrong answers prepare it to learn. In the science of learning, this is called Productive Failure. It is one of the fastest ways to make learning stick.
Then effort, so it sticks
At Lumos, learning is not meant to be easy. It is meant to last. When a child understands something, we do not just move on, because that is when they are most likely to forget. Instead, we make it a little harder. We mix it with other concepts, ask kids to explain it in their own words, and revisit the ideas over time. That extra effort strengthens memory and deepens understanding. In the science of learning, this is called Desirable Difficulties. It might feel harder in the moment, but it stays with them much longer.
Then apply it where it counts
Understanding is not the goal. Using knowledge is. That is why kids at Lumos do not just learn procedures, but concepts they can apply in new situations. They connect ideas across subjects, reflect on their learning, and use it in real-world projects. Knowledge that transfers sticks and makes an impact. In the science of learning, this process is called Transfer.
How we put the science of learning into practice
So much is known about how the brain learns, yet few schools put it into practice. Kids cram and forget. Memorize without understanding. Listen passively instead of thinking deeply. At Lumos, we build on decades of science of learning so learning sticks.
Try first, then understand
At Lumos, kids don’t start by listening. They start by trying. They wrestle with a math problem before being taught how to solve it. They dive into a science experiment before getting the instructions. Research shows this kind of early struggle primes the brain. Even wrong answers prepare it to learn. In the science of learning, this is called Productive Failure. It is one of the fastest ways to make learning stick.
Then effort, so it sticks
At Lumos, learning is not meant to be easy. It is meant to last. When a child understands something, we do not just move on, because that is when they are most likely to forget. Instead, we make it a little harder. We mix it with other concepts, ask kids to explain it in their own words, and revisit the ideas over time. That extra effort strengthens memory and deepens understanding. In the science of learning, this is called Desirable Difficulties. It might feel harder in the moment, but it stays with them much longer.
Then apply it where it counts
Understanding is not the goal. Using knowledge is. That is why kids at Lumos do not just learn procedures, but concepts they can apply in new situations. They connect ideas across subjects, reflect on their learning, and use it in real-world projects. Knowledge that transfers sticks and makes an impact. In the science of learning, this process is called Transfer.
How we assess student performance
How we assess student performance
At Lumos, assessment is seamlessly woven into everyday learning. A continuous cycle of observation, feedback, and reflection supports each child’s individual progress. Rather than focusing on tests or formal evaluations, our approach helps learning coaches truly understand where each student is and when they are ready for the next challenge.
Throughout the year, students engage in meaningful, student driven formats that make learning visible. During Synthesis Week, they have time to connect ideas, revisit past concepts, and integrate them with what they have learned in the current block. It is a natural opportunity to demonstrate understanding and reflect on personal growth. Portfolios and parent showcases give students the chance to reflect on their learning journey and present their progress. This process builds ownership, confidence, and pride in what they have achieved.
How we assess student performance
At Lumos, assessment is seamlessly woven into everyday learning. A continuous cycle of observation, feedback, and reflection supports each child’s individual progress. Rather than focusing on tests or formal evaluations, our approach helps learning coaches truly understand where each student is and when they are ready for the next challenge.
Throughout the year, students engage in meaningful, student driven formats that make learning visible. During Synthesis Week, they have time to connect ideas, revisit past concepts, and integrate them with what they have learned in the current block. It is a natural opportunity to demonstrate understanding and reflect on personal growth. Portfolios and parent showcases give students the chance to reflect on their learning journey and present their progress. This process builds ownership, confidence, and pride in what they have achieved.
Our approach to technology
Our approach to technology
When it comes to tech in education, people tend to take sides. Some want full immersion, others total isolation. We take a more balanced view. Kids should do most of their thinking without AI. That is how they build the mental muscle to stand out. They need to learn how to solve hard problems on their own, so they can lead with technology later instead of being led by it.
At the same time, we do not ignore the modern world. With clear boundaries, students use digital tools and AI to research, build projects, and learn how to navigate tech safely. As a school founded by tech entrepreneurs, we track new tools closely, but we adopt them only when they truly help. Nothing beats a great teacher helping an eager kid stretch their potential. And phones? They have no place here. We go even further and discourage kids from owning them at all, because peer pressure quickly turns one phone into many.
Our approach to technology
When it comes to tech in education, people tend to take sides. Some want full immersion, others total isolation. We take a more balanced view. Kids should do most of their thinking without AI. That is how they build the mental muscle to stand out. They need to learn how to solve hard problems on their own, so they can lead with technology later instead of being led by it.
At the same time, we do not ignore the modern world. With clear boundaries, students use digital tools and AI to research, build projects, and learn how to navigate tech safely. As a school founded by tech entrepreneurs, we track new tools closely, but we adopt them only when they truly help. Nothing beats a great teacher helping an eager kid stretch their potential. And phones? They have no place here. We go even further and discourage kids from owning them at all, because peer pressure quickly turns one phone into many.
Common questions
Common questions
Families usually have the same core questions. These answers are our default, and we are happy to go deeper in a conversation.
Families usually have the same core questions. These answers are our default, and we are happy to go deeper in a conversation.
Will my child be prepared for the Gymiprüfung?
Will my child be prepared for the Gymiprüfung?
Will my child be prepared for the Gymiprüfung?
My child wants to pursue vocational training after 9th grade. How do you support this?
My child wants to pursue vocational training after 9th grade. How do you support this?
My child wants to pursue vocational training after 9th grade. How do you support this?
Does Lumos provide an official transcript?
Does Lumos provide an official transcript?
Does Lumos provide an official transcript?
Do students need to bring their own laptop/device?
Do students need to bring their own laptop/device?
Do students need to bring their own laptop/device?
How do you hit all the academic goals while having time for half-day Fridays, expeditions, and personal projects?
How do you hit all the academic goals while having time for half-day Fridays, expeditions, and personal projects?
How do you hit all the academic goals while having time for half-day Fridays, expeditions, and personal projects?
What is free work? How does it work?
What is free work? How does it work?
What is free work? How does it work?
Do you give grades?
Do you give grades?
Do you give grades?
Does Lumos require homework?
Does Lumos require homework?
Does Lumos require homework?
How does Lumos handle assessment?
How does Lumos handle assessment?
How does Lumos handle assessment?
Do you teach French?
Do you teach French?
Do you teach French?
What is Agora?
What is Agora?
What is Agora?
Do you have subject-matter specialists for the older grades?
Do you have subject-matter specialists for the older grades?
Do you have subject-matter specialists for the older grades?
Are students in Grades 4–7 all learning together in the same group?
Are students in Grades 4–7 all learning together in the same group?
Are students in Grades 4–7 all learning together in the same group?
Does your school follow the Lehrplan 21?
Does your school follow the Lehrplan 21?
Does your school follow the Lehrplan 21?
You say you cover the Lehrplan but where in your curriculum do you teach subjects like NMG, Informatik and TTG?
You say you cover the Lehrplan but where in your curriculum do you teach subjects like NMG, Informatik and TTG?
You say you cover the Lehrplan but where in your curriculum do you teach subjects like NMG, Informatik and TTG?