Full-time gifted education
Swiss Open Leaf Academy is a primary and lower-secondary private school for gifted children in Pfäffikon SZ. We also have a particular specialism in profoundly gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) education
Swiss Open Leaf Academy (SOLA) is a primary and lower-secondary private school (Klassen 1–9), specialised in education for gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) children. We focus on individual learning, through small classes, specialised educators, and close collaboration with in-house learning specialists.
At SOLA, we know that gifted children can be joyful, complex, curious, sensitive, and sometimes misunderstood. We support both children and their families with an approach that combines academic challenge, emotional understanding, and individualized learning.
SOLA was built for children who:
«Not sure if SOLA is right for your child? We would be glad to talk.»
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Our journey began as parents searching for a place where our children could thrive. Each of our children learns and experiences the world in their own way — some gifted, others twice-exceptional. While the traditional school environment suits many children well, we found it could not meet our children's specific needs.
After trying several schools, and with the guidance of educators, psychologists, and researchers in gifted education, we began to design a learning environment with the freedom, challenge, and structure our children needed.
Seeing how much our own children changed, and the depth of expertise within our network, we wanted to make this kind of environment accessible to more families facing similar challenges.
Together with teachers, specialists, and advisors, we developed the SOLA concept — a school that takes seriously how differently children can learn, and supports each child in reaching their full potential.
That is how this school was born — a place built from lived experience, shaped by research, and grounded in compassion. We designed it as we and the experts we worked with believed a school for gifted and 2e children should be.
SOLA was created with one hope in mind: that every high-potential child can feel at home in school. A place where we embrace their "why", where their sensitivity and curiosity are understood, and where the learning environment is shaped around their needs.
We imagine a school where these children are met with understanding and expertise. A school where they can flourish because they are seen, challenged, and their idiosyncrasies are cherished.
We create an environment where our students can grow into:
«This is the school we wished had existed for our own children — and the school we are building for yours.»
Swiss Open Leaf Academy is designed around the way gifted and 2e children actually learn.
Small, mixed-age learning groups, specialised educators, and a learning environment where children feel safe and understood — carried by close collaboration between parents, teachers, and specialists.
Our days are designed around how gifted and 2e children actually learn — with time for depth, movement, and real conversation.
We shape the rhythm of the school day together with our teaching team, guided by clear principles.
Swiss Open Leaf Academy fosters self-determined, curious, and independent thinkers — building on three Swiss educational traditions that share one conviction: the child comes first.
Head, heart, and hand — education that nurtures intellect, emotion, and practical skill in equal measure.
Children actively construct their understanding through experience — learning follows their development and interests.
Adults create environments where children take genuine ownership of their learning.
A careful, transparent process to make sure SOLA is the right fit — for your child, your family, and us.
Experienced educators and specialists in giftedness and neurodiversity — supported by our in-house specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry.
Swiss Open Leaf Academy is open — we are seeking dedicated teachers to help us bring our vision to life.
SOLA is a Verein — we are grateful to everyone who helps us make this school possible.
