About Swiss Open Leaf Academy
Swiss Open Leaf Academy (SOLA) is non-profit primary and middle school with a specialism in exceptionally gifted, gifted and 2E education. We focus on individual learning through small classes with specialized educators and an in-house multidisciplinary expert team.
Our Story
Our journey began as parents searching for a place where our children could thrive. Each of them learns and experiences the world in their own unique way, some exceptionally gifted, others gifted or twice-exceptional. While the traditional school environment suits many children, we found that it could not meet their specific educational needs.
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After trying several schools, and with the guidance of educational and psychological experts and researchers, we began to design a learning environment that gave both the freedom, challenges and structure suited for our children.
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After seeing a tremendous transformation in our own children and realizing the wealth of knowledge and expertise within our network, we wanted to make such an environment accessible to more families who face similar challenges.
Together with teachers, specialists, and advisors, we developed a school concept, SOLA, that celebrates diversity in learning. It aims to support every child in reaching their full potential and equipping them for the future.
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That is how this school was born, a place built from lived experience, shaped by research, and grounded in compassion.
Our Vision
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 intensity and curiosity is 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.
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We want our students to grow into:
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exceptional thinkers who dive deep into ideas
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creative problem-solvers who love complexity
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kind, empathetic citizens who understand their impact on others
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independent learners who know how to guide their own path
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children who's intellectual hunger is satisfied and celibrated
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This is the school we wished had existed for our own children and the school we are building for yours.
Our Educational Foundation
Optimized Learning Environment
We offer a supportive and structured environment. The school's layout and classrooms are intentionally designed for gifted and 2E students. Within the structure we enable flexibility based on the individual needs of the students.
Collaborative Network
Interconnectedness of everyone involved is vital in a student's academic success and overall wellbeing. This is achieved through close collaboration between parents, teachers, students, and experts.
Community and Belonging
Our school is a place where students feel safe and understood, creating a community where social relationships are the source of inspiration and collaboration.
Research-Based Education
We are committed to using evidence-based and evidence-informed practices for our educational methods by collaborating with leading international experts and specialized universities.
What we offer
1
Standard curriculum
We offer flexible curriculum options: you can either choose our bilingual track, Swiss Lernplan 21 in German and an International curriculum in English or a monolingual track in either language. ​
2
Additional Project-Based Education
We supplement the traditional curriculum with complex, interdisciplinary projects that encourage students to explore their intellectual, physical, and artistic boundaries.
3
Life Skills Toolbox
We recognize that high intellect doesn't guarantee social or emotional fluency. Therefore, our specialized interdisciplinary team supports students to build their personal "toolbox" of life and learning skills to cultivate resilience and self-awareness.
Experts on us
Dr. Christine Kuhn
Prof. dr. Anouke Bakx