Prep for the Gymnasium in St. Gallen

Course Types

Course Options & Information: High School Prep in St. Gallen

Choose the learning style that's right for you!

Private Lessons

Our gym prep courses are available as private, semi-private, or trio private lessons.

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Long-Term Group Course

Our most comprehensive preparation—week by week in small groups.

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Intensive Course During the Holidays

Maximum progress in a short time—intensive, targeted, and exam-oriented instruction in small groups.

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ABOUT THE EXAM

More information: Preparatory courses for the Langgymnasium in St. Gallen

Interesting Facts About the Cantonal School in St. Gallen

In the canton of St. Gallen, the Gymnasium is known as cantonal school (often abbreviated as “Kanti”). Depending on the start date, the program lasts 4 or 5 years to the Swiss Matura.

The two entry paths:
- Lower Secondary School / Five-Year High School: Transfer after the 2nd grade of secondary school.
- Upper Secondary School / Four-Year High School: Transfer after the 3rd grade of secondary school.
Objective: A solid general academic education, which enables admission without entrance exams to all Swiss universities and the ETH.
Degree: Swiss Maturity Certificate.

How does the admission process work in the canton of St. Gallen?

The canton of St. Gallen relies entirely on academic transparency for admission to the Gymnasium. It is not possible to transfer to the Gymnasium based solely on school grades without taking an exam.

The cantonal entrance exam: Every student must pass the cantonal entrance exam.
How the grades are calculated: For students from public St. Galler secondary schools, the entrance exam score counts for 50% and their academic grades (the average of the core subjects from their current report card) also count for 50%.
External applicants: For students from private schools or other cantons, the exam score alone counts for 100%.

The Cantonal High School Entrance Exam in St. Gallen 2026/27

Clear subject-specific guidelines apply for the ZAP (Central Entrance Exam) in the canton of St. Gallen, clear subject-specific requirements apply for the upcoming school year.

Exam subjects: In the canton of St. Gallen, three subjects are tested in writing: German, Math and French.
Exam Content: The exam covers the material from the St. Galler Curriculum 21 up to the current level of the respective secondary school grade (2nd or 3rd grade).
Passing Score: The overall exam grade (or the combined grade based on the exam and practical experience) must be at least a 4.0 , in order to be admitted to Kanti St. Gallen.

Application Deadlines and Exam Dates for St. Gallen 2027

The dates for the St. Admissions process are set by law and do not allow for any delays.

Application Deadline: Official online registration for the cantonal school and assignment to the entrance exam for the 2027–28 school year must be completed by February 15, 2027 via the cantonal registration portal.
Exam date: The cantonal written entrance exams are traditionally held in St. Gallen, traditionally in March 2027 (usually during the second week of March).
Start of the School Year: Classes at the St. Gallen (i.e., e.g., Kanti am Brühl or Kanti Burggraben) begins after summer break in August 2027.

Why is targeted kindergarten preparation in St. Gallen worthwhile?

Since the canton of St. Gallen does not have a completely exam-free transition system and tests three subjects extensively, the pressure on the students is high. Specialized preparation offers a decisive advantage:

Confidence in all three subjects: French, in particular, often proves to be a stumbling block alongside math. We provide targeted practice on the required grammar and listening comprehension structures.
Practice with Original St. Gallen Exams: Students take actual cantonal exams from previous years under real-world time constraints, to help them overcome their anxiety about taking exams.
Grade Stabilization During the Semester: Since the grades earned during the current semester account for half of the final grade, our ongoing tutoring simultaneously ensures strong grades on your report card.