Our School Feature series is designed for parents exploring private and international schools in and around Zurich. The aim of this series is to give parents a clear overview of each school’s programs, educational concept, after-school activities, and what makes each school unique. You’ll find the school’s admission contact at the bottom of this article, so feel free to reach out to them directly for more details.
In this blog post, we feature Sportschule Dürnten / Sports School Dürnten – The school for talented athletes and sports enthusiasts.
“Thanks to our daily structure and family-like atmosphere, we are very close to the students and their parents. This facilitates communication, mutual understanding, and cooperation.”
About Sportschule Dürnten / Sports School Dürnten
In Switzerland, many young athletes face a difficult choice far too early: school or sport. Public sports schools offer valuable programmes for selected talents, but the number of places is limited, and admission is tied to rigid criteria.
As a result, many children between the ages of 12 and 16, who have both the potential and the motivation, are forced to abandon their sporting dreams because the education system cannot provide them with the flexibility they need.
The Sports School Dürnten was founded in 2016 to address this very challenge. With small classes, flexible schedules, and a dedicated teaching and coaching staff, it enables young athletes to combine their education with demanding training schedules.
However, access to such an education is not guaranteed. Unlike public schools, municipalities are not obliged to cover tuition fees for children attending the Sports School Dürnten, even if there is no adequate public alternative available. For many families, these costs are simply out of reach.
Sports School Dürnten Foundation
To close this gap, the Foundation of the Sports School Dürnten was created in 2021. Its purpose is to support talented athletes who would otherwise fall through the cracks of the system. The foundation awards scholarships to students whose families cannot afford tuition, ensuring that the decision between sport and school never comes down to financial hardship.
Scholarship candidates are selected based on three criteria: athletic talent, family financial situation, and lack of public support. Each scholarship is accompanied by close guidance, encouraging students to pursue a balanced life plan, maintain good academic results, and steadily develop in their sport.
Today, more than 70 students benefit from this unique environment that values academic achievement just as much as sporting progress.
Making a real difference
The foundation is still in its early stages and currently focused on building up its fundraising base. So far, it has been able to support three athletes who would otherwise have had to give up their sporting ambitions for financial reasons.
The current project supports a promising mountain biker, whose training demands and academic needs cannot be met within the public system. With the help of the foundation, this opportunity to combine education and high-level sport remains intact.
Image: Nick, current scholarship student
You can find more information about the school’s programmes, here:
Welcome to Sports School Dürnten (Canton Zurich)
How you can help
The foundation is financed entirely through donations, contributions from sponsors, and charity events. Every contribution – whether as a one-time gift, a regular donation, or participation in fundraising events – directly benefits young athletes and their families.
Supporters are regularly informed about the progress of the projects and invited to events where they can see first-hand the difference their contribution makes.
“By supporting the Foundation of the Sports School Dürnten, you help create real opportunities for young athletes – children who would otherwise be forced to give up their dreams.
Together, we can ensure that talent, passion, and perseverance are not wasted simply because of financial barriers.“
Get in touch with Sportschule Dürnten (Canton Zurich)
Email:
Call:
+41 (0)55 511 53 15
Or visit Sportschule Dürnten’s website:
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