Ubuntu School of Elements is a unique school in Zürich for young children, preschool and primary school age, that emphasizes warmth, trust, and communal learning. Each child is supported individually and the trained teachers invest deeply in the human side of education. “Ubuntu” means kindness, empathy, connection.
Educational approaches are based on Montessori principles and experiential learning.
The elements of nature (Fire, Water, Air, Earth) plus Love are a recurring theme in the educational process that to connect children to nature and life.
Holistic, child-centred learning: Learning is viewed as a lifelong process. Children learn by performing experiments, playing games, observing, role-play, discussion, nature exploration, reading, etc. The school fosters self-determination, curiosity and intrinsic motivation.
Nature-based & outdoor learning: Much of the learning happens outdoors in the forest, garden, or meadow with natural materials. Even indoors, spaces are used flexibly when weather doesn’t allow outdoor.
Flexible & family-friendly structure: Teachers and parents collaborate to combine on-site schooling (≈ 2/3 of the time) with homeschooling (≈ 1/3) so that learning can happen both at school and at home.
Operating Days & Hours • Tuesday & Thursday: full day (9:00–15:30) • Wednesday: half-day (9:00–13:00) • Monday & Friday: home-based learning / homeschooling.
Homeschooling & Home-School Partnership
Parents share in supervising lessons, staying in communication with teachers. There are regular home visits and suggestions for integrating learning into daily life (e.g. while cooking, travelling etc.)
Meals & Nutrition
Shared vegetarian/vegan/healthy meals; fresh, organic ingredients where possible.
Snacks (Znüni etc.) include fruits, vegetables, nuts. Parents are invited to help.
Care / Supervision
Besides regular lessons, half-day care / supervision days are offered.
Outdoor & Indoor Learning Spaces
A garden, a meadow and forest spaces for gross & fine motor development, reading, counting, gardening.
Three indoor rooms are available during poor weather.
