Your questions, our answers

FAQs about the elementary school at formatio private school

Concept

What is special about the elementary school concept?

• One teacher accompanies 5 to 15 pupils.
• Bilingualism: _1/3 of the lessons are taught either bilingually or in English only.
• Additional offers: Cambridge English for 3rd to 5th grade.
• “Project Afternoons” (1st to 5th grade): Daily thematic interdisciplinary project lessons in mixed-age groups. The focus is on promoting self-directed learning in multidimensional learning settings.
• We teach 7 lessons a day. This means around 30% more lessons per week compared to public elementary school. This significantly reduces the amount of homework.
• Targeted use of iPads and new media, consolidation and support in lessons, learning how to use media sensibly → “Media & IT” in LiLe is taken into account.
• A good relationship with parents and children is very important to us. A regular and transparent exchange is of central importance.
• We deliberately avoid transfer examinations and base this on scientific research. We refrain from selection and prefer to use an appropriate teaching concept in secondary school to ensure that pupils are supported according to their individual abilities.
• Lunch supervision: Fresh and healthy food is cooked daily, a teacher always supervises and looks after the children during lunch and in the playground
• The children are at school from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm (morning care from 7.30 am) and are supervised by teachers throughout the day

The elementary school of formatio Private School is a private school with public rights. What does that mean?

Yes, the formatio private school is a school with public rights. After a thorough examination, we have been granted the right by the government of the Principality of Liechtenstein to issue legally valid certificates etc. – just like state schools. Our teachers are certified and recognized specialists. We teach the Liechtenstein curriculum as a minimum standard.

Lessons

Elementary school are regarded as pioneers in digital media. How are iPads and other technologies used? Are pupils no longer learning to write with a pen?

Of course, our pupils still write with pencils. We use state-approved teaching materials. Pupils learn how to structure and design exercise books. The iPads and other devices are specifically introduced from the start of elementary school. The effective and careful use of iPads and new media is the main aspect of this. The iPad is a work tool and not a toy.

How long do students look at a screen per day? Do they do everything with the iPad?

No, they work with the iPad for an average of between 30 and 45 minutes over the course of a school day. A teacher is always present and ensures that the iPad is used appropriately and provides age-appropriate guidance.

When do lessons begin and end?

Learning needs structure. That is why we provide our pupils with a daily structure of when teaching and learning takes place at elementary school. Morning supervision welcomes the students from 7.30 a.m. and looks after them. Regular lessons usually start at 08:30 and end at 15:30. From 11:50 to 13:00, lunch is eaten together in the cafeteria followed by outdoor games.

What about homework and exams?

Just like at any other school, we also set homework. The children only do one homework assignment at home from Monday to Thursday. The other tasks are completed at school. The learning assessments test the level of achievement with regard to the Liechtenstein curriculum. Pupils always receive a learning target list in advance for individual preparation.

How does the elementary school support particularly gifted pupils and how do teachers work with pupils who need more time and help?

At the formatio elementary school, there are two cross-grade groups: the Juniors (1st to 3rd grade) and the Seniors (4th and 5th grade). In small learning groups of a maximum of 15 pupils, the strengths of the learners can be promoted individually and, on the other hand, this makes it easier to accompany children who need more support. In addition, we have a specially trained teacher (MAS Integrative Gifted and Talented Education, FHNW) who provides additional and integrated support and encouragement for (highly) gifted pupils.

The formatio private school already offers a lot of English and a broader range of subjects in elementary school than other schools. Isn’t that too early? Doesn’t it overtax the children?

Children are very curious by nature. Our basic pedagogical approach is to accommodate this curiosity. This also encourages them to discover and develop their individual strengths.

Day structure

How long is my child at school each day?

Morning care welcomes and looks after the students from 7.30 am. We start lessons at 8.30 a.m. and finish at 3.30 p.m. every day. There are no free afternoons. The lunch break takes place from 11.50 am to 1.00 pm. During this time, the students are supervised by a teacher, eat together in the in-house cafeteria and then play in the playground.

How do the pupils spend their lunch break?

We have a cafeteria with its own kitchen. We cook fresh, healthy and regional food every day. Pupils load money onto their badge and can thus purchase snacks and lunch at reasonable prices. Our current menu plan is always available on our homepage. After lunch, the children spend the break supervised outside on the playground in the fresh air.

Are the school vacations identical to those of the public elementary school in Liechtenstein?

Our school vacations are closely aligned with those of the public elementary school. The winter and Easter vacations start a little earlier and are therefore a few days longer.

Certificate and school leaving certificate

What type of certificate do students receive?

Pupils in Year 1 receive a report without grades twice a year, with detailed reports on the subjects German, mathematics and English. From Year 2 onwards, pupils receive a report twice a year with grades in German, mathematics and English. In addition, all pupils also receive a detailed written report on their social and work behavior twice a year. As a school with public status, our report cards have exactly the same status as those of a public school.

Where do pupils move to after elementary school?

The majority of students transfer to our secondary school. This has the advantage that the school concept for which many families value the formatio private school continues seamlessly there. In addition, the teachers work together constructively across all levels in the interests of the students. This ensures a good transition to the next school level. Pupils who decide to transfer to another secondary school take a compulsory transfer examination conducted by the Liechtenstein School Board. The prerequisite for this is passing the 5th grade of formatio elementary school (the LiLe provides the basis for this).

Admission

Could we get to know the lessons and the elementary school without obligation?

Of course! Simply contact us on +423 392 20 88 or at lernen@formatio.li . You are also welcome to use our contact form.

Is there an admission process?

Admission to the elementary school is regulated by an admission process. You can find all the details about admission here.

Is it possible for my child to start elementary school even if they have no previous knowledge of English?

Yes, that is possible. In elementary school, English is taught in a playful way and English is also spoken in between lessons. This enables the children to learn English quickly and use it freely and naturally in everyday life.

What costs are involved in attending the school?

As a private provider, we charge school fees for our extensive and outstanding educational services. We will be happy to send you our cost breakdown and other documents. You can find the education costs on our homepage.