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Testimonials
Whole classes on camera. 19 reviews in full.
Every year since 2017, former students have sat down in front of a camera and talked about their year here. Alongside them, 19 reviews from an independent platform we have no access to: all of them in full, including the four critical ones, each with what we have changed since.
Video
Nine conversations, recorded since 2017
In each video several former students talk about the same year: why they came, what was hard, and how it turned out. A grammar school dropped, an apprenticeship and gap years, arriving in Switzerland.
One click starts the video here on the page. Only then is a connection to YouTube established.
What former students have written
The reviews were written in German and are translated here word for word, typing errors included. Name, programme, year of graduation and rating come from the platform.
«At the start I doubted whether the one-year Matura was really for me, but the school convinced me with the e-learning and the commitment of the teachers. It was a hard year, but thanks to Academic I can now fulfil my dream of studying»
«The programme is demanding and you need a lot of self-discipline and motivation. If you fall into a hole, the school supports you so that the goal becomes visible again. All in all this programme is very worthwhile, because nowhere can you catch up on the Matura as quickly as at Academic Gateway.»
«I really liked being there. Very demanding at the start, but with the material it was genuinely manageable. Teachers are mostly very motivated and competent. A steep learning curve at first. I passed the Matura with very good grades and now study at HSG.»
«The teachers are very helpful and do not just throw students in at the deep end, which you often see at a state school. Large, bright study rooms help you concentrate over longer stretches. The teachers’ assessments help students see for themselves where they stand and what they could improve. All in all I had a great time at Academic Gateway.»
«The promise of passing the Matura in one year is absolutely achievable if you see the programme through. It is also excellent preparation for university, because there the material is taught in a similar way and at a similar pace.»
«I will recommend the school, because in the end it gave me the access to university it promised.»
«Academic Gateway offers us a great opportunity for our future. The school has excellent, modern classrooms and particularly good teachers. The school office is always helpful with any question a student has, very helpful and committed. I feel very comfortable in my class and am very happy to recommend this school.»
«Top teachers, good organisation. Interesting classmates. Right in the city centre. And perfect preparation for the Matura examination.»
«Whenever there were problems it was always possible to arrange an appointment for a personal conversation. Most teachers respond to students’ needs and gaps with energy and seriousness.»
«Very good support overall. Precise preparation for the official learning objectives. With the material taught you can get through the examinations well. Very good teachers, especially in the science subjects.»
«I would like to thank all the teachers and the school management, thanks to you I was able to master the Passerelle despite difficult times (Covid lockdown etc.) and have now successfully started my studies.»
«School and management top. The idea behind the school works and is really really good.»
«The teachers all did their job and you could tell that most of the teaching staff taught us with passion. The office was always very friendly and helpful.»
Source: ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch. We can neither delete nor reply there.
Criticism and consequence
What we did with the criticism
Most schools show only the fives and sixes. We put the critical voices next to them and write what we changed, and what we did not.
«Very expensive, but worth recommending.»
What we did about itTrue, we are expensive. What the money buys is set out openly on our fees page, so that you can weigh it up before the consultation.
«Administration could be better, teaching of the material very good»
What we did about itThe criticism of the administration comes up in several reviews, mostly about the timetable. We have since brought the planning forward.
«Only the new lecturers had trouble adapting to the shortness of the course and conveying their material adequately.»
What we did about itA one-year Matura demands a different pace from the teachers too. Today we support new teachers closely through their first semester.
«What I find quite a shame, though, is that there are many students who arrive completely unprepared and without motivation.»
What we did about itFair point. That is why the way in today always runs through a conversation with the school management and an assessment of where you stand, not through a registration form.
«Flow of information about the timetable and mock examinations was poor. We sometimes got the timetable on Sunday evening, which is too late. On teaching methods: on site 5.5, online 4.0»
What we did about itThe rating of on-site against online is the most honest line on this page. Video lessons have changed a great deal since 2020, but we do not claim they replace the room.
We will tell you in the consultation whether this is realistic for you.
Even if your school years were a long time ago. In the consultation we look together at where you stand, which route is realistic and what it costs. Free, no obligation, with the school management.
Book a free consultationAround 30 minutes · no obligation · you leave with a clear assessment