The Riverside School

The Riverside School is an international private school located in Zug, Switzerland. Founded in 1990, it has around 120 students, whose ages range from 12 to 19. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and 16 subjects of the American College Board's Advanced Placement examinations. Additionally, the school plans to offer the IB Diploma Programme from the 2008-2009 school years onwards. The current director is Dominic Currer.

The School

The Riverside School was founded in 1990, and its first headmaster was August Zemo. It was originally located on the Sihl river in Gattikon, hence the name. In 1995, the school moved to Feldstrasse 6 in Canton Zug. In 2003, the school moved to the Zug lake front into a 1700m² 18th century villa.

There are a variety of facilities at the school including a chemistry lab, and two computer rooms with internet access, one of which is a study room for students and always accessible during school hours. There is also an art studio, a mirrored dance room, and a well-organised library. The cafeteria is a wonderful example of the architecture of the historical building, with a high ceiling, wood-panelling and large windows looking out towards the lake; it is the one of the main social areas for the students.

The relatively large garden around the school building also provides space for students to eat and relax outside in the warmer months, and there is also a boat house which provides the students with the opportunity to participate in various activities such as rowing, kayaking, sailing, swimming and other water sports.

With effect of the 1st August 2008, The Riverside School will be merging with The International School of Zug, to form The International School of Zug and Luzern, providing a complete primary-to-secondary school under one director. Dominic Currer, the current director of Riverside, will take over this role; Martin Latter, the current headmaster of The International School of Zug, is to retire yet retain a position on the board.

The merger has led to a certain degree of outcry amongst the student population, and given rise to a number of Facebook groups protesting the decision. It is generally seen as a betrayal of Riverside's independent roots.

The homepage of The Riverside School can be found at http://www.riverside.ch