About us
At HSK English Language School, we ignite a passion for the English language, its culture, and the vibrant community it creates.
Whether your child is a native English speaker or is learning English as a second language, our mission is to empower children to master essential English skills, enrich their English education, and enhance their literacy through captivating classes that exceed the offerings of local public schools.
Teaching Methods
Stealth Learning
At HSK English Language School, we have a passion for making learning an enjoyable experience! Our classes are carefully designed to enhance engagement through our 'stealth teaching' methods. We seamlessly integrate education into our classes, allowing children to learn through hands-on experiments and interactive games in conjunction with traditional book-based learning techniques.
Tailored Teaching
We understand that every child is truly unique, our approach is designed to be flexible and accommodating to various learning styles. We take pride in our ability to transform challenges into exciting educational opportunities. It's a shared learning journey, allowing us to create the perfect personalised method for each child.
Welcoming Hub
HSK English Language School is a cosy and friendly place where kids can bond with friends who share their culture, creating a feeling of togetherness and mutual understanding. Within this secure and inclusive setting, we wholeheartedly support genuine self-expression and the growth of deep and lasting friendships.
Mixed Aged Classes
In our mixed-aged classrooms our teachers tailor lessons to accommodate each child's individual learning style, enabling them to progress at their own pace. Younger students receive support and inspiration from their older peers, who also learn through teaching. This fosters robust social skills, empathy, and teamwork. Without the stress of competing with classmates, the children feel more relaxed and form lasting friendships.
Community Spirit
At our school, we're excited to say that we've created a special place where kids not only learn but truly flourish. Here, students and parents come together to build lifelong friendships. We're more than just a school; we're like one big, supportive family, sharing this incredible journey and offering care and encouragement every step of the way.
Accreditation
Education Department of Lucerne (Volksschule Luzern)
HSK Lucerne English School is the only private English school in Canton Lucerne accredited by the Education Department of Lucerne (Canton Luzern's Heimatliche Sprach und Kultur (HSK) department), which making us truly unique!
This exclusive accreditation guarantees your child's achievement of a European-recognized qualification, seamlessly aligned with the UK's national curriculum, and documentation of their English language proficiency.
Twice a year, starting at age 7, students undergo assessments aligned with Lucerne's Education Department guidelines. These assessments are included in a dedicated section of your child's local school reports.
Meet Joanna
Meet Joanna, our school's co-founder, boasting over two decades of teaching expertise, specialising in nurturing the growth of children aged 4 to 14. Although hailing from Scotland, she now proudly embraces her identity as a Swiss citizen.
In Joanna's classroom, your child will embark on a captivating 90-minute journey into the world of English. Witnessing her students grow in confidence and knowledge, warms her heart, and brings her deep fulfillment. For Joanna, teaching isn't just a profession; it's a profound passion.
What truly sets Joanna apart is her remarkable ability to turn challenges into opportunities. As she imparts knowledge, she also learns from her students. Her teaching style is highly adaptable, enabling her to establish a personal connection with each and every child. Those "Ah-ha!" moments, as she refers to them, are her greatest source of inspiration.
Location
Our classes take place in a warm and inviting space at the Lili Centre. The Lili Centre, nestled on the banks of lake Lucerne, holds a special place at the heart of the international residents' community. It is lovingly embraced as a 'home away from home' by our global friends.
The centre provides an ideal setting for interactive lessons, complete with access to a fully-equipped kitchen, perfect for hands-on baking activities. Furthermore, our location offers convenient access to a nearby playground, providing opportunities for enriching outdoor learning experiences.
Getting to our classes is effortless, a brief walk from the station, easily reachable by bus and there's direct parking right in front of the Centre.
Our Story
Our journey began back in 2016, thanks to the vision of our founders, Charlie Hartmann (Managing Director LiLi Centre) and our certified instructor, Joanna Christen-Glennie. They embarked on this adventure, driven by their deep inspiration from their own children who were navigating the local school system.
The demand for native English education arose due to shifts in the educational landscape, with a growing number of international residents opting for local schools over international ones. Although English was incorporated as a second language in local schools, its implementation did not fully harness the expertise of native English speakers.
Furthermore, there were limited private English classes designed specifically for native children and to this day our school remains the only private English School in Lucerne certified by the the local education authority.
Since our start in 2016, we've seen a growing interest in our classes among students learning English as a second language. In response, we wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to provide these students with the advanced skills they desired in addition to native speakers.