Education that goes beyond the classroom
The International School Rheintal - A school with a vision
It's a sunny late summer day in August at the International School Rheintal (ISR) in Buchs. The new school building was opened just over a year ago, and it is clear as soon as you enter: the well-being of the pupils, around a third of whom are children of Hilti employees, is at the center of attention here. The new building impresses not only with its modern architecture, but also with its functionality - with light-flooded classrooms, modern science labs, creative rooms and spacious learning and community areas. In this inspiring environment, around 200 students can learn and grow in an inviting atmosphere. Kharla Giannotti, Learning Support Coordinator at ISR, emphasises: ‘It is important to us that the students here develop not only intellectually, but also personally. The many small details on campus should show them that their ideas have space and are encouraged.’
The tour of the building confirms this impressively. Lovingly designed details can be found all over the school grounds, such as Lego corners in front of the classrooms, cozy seating and learning areas or tables on which students can write with erasable pens. Rebecca Rendic, a student at ISR, describes the special atmosphere: “ISR is not just a school, but a place where you feel comfortable and where each and every one of us is supported to develop further. The community here is unique.” With students from over 30 different nations, ISR lives a culture of inclusion, tolerance and mutual support - values that characterize everyday school life.
Ready for the future
Andrij sits in the so-called ‘Learn Hub’ - an open space with flexible work areas and cozy retreats. The 17-year-old from Ukraine has attended ISR since February 2023 as one of the Hilti Foundation's seven scholarship holders. For him, ISR is more than just a school - it is a place where he can continue to pursue his academic goals, despite the war in his home country. “Our goal is to support young people who are able to learn and grow independently,” explains Liz Free, Director of ISR. Last summer, the first five scholarship holders reached an important milestone and celebrated their graduation from ISR. With the International Baccalaureate Diploma, all doors to a successful and self-determined future are now open to them. The graduates' plans show just how diverse this future can be: they range from studying biomedicine to opening their own coffeeshop. The encounters with the students and the dedicated team at ISR make it clear that education here goes far beyond simply imparting knowledge.
The support of the Hilti Foundation
Hilti and the Hilti Foundation have been reliable partners of ISR since the school's beginnings in 2002. As a founding member, the Foundation accompanied the establishment and contributed significantly to the growth and development of ISR. With the opening of the new campus in 2023, the construction of which was fully financed by the Hilti Foundation, a school building was created that does justice to the values and educational aspirations of ISR and makes the school fit for the future. In terms of content, the Hilti Foundation has recently been involved primarily through scholarship programmes.
International School Rheintal
Founded: 2002
Age of students: 3-19 years
Number of students, as of August 2024: 206, of which approx. one third are children of Hilti employees
Nationalities: over 30
New building: 2023, financed by the Hilti Foundation
Highlights with the Hilti Foundation: Campus, scholarship programs for Ukrainian refugees and local talent