About Us — The Ortega School
Our school stands for education with vision and individual support. Since 1964, we have shaped the education system in the St. Gallen region and offer students a space in which they can develop, grow and discover their potential.
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The Ortega School, founded in 1964, has been offering innovative educational paths, promoting individual opportunities and creating a family environment for over 60 years.
Founded for opportunity and diversity
The Ortega School was founded in 1964 by lic. oec. HSG Heinz Baumgärtner was founded, who recognized the need for new educational paths early on. Especially for women, who often had no access to vocational training at that time, he created opportunities that were unique at the time. What began as an opportunity for commercial training developed rapidly: After just a short time, the school opened one of the first language laboratories in Switzerland in Wil SG, where students could learn languages independently and without a teacher on audio tape.
Pioneer in the region and a place of cooperation
As one of the first schools in the region, the Ortega School introduced the 10th school year and opened the upper level in St. Gallen. Even then, the Ortega School was a place that created opportunities — especially for students who had no prospect of completing secondary education in public schools. Through targeted support, small classes and a committed response to individual needs, the Ortega School enabled these students to complete school successfully.
Change and consistency
Despite growing competition and falling student numbers, the Ortega School remained true to its values. Without financial dependence on investors or institutions, it operates as a private educational institution that maintains its structures and values — the focus is on respect, achievement, humanity and the support of each individual person.
A home for generations
For over 40 years, the Ortega School has been located in the historic embroidery house at Kesslerstraße 1 in St. Gallen. Today, the school is run by Gion M. Pedrazzini, a former student and employee who continues the values with which it was founded.
Mission & Vision
Create opportunities and shape the future
Our mission is to provide opportunities for every student, regardless of their previous school career.
We believe that education plays a central role in shaping the future and making personal dreams come true. Our vision is to create an educational environment that builds on both tradition and innovation and prepares our students for tomorrow's challenges. With this in mind, we are happy to continue to rely on proven methods such as pen and paper or blackboards, but we are also well prepared for the future with modern technologies and teachers who are up to date with the latest education.
Educational concept
Learning with heart and mind
Our educational concept is based on a balance between demanding academic support and a strong focus on individual needs.
We also take a — from our point of view, very healthy — path between tradition and modernity. Both the use of pen and paper and mastery of the latest technologies are important to us. Small classes, experienced teachers and a flexible teaching approach enable us to pick up every student where they are and to accompany them on their personal learning journey. There is also no shortage of teaching important values: taking responsibility in a community, showing respect and expecting, the courage to make mistakes and admit them. We exemplify these and other values and demand them from our students.
The child is at the center of all our actions and considerations. We want every child to feel comfortable and accepted and to be able to show what they have “on the box.”
Learn personally and grow successfully
team
Passionate about education
Our team at Ortega School is a community of dedicated teachers and professionals. Together, we are committed to supporting each student individually and creating an appreciative, motivating environment.
location
A place to learn and grow
partners
FC St.Gallen 1879
The Ortega School is pleased to be an official partner of FC St. Gallen 1879. Together, we are committed to promoting talent, team spirit and education — on and off the pitch. Through this partnership, we want to offer young people inspiration, motivation and prospects to achieve their personal and sporting goals.
Krüger Foundation
The Krüger Foundation actively supports ORTEGA SCHOOL in awarding scholarships and thus makes an important contribution to promoting young talent. Thanks to this support, students have new opportunities to develop their potential and to shape their educational path regardless of financial requirements.
Restaurant Leonardo
Restaurant Leonardo, run by the sponsoring association Integrationprojekte St. Gallen, offers young people the chance to start their careers. Located right next to the school, it provides us with lunch every day and caters for events and parents' evenings.
Moortime
Moortime supports people in difficult life situations with advice, support and family placements. The Ortega School offers clients individual lessons and coaching.
Kinderspitex
Spitex-Mobile gives families with disabled or seriously ill children more independence by providing specially adapted vehicles. The Ortega School is financially supporting this project.
Psychologische Beratung Martel
Martel psychological counseling is aimed at children and adolescents as well as couples and families in challenging life situations. The practice is located in the Ortega School building.
Haus Rose
Haus Rose offers girls and young women a safe place for their personal, school and professional development. If necessary, the house contacts the Ortega School for individual training.
KMU Upgrade
KMU Upgrade GmbH supports companies in the entire interpersonal sector. As a partner, she supports the Ortega School on issues relating to culture, cooperation and personal growth — always with a focus on healthy, value-oriented school development.
BIXON creative studio
A comprehensive rebrand was implemented for ORTEGA SCHOOL — including a modern website, authentic images and an image film. Since then, BIXON creative studio has been continuously accompanying the school on marketing and communication topics in order to present values and vision in a contemporary and effective way.