Bratsch – Ein Dorf macht Schule

Bratsch, located in the Leuk mountains, is an Upper Valais village with a magnificent view of the Rhone Valley. In 2015, a mere hundred people were still living there. Since the municipality merged with Gampel in the valley below, the school building stood empty. Something had to change.

In 2016, the young, visionary educator Damian Gsponer received permission from the education department to found a private school in Bratsch that is open to all children. With his new concept, he turns the current school model upside down - and wins the public’s interest and the pupils’ hearts. The focus lies not on imparting knowledge according to a prescribed curriculum, but on nurturing children and their very own talents and needs. Learning takes place wherever opportunities exist or can be created in Bratsch.