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NJC has offered an unforgettable chapter in my life, one that has broadened my horizons, cultivated independence, and set the stage for a future filled with endless possibilities.”
- Katie ‘23
OUR PURPOSE
Igniting a lifelong sense of adventure, courage and purpose through an extraordinary, immersive education.
Our purpose is reflected in every aspect of life at NJC and serves as the foundation for our progressive approach to education. For over 65 years, our program has consistently resulted in graduates who are knowledgeable, confident, independent and leaders of their own lives.
Knowledge
NJC’s enriched academic, social and global environment promotes personal and intellectual maturity, awareness, curiosity and a lifelong commitment to the pursuit of knowledge.
Confidence
NJC students are those who choose to take the personal and social risk of leaving all that they know behind to explore all that is new. They emerge as positive, secure, adaptable, decisive and self-aware young adults who embrace change and the future with confidence.
Independence
NJC students live and travel in new countries, cultures and languages, far away from home for an extended period of time. In successfully making choices on their own, they develop profound personal responsibility, drive, accountability and a lasting sense of independence.
Leadership
The transformative NJC experience empowers students to forever apply their knowledge, to have confidence in their unique abilities, and to be exceedingly independent so that they can take action to lead their own lives and others in making a positive difference in the world.
ADMISSIONS- HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY?
Neuchâtel Junior College selects students on the basis of their academic performance, character, interests, talents and potential. Successful applicants are those who seek to challenge and advance themselves through a transformational experience of intense personal and intellectual growth. The College favours applicants who respond positively to new challenges and who express sufficient maturity, international curiosity and personal responsibility to embrace this experience.
APPLYING FOR THE 2024-25 ACADEMIC YEAR:
The application process is initiated online at www.njc.ch on the admissions page. Families create an account on the NJC portal to access the application form. The application deadline for the 2024-25 academic year is January 15, 2024.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and admission offers are made accordingly. Applicants are encouraged to submit the application well in advance of the deadline. The Admissions Committee reviews applications throughout the year. When possible or requested, early admission decisions may be provided.
APPLICATION FEE
Date Before Nov 30, 2023
Application Fee for the 2024-25 academic year
$275 CDN
As of Dec 1, 2023
$350 CDN
Application fees are non-refundable. Students applying from outside Canada or the USA need to contact the admissions office regarding tuition fees.
A COMPLETE APPLICATION INCLUDES:
• Application form signed by a parent or guardian
• High school transcript and mid-term report card for the 2023-24 academic year
• Admission essay- provided on the application
• Character reference
• Application fee
All applicants will be contacted to confirm their application submission and will be invited for an admission interview. Full details are available on the NJC website. Successful applicants who apply before the January 15, 2024 deadline will receive a tuition incentive if they enroll by the enrolment deadline on their offer of admission.
The tuition incentive is as follows: Full year enrolment CHF 1000 | one semester enrolment CHF 500 Questions about the application process? Please contact admissions@neuchatel.org with any questions. We are here to help!
THE NJC ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT
Neuchâtel Junior College was founded in 1956 with the unique concept of bringing young North American students to Europe for a year of study, travel and immersive cultural exploration at a pivotal time in their lives - the pre-university year. NJC provides an exceptional and transformative educational experience to help students make the transition from high school to post-secondary education. NJC students acquire knowledge, confidence, independence and leadership.
The pre-university year is defined in two ways. First, and more often than not, the pre-university year is students’ last year of high school, or the equivalent of Grade 12. The pre-university year for some students constitutes a gap year of enrichment.
ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOL DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS (OSSD)
In order to earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, students are required to earn the following:
• A minimum of six Grade 12 credits, one of which must be English. All prerequisites for the Grade 12 credits must be met.
NJC students experience a rigorous pre-university program of study. Students earn Ontario Grade 12 credits leading to the granting of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and entry into university in Canada, the United States and other countries.
The academic year is divided into two semesters. Students are required to undertake no less than six or more than eight credit courses during a full year program. One semester students take a minimum of three courses and a maximum of four. The student body is primarily made up of Canadian students with representation from Western, Central and Eastern provinces.
International students who enroll are typically those with English proficiency who wish to gain further international exposure. All students are following a pre-university course of study, small class sizes, an enviable student to teacher ratio, and an academic achievement-focused environment are easily maintained.
Classes are taught in English by a predominantly Canadian teaching faculty.
CURRICULUM
The foundation of all courses is the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum. NJC is audited by the Ontario Ministry of Education on an annual basis and is categorized as an Independent Ontario Secondary School located abroad. Course descriptions are available on the school website or upon request.
• 40 hours of community involvement activities during their high school years. Out of province students may qualify for fewer hours.
• Students must take the Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) as prescribed by the province of Ontario. Students from outside of Ontario take this test while at NJC.
• Students must earn at least two online learning credits.
Students must ensure that they meet the specific prerequisite requirements of the university program(s) to which they intend to apply. Our Director of University Guidance is a valuable resource during this process.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Students at Neuchâtel Junior College are able to prepare for and take Advanced Placement (AP) examinations.
Students are able to write the SAT as NJC is a testing centre.
SAT
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Academically, this year has taught me remarkable dedication and perseverance. You really expand your understanding of various subjects and develop a deeper appreciation for the value of education.”
- Mara ‘23
The study of French is mandatory at the College to assist students with the natural development of their French language skills while living within the Frenchspeaking town of Neuchâtel, Switzerland and environs.
Students will expand their vocabulary and improve their ability to express themselves in French.
FRENCH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS FROM OUTSIDE ONTARIO AND QUEBEC
There are 3 levels of French credit courses offered: FSF4U-Core, FEF4UExtended and FIF4U-Immersion.
Students who elect not to take Grade 12 or AP French are required to take a non-credit course in French Communication and Culture. The course is geared to each student’s level, involves 80 minutes of instruction per week, and often takes the students out into the community to practice their skills.
QUEBEC STUDENTS:
NJC is a great option for students who are interested in an accelerated route to university in Quebec (or elsewhere) and wish to bypass the two-year CEGEP system. Students from Quebec qualify for entrance into Neuchâtel Junior College once they have obtained Le Diplôme d’Études Secondaires. They take 6 to 8 courses in the full year program, as they will typically be granted Ontario credits as out-of-province students. All other requirements including community involvement hours and the requirement to take the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test apply to students attending NJC from Quebec.
Canadian students outside of Ontario and Quebec, as well as International students, may attend NJC either in their final year of high school to to obtain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or following graduation from high school for a gap year or semester of enrichment.
For students who attend NJC from outside of the province of Ontario and have completed a standard 3-year High School program (Grade 9-11) an equivalency assessment will be completed to determine the number of credits necessary, up to 8 credits. The University Guidance Director will review individual circumstances with families to make a determination of graduation requirements.
Gap year students:
The pre-university year for some students constitutes a gap year of enrichment. Due to an interest in furthering their studies while gaining an all-important year of personal maturation, approximately 20 percent of the student body is at NJC for a year or semester of enrichment following graduation in their home province/country.
Students who have already graduated from high school may, once they obtain Grade 12 credits at NJC, use these credits to qualify for university entrance. Students must confirm the requirements of academic eligibility with the registrar of the universities that they wish to attend.
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Being surrounded by native French speakers gave me a unique opportunity to practice and improve my fluency. Conversations with locals and navigating daily life in French-speaking regions became a challenge that pushed me outside my comfort zone.”
- Haydon ‘23
Our faculty come from across Canada and elsewhere and are selected on the basis of their experience as educators, advanced degrees in their disciplines, work experience beyond the classroom, a personal familiarity with world travel, and their willingness to participate fully in every aspect of College life. The teacher-student relationship is unique, as teachers are not only instructors in the classroom, but also chaperones on excursions, coaches during competitions, and mentors in every circumstance.
Each student has a faculty advisor as a point of contact and support to help guide them in matters relating to academic progress and day-to-day activities. These small advisee groups of 8-10 students meet regularly with their advisor to share and discuss experiences and any challenges that they are facing as they adjust and mature.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Students have opportunities to become involved in a variety of leadership initiatives. As is the case in other schools, students must apply for these positions and selection is completed promptly by the end of September each academic year.
The Foyer Council
This group of leaders organizes student activities and is similar to the Student Council in other schools.
The Character & Wellness Committee
This group of students works to foster character development as it pertains to personal, academic and social success; it also promotes and supports student health and wellnessphysical, emotional and mental.
Model United Nations
NJC competes in international conferences semi-annually.
NEUCHÂTEL JUNIOR COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS
Students are also able to earn the Neuchâtel Junior College International Diploma (NCC) during their time at NJC. The NCC International Diploma is based on the successful completion of six courses at the Grade 12 level coupled with successful completion of a pre-university high school program. In addition, a student must meet the following criteria:
1. Achieve an academic average from courses studied at the College of greater than 75%; Enrichment year students are encouraged to complete at least one AP exam.
2. Maintain an excellent attendance record.
3. Fulfill the requirements of the French language program with regular attendance and satisfactory performance in French credit or French Communication and Culture classes, and cultural excursions.
4. Establish a good relationship with their pension family.
5. Engage in a significant extracurricular commitment, at the College.
6. Demonstrate leadership, increased cultural sensitivity, and heightened global awareness through service to others in the wider community.
7. Demonstrate commitment and growth in the College’s international and travel programs.
8. Participate in a minimum of four “défi” and “découverte” activities, including at least one of each type. Single semester students may qualify for the NJC International Diploma if they complete a minimum of three “défi” and “découverte” activities, including at least one of each type.
9. Present a cross-curricular project.
10. Complete travel and mountain safety workshops.
11. Complete an end of year/semester statement of personal reflection.
12. Meet individually with the Director of University Guidance.
13. Participate fully and maintain proper behavior as an NJC ambassador on all school trips.
Single semester students qualify for the NJC International Diploma if they meet the above requirements in a single semester.
FACULTY
LIVING ‘EN PENSION’ EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETICS
The tradition of our students living ‘en pension’ (in the home) with French-speaking pension families dates back to when NJC was founded in 1956. Living ‘en pension’ consistently proves to be one of the most transformational and cherished aspects of the NJC experience.
By living ‘en pension’, our students become integrated with Swiss culture and daily life. Our students live as Europeans. Most pension families have welcomed students into their homes for many years, and several for decades. Pension families typically take 1 or 2 NJC students. Our dedicated Pension Coordinator is very familiar with the characteristics of our pension families and takes great care in matching students.
Neuchâtel Junior College provides a wide range of extracurricular activities organized by the College and involving local high schools as well as other international schools. Sporting activities range from sailing to soccer. Clubs vary from film to yearbook. Social activities include drama productions and special events organized by the Foyer Council. In addition, students are strongly encouraged to become involved with the local community by joining clubs, sports teams, and other organizations in the area. Student teams may compete in tournaments in the local community and amongst members of the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS). Students can also have access to the university fitness facilities, playing fields and endless wooded trails.
NJC is a part of the Youth Ambassador Program Switzerland that is led by young adults and teenagers with a passion for human rights and social progress.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM
Beyond the rigour of the academic pre-university program, students are encouraged to be involved in NJC’s International Program. Neuchâtel Junior College offers a variety of internationally-focused opportunities, including:
International Competitions
Model United Nations minimum once each semester.
International
Service Projects
Charitable Giving a number of charitable events throughout the school year.
TRAVEL PROGRAM
Local Excursions:
Global Leaders
Visiting the Canadian Embassy in Bern, the United Nations in Geneva, the Red Cross, CERN, or being addressed by a member of the United Nations’ High Commission for Refugees, gives students a better understanding of how their careers might one day have an impact as leaders beyond Canada’s borders—within the global arena.
NJC Community Resources
NJC is fortunate to have connections to a range of community resources including sports teams and music and language interests.
“Les Défis et Découvertes” -Local opportunities for physical, outdoor and cultural pursuits within Switzerland. Some examples of défis et découvertes include:
• Mountain hikes
• Jura cross-country /snow excursion
• Tour du Canton (spring) – 10 km runs in various Neuchâtel canton villages
• Bike excursions – Neuchâtel and surrounding canton
• One weekend SGIS team event with preparation
• Bern walking tour with visit to the Einstein Museum and bear pit
• Château Chillon in Montreux
• Basel and the Fondation Beyeler
• The International Olympic Museum in Lausanne
• Fribourg and environs
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Pension living was one experience I had that altered my outlook on life. You can better understand various traditions, values, and ways of life by living with locals and participating in meaningful interactions when you immerse yourself in another culture.”
- Charlotte ‘23
Integrated School Trips
The College offers structured, school-organized travel to expose students to a variety of cultural, scientific, environmental and historical sites across Europe. Whenever possible, these trips are integrated into the curriculum, enriching the academic program, the learning process and students’ understanding of the world in which they live and will lead.
Mandatory Travel
The Junior College has 4 mandatory school trips over the school year: September orientation trip in Switzerland, midNovember trip to Belgium and France for Remembrance Day, Spring Break curriculum or service-based trip, and late spring Normandy trip. The September orientation trip is included in tuition fees. The other mandatory trips are billed separately.
Optional School Trips
• Jaun Hiking trip
• Munich, Germany or Krakow, Poland
• Model UN
• Geneva
• Winter Break: school service or independent travel or return flight home
• Semester Break: Zermatt, Switzerland Trip
• Florence, Italy or Ski Trip
Independent Travel
Independent travel is a privilege that is earned. It inspires confidence, personal discovery, strong friendships and maturity. Following the first report card, students are permitted, with guidance from the school, to organize a trip and travel independently of the College in small groups for a maximum of three weekends per semester provided that:
• Students are acting in accordance with the Behavioural and Travel Policies and College expectations
• Parental permission is provided
• Students submit a proposed travel plan and itinerary to the Head of School
• Permission of the Head of School is granted
• Attendance at class and school meetings has been met
For Parents and Family Members
Family members are always welcome at the College. Many choose to visit during the planned optional Parents’ Weekend or join faculty and students on the annual, one-week ski excursion to Zermatt between semesters in late January. Attending graduation in June is another popular time to visit!
UNIVERSITY PLACEMENT AND GUIDANCE
University Placement
Enrolment at Neuchâtel Junior College is intentionally small, and all students are in their pre-university year, so students derive a particular energy and focus from within this university-bound community.
Students benefit from ongoing counselling from NJC’s experienced Director of University Guidance, commencing with course selection advice in the spring prior to departure followed by one-on-one consultations and group meetings while at NJC.
Students receive dedicated university placement advice and support. The program has a concentration on research, program requirements, preparation, choice, admission procedures and deadlines, and applications for scholarships. Students interested in exploring international opportunities participate in one of the Council of International Schools university fairs hosted in Geneva.
Guidance Services
The Director of University Guidance provides careful attention to the needs of each individual student. Traditional guidance services are also available to students including counseling and career advice.
“
From traveling to Kraków Poland and visiting Auschwitz concentration camp, to visiting Florence, Italy and witnessing the incredible works of Michelangelo, I know that this would only have been possible at NJC.”
- Roberta’23
NJC 2023 STUDENTS RECEIVED OFFERS OF ADMISSION TO TOP UNIVERSITIES ACROSS CANADA, THE US AND ALL OVER THE WORLD.
“Prior to coming to NJC, I had a certain view of how my post-secondary life may look. I saw myself at an Ontario university, likely studying something in the health-sciences area, with the goal to study medicine. I knew that direct-entry medicine in Ireland was an option, but I did not think I would feel comfortable enough to take that leap of faith, and head into an unknown place for my degree. If it weren’t for Neuchatel, I can confidently say I would not have been ready to make that choice.”
Juliana ’23 - Valedictorian: London, Ontario University destination: Galway University, Ireland- Undergraduate Medicine.
“NJC has equipped me with the tools to make a lasting impact and navigate the complexities of our globalised world. I am ready to embark on future endeavours with purpose and determination.”
Arun ’23 - Prince Albert, Saskatchewan University destination: University of Waterloo - Bachelor of Applied ScienceEngineering CO-OP
“In Athens, learning about the ancient Greek philosophers, their ideas, and their lasting impact on modern society ignited a curiosity within me. I found myself engrossed in discussions about ethics, politics, and the pursuit of knowledge.”
Jack ’23 Vancouver, BC University destination: Columbia UniversityBachelor of Economics and Political Science.
“I studied subjects which will help me in my Bachelors of Commerce which I start in the fall, and I progressed with my french speaking skills, so much so that I applied to do my bachelor in french immersion!”
Saba ‘23: Winnipeg, Manitoba University destination: University of Ottawa - Bachelor of Commerce - French immersion Co-op.
CONSIDERING TAKING A GAP YEAR?
Because of an interest in furthering their studies while gaining an all-important year of personal maturation, approximately 20 percent of the student body is at NJC for a year or semester of enrichment following graduation in their home province/country.
Cultural and French immersion: in Neuchâtel and surrounding area
• Authentic French language experience
• Develop independent life skills before university
Curriculum-based and independent travel throughout Europe
• Gain a global perspective and feed your sense of adventure!
Academics: Grade 12 Ontario courses: one or two semesters
• Take electives or improve your GPA
• Individualized university preparation and placement support
• Unique academic/life experience makes you stand out
- Isaac ‘23 Gap year student Queen’s University, Commerce.
For more information.
CONTACT US AT admissions@neuchatel.org
Grade 12 | Gap Year | njc.ch
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This transformative experience offered me numerous opportunities … [there] are things that I believe enhanced my growth as a person, student, and friend here at NJC: language skills, adaptability, and self-discovery.”