100 Years of Institut Montana: "Leaders, Not Commanders" and Max Husmann’s Ideas on Education and Leadership

ZUG, Switzerland, August 10, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Institut Montana, located on the Zugerberg near Zug, Switzerland, is marking its 100th anniversary in 2026. The centenary brings Max Husmann’s ideas on education and leadership into focus. When Husmann founded the school in 1926, peace was his ultimate aim. His educational approach was designed to guide young people to think clearly, creatively and confidently.

In a 1931 interview with the Swiss Observer, Husmann spoke about an education for “leaders, not commanders.” He believed that the young men who attended his school would go on to take up influential roles in politics, culture, banking, commerce and law. A carefully designed, holistic education would enable them to grow into clear-thinking, ethically guided adults. Their intelligent, compassionate perspective would help the world reach consensus. That way, Husmann believed, lay not only peace but prosperity.

Husmann’s engagement with peace extended beyond his work at the school. In the spring of 1945, Husmann played a critical role in the secret negotiations known as “Operation Sunrise." He could have stayed in the safety of his school’s campus on the Zugerberg, but he risked his life to stop the fighting.

Husmann developed an educational approach for his school that moved away from traditional methods of learning by rote and punitive discipline. He replaced them with intellectual curiosity and the capacity for self-responsibility. He believed that learning should be a joy and school years should be happy. Teaching should take account of individual differences. Warm, friendly relationships between teachers and their students were important to him. Young people should learn to think unclouded by old prejudices and remain strong against the persuasiveness of propaganda.

International life was also part of Husmann’s concept. Institut Montana was established in the early days of international schooling. Young people from different countries would learn together and share their lives in a boarding school environment. This created the multi-cultural learning experience towards which Husmann aspired.

An editorial published in The European to mark the 100th anniversary examines Husmann’s educational philosophy and its relevance today. The world is different now. The next step for graduates of international schools might be anywhere their ambitions take them. At the same time, global solutions are needed to address global problems.

Institut Montana retained its national sections and adopted the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in 1987. At the same time, the school retained its Swiss Gymnasium teaching towards the Swiss Matura. Today, the school also includes a bilingual German-English primary school and secondary school. Core elements of the Montana approach remain, including small classes, differentiated teaching that responds to the specific learning needs of every student, a focus on critical thinking and self-responsibility.

In the international school community, students from different cultural backgrounds learn together. They build, to paraphrase Husmann, friendships without borders. They grow into citizens of the world with the capacity to think in terms of global solutions to global problems.

One hundred years after Institut Montana was founded, Husmann’s approach can be traced back to 1926: he set up a school with methods for guiding its students towards compassion and collaboration in the pursuit of peace. He understood that education matters.

About CP Media Global Limited

The European is a quarterly business publication by CP Media Global Ltd, based in London and established in 2008. Available in both print and digital formats, the magazine is distributed globally at major events, trade fairs, and airports, reaching a wide network of decision-makers across Europe, MENA, Latin America, North America, and Asia. Covering a broad spectrum of topics — including banking and finance, foreign direct investment, sustainability, ESG, energy, shipping, aviation, technology, real estate, and business travel — The European delivers in-depth reporting and analysis on key trends shaping the global business landscape. With a commitment to thought-provoking and objective journalism, the magazine offers expert insight, success stories, and strategic perspectives to help leaders navigate the evolving economic, political, and cultural environment. For more information, visit the-european.eu.

About Institut Montana Switzerland

Institut Montana was founded in 1926 by Dr. Max Husmann. He envisioned an international, multicultural school that would inspire young people to help build a peaceful world. That mission remains at the heart of the school to this day. The school welcomes children and young adults aged 6 to 19 and offers the Bilingual Primary School, Bilingual Secondary School and Swiss Gymnasium. Alternatively, students can pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma through the International School. Today, more than 380 students attend Institut Montana on the Zugerberg, including 120 boarding students. With small class sizes and a student-to-teacher ratio of just 4:1, each student receives personalised support tailored to their individual needs. Around 180 dedicated staff members ensure the right balance between academics and physical, creative, and personal development. At Institut Montana Switzerland, the goal is to be much more than a school. A second home. A second family. A place to grow. For more information, visit montana-zug.ch.

Media Contact

Aline Kaspar
Institut Montana
aline.kaspar@montana-zug.ch
+41 41 729 11 77

Susanne Zwiker
Balanx
susanne.zwiker@balanx.ch
+41 79 786 98 94