Comparing 7 schools side by side in USD.
Zurich region, Switzerland, with campuses in Erlenbach, Küsnacht, Zollikon and Zürich (Seefeldstrasse 111, CH-8008).
Early Years & Pre-School; Kindergarten; Primary School; Gymnasium (upper secondary leading to the Swiss Matura).
Day school.
Switzerland and United Kingdom (Zurich canton curriculum Lehrplan 21; UK National Curriculum).
Bus transfer from Erlenbach to Zurich connecting campuses with pick-up locations along the lake; 07:50 pickups in Erlenbach, Küsnacht and Zollikon; 08:20 pickup in Zürich Seefeld.
Day school; no boarding offered.
Lunch is provided as part of day services; lunch service is offered.
Founders Sonya Maechler-Dent (Founder and Curriculum Development) and Philip Maechler (Co-Founder and Business Development). An Advisory Board provides strategic direction and guides quality improvements.
The core curriculum is Zurich Lehrplan 21 and the UK National Curriculum, with additional elements from the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Translanguaging and enquiry-based learning are integral parts of the Tandem IMS curriculum. It is designed to prepare pupils for the Swiss Gymnasium or other upper-level schools. It follows a twelve-month span with monthly and weekly planning to tailor activities to each class and language development. It aligns Swiss and international curricula and supports multilingual education across languages.
Gymnasium pass rate: 100%. DELF Prim pass rate: 100%.
Prepares pupils for the Swiss Matura and direct access to Swiss universities. Progymi, Kurzgymi, and Matura are offered in bilingual and monolingual tracks. Starting in 2026/27, a 10th Grade Gymnasium Preparation bridge year supports ZAP/TAP readiness and pathways toward Gymnasium and related design/engineering tracks.
The school provides multilingual education in German, English and French. English and German are spoken in nurseries, and French is part of the multilingual program from kindergarten. All pupils engage in translanguaging, with two native-language teachers working together in the same classroom.
Prospective families are invited to learn about the school's philosophy and curriculum; to enquire about space, fill out the Enquiry Form. International applicants will receive information and support from office staff to assist with a smooth transition for the entire family. The Admissions section also provides access to Tuition and Fees and School Holidays.
OBS is located at Sihleggstrasse 9, 8832 Wollerau, Switzerland. It sits on the shores of Lake Zurich, about 20 to 30 minutes from Zurich. It is just a 2‑minute walk from a quiet forest and 10 minutes from downtown Pfäffikon, and is easily reachable from the A3 highway.
OBS offers Babycare, Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, and Upper School.
OBS is a bilingual, international school serving German- and English-speaking students. The language of instruction alternates weekly between German and English from Kindergarten to Grade 6; from Grade 7 the same language is used for each subject for a full year (Mathematics is the exception, with language alternation by semester). From Year 10 onwards, subjects are taught in the language aligned with the chosen school-leaving qualification, with IB Diploma and Federal Matura offered.
One third Swiss families, one third families with a Swiss parent, and one third families from 41 nations.
OBS+ Learning Support provides support across the curriculum.
Switzerland
Early care is available from 7:15 am; late care is available from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The timetable includes arrival at 8:15–8:30 am and dismissal at 3:55 pm; on Wednesdays dismissal is at 12:40 pm; a late bus is available at 5:10 pm (17:10) on Monday–Thursday.
In collaboration with Eberhard Travel, OBS provides a bus service with two routes: Pfäffikon – Altendorf – Lachen – Feusisberg – Wollerau and Thalwil – Horgen – Wädenswil – Wollerau. Timetable: Mon–Fri arrival 8:15–8:30; departure 15:55; Wednesdays 12:40; Mon–Thu late bus departure 17:10.
Head chef Marc Köhler and the team provide well-balanced meals using organic and locally sourced ingredients. Two to three days a week feature meat or fish, with vegetarian and vegan options available on other days, and Bircher muesli served daily. Over 550 meals are prepared daily.
The school is an independent German and English school. It is part of the Cognita group.
The school uses a bilingual curriculum in English and German. From Kindergarten to Grade 6, the entire curriculum is delivered in English and German, with the language of instruction switching weekly. From Grade 7, subjects are taught in the same language for a full academic year per subject, with Mathematics taught in the other language each semester to reinforce skills. From Year 10 onward, the language of instruction is determined by the chosen school-leaving qualification. The curriculum also includes Future Skills to develop contemporary and future-oriented competencies.
Approximately 7.2 students per teacher (456 students / 63 teachers).
IB Diploma Program with 48 students; 6 successful Matura graduates; 3 successful IB Diploma years.
Upper School prepares students for success in the IB Diploma or Federal Matura. The IB Diploma Program is offered with 48 students; the school has produced Matura graduates (6) and completed 3 IB Diploma years.
From Year 7, students may apply to become Advanced Learners. Advanced learners receive coaching and have monthly meetings with a learning coach to review progress; they can choose where they learn and which inputs they attend. Competencies for advanced learners include strong organisation, time management, focus and self-reflection, objective setting, healthy screen time, conflict-resolution skills, and self-awareness.
The school has a social-emotional learning programme and counselling services. Aikido is integrated into the curriculum to support mental resilience and conflict resolution. The environment prioritizes emotional safety and wellbeing through staff training in safety procedures and safeguarding.
OBS+ Learning Support provides in-class, small group, or individual support. Learning support teachers work with classroom and specialist teachers to give the right help at the right time. German and English as an Additional Language programmes build language skills, with a placement assessment for new Middle and Upper School applicants (Grades 5–12).
German and English as an Additional Language programmes build language skills, with a placement assessment for new Middle and Upper School applicants (Grades 5–12).
Counselling services are available and an integrated social-emotional learning programme supports student well-being. Aikido is used to foster mental resilience and stress management within the curriculum.
A comprehensive safeguarding and safety framework prioritizes student safety, with a Designated Safeguarding Lead and deputies, mandatory safeguarding training for staff, clear reporting procedures, and policies covering first aid and anti-bullying. The framework emphasizes early intervention, parent communication, and age-appropriate education on personal safety, including online risks.
Step 1: Get in Touch and Visit OBS. Visit the campus to see classrooms, meet teachers, and get a feel for the learning environment. Open days are offered to help families understand whether OBS is the right fit.
Step 2: Complete the application form. To begin, complete the online School registration form. The application fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee admission. Fees are CHF 300 for Baby Care / Pre-kindergarten and CHF 500 for Kindergarten / Primary School / Middle School / Upper School.
Step 3: Submit the relevant documents. For Early Years there is no requirement to submit documentation prior to enrollment. For Primary, Middle and Upper School, provide the most recent report card or end-of-year report; if there are diagnosed conditions or if the child receives additional learning support or therapy, provide further information including recent diagnostic reports and the student's IEP if applicable. OBS reserves the right to offer a conditional place pending receipt of all required documents. If capacity is reached, your child can be placed on the waiting list.
Step 4: Assessments, Trial Days and Feedback. Primary candidates undergo an internal assessment in language proficiency and mathematics. Admission to Middle and Upper School requires a comprehensive evaluation, including language skills, potential analysis, and a personality assessment by a psychologist. Each candidate attends two trial days, with one day in a German-language classroom and the other in an English-language setting. Afterward, there is a consultative meeting with the relevant Department Head; for middle and upper school, the evaluating psychologist discusses the results.
Step 5: Offer of a place. If the application is approved, the Admissions Team extends an offer of enrollment contingent on space availability. A Confirmation of Acceptance will be sent to you via email after we receive the full registration fee, which is non-refundable. If capacity is reached, your child will be added to our waiting list and you will be notified once a space becomes available. Admission approvals depend on the provision of all requested documentation and the payment of the application fee.
If capacity is reached, a waiting list is used. Families are notified when a space becomes available.
The modern schoolhouse at Löwenstrasse 17 in the heart of Zurich was opened in August 2021. It is 500 meters from Zurich Hauptbahnhof and easily reachable from nearby stations (Zurich Enge, Wiedikon, Selnau and Stadeln). The campus features 14 rooms, state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology, lecture rooms, science rooms, a canteen, a library and a terrace.
Offers Matura full-time (1 year and 2 years), Matura preparatory course, Matura in self-study, Matura part-time; IB Diploma Programme; BMS full-time with three orientations (Business & Services, Health and Social Care, Technology, Architecture, Life Sciences); Passerelle (1 year); Self-study options for Matura and BMS.
The Academic Gateway is a full private school.
Highly qualified teaching staff, central location, personal support with integrated free tutoring, and a comprehensive e-learning platform with the entire curriculum digitized, including HD lecture videos, prepared exercises and short explanations across subjects.
Switzerland
There is an on-site cafeteria (Mensa) and a dining area on campus.
Academic Gateway AG operates the school. The address is Löwenstrasse 17, 8001 Zürich. It is registered in the Zurich commercial registry as CHE-312.196.609. Alexandre Touihri serves as Chairman of the Board and Dimitar Jauch is a Board member.
Academic Gateway offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and additional routes including Matura, BMS, Passerelle, and Self-study. The IB fosters international-mindedness and uses a transdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning approach that connects subjects and real-world contexts. The Diploma Programme emphasizes critical thinking, global contexts, multilingualism, and research skills essential for higher education. Most lessons are conducted in English, with German widely used by many community members and languages such as French, Italian, and Spanish appearing as part of the educational heritage. Assessments are authentic and contextualized, with external IB examinations for the Diploma Programme and progress shared with families through reports and conferences. EduQua Certification supports the school's commitment to quality education and a modern, digitally enabled learning environment.
Graduates may choose to study internationally or in Switzerland.
Personal support includes learning coaching and speech therapy; there are learning development conversations; short assessments (including personal analysis and a personal learning plan) and mock examinations (including personal analysis and a personal learning plan); tutoring is fully integrated and private lessons for 1–3 students are offered.
The school provides personal support including learning coaching and speech therapy; learning development discussions and individually tailored learning plans and assessments are part of the support offered; tutoring and private instruction are integrated into the program.
Most lessons are conducted in English, with German and French offered as language courses; the school supports language learning and offers internationally recognized language certificates in English, German and French.
Schul- und Hausordnung (School and House Rules) governs behavior and safety on campus, including explicit prohibitions on smoking (inside buildings), alcohol, and drugs; it describes emergency evacuation procedures and the location of emergency facilities, and it sets sanctions for violations.
1. Contact and initial discussion. Inquiries can be made by phone at 044 310 10 67, by email, or via the contact form. A preliminary meeting is normally conducted so the student and the school can get to know each other. This meeting helps determine whether Academic Gateway is the right path for the student.
2. Suitability assessment. A suitability assessment is conducted with all interested applicants to determine if this is the right path. In addition to high resilience and perseverance, applicants should have solid language skills in German, English, and another national language (French or Italian), as well as basic mathematics. This assessment helps confirm readiness for the program.
3. Enrollment and contract. Enrollment can be initiated by signing the school contract by phone, email, or via the contact form. Alternatively, students can enroll directly for Matura, BMS, or Passerelle. This step formalizes admission to the chosen program.
4. Start date and deadlines. The enrollment deadline runs until the official school start, and late enrollments may be accepted in some cases. For questions about the program or to arrange a non-binding discussion, call 044 310 10 67. After enrollment, the student joins the program according to the official start date.
The Inter-Community School Zurich is located at Strubenacher 3, 8126 Zumikon, Switzerland. It is the oldest international school in the Greater Zurich Area. ICS is an English-language international school in Zurich, serving students aged 24 months to 18 years. ICS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme for Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Studies, with a bilingual diploma option.
Preschool (Nursery to K2); Primary School (Grades 1-5); Middle School (Grades 6-8); Diploma Studies (Grades 11-12).
English-language international school offering the IB Programme across all levels (PYP, MYP, DP).
50+ nationalities are represented; families come from 55 countries.
The Learning Support Department provides support for students with learning challenges, offering in-class and withdrawal services and developing individual support plans with input from parents and teachers to help each student access the curriculum.
ICS runs its own school bus service for students aged 4 and older, with drivers licensed for safety; registration is via the Parent Portal. Public transport access includes Bus 919 and the Forchbahn S18 to Waltikon, with a short 5–7 minute walk from the stops.
No uniform is required. Students dress respectfully, safely, and appropriately for school activities. For PE, wear dark shorts or sweatpants and a white or orange T-shirt.
Hot lunch programme offered. Primary School students register for hot lunch each semester; Middle and Senior School students receive a lunch card that can be preloaded with credit and may use it to purchase breakfast, hot or cold lunch, and snacks; Senior School students may use their own debit card or pay with cash. Menus and more details are available on the School Services page.
The school is a non-profit foundation governed by a Board of Trustees.
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes for Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Studies. It is the only school in Zurich offering all three IB programmes. ICS teaches in English and offers a bilingual IB Diploma option. The school serves students from 24 months to 18 years across Early Childhood, Primary Years, Middle Years, and the Diploma Programme. The IB framework emphasizes an international mindset and inquiry-based learning. The ICS difference comes from developing the whole child and supporting community engagement through Round Square.
ICS is an IB World School offering the Diploma Programme. All Diploma students are encouraged to take the IB Diploma exams. ICS Diploma students can qualify for the IB Bilingual Diploma. Diploma students on average earn significantly better scores than the worldwide average.
Top university admission is supported by a rigorous university counselling programme that opens doors to universities around the world. In the IB Diploma Programme, students choose six courses to study, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level from the IB groups; the sixth subject can be from the Arts or a second subject in Sciences or Individuals and Societies.
There are programmes across the school focusing on the emotional, social and physical well‑being of students. In Senior School, positive pro‑social behaviours are promoted through five principles: safe, ready to learn, respectful, responsible, and kind.
The Learning Support Department provides necessary support for students with learning challenges to participate in the school community and access the curriculum while recognising their strengths. Support is delivered along a continuum through consultation with classroom or specialist teachers, in‑class support, withdrawal sessions, or a combination, based on each learner's needs and documented in an individual plan developed with the student, parents and staff. The Primary Learning Support Programme supports unique student needs to maximise academic and social‑emotional growth, while the Senior School Learning Support helps identified learners access the IB curriculum and develop effective study skills, with both out‑of‑class and in‑class options plus after‑school support as needed.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided to help students succeed in the mainstream classroom. EAL support is available in the Primary School, and an English as an Additional Language Programme is in place to assist non‑native speakers within the ICS curriculum.
There are school‑wide programmes focused on the emotional, social and physical well‑being of students, with emphasis on positive behaviours in Senior School through the five pro‑social principles: safe, ready to learn, respectful, responsible, and kind.
The safety, welfare and wellbeing of students is ICS's highest priority. The safeguarding framework is the Child Protection Policy, outlining expectations and practices around safe recruitment and ongoing professional development of staff, aligned with international child protection standards. All prospective staff undergo background checks, including criminal record checks and reference checks.
ICS Inter-Community School Zurich accepts applications year-round via the online application portal. To apply, provide English school reports for the past two years, a recent photograph, a copy of the child's birth certificate or passport, any educational test results, a teacher's recommendation, a completed and signed financial regulations form, and a non-refundable application fee of 500 Swiss Francs for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Admissions Handbook explains the admission process and is available for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The school is an English-language international school located in Strubenacher 3, 8126 Zumikon, Switzerland. Processing begins once the completed documentation and the fee are received, and the school provides a timeline: in February, ICS invites current families to re-enrol; in March, applications from corporate partners are processed; in April, all applications are processed with priority to corporate-partner families with a child already enrolled, then corporate-partner families, then families with a child already enrolled, then alumni children, then international families, then local internationally mobile families; processing continues from April to August; the school year begins in August and new students may join during the school year where space permits.
Located in Seebach, Zurich. The address is Schaffhauserstrasse 550, 8052 Zürich, Switzerland.
Daycare, Pre-K, Kindergarten, Primary
Private German-English day school in Zurich
Individualised support is part of the bilingual learning approach.
No boarding is offered; it is a day school.
The tuition includes breakfast and a healthy morning snack.
KIBS is a non-profit organisation.
The school is a private German-English day school in Zurich with nearly 20 years of experience. The tailored curriculum blends international standards with the learning goals of Canton Zürich in a bilingual English–German program, using cross-curricular teaching and hands-on exploration to develop critical thinking, independent problem solving, and confident learners.
The school supports social and emotional development through a nurturing, inclusive community that fosters belonging, friendships, calm transitions, and peer support so children grow socially and emotionally.
The school teaches in English and German, with 50% of instructional time in German and 50% in English.
Mental wellbeing is central to the learning approach, with emphasis on emotional well-being and a caring, safe community.
Applications are accepted year-round as long as spaces remain in a group; for the start of a new academic year, it is advised to submit by the end of February to avoid disappointment. KIBS does not require an entrance examination; a trial day may be offered to see how your child fits with the group. At kindergarten entry, children should have basic knowledge of German or English; at primary entry, students must master one of the instruction languages to near-native level. The school teaches in a bilingual setup with 50% of instructional time in English and 50% in German. French is part of the curriculum from 4th to 6th grade, and French and Spanish are offered free in lunch clubs. Our teachers come mainly from the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Germany, and Switzerland. The school is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 18:30; the teaching day runs 9:00 to 16:10, and students should be present by 8:50 for registration. KIBS is located near Zürich's public transport network; Bus 768 stops in front of the school; a paid shuttle is available to Seebach, Oerlikon, and Glattpark, with other locations on request. There is no school uniform; students should dress appropriately. Primary tuition is CHF 2,200 per month and includes care from 7:30 to 18:30, supervised homework, breakfast, and a morning snack. A school calendar with important dates is available on request. After KIBS, students may attend any national or international secondary school; most pursue the Swiss Gymnasium, and KIBS offers a free Gymnasium-entrance exam preparation program. For more information, contact the admissions team.
No waitlist is described; admissions are open year-round as long as spaces exist, with a recommendation to apply by end of February to start a new academic year.
Mühlentalstrasse 280, 8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Childcare: ages 3 months to 3 years; Early Learning Centre: ages 3 to 6; Primary School: ages 6 to 11; Secondary School: ages 11 to 16. ISSH High School Diploma: ages 16 to 19, accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA); International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: ages 16 to 19.
Private day and boarding school
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support; inclusive learning with the Learning Support Department; individualised learning plans for mild to moderate educational needs; EAL and Learning Support services may incur extra costs.
Switzerland
The school day begins at 8:15 and ends at 15:30. Wednesdays are early release days at 12:00 for Primary and up to Grade 10 for Secondary.
ISSH operates a free shuttle service in the morning and at home time to/from the Schaffhausen main station, available to students from grade 1 onwards.
The boarding houses are off-campus in quiet residential neighbourhoods, a short bus ride from campus. The dorms are co-ed, with one boys' floor and one girls' floor, and each dorm accommodates up to ten students (most in double rooms). There is a large kitchen, a common room, and a staff room for boarding staff. Meals are included in the boarding fees: breakfast in the boarding house, hot lunch at school, and dinner in the boarding house; a sign-out system monitors departures and students must return before dinner, with a set curfew; boarding staff supervise outside school hours.
ISSH does not require a school uniform.
Boarding includes all meals: breakfast in the boarding house, hot lunch at school, and dinner in the boarding house. Hot lunch is optional for day students and is charged separately.
The boarding houses are located off-campus and are co-ed, with separate floors for boys and girls; each house accommodates up to ten students and includes a large kitchen and a common room, with a staff room for house carers.
ISSH is owned by the International School of Schaffhausen Foundation and is governed by the Foundation Board and Board of Directors.
The school uses the International Baccalaureate framework across all divisions. The Primary Years Programme is offered from the Early Learning Centre through Primary for ages 3-12. The bespoken secondary curriculum brings the IB philosophy to life, with Grades 9-10 following a pre-IB programme and dedicated career guidance to prepare for the Diploma Programme. The Diploma Programme is a two-year programme for students aged 16-19 that prepares them for higher education and beyond.
The Diploma Programme has maintained a 100% pass rate for several consecutive years.
The Diploma Programme prepares students for higher education and beyond.
The school uses the Boarding Programme to develop core skills and to foster ethical, personal, and social growth. The school provides a safe, nurturing boarding environment where students build confidence, responsibility, autonomy, integrity and strong interpersonal abilities. The school uses small boarding groups to provide attentive, individualized support through regular check-ins and meetings with the Head of Boarding. The school integrates skill development with academic life, helping students plan study schedules and meet academic deadlines. The school embeds wellbeing and personal development in daily routines, with emphasis on stress-management techniques and meaningful social connections.
The school provides in-house learning support with a Learning Support Coordinator who collaborates with teachers, parents and students to tailor recommendations for those with specific learning needs. The school offers one-on-one lessons and small-group pull-out lessons, with push-in services available at an additional cost. When needed, the school helps families connect with external assessments or therapies. Individualised Learning Plans are put in place to enhance the student's learning experience and overall success.
The school provides tailored language support to ensure all students achieve academic success across all stages, from Primary through to the Diploma Programme.
The school integrates wellbeing into every aspect of ISSH life. The school prioritizes physical health and mental wellbeing within the boarding programme, with care staff providing guidance and structure. The Safeguarding Committee continually reviews policies to protect students' wellbeing. Boarding houses are supervised by caregivers, with small groups enabling individualized attention. The school teaches stress-reduction techniques, particularly during examination periods, and promotes balanced living with healthy sleep, regular activity, digital safety and constructive relationships with technology.
The school has a Safeguarding Committee that regularly reviews programmes, policies and procedures to protect student wellbeing at all times. The school recognises students' right to be protected from harm, and that learning cannot occur without physical and emotional security. The school maintains a comprehensive safeguarding framework, a secure neighbourhood environment, and boarding-house security protocols. The school promotes digital safety and media literacy as part of safeguarding.
1. Begin your application via the online application form. The online application form is hosted on OpenApply, and our admissions team is available to support you from the first enquiry to the first day of school. From the first enquiry to the first day of school, our admissions team guides you through the process, answering questions to ensure that ISSH is the right fit for your child. For personalised support, you can reach the admissions team throughout the process.
2. If applying to the Early Learning Centre (ELC), the admissions process takes about two weeks. We have limited places available in the ELC Programme, so it is advisable to begin your application early and schedule a personalised tour of the ELC. You can schedule a tour and seek further information by contacting the admissions team.
3. For Primary School admissions (ages 6 to 11), after submitting the application documents you will be invited to visit ISSH and meet our admissions team in person. A trial day for your child is encouraged as part of the process. If relocation makes in-person visits difficult, we are happy to meet you online.
4. For Secondary School or High School Diploma programmes (ages 11 to 19), submit the completed application form along with supporting documents, including school reports and letters of recommendation. ISSH will arrange academic assessments in English and mathematics, followed by an interview with the admissions team. For local Schaffhausen applicants, a trial period at ISSH will also be organised to ensure a good fit with our community.
5. For the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), complete the application form and submit supporting documents. We will conduct an academic assessment to evaluate English and mathematics skills, then arrange a meeting with our academic team to discuss university aspirations. A trial day is encouraged to give your child a genuine taste of IB learning at ISSH.
6. For the Boarding Programme (ages 14 to 19), schedule an online meeting with our admissions team to guide you through submitting the boarding application and supporting documents. We will arrange assessments in English and mathematics, as well as interviews with both our academic team and Head of Boarding. You are welcome to visit the campus to experience daily life at ISSH.
ISSH offers a financial assistance programme with reduced rates. Reduced rates may be available through the financial assistance programme, and eligibility details are described in the Financial Regulations. Cantonal childcare subsidies may be available for families registered in the Canton of Schaffhausen who are employed or unemployed; details are in the Financial Regulations.
The City Campus is located in Winterthur, Switzerland, at Grüzefeldstrasse 34, 8400 Winterthur. It is about 20 minutes from Zurich Airport and just under 30 minutes from Zurich city centre.
The school offers International A Levels (upper secondary).
Boarding school.
Switzerland
A typical day starts at 7:15 with breakfast. 8:00–12:00 classes; 12:00–13:00 lunch; 13:00–14:35 classes; 14:35–14:50 afternoon snack; 15:00–16:00 classes; 16:00–17:00 supervised study time; 17:00–18:30 extracurricular activities; 18:30 dinner; 19:30–22:00 supervised study time/leisure (late snack); lights out around 22:00.
En-suite single rooms with their own shower and toilet; individual rooms have connecting doors. Boys and girls are accommodated separately, with a staff member on-site at all times. The City Campus boarding is open 44 weeks per year, closed for six weeks in summer and two weeks over Christmas.
All meals are freshly prepared daily; learners have a healthy and balanced diet.
Partnership with Academia Group and the Swiss Academy Zurich; City Campus located on the WIN4 site in Winterthur.
City Campus offers IGCSE (Years 9–10) and International A Levels (Years 11–12). English is the language of instruction, with all language classes taught by native speakers. Students study three to four subjects in depth, with a core set including English, German, Mathematics, Biology, History and Geography, and electives such as Sports, Art & Design and Life Skills. Teaching is delivered in small classes by teachers from around the world, and a Head of Academics creates tailor-made learning plans while each student has a personal learning coach.
Exams are taken in IGCSE and AS/A Level subjects, with up to three examination sittings per year. The highest IGCSE grade is 8/9 and the highest A Level grade is A & A. Some students have won Pearson Edexcel prizes for top marks in Advanced German, Science, Advanced Maths and English.
University destinations at Switzerland include ETH Zurich, University of St. Gallen, Lausanne Hotel Management, and the Universities of Basel, Bern and Zurich. Worldwide destinations include the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, University of Massachusetts, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Sorbonne Université.
A Head of Academics creates tailor-made learning plans; a personal learning coach supports each student; teaching occurs in small classes and electives such as Sports, Art & Design and Life Skills are offered.
Flexibility and individual support are core at the city campus. Teaching methods encourage learners to reach their full potential. In addition to academic knowledge, personal competencies and learning techniques are taught. Independence is promoted and an environment that enables holistic development is created. Learners study in small classes with experienced teachers and benefit from cutting-edge facilities. The aim is to help learners become well-educated, responsible people who can feel at home anywhere in the world.
The language of instruction is predominantly English. German and English are used for social interactions, and lessons are offered in other languages.
The well-being and health of the young people entrusted to us are top priorities. A family-like atmosphere is maintained and staff are available around the clock, on-site or by telephone. The boarding school also has a security service. If ill, the medBase health centre is located in the neighbouring building, with a GP nearby and Winterthur Cantonal Hospital only 10 minutes away.
The safety and safeguarding framework prioritizes the well-being of learners. Staff are available around the clock, on-site or by telephone, and a security service is in place. Medical facilities are nearby, including the medBase health centre in the neighbouring building, a GP in the vicinity, and Winterthur Cantonal Hospital about 10 minutes away.
1. Contact us for a non-binding consultation by phone, video call, or in person on campus. We admit learners only after an in-person meeting or a successful interview with the Head of School. The consultation helps determine whether Swiss Boarding Schools Disentis & Zurich is the right choice for your child.
2. If you wish to proceed, fill in the application form we send and return it with the required documents. This starts enrollment and shows your child's profile. We will confirm receipt and note any missing items.
3. Placement tests may be necessary depending on subject choice and prior education. On entry, English language level is generally expected to be B1. If B1 is not yet reached, students can begin with a reduced range of subjects while improving language skills and building vocabulary.
4. An in-person or online interview with the Head of School completes the evaluation. The interview provides an opportunity to learn more about the student and confirm alignment with the program. The outcome is a decision about admission.
5. If accepted, we send the Letter of Acceptance and the contract. We provide all documents needed for the visa application. Visa processing can take up to two months, so plan accordingly.
6. Admission usually occurs in August at the start of the school year. If places are available, admission can occur at other times after consultation with school management. Parents should coordinate with the admissions team to ensure timely enrollment.
