Academia International School Basel vs BKA International School

	A Academia International School Basel Basel, Switzerland	B BKA International School Basel, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 27,900 - 30,900	Fees / year CHF 23,700 - 32,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 0 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Swiss Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 350
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language English, German
Opened	Opened 2009	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Hochstrasse 16, 4053 Basel, Switzerland. The campus is located directly next to Basel SBB railway station. It offers a continuous educational journey from bilingual Kindergarten and Primary to Lower Secondary and an English-language Upper Secondary (IGCSE & A Level).	Location Basel, Switzerland. BKA International School Basel operates across Basel city campuses: Wettstein campus (Alemannengasse 22/24, 4058 Basel); Spalentor Campus (Schützengraben 35, 4051 Basel); Gellert 37 campus (Gellertstrasse 37, 4052 Basel); Gellert 25 campus (Gellertstrasse 25, 4052 Basel); Rittergasse campus (Rittergasse 20, 4051 Basel).
Stages	Stages Kindergarten, Primary, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary (IGCSE & A Level)	Stages Daycare (3 months – 4 years); Primary (4–12 years; KG, Grades 1–6); Secondary (12–18 years).
School type	School type International day school	School type Bilingual private IB World School.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school offers individual support and targeted learning	Additional learning support Student Support.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland	Country affiliation Switzerland
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration fee - Registration fee (one-time): CHF 500. Tuition fees (standard billing options) - School fees per school year (standard day-student rate): CHF 27,900. - School fees per semester: CHF 13,950. - School fees per quarterly instalment: CHF 6,975. - Payment by monthly instalments (10 monthly instalments; price includes an administrative surcharge of 3%): CHF 2,874 per month. Tuition fees by school year / year group - The standard school fee above is applied as the published tuition amount across the school's year groups (Kindergarten through Year 12). Additional charges apply for certain optional or external programmes offered to older year groups. Additional academic fees and optional programme costs - Individual private lessons (optional): CHF 130 per 60 minutes. - Individual IGCSE subject (where taken as an additional class, Years 9–12): CHF 6,900 per school year (per IGCSE subject). - Individual AS or A Level (where taken as an additional class, Years 9–12): CHF 9,900 per school year (per AS/A Level subject). - German Booster (Years 9–12): total school fees when the German Booster programme is included are CHF 30,900. What is included and excluded from tuition - Included in the tuition: all teaching materials, textbooks and educational resources. - Not included in the tuition: after-school clubs, external examination fees, school trips and school camps (these are charged separately). - If a pupil enters during the school year, school fees are charged pro rata. Sibling discount - A 10% sibling discount is available (for self-financing families) on the youngest child's school fee when more than one child is enrolled at the same time. Billing schedule and payment terms - School fees are invoiced in advance. The school offers the published billing options (annual, semester, quarterly or a 10-month instalment plan with a 3% administrative surcharge). Payment deadlines are shown on invoices; the general payment period is 30 days unless otherwise stated on the invoice or price list. - If one or more instalments are not paid by the agreed deadline after lessons have started, the school may exclude the student from the programme until outstanding instalments have been paid; persistent non-payment can lead to contract withdrawal and additional fees. An annual interest rate on outstanding amounts and administrative fees for payment reminders may apply. - Changes to a chosen payment arrangement (for example switching from semester to monthly payments) are only possible at the start of a new semester and must be notified at least six weeks before the semester begins. Refunds, deposits and cancellation - If an entire course of study is definitely cancelled, fees already paid will be refunded; reimbursement of further costs is excluded. - The school may require a registration fee and a deposit; if a deposit is required it is due within five days after signing the school contract and will be refunded in full after the student leaves the school provided the notice requirements and full settlement of fees have been met. If notice requirements are not met, the deposit may be forfeited. - If a student does not attend despite a concluded school contract, an administrative and cancellation fee equal to three months' school fees may be charged. During a probationary period (if applied), either party may withdraw; details are set out in the contractual terms. Boarding fees (if applicable) - The Basel campus is operated as a day school at its city premises; no boarding programme or boarding fees are published for the Basel campus. Other costs or fees - Examination fees, school trips, camps and after-school activities are charged separately and are not included in the tuition. - No separate uniform fee or uniform purchase requirement is listed in the published price list for the Basel campus. Fee payment methods and practical notes - Fees are invoiced in advance and are due within the payment period stated on the invoice (generally 30 days). The published price list and general terms reference invoicing and payment deadlines but do not list the specific accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer or card) within the price-list document. Payment method details are provided on invoices and in contract paperwork.	Fee details Application fees - No separate, published one‑off application or registration fee amount is listed; applications are submitted through the school's online enrolment portal. Tuition fees by year group (core semester fees — two semesters per academic year) - Kindergarten Year 1–2 (ages 4–6): CHF 11'850.- per semester (CHF 23'700.- per academic year). - Primary Grades 1–6 (ages 6–12): CHF 12'250.- per semester (CHF 24'500.- per academic year). - Lower Secondary Grades 7–9 (ages 12–15): CHF 14'500.- per semester (CHF 29'000.- per academic year). - Upper Secondary Grades 10–12 (ages 15–18): CHF 16'000.- per semester (CHF 32'000.- per academic year). Billing schedule and payment terms - The academic year is divided into two semesters; fees are invoiced on a per‑semester basis. A single payment is expected at the beginning of each semester. On request, fees may be paid in five monthly instalments subject to a 3% surcharge. A 10% sibling discount may be applied to the lowest fee when a second child is enrolled. Core tuition does not include extracurricular activities or holiday camps. Boarding fees (if applicable) - No boarding programme or boarding fees are listed for the school; the school operates multiple day campuses for the stated age ranges and does not publish boarding charges. Other costs and fees - Uniform: Primary students are required to wear a school uniform from Grade 1; the school sells core items (white or blue polo shirt; dark blue pullover or cardigan). Other items (trousers/shorts/skirts/shoes) may be purchased independently. - Extracurricular activities: Prices vary by class and semester; these activities are charged separately from core tuition. - Holiday camps: Coverage options and weekly rates are published as CHF 450 per week (coverage 08:00–15:00) and CHF 585 per week (coverage 08:00–19:00). - Afterschool care (flexible daily coverage 15:00–19:00): one day per week for a full semester CHF 500; full week for a full semester CHF 2'500. - Any additional fees for materials, special trips, external exam charges or optional services are billed separately when applicable; core semester fees exclude these items. Refund information - No specific, published refund or withdrawal terms are provided alongside the core tuition schedule; families should confirm refund and withdrawal terms as part of the enrolment contract and invoicing process. Fee payment options - Fees are payable as a single payment at the start of each semester, or on the offered monthly instalment plan (5 instalments with a 3% surcharge). Specific accepted payment instruments (for example: bank transfer, credit card, direct debit) are not listed in the published fee information and should be confirmed with the school's admissions/finance office during enrolment.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options There is an on-site cafeteria at the Basel campus. Campus Basel facilities include a cafeteria as part of campus life.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Basel campus is part of Academia International School Basel, within the Academia education network. Academia is a large education provider in Switzerland with more than 20 locations and over 1,200 staff.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details At Basel campus, students follow a continuous educational journey from bilingual kindergarten and primary to lower secondary and an English-language college. Kindergarten and Primary are naturally bilingual. Lower Secondary provides strong preparation for upper secondary or vocational pathways. Upper Secondary offers IGCSE and A Levels to prepare for university in Switzerland or worldwide. Campus life includes bright classrooms, a science lab, music and art rooms, and a cafeteria, and learning emphasizes depth and meaning through Arts Across the Curriculum, Metacognition and Action-Based Research, with clubs such as Model United Nations and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.	Curriculum details BKA International School is a bilingual private school offering English and German instruction from early years, with French introduced from Grade 3. The early years use Curriculum 21 together with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), with a play-based approach and emphasis on language development. Primary builds on that foundation with a developmentally appropriate curriculum that fosters knowledge, skills, and curiosity year by year. In Secondary, the program uses IGCSEs and A-Levels to prepare for Swiss and international universities. BKA holds Basel-Stadt Alignment and Transition Agreement ensuring the IB curriculum aligns with Lehrplan 21 and is an IB World School. The school operates across Wettstein, Spalentor, Gellért, and Rittergasse campuses serving ages 3 months through 18 years.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Over 300 students and 33 teachers (Y7–Y12).	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Upper Secondary prepares for university, in Switzerland or worldwide.	Higher education progression Through IGCSEs and A-Levels, graduates are prepared for Swiss and international universities, with A-Levels recognised by universities across Europe, the UK, North America, and beyond.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning The school delivers a bilingual education that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. It is rooted in a Basel community and guided by international best practice. The school welcomes children from 3 months through Grade 12 into a nurturing and academically strong environment. Students thrive within a culture of excellence, respect, and global citizenship, preparing them to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally in an ever-changing world. The mission emphasizes social and emotional development as an integral part of preparing students to contribute to global communities.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language From day one, English and German are the languages of instruction, with French introduced from Grade 3. Teachers are fluent and guide students through a curriculum that develops strong academic skills in every language. The bilingual approach uses each language in lessons, activities, and daily routines to build reading, writing, speaking, and thinking in both languages. Students become confident communicators who can navigate multiple languages and cultures.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing The school emphasizes emotional intelligence, character development, and social responsibility as part of a holistic approach to education.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Safety, wellbeing, and protection of every child are the highest priorities. Safeguarding is embedded in school culture and underpins everything the school does. Clear reporting procedures, strong supervision, and openness ensure students feel confident speaking up and seeking support. The school works closely with families and authorities when necessary, always acting in the best interests of the child. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility and forms the foundation for learning, growth, and wellbeing.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Basel campus is located at Hochstrasse 16, Basel, directly next to Basel SBB railway station. It offers a continuous educational journey from bilingual kindergarten and primary to lower secondary and an English-language college. The campus includes bright classrooms, a science lab, music and art rooms, and a cafeteria. Exhibitions, study trips, and the graduation ceremony are part of the learning journey.	Facilities overview The school operates across five Basel campuses: Wettstein campus (Alemannengasse 22/24, 4058 Basel) for ages 3 months–6 years; Spalentor Campus (Schützengraben 35, 4051 Basel) for ages 3 months–6 years; Gellert 37 campus (Gellertstrasse 37, 4052 Basel) for ages 3 months–6 years; Gellert 25 campus (Gellertstrasse 25, 4052 Basel) for ages 6–9 years; Rittergasse campus (Rittergasse 20, 4051 Basel) for ages 9–18 years. The school is bilingual and internationally accredited as an IB World School, with an alignment and transition agreement with Basel-Stadt based on the Swiss national curriculum.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic facilities include modern classrooms, a science laboratory, and dedicated spaces for music and art. The Basel campus provides a bilingual kindergarten and primary, followed by lower secondary and upper secondary pathways (IGCSE & A Level) to prepare students for university in Switzerland or worldwide. The teaching emphasizes depth, metacognition and action-based research.	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Clubs such as Model United Nations and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, along with sports and music programs, enrich the school experience beyond the classroom.	Extra curricular facilities Across five campuses, students can choose from over 45 enriching extra-curricular activities spanning sports, the arts, humanities, technology, and more. On-site after-school care runs until 19:00, including homework support and enrichment activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The Basel campus was founded in 2009. It offers a continuous educational journey from bilingual kindergarten and primary to lower secondary, and an English-language college. The campus is located at Hochstrasse 16, Basel, directly next to Basel SBB railway station. It has over 300 students and 33 teachers (Y7–Y12). The Head of School is Stephanie Wimmer.	History BKA International School is a bilingual private school in Basel that is internationally accredited as an IB World School and has an alignment and transition agreement with Basel-Stadt based on the Swiss national curriculum. The school operates across five Basel campuses, with Wettstein (Alemannengasse 22/24, 4058 Basel) and Spalentor (Schützengraben 35, 4051 Basel) for early years; Gellert 37 (Gellertstrasse 37, 4052 Basel) for ages 3 months–6 years; Gellert 25 (Gellertstrasse 25, 4052 Basel) for ages 6–9; and Rittergasse (Rittergasse 20, 4051 Basel) for ages 9–18. The Rosental Campus opened in August 2021 to welcome upper primary classes. The BKA Experience centers on curiosity, discovery, and learning within a bilingual IB framework.
Community	Community The Basel campus is described as central, creative, and vibrant. The facilities include bright classrooms, a science lab, music and art rooms, and a cafeteria. Exhibitions, study trips, and the graduation ceremony are part of the learning journey and help build a strong sense of community. Clubs such as Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, sports, and music enrich the school experience far beyond the classroom.	Community Community at BKA is built around a five-campus, international environment with a broad program of campus life. The school offers more than 45 extracurricular activities across its campuses, spanning sports, the arts, humanities, technology, and more, and provides on-site after-school care until 19:00 with homework support. Holiday programs are available across the campuses, expanding opportunities for students during school breaks. The campus-life program emphasizes inclusion and opportunities for students to connect beyond classroom learning.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The PTA at BKA is made up of committed and engaged parent members who play an active role in supporting the life of the school. Representing a diverse international community, PTA members work with school leadership and staff to enhance students' educational experience and well-being. PTA members contribute their time, expertise, and perspectives to strengthen communication between families and the school, support community-building initiatives, and assist with events and projects that enrich school life. Their involvement reflects a shared commitment to the school's values and to fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Through constructive dialogue and active participation, PTA members serve as an important link between the parent community and the school.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The Basel campus offers a continuous educational journey from bilingual kindergarten and primary to lower secondary, culminating in the English-language college.	Academic & intellectual There are over 45 extra-curricular activities spanning sports, the arts, humanities, technology, and more. These activities extend learning beyond the classroom and help students develop new skills. Activities are available across five campuses.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Exhibitions are part of the learning journey.	Arts & creative The arts are included in the extra-curricular activities.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Study trips are part of the learning journey.	Cultural & language English and German are used from day one, with French introduced from Grade 3.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The learning journey includes a graduation ceremony.	Social & hobbies On-site after-school care until 19:00 includes homework support, enrichment activities, and social time. This supports social interaction and flexible family schedules.
Community & service	Community & service This creates a strong sense of community.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Upcoming Basel events include Info-Event Basel with the International A Levels to university, Insight Day Basel, and a Parent Workshop on Supporting Teenagers Through the Developmental Years.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00–17:00.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The program includes sports as part of the extra-curricular activities, contributing to students' lifestyle and wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Kindergarten and Primary are bilingual. Upper Secondary School (IGCSE & A Level) is English-language. The Basel campus provides a continuous education path from Kindergarten through Year 12.	Language provision Languages taught are English, German, and French. In the early years, instruction uses English and German as the primary languages, with French introduced from Grade 3. Teachers are fluent in all three languages and guide students through a curriculum that develops reading, writing, speaking, and thinking skills in each language.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Kindergarten and Primary are bilingual.	Bilingual teaching From the first day, students are immersed in English and German. French is introduced from Grade 3. Lessons, activities, and daily routines are structured so children practice thinking, reading, writing, and speaking in both languages. Qualified teachers fluent in these languages guide the curriculum to develop strong academic skills in each language.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs English and German immersion begins on day one. French is introduced starting in Grade 3. The language-rich environment supports multilingual communication and cross-cultural understanding.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Next Events: May 21, 2026 — Info Event Basel – With the International A Levels to university. 6:00–7:30 p.m. Basel.	Admissions 1. Enquire Or Schedule A Tour: Begin by reaching out to BKA to explore our programmes, curriculum, and community. The admissions team answers questions, provides detailed information, and arranges a personalised school tour so you can see our environment and ethos firsthand. You can schedule a tour or inquire today through the admissions platform. 2. Apply: Decide that BKA is the right fit and submit your application. The admissions team guides families through the necessary paperwork and required documents, ensuring the process is straightforward and transparent through the admissions platform. The Apply Now option starts the submission, and the platform provides status updates as you move through the process. Additional questions are answered by the admissions team as needed. 3. Trial days in School (optional): Trial days in School are optional, but in certain admission cases they may be mandatory. Prospective students spend time in classrooms to experience BKA's learning environment and to engage with teachers and peers. This helps them feel comfortable before joining formally. This experience provides a firsthand impression of daily life at BKA. 4. Admission: Upon successful completion of the paperwork, each application is carefully reviewed, and a formal offer of admission is extended. BKA provides guidance to ensure a seamless transition, including placement in the bilingual programme and support with any remaining administrative or financial matters. This final step marks the beginning of your child's educational journey with us.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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