BKA International School vs ipso! International School
BKA International School and ipso! International School are both in Basel, about 14 km apart. Both schools offer IB and Swiss programmes, and BKA International School also offers Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are CHF 23,700 - 32,000 at BKA International School and CHF 21,520 - 27,720 at ipso! International School, which puts BKA International School roughly 13% higher. BKA International School takes pupils from 0 to 18, and ipso! International School from 1 to 16. BKA International School is the larger school, with around 350 pupils to ipso! International School's 140.
The school is located in Rheinfelden, Switzerland, at Bahnhofstrasse 26, CH-4310 Rheinfelden, adjacent to the old town. It is within a few minutes' walk from the SBB train station or bus station, accessible via the quiet Schützenweg. It is in a convenient location with optimum connections to public transport services near the playground and sports field next to the Schützenmatt school building.
Early Childhood Center for ages 1.5–4; bilingual all-day school for ages 4–16, including Preschool, Primary School, and Secondary School. The school follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) at kindergarten and primary level; secondary level I offers bilingual tuition according to cantonal curriculum.
School type
School type
Bilingual private IB World School.
School type
Bilingual ECCE and all-day school; IB World School.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Student Support.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
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.
Fee details
Application / registration fee
- Registration fee (non-recurring): CHF 600.00. The registration fee is due at the time of registration for all programmes.
Tuition fees (by programme / year group)
- Early Childhood Center (full-time place, ages 1.5–4 years): CHF 27,720.00 per year. - Two-instalment option (per term): CHF 13,880.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Twelve-instalment option (monthly): CHF 2,330.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Registration fee: CHF 600.00. Family discount: 10% on the lower invoice starting from enrolment of a second child. Annual fees are invoiced pro rata if a child starts during the year.
- Early Childhood Center (part‑time places, ages 1.5–4 years): - Minimum occupancy options and annual fees: - Five mornings per week: CHF 18,900.00 per year. - Two full days + one morning per week: CHF 16,380.00 per year. - Registration fee is due at registration; annual fees invoiced pro rata for mid‑year starts.
- Preschool (full‑time place, ages 4–6 years): CHF 21,520.00 per year. - Two-instalment option (per term): CHF 10,780.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Twelve-instalment option (monthly): CHF 1,813.35 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Registration fee: CHF 600.00. Family discount: 10% on the lower invoice from the second child. Limited reduced attendance reduces fees accordingly.
- Primary School (Years 1–6): CHF 23,520.00 per year. - Two-instalment option (per term): CHF 11,780.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Twelve-instalment option (monthly): CHF 1,980.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Ancillary costs: registration fee CHF 600.00; after‑school activities, longer trips and external examination fees are invoiced separately. Family discount: 10% on the lower invoice from the enrolment of a second child. Annual fees invoiced pro rata if a student starts during the year.
- Secondary School (Years 7–9 / Secondary Years SY1–SY3): CHF 24,520.00 per year. - Two-instalment option (per term): CHF 12,280.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Twelve-instalment option (monthly): CHF 2,063.35 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Ancillary costs: registration fee CHF 600.00; after‑school activities, trips and external examination fees are invoiced separately. - Optional programme add‑on: ipso! Booster (personal coaching) CHF 1,800.00 per school year (optional). - The programme requires students to provide their own laptop (BYOD). Family discount: 10% on the lower invoice from the enrolment of a second child. Annual fees invoiced pro rata if a student starts during the year.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The registration fee is due at the time of registration. Annual tuition fees are invoiced and, if a student starts during the school year, will be invoiced pro rata. - Instalment options are published for each programme (commonly 2 instalments per school year or 12 instalments per school year) with a small surcharge (CHF 20.00) applied to instalment plans. Amounts for the instalment options are shown next to each programme above. - Additional services (early drop‑off, after‑school care, clubs, private lessons) are billed separately according to the registration/additional‑services form; many of these items are payable at the beginning of the school year or on receipt of invoice if joining later, and are stated as non‑refundable on the additional‑services registration form.
Boarding fees
- No boarding provision is listed for ipso! International School; the school operates as a full‑day/part‑time bilingual day school and early childhood centre, so boarding fees are not applicable.
Other costs and typical ancillary fees
- After‑School Care (ASC) options and example prices (from the additional‑services registration form): - ASC semester/year examples (1 hour/week): CHF 170.00 per semester / CHF 340.00 per year; 1 hour/day options and multi‑day options are listed with semester and annual rates; single bookings are charged per hour. Private lesson example rates: CHF 85.00 per 45‑minute lesson for one child, with scaled prices for multiple children. ipso! Booster (Secondary): CHF 1,800.00 per school year. Early drop‑off (½ hr) example: CHF 90.00 per semester / CHF 180.00 per year for one day per week; single bookings per ½ hour CHF 7.50. Many club and ASC items are billed semester or yearly and are non‑refundable when payable at the start of the year. - Lunch: a sample lunch booking charge is CHF 10.00 (bookable by quarter) for preschool; lunches are arranged via the school's catering provider and are billed separately. - Excursions and multi‑day camps: day excursions are included in tuition; camps and excursions lasting several days are invoiced separately. External examination fees are not included in the listed school fees and are charged separately. - Uniform: no compulsory uniform fee or uniform charge is listed among the ancillary costs on the programme fee pages; ancillary costs listed on the programme pages explicitly include registration, after‑school activities and external examination fees but do not list uniform charges.
Refund information
- Annual fees will be invoiced pro rata if a student starts during the school year. The registration fee is charged at registration; additional‑services amounts (for example ASC, clubs, private lessons) that are payable at the start of the school year or on receipt of invoice are stated as non‑refundable on the registration/additional‑services form. Cancellation of automatic re‑enrolment must be submitted in writing and registered by the school's stated deadline (cancellation by 30 April for the following school year is referenced on the enrolment form). Specific tuition‑refund schedules for mid‑year withdrawal are not listed on the programme fee pages; the enrolment/contract documentation describes automatic re‑enrolment and the April deadline.
Fee payment options (invoicing, instalments and methods listed)
- The school issues invoices and offers instalment schedules for the published annual fees (commonly 2 instalments or 12 instalments with a CHF 20.00 surcharge for instalment plans). Amounts and instalment figures are shown above for each programme. - The programme pages and registration forms show invoices and instalment plans but do not list explicit payment method types (for example “credit card” or “bank transfer”) on the public fee pages; invoices and the school's registration documentation indicate amounts are payable on receipt of invoice or at the start of the school year. Parents should expect to receive formal invoices that set the payment terms.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The school is owned and operated by ipso Bildung AG in Rheinfelden, Switzerland. It is state-approved and follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) at kindergarten and primary level. In secondary level I, bilingual tuition is provided according to the cantonal curriculum.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
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.
Curriculum details
ipso! ISR is a bilingual ECC for children aged 1.5 to 4 years and a bilingual all-day school for children aged 4 to 16 years. The German-English early childhood support and education programme is unique in Switzerland and offers a combination of international and local curricula and a family atmosphere. It is state-approved and follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) at kindergarten and primary levels. In Secondary Level I, bilingual tuition is provided according to the cantonal curriculum. This arrangement allows a change to and from the state school system locally and internationally. The school is accredited as an IB World School and undergoes regular IB assessments.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
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.
Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
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.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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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.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school emphasizes emotional intelligence, character development, and social responsibility as part of a holistic approach to education.
Mental wellbeing
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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
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
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.
Facilities overview
ipso! ISR Rheinfelden is a bilingual all-day school offering an Early Childhood Center for children aged 1.5 to 4 years and a bilingual program for children aged 4 to 16 years. The German–English early childhood program combines international and local curricula in a family atmosphere. The school is state-approved and follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) at preschool and primary levels and is an IB World School. Regular study trips abroad (England, France, Germany) support this process and aid transitions between the public education system and international paths. Language development covers German, English and French across the curriculum. A 360° Virtual Tour is available for prospective families.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
The languages used in teaching are German and English; some subjects are taught bilingually, others only in one language, and French is taught as a foreign language. Language skills in German, English and French are developed across the programme. The curriculum emphasizes digital skills and 21st‑century competencies through digital learning, information technology, robotics, gamification and programming, with tech labs enriching the school day. Regular study trips and cross‑curricular work support learning and the development of MINT subjects (mathematics, informatics, natural sciences and technology).
Extra curricular facilities
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.
Extra curricular facilities
After‑school activities (optional subjects) include homework help, tech labs (programming), drama, chess and ballgames. A broad selection of clubs is offered for ipso ISR students and external participants, including Art, Jr. STEAM Lab, Sewing, French Starter, Little Bakers, TechLabs, Digital Explorers, Cooking and French – Advanced Conversation. English‑language clubs are available alongside bilingual offerings, with details on registration, schedules and fees published. The clubs run in Semester 2 with specific registration deadlines and a minimum participant requirement.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
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.
History
The ipso! International School began in 2014 in Rheinfelden with nine students. It includes a bilingual Early Childhood Center for children aged 1.5 to 4 years and a bilingual all-day school for children aged 4 to 16 years. The school is state-approved and follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) for kindergarten and primary levels, with bilingual tuition in secondary Level I under the cantonal curriculum. The school is accredited as an IB World School. Under the leadership of Sabina Sümegi-Schärli, the school grew from a pioneering bilingual institution; founder Georg B. Weibel helped establish bilingual education in the region.
Community
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.
Community
The school has a familial atmosphere and cross-stage student support. Its curriculum blends local and international perspectives. Community life is reinforced through events, news, and parent testimonials. In June 2024, ipso! ISR celebrated its 10th anniversary with exhibitions, speeches, and activities for students and families.
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.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
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.
Academic & intellectual
21st-century skills such as creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking are fostered across all subjects through interdisciplinary, project-based learning and explorations. The Creaviva program combines artistic activities with foreign-language practice, including cooking, creative design and music. The ipso! Sciences module encourages exploratory learning through practical research projects and building technical objects, including robotics and electrical engineering, with visits to the Experio Roche laboratory. A strong emphasis on digital skills and STEM is integrated through media and computer science, IT skills, and tech labs.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The arts are included in the extra-curricular activities.
Arts & creative
The Creaviva program blends artistic activities with language practice, including cooking, creative design and music. Art and music are emphasized as core creative subjects contributing to personal development. Drama and other arts-based activities are available as after-school options.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
English and German are used from day one, with French introduced from Grade 3.
Cultural & language
German and English are the languages used in teaching, with French taught as a foreign language; some subjects are taught bilingually and language skills in all three languages are developed across the curriculum. History and geography are taught bilingually as part of social sciences. Regular study trips abroad to England, France and Germany support language development and cultural exposure.
Social & hobbies
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.
Social & hobbies
After-school activities include drama, chess and ballgames. Social internships and projects develop social competence and empathy by exposing students to diverse living conditions. These experiences support collaboration and community awareness.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
Social internships and projects promote community engagement and social responsibility, enabling students to experience the living conditions of others and develop empathy.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
Career coaching, tasters days and intensive application training prepare students for apprenticeships and studies, and teach them to present themselves confidently for applications and interviews. In the Career module, students choose from focal points: Career (apprenticeships and career planning) and Studies (preparation for grammar school and upper secondary paths such as economics). Instructors, specialists and managers from diverse industries collaborate to broaden opportunities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The program includes sports as part of the extra-curricular activities, contributing to students' lifestyle and wellbeing.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The Life module emphasizes practical life skills to prepare for independent living, including design technology, textiles and cookery. Students also explore and learn about the natural environment through projects in natural surroundings or in the classroom. Social internships and projects build empathy and awareness of others and their living conditions.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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.
Language provision
The school teaches German and English. The German-English early childhood support and education programme is offered; kindergarten and primary levels follow IB Primary Years Programme, and secondary Level I provides bilingual tuition according to the cantonal curriculum.
Bilingual teaching
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.
Bilingual teaching
The school provides bilingual German-English instruction across the Early Childhood Center and the bilingual all-day school. In Secondary Level I, bilingual tuition is provided according to the cantonal curriculum.
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.
Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
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.
