BKA International School vs SIS Swiss International School Basel

	B BKA International School Basel, Switzerland	S SIS Swiss International School Basel Basel, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 23,700 - 32,000	Fees / year CHF 22,820 - 34,020
Age range	Age range 0 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Swiss Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 350	Pupils 500
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language German, English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 1999
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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).	Location Basel, Switzerland
Stages	Stages Daycare (3 months – 4 years); Primary (4–12 years; KG, Grades 1–6); Secondary (12–18 years).	Stages Kindergarten through to College, including Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, SIS Bilingual College and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP); continuity from Kindergarten to College.
School type	School type Bilingual private IB World School.	School type Private bilingual day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 396 enrolled students; 40+ nationalities represented
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Student Support.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland	Country affiliation Switzerland
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Lunch, homework supervision, before- and after-school care, flexible drop-off and pickup times
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
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 - One-time registration (enrolment) fee: First child CHF 600. Each additional child CHF 500. This fee is non-refundable and a place at the school is only guaranteed once the registration fee has been paid. Tuition fees (per semester) and annual totals by school year group Note: Tuition is billed in advance per semester. The figures below show the one-payment (semester) amount and the equivalent annual amount (two semesters). Monthly instalment amounts shown are the six-month instalments for a semester (these instalments include a 2% surcharge and are paid over six months for the semester). - Kindergarten 1 & 2: - Per semester: CHF 11,410. - Annual (2 semesters): CHF 22,820. - 6 monthly instalments (per month during the semester): CHF 1,940 (total per semester when paid in instalments: CHF 11,640). - Primary Intro: - Per semester: CHF 12,330. - Annual: CHF 24,660. - 6 monthly instalments: CHF 2,096 (total per semester by instalments: CHF 12,576). - Primary (Years 1–6): - Per semester: CHF 12,330. - Annual: CHF 24,660. - 6 monthly instalments: CHF 2,096 (total per semester by instalments: CHF 12,576). - Lower Secondary (Years 7–9): - Per semester: CHF 15,430. - Annual: CHF 30,860. - 6 monthly instalments: CHF 2,623 (total per semester by instalments: CHF 15,738). - Year 10: - Per semester: CHF 15,700. - Annual: CHF 31,400. - 6 monthly instalments: CHF 2,669 (total per semester by instalments: CHF 16,014). - Years 11 & 12: - Per semester: CHF 17,010. - Annual: CHF 34,020. - 6 monthly instalments: CHF 2,892 (total per semester by instalments: CHF 17,352). - International Baccalaureate (IBDP): - Per semester: CHF 14,690. - Annual: CHF 29,380. - 6 monthly instalments: CHF 2,497 (total per semester by instalments: CHF 14,982). Billing schedule and payment terms - School fees are billed in advance per semester; fees for mid-term admissions are prorated. On request, payment by monthly instalments (six monthly instalments per semester) is possible; instalments carry a 2% surcharge. - School Fees are due before the start of each semester. Late payment may result in collection action; interest on arrears is charged at 5% p.a., dunning costs of CHF 20 per reminder (from the second reminder) are applicable, and collection charges may be added. Certificates or diplomas may be withheld until outstanding School Fees are paid or guaranteed. - A sibling discount of 10% on the school fees is granted for the second, third, etc., child; the reduction applies to the younger child(ren). Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. SIS Basel is a bilingual day school (no boarding programme). Other costs and optional services - After‑school care (optional): - Coupon booklet (six hours) CHF 102. - Kindergarten / Primary Intro: Full week (5 days) CHF 2,400; one day per week CHF 480; single booking per hour CHF 18. - Primary: Full week (5 days) CHF 2,000; one day per week CHF 400; single booking per hour CHF 18. - Clubs and extracurricular activities: costs vary by offer and semester; these are additional and charged separately. - School Fees do not include costs for excursions, class trips, camps, external examinations and certificates, or additional services and activities; such items are charged separately. - No separate uniform fee is listed for SIS Basel in the published fee information; no uniform charge is specified among the standard school fees. Refunds, cancellations and termination (important points) - The registration (enrolment) fee is non-refundable. If a reserved place is not used after payment of the registration fee, there is no right to reimbursement. - Notification deadlines for ordinary termination: to terminate a contract at the end of a semester, notice must be received by December 1 (winter semester) or May 1 (summer semester). If no valid notice is received by those dates, the School Contract is automatically extended for the next semester. Late termination after these dates triggers a compensation charge of 25% of the School Fees for the corresponding semester. - Leaving mid‑semester: fees are charged up to the end of the week in which the student leaves and are calculated pro rata based on the number of weeks attended (school vacations are not taken into account). If termination is not notified at least ten calendar weeks prior to the end of the week in which the student leaves, a compensation charge of 25% of the School Fees for the corresponding semester may apply. - Force majeure: if authorities order the school's closure due to force majeure (for example epidemic, pandemic, natural disaster), there is no right to a refund of school fees. Fee payment options and invoicing - Invoices and credit notes are issued with a QR payment section (Swiss QR invoice format) and are available in the Parents' Portal. Additional services (lunch, after‑school care, clubs, excursions) can be booked via the school's Webshop, which is integrated with the Parents' systems. Parents receive payment slips or invoicing details as part of the registration and contracting process. - Payment by instalment (monthly) is offered on request and carries the indicated surcharge (2% for the six‑month instalment option per semester). School Fees must be paid or guaranteed at the time of registration for external examinations. Administrative and statutory notes relevant to fees - School Fees are published in the current price list; the School's General Terms and Conditions set out payment deadlines, late‑payment interest and dunning charges, and the legal procedures for termination and refunds/compensation. Withholding of certificates for unpaid fees is possible. Version note: the published fee schedule for SIS Basel is listed for the 2025/26 school year in the school's fee overview and accompanying terms. The figures above reflect the published one‑semester amounts and related terms and optional service charges as presented in the school's current fee information.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements No boarding is offered; SIS Basel operates as a day school.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options Lunch is provided; cafeteria available; before- and after-school care offered as part of the day program.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership Private educational institution financed solely by school fees and not subsidised by the Swiss government; part of SIS Swiss International Schools Schweiz AG.
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 SIS Basel offers an English/German bilingual kindergarten with continuity from Kindergarten to College. The curriculum combines the Swiss curriculum (Lehrplan 21) with the British curriculum and SIS-developed content to promote bilingualism. Children spend 50% of their time in English and 50% in German. The six curriculum areas are Personal and Social Development; Language Development; Mathematics; Knowledge and Understanding of the World; Physical Development; and Creative Development. Language is learned through immersion with a German-speaking and an English-speaking teacher, with languages used on alternating days. The day runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with after-school care and a range of clubs, and regular trips and events form part of the program.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
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 —
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 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 The SIS Basel learning environment is open, multicultural and nurturing. The school uses a value-centered approach that supports independence and personal development. Students develop social, emotional and procedural skills and attitudes as part of their education. English and German are used across the curriculum, reinforcing intercultural communication and collaborative learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
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 From kindergarten onward, bilingual education in German and English is provided with immersion that allocates 50% of learning time to English and 50% to German. A German- and an English-native speaking teaching team supports language development, with language acquired through immersion. In primary school, students acquire high-level language skills in both German and English. In the bilingual college, English and German are equally important as languages of instruction, with options for the IB Diploma alongside the bilingual Swiss Matura.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The school emphasizes emotional intelligence, character development, and social responsibility as part of a holistic approach to education.	Mental wellbeing Social, emotional and procedural skills and attitudes are part of the general education. SIS Basel provides an open, multicultural and nurturing learning environment that supports wellbeing. The day-school concept is structured, varied and designed to promote stability and student engagement. Extracurricular activities and the school community contribute to a supportive social environment.
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 —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
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 SIS Basel is a bilingual day school from Kindergarten through to College. The school has a large blue outdoor sports field used for football. The school has a cafeteria where hot lunches are served and all students eat in the cafeteria under supervision. Before- and after-school care is available, and lunchtime supervision is included in the school fees.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The school has a large outdoor sports field used for football.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The academic offer includes Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, SIS Bilingual College, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The SIS Basel educational concept includes continuity from Kindergarten to College and learning is enhanced by technology. The school emphasises bilingual education and international orientation as part of its approach.
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 Before- and after-school care is available to children in kindergarten and primary school from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (start of day) and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with supervision; this service is included in the school fees. Lunch is offered in the school cafeteria with supervision, served by the ZFV catering group; registration is via the ZFV platform. Clubs offer a range of extracurricular activities that can be booked for one semester. The holiday club runs during school breaks with week-long activities under supervision by an experienced team.
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 Private bilingual day school in Basel with approximately 500 students from three years old through Year 12. The bilingual educational concept of SIS Swiss International School has been implemented here since 1999. The school is located at Erlenstrasse 15, Basel 4058. Marcel Brunner has been principal since 1 August 2023.
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 community is multicultural, representing more than forty nationalities. Approximately 500 students from ages 3 to Year 12 study on the campus. The leadership team includes Marcel Brunner (Principal) and Bret Simner (Head of Bilingual International College and IB Coordinator); the team engages in ongoing professional development. An Open House is scheduled for March 18, 2026, from 09:00 to 12:00.
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 —
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 The school promotes learning beyond the classroom, with a strong emphasis on developing emotional and social skills alongside academics. Lunchtime, homework supervision, and before- and after-school care support students and provide a valuable complement to family life. A variety of clubs is available, offering activities that extend learning beyond regular classes and can be booked for a semester.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The arts are included in the extra-curricular activities.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language English and German are used from day one, with French introduced from Grade 3.	Cultural & language SIS Basel offers the SIS Student Exchange Programme, enabling upper-level students to study at another SIS school abroad. The programme fosters international-mindedness and intercultural understanding through study-abroad experiences. The SIS network connects schools across countries to help students become global citizens.
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 The school offers a range of clubs for students of all ages, enabling development of skills that complement classroom work and provide variety from the regular program. Clubs can be booked for one semester, and costs are not included in school fees; details are available through the school office. During school holidays, a Holiday Club runs with week-long activities, sports, and trips under supervision.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The program includes sports as part of the extra-curricular activities, contributing to students' lifestyle and wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing All students can sign up for a hot lunch, eaten in the cafeteria under supervision; lunch registration is handled separately. Before- and after-school care is available for kindergarten and primary, with arrivals from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and after-school care from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; this service is included in school fees, while after-school clubs carry additional costs. The school also emphasizes spaces that invite learning and a culture of learning through its Student Life environment.
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 Multilingualism is an integral part of everyday life at SIS Basel. The school emphasizes a bilingual experience as part of its pedagogical approach. The Academic Offer includes Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, SIS Bilingual College, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
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 operates a bilingual day school from Kindergarten through to College. Since 1999, SIS Basel has been implementing the bilingual school concept. The SIS Educational Concept includes a Bilingual Experience.
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 —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
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.	Admissions 1. Getting in Touch. Contact SIS Basel via the contact form, by email, or by phone. You are welcome to visit an Open House to gain an impression of everyday school life and meet the school leadership. We provide further information and discuss together what the next suitable step might be for you and your child. Open Houses offer an informal setting to ask questions and learn about SIS Basel. 20 2. Consultation. A personal consultation is arranged. During the consultation, we take the time to get to know you and answer questions while introducing you to our school and educational concept. If possible, a tour of the school building is provided to give a brief insight into classroom life; virtual, phone, or email consultations are also available. 20 3. Trial Days. If the consultation is positive for both sides, one or more trial days are arranged to experience everyday school life and assess comfort in the environment. Trial days are non-binding. If trial days are not possible, an alternative solution is discussed. 20 4. Registration. If you decide in favour of SIS after the consultations and trial days, you will be provided with the registration form digitally or in printed form. Complete the form in full and submit it to the SIS school of your choice. We are happy to support you if you have any questions. 20 5. School Contract – Welcome to SIS!. After the registration is received, the school contract is prepared and sent along with information about the enrolment fee. Once the contract is signed and the enrolment fee is received, your child is officially registered at SIS Switzerland and their place at the school is reserved. We look forward to accompanying your child on their educational journey.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waiting lists are maintained if a year group or class is full. To secure a place for your child, enquire about capacity early, preferably in the spring.
	View full profile →	View full profile →