ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel vs SIS Swiss International School Basel

	E ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel Basel, Switzerland	S SIS Swiss International School Basel Basel, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 23,800 - 28,800	Fees / year CHF 22,820 - 34,020
Age range	Age range 0 - 16 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Swiss Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 360	Pupils 500
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German, French	Instruction language German, English
Opened	Opened 1993	Opened 1999
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ELABasel is located in Basel, Switzerland, with two campuses in Basel's historic centre. The address Gartenstrasse 93, 4052 Basel is listed for the school. Basel is a family-friendly, well-connected and international city; the campuses are within walking distance or a short tram ride from Altstadt Grossbasel and other inner-city areas, and the Early Years site is near Basel SBB.	Location Basel, Switzerland
Stages	Stages Early Years (3 months – 4 years); Primary School (Aged 4 – 12); Secondary School (Aged 12 – 16).	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 International Kita, Primary and Secondary school; not-for-profit association.	School type Private bilingual day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 360 pupils from 35 countries.	Pupil nationality mix 396 enrolled students; 40+ nationalities represented
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Inclusion programme removes barriers and provides personalised support using a graduated ‘waves' model. Wave 1: for all students and included in standard fees; high quality teaching and reasonable adjustments. Wave 2: for some students and included in standard fees; additional short-term support sessions in small groups by a Learning Support Teacher to accelerate progress in academics, language, social, emotional or physical skills. Wave 3: for a small number of students and included in standard fees; long-term targeted and personalised support in small groups or 1:1 by a Learning Support Teacher; collaborative team with teachers, Learning Support Teachers, external specialists and parents; Personalised Learning Plan and Pupil Passport. Wave 3+: additional fee; 1:1 support and external therapies through partnerships. Types of support include: Academic skills; Social and emotional; Speech and language; English as an additional language (EAL); Motor skills and Physical & Sensory; Talented and more able.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland	Country affiliation Switzerland
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure ELABasel operates 50 weeks per year. After-school and enrichment programmes run from 15:30–18:00.	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 and deposits - Early Years: no registration fee or deposit is required for Early Years families. - Primary (paid before the child's first day): Registration fee — CHF 500 per child (one-time, non-refundable). - One-time Development Fund donation at Primary contract signing: CHF 1,500 for the first child; CHF 1,000 for each additional child (one-time, non-refundable; tax deductible). - Association membership (verein) administrative fee: CHF 75 per member per year (annual, non-refundable). Tuition fees — Early Years (applicable from August 2025) - Full-time monthly fees (full-time = 100% enrolment): - Infants up to 18 months: CHF 3,750 per month. - Children 18 months to 4 years: CHF 2,800 per month. - Minimum attendance: 40% per week. Fees are calculated pro rata by enrolment percentage (example: 62% enrolment = CHF 2,800 x 62% = CHF 1,736). Specific example enrolment-percent fee bands are published (for example, 40% = CHF 1,120–CHF 1,500; 100% = CHF 2,800–CHF 3,750 depending on age). - Extra session rates (per session / per day when adding to contracted schedule): - Morning session (until 12:00): CHF 80 (children >18m) / CHF 105 (children ≤18m). - Morning + midday/lunch (until 14:00): CHF 110 / CHF 145. - Morning + midday + afternoon (until 16:00): CHF 130 / CHF 170. - Whole day (pick up by 18:30): CHF 160 / CHF 210. - Extra hours extending the day: CHF 20 / hour (children >18m) and CHF 22 / hour (children ≤18m). - What Early Years fees include: all meals and snacks (including infant powder milk formula where applicable), outings, curriculum materials, resources and hygiene products (wipes, nappies, etc.). The Basel-Stadt subsidy for city residents is deducted where applicable. Tuition fees — Primary School (applicable August 2025 – July 2026) - Registration and donation at contract signing: Registration fee CHF 500 per child; one-time Development Fund donation CHF 1,500 for first child and CHF 1,000 for each subsequent child. Association membership CHF 75 p.a. also applies. - Full-time Primary (5 days) tuition: Semester fee CHF 13,000 (CHF 26,000 per year). Quarterly fee CHF 6,640 (equivalent to CHF 26,560 per year when paid quarterly). Parents may choose catering (morning snack and hot lunch) on a semester basis at CHF 1,000 per semester for 5 days/week. - Family discounts (applied to contracted base fees): 10% discount on the second child's fees and 15% discount on the third child (and any further children) for families privately funding fees. No family discount is given where any portion of fees is invoiced directly to an employer or covered by Basel-Stadt. Discounts do not apply to lunch or after-school fees. - What Primary tuition covers: exercise books, laboratory practicals, school laptop, local transport (BVB) for class trips and excursions, weekly swimming lessons with qualified coaches, curriculum materials and the majority of curriculum-related excursions. What it does not cover: textbooks indicated in the book list, school lunch (if not enrolled in catering), after-school care, trips/camps that are charged separately, replacement cost for lost/damaged materials (including laptops). Tuition fees — After School and Vacation Programmes (applicable August 2025 – July 2026) - After School Programme (semester fees per day): - Basic (15:30–16:30 Mon–Thu): CHF 285 per semester (per day rate multiplied by number of days per week contracted). - Extended (16:30–18:00 Mon–Thu): CHF 380 per semester. - Enrichment 1 hour (15:30–16:30): CHF 500 per semester. - Enrichment 1.5 hours (15:30–17:00): CHF 625 per semester (care through 18:00 included). - Enrichment 2 hours (15:30–17:30): CHF 850 per semester (care through 18:00 included). - Instrument lessons (15:30–17:30 Mon–Thu), half-hour lessons charged at CHF 47 (individual) / CHF 42 (pair) / CHF 35 (group). - Friday programmes: CHF 850 (Friday full programme 14:00–16:00) and CHF 350 (Friday after-school 16:00–18:00) as applicable. The After School Programme fees include materials and an added afternoon snack. Semester-payment model applies; per-day rates scale simply for multiple contracted days (e.g., 3 days × CHF 285 = CHF 855). - Vacation Programme: fees vary by programme and are charged separately; programmes run Monday–Friday for primary-aged children (4–12) during most school holidays. Tuition fees — Secondary School (note on available published schedules) - The school publishes detailed year-group fee schedules covering Reception/Year 1, Years 2–7 (Primary) and Secondary (Years 8–9) for its 2026/2027 fee tables; the Primary and Early Years tuition figures above are those published for the current academic year (Aug 2025–Jul 2026) and the school's published year-group payment options and sibling discount frameworks apply as shown. For the published year-group breakdowns that the school provides for the forthcoming 2026/2027 cycle, monthly, quarterly, semester and annual instalment options and sibling discounts are set out in a separate year-group table. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing options and timing for tuition: payment is due per semester; for Primary a quarterly split is available for a small premium. For other levels the school offers a standard payment plan of 10 monthly instalments (August–May) with payments due on the 30th of each month. Early-payment discounts are offered: 5% for full annual payment by 31 May (Early Bird), 4% for full annual payment between 1 June and 30 August, 2% for semester payments (two instalments: 30 August and 30 January), and 1.5% for quarterly payments (four instalments: 30 August, 30 November, 28 February and 31 May). - If a newly enrolled student does not take up the confirmed place on the agreed start date, 25% of the annual tuition fee becomes immediately due and payable. Families requesting bespoke payment plans must sign a formal payment schedule agreement. Overdue balances may incur an annual interest charge of 5% plus collection fees. Withdrawals and refunds - Registration fees and the one-time Development Fund donation are non-refundable. - If a newly enrolled student does not take their confirmed place, 25% of the annual tuition fee is payable immediately. - Withdrawal during the school year requires notice equivalent to three months of tuition fees. The contract renews automatically for the following academic year unless written notice of termination (with signed withdrawal form) is received and confirmed before 31 March of the current academic year. Overdue balances may attract interest and collection fees. Boarding - Boarding is not provided; there are no boarding fees. ELABasel operates as day care, Early Years (Kita), Primary and Secondary day provision with two city campuses. Other costs and charges - School lunch / catering: optional catering (morning snack + hot lunch) is charged at CHF 1,000 per semester for full-time Primary (5 days/week). A separate school lunch payment option is published as CHF 1,050 payable in two instalments (August & January) for those who opt into the School Lunch programme. - Textbooks indicated on the book list, after-school care (if not contracted), certain trips, outings and camps, and replacement costs for lost, stolen or damaged school materials (including school laptops) are not included in tuition and are charged separately. Instrument lesson charges and after-school programme charges apply as noted above. - Uniform: no compulsory uniform fee is listed in the published fee schedule; uniform costs are not specified as a school-charge in the published fee material. Textbooks and some programme costs remain the family's responsibility. Fee payment options (mechanics and conditions) - Instalment options: semester payments, quarterly payments, and a 10-instalment monthly plan (August–May) are offered depending on the level and option chosen. Early-payment discounts apply for full-year, semester or quarterly pre-payments as above. Families requesting tailored payment plans sign a formal payment schedule. Overdue balances can incur 5% interest and collection fees. - Specific payment methods (for example, bank transfer or card) are not itemised in the published fee schedule; the school indicates alternative payment methods may be available and that invoicing and payment mechanics are arranged through the finance office. For detailed method options, invoices and payment instructions are provided with enrolment documentation. Summary of key headline figures (CHF) - Early Years (full-time monthly): Infants ≤18m CHF 3,750; children 18m–4y CHF 2,800. - Primary (full-time 5 days): Semester CHF 13,000 (CHF 26,000 per year); Quarterly CHF 6,640 (CHF 26,560 per year). Catering per semester CHF 1,000. Registration CHF 500 per child; Development Fund donation CHF 1,500 / CHF 1,000 thereafter. Family discounts: second child 10%, third+ 15% (private-pay families). Withdrawal: three months' tuition notice; failure to take a confirmed place: 25% of annual tuition payable. Overdue balances: possible 5% annual interest plus collection fees.	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 ELABasel is open 50 weeks a year. It offers wrap-around care from 07:30 to 18:00 at the Primary School and 06:30 to 18:30 at Kita/Early Years. Before-school Booster classes in Maths, English, German and French are available, and an After-School Programme runs from 15:30 to 18:00 each day, with over 25 enrichment programmes.	Boarding arrangements No boarding is offered; SIS Basel operates as a day school.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options ELABasel has its own kitchens, staff, and dining rooms. Healthy and delicious menus are created with advice from a child nutritionist. Morning snack and a hot lunch are served daily for all children. Afternoon snack is provided for children in the extended day and after-school programme.	Food options Lunch is provided; cafeteria available; before- and after-school care offered as part of the day program.
House system	House system In the Primary School all children are part of a House, with House Captains elected each semester. House points are awarded for effort or achievement and announced in weekly assemblies. Houses participate in events such as the annual Swimming Gala and Basler Stadtlauf Run. The House system originated in British schools.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Board of ELABasel International School AG provides strategic and professional leadership. A corporate structure (AG) was adopted in late 2025. ELABasel is Cambridge International Accredited, Basel-Stadt Approved, and a COBIS and SGIS member; the school maintains a parent voice through the Friends of ELA (FELA) association. Daily operations are led by the General Manager and Leadership Team, with Class matters raised via the Parent Class Representative; governance inquiries may be directed to the board at board@ela-basel.ch.	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 ELA Basel follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, adapted for its international character and Swiss affiliation. The Cambridge pathway is taught primarily in English and prepares students for entry to schools and universities worldwide. German is taught from Pre-School to Year 7 and French is introduced in Year 3. Families may also choose a bilingual Swiss stream that follows the Swiss Lehrplan 21, enabling direct transition into the Swiss system. In the bilingual pathway, pupils may progress to Year 11 after Year 10, with dual Swiss and international accreditation; the Cambridge stream progresses through IGCSE to A-Levels. Upper Primary covers English, Mathematics, Science, German, French, Geography, History, Music, Computing, Personal Social Health and Cultural Education, Design and Technology, Art and Design, and Physical Education (including weekly swimming).	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 High adult-to-student ratio with class teachers supported by teaching assistants enabling personalised teaching.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results 60% of children achieve above-average results in English, Maths and German on internationally benchmarked tests.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates transition to a variety of secondary schools in Basel and Germany; ELA Basel holds a Basel-Stadt Secondary Transition Agreement, allowing Year 7 reports to be accepted by public secondary schools without entrance tests. Destinations include Hüslimatt Sekundarschule Oberwil; Freies Gymnasium Basel; Sekundarschule Binningen-Bottmingen; Regionales Gymnasium Laufental-Thierstein; Freie Evangelische Schule Lörrach; Sekundarschule Allschwil; Holbein Sekundarschule (Basel-Stadt); Hans-Thoma Gymnasium Lörrach; Bezirksschule Möhlin; Sekundarschule Sandgruben; ISB, SIS, Minerva and Academia; Sevenoaks School (UK); Tanglin Trust School (Singapore).	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Enrichment Programme provides more than 30 activities outside the standard curriculum; after-school and enrichment offerings include sports, crafts, STEM, music and language lessons, with structured activities designed to broaden knowledge and skills beyond the standard curriculum. Targeted 1:1 or small-group support for additional needs is available at additional cost.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school values the whole child and provides a well-rounded education that supports academic, social and emotional growth. Pastoral care and the House System foster social development and leadership across age groups. A dedicated, highly qualified staff create a supportive environment where children feel empowered in their learning. The school emphasises that happy children learn best and prioritises well-being in daily life. Families are invited to engage in class activities, curriculum nights and community events to support children's social development.	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) The school uses a tiered system of learning support led by inclusion specialists. Interventions may be delivered in the classroom by the teacher and teaching assistant. Where needed, additional support may target mathematics, English, social and emotional development, speech and motor development. For students with little or no English, targeted English support is provided. A Personal Learning Plan may be developed with goals agreed with the child, parents and class teacher, and 1:1 or small-group support can be offered for an additional charge.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school offers a bilingual German-English Programme with a strong emphasis on French. German language pathways are designed to support every child with Advanced, Intermediate and Beginner tracks and progression through CEFR levels. From Reception onward, Beginner and Intermediate groups are taught separately to tailor instruction, with progression to Advanced as language progress develops. From Year 2, learners enter the Intermediate Programme and the Advanced Programme is available for higher proficiency. French is taught as a third language, with two hours per week, and a dedicated pathway exists for native French speakers. Language enrichment activities and outings supplement core language learning.	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 values the whole child's emotional and social development in a nurturing environment. Care and Well-Being focus on safeguarding, safety, welfare and well-being as a central priority. Pastoral care and the House System promote social development and a sense of belonging, supported by a dedicated staff team. Happiness is central to learning, with staff ensuring children feel supported and empowered in their daily experiences. Family engagement through events and activities further supports students' social and emotional wellbeing.	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 The safeguarding and child protection statement prioritises the safety, welfare and well-being of children. All staff must undergo safeguarding training, and their ongoing training is required. Applicants must provide original police checks for all countries of residence for the previous ten years. Every three years staff sign a self-declaration form and complete an enhanced Swiss Police Check as part of our licensing agreement with Canton Basel-Stadt. Applicants for advertised posts must complete an ELA Basel application form.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview ELABasel is situated on two campuses in the historic centre of Basel at Gartenstrasse 93, 4052 Basel. It serves Kita, Primary and Secondary students and delivers the Cambridge curriculum with instruction in English, German and French. The curriculum places emphasis on STEM alongside the arts and music. The Scala Theatre Basel hosts the annual Scala performance and music lessons take place on campus. Afterschool and Enrichment Programmes run from 15:30 to 18:00 with activities including coding languages and sports.	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 Sport and Health places sport and physical activity at the center of education. A dedicated movement and fitness area hosts weekly classes, including German language sessions. Through PE, swimming and orienteering, students develop fitness, teamwork and confidence. The school also uses Basel's local sports fields and recreational spaces and participates in inter-school competitions and sports days.	Sports facilities The school has a large outdoor sports field used for football.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities ELABasel emphasises hands-on STEM learning with science room resources and a hands-on approach across year groups. The STEM program includes a Science Fair and STEM Week where students design investigations, collect and analyse data, and reflect on findings. Older students have experiences such as organ dissections guided by guest professors. The Cambridge curriculum underpins learning and emphasizes inquiry and problem solving.	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 The Afterschool & Enrichment Programme offers more than 30 activities open to ELABasel families and external families. After-school sessions run from 15:30 to 18:00 with a mix of sports, reading and structured play. Enrichment activities cover sports, crafts, coding, language lessons and music and change each semester. Music education includes instrument lessons, choirs, private lessons on campus, opportunities to perform at assemblies and at the Scala Theatre Basel, and ABRSM exams; Vacation Programmes are also offered.	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 Founded in 1993 as Tiny Tots, ELABasel began as a small English-speaking childcare centre and has grown into ELABasel – The Swiss British School, offering Early Years through Secondary education. It is an independent, not‑for‑profit organisation with two central Basel sites, Gartenstrasse 93 and St. Alban‑Vorstadt 32, renovated to provide modern, child‑centred learning environments. The Gartenstrasse site, Ulmenhof, dates back to 1893; ELABasel moved in in 2008 and a new playground was added in 2019. In 2013 ELABasel moved its primary school to St. Alban‑Vorstadt 32, and in August 2022 expanded to Wildensteinerhof at St. Alban‑Vorstadt 32, marking a new chapter in the school's history. Gartenstrasse accommodates over 200 children in Early Years and Lower Primary, while the Primary section at St. Alban‑Vorstadt serves over 150 children aged 5–12.	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 ELABasel welcomes new families all year round and is a vibrant, diverse community. Parents are invited to participate in class activities, curriculum nights and other community events, and staff organise regular family events to foster connections. The school hosts an international community with families from over 35 nations, and a strong partnership with parents supports the learning journey.	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 Friends of ELABasel (FELA) is the parent association that supports and fosters a sense of community among parents and carers of ELABasel children. FELA schedules events throughout the year for Early Years and Primary families, including Family Game Night, Movie Night, Pre‑Stadtlauf Reception, and Winter Fayre and Market. It is run by volunteers, with involvement ranging from baking for events to helping plan and run them. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday during term time at 8am, and information is available by contacting FELA via FELA@ela-basel.ch.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual ELA Basel offers two curriculum pathways: the Cambridge International Stream and the Swiss–International Bilingual Stream. The Cambridge Stream uses the Cambridge International Curriculum and leads to IGCSE qualifications and A levels. German is taught from Pre-School to Year 7 and French is introduced in Year 3; the bilingual stream aligns with Lehrplan 21, allowing direct transfer into the Swiss system up to Year 11 after Year 10. The pathways provide flexibility for families to plan long term across local and international education settings.	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 Music and Performing Arts are part of the core program. The Music curriculum teaches instruments such as ukulele, keyboard, and guitar, includes choirs and weekly assemblies, and features an annual Scala musical show at Scala Theatre Basel. Students may take private or small-group lessons on campus, and ABRSM exams are offered. An annual Scala production combines music, drama and creativity for the school community.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language ELA Basel runs a bilingual German-English programme with a strong emphasis on French. German is taught from Reception to Year 7 with Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced pathways, and French is introduced in Year 2 as a third language, following CEFR guidelines. Heritage language classes and language outings enrich the program, including events such as Language Flea Market and Winter Theater. A bilingual playgroup, Groupe de jeux anglais franais, supports young learners in bilingual play.	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 ELA Basel offers an Afterschool & Enrichment Programme with over 30 activities, covering sports, crafts, STEM and music. The after-school programme runs in two parts: a 15:30–16:30 session with supervised activities and a 16:30–18:00 session with structured clubs. Year-group enrichment includes activities such as board games, art and painting, sport, sewing, cooking, and Friday football. These clubs foster teamwork, reading, creativity and social interaction.	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 The School Council selects school charities and guides fundraising with teacher supervision. ELA Basel contributes regularly to charities and shares updates with students. Charities include The Holee Children's Home, the Swiss School for Guide Dogs for the Blind, Sternschnuppe, and the Basel Regional Animal Welfare Association, among others; additional donations have supported the Roger Federer Foundation, Save the Children, and local causes.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional In Primary, a House System assigns children to houses with vertical-age groups; House Captains are elected each semester and house points are tallied in weekly assemblies, with events like Swimming Gala and Basler Stadtlauf. The School Council leads in planning fundraising and community initiatives, providing student leadership opportunities.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport and Physical Education are central to the curriculum, emphasizing teamwork, perseverance and a healthy lifestyle. The program includes orienteering, swimming, movement and fitness, and German-language PE to support language immersion; enrichment clubs supplement PE, and inter-school competitions and annual Sports Days promote participation and community.	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 English is the language of instruction. German is taught from pre-school onwards with a strong emphasis on the language. French is offered from Year 3. Languages taught include English, German and French.	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 —	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 —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Cambridge International School affiliation; Cambridge curriculum delivers a rigorous, internationally recognised education and prepares students for global higher education pathways. As a Cambridge school, the curriculum is valued for its academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking. COBIS Patron's Accreditation awarded January 2022; next inspection planned for 2026. SGIS member, the Swiss Group of International Schools. Licensed to operate as a childcare centre and school by the Canton Basel-Stadt Education Department; Basel-Stadt Secondary School Transition Agreement enables Basel-Stadt Year 7 transfer without entrance examinations.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Discover: ELABasel accepts applications year-round and processes them on a rolling basis as soon as they are received. Families relocating during the year can discuss details by calling Primary & Secondary School on +41 61 5000 653 or emailing. Applications should be submitted as early as possible to ensure timely processing. 2. Visit us: Come to visit ELABasel. A warm welcome awaits. Book a visit using the provided Calendly link. Early Years, Primary School, and Secondary School tours are available; you can also take a virtual tour of the campuses. 3. Apply: When you are ready to apply, click on the 'Apply now' button to be taken to the relevant application page. Applications are accepted year-round and are processed on a rolling basis as they are received. Read the admissions policy and related information on the page, and use the 'Apply here' link to start your application.	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.
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