Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug vs SIS Swiss International School Männedorf-Zürich
Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug and SIS Swiss International School Männedorf-Zürich are both in Zug, about 17 km apart. Both schools offer Swiss programmes, and Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug also offers British. Published annual fees are CHF 12,924 - 30,035 at Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug and CHF 25,860 at SIS Swiss International School Männedorf-Zürich, which puts SIS Swiss International School Männedorf-Zürich roughly 20% higher. Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug takes pupils from 3 to 15, and SIS Swiss International School Männedorf-Zürich from 3 to 12.
Zug campus: Chollerstrasse 23, CH-6312 Zug-Steinhausen; Luzern campus: Maihofstrasse 95a, CH-6006 Luzern. The Zug campus is centrally located between Zug, Steinhausen, Cham and Hünenberg, with views of the central Swiss Alps.
Location
Seestrasse 57, 8708 Männedorf, Switzerland; near Lake Zurich; easily reachable by public transport.
Private day school; bilingual international school delivering a bidirectional German–English education; Swiss cantonal curricula with the British National Curriculum applied to English.
School type
Private bilingual day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
More than twenty nationalities represented.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Small class sizes with targeted progression; additional support and support teaching when required; progress discussed with students and parents.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Affiliated with Cognita (Cognita family of Schools).
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Morning supervision starts at 7:30am; lessons run during the day; after-school care available until 6:00pm; after-school club and Homework Club from Grade 1.
School day structure
Full-day day school with supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; includes lunch, morning and afternoon supervision, homework support and flexible drop-off/pick-up times.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Overview — School Year 2026/27
This summary lists the school fees and related payment terms for Four Forest Bilingual International School for the School Year 2026/27. All amounts are shown in CHF and are presented as annual and per-term values (fees are billed in four equal instalments per academic year).
Application / one-time enrolment fee
- Enrolment fee (one-time, payable on confirmation of enrolment): CHF 2,500.
Tuition fees — Four Forest Luzern (School Year 2026/27)
- 1st Kindergarten (options): - 3 half days (mornings only): CHF 13,776 per year (CHF 3,444 per term). - 4 half days: CHF 14,796 per year (CHF 3,699 per term). - 5 half days: CHF 15,804 per year (CHF 3,951 per term). - 6 half days: CHF 17,376 per year (CHF 4,344 per term). - 7 half days: CHF 18,960 per year (CHF 4,740 per term). - 8 half days / Full-time: CHF 20,544 per year (CHF 5,136 per term). - Minimum programme: 3 mornings for 3-year-olds; 5 mornings for 4-year-olds.
- 2nd Kindergarten: CHF 21,828 per year (CHF 5,457 per term).
- Primary - Grades 1–4: CHF 23,088 per year (CHF 5,772 per term). - Grades 5–6: CHF 24,048 per year (CHF 6,012 per term).
Tuition fees — Four Forest Zug (School Year 2026/27) — Canton resident / non-resident
- Second child: 10% reduction on school fees (private payers). - Third child: 25% reduction on school fees (private payers).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition fees are invoiced in four equal instalments per academic year and are payable in advance on the following dates: 1 August, 1 November, 1 February and 1 May. Fees for an entry during the school year are invoiced from the first day of the month of entry. Late payment may incur interest, reminder and collection charges.
- A place is only guaranteed once the Schulgeld (tuition) for the first quarter has been paid. If a reserved place is not taken or a registration is withdrawn prior to the contractual start, the school fee for the first quarter remains payable and is due within 10 days.
- Annual “Schulgeldpauschale” (a general tuition package) is included in the tuition and covers many routine school costs (examples listed include excursions, camps, dental hygiene checks, theatre and museum visits). Optional or extra services such as the school club, language exams, individual music lessons and after‑school paid courses are charged separately and are payable in advance. Lunch catering is an additional cost when chosen and is invoiced together with the school fee invoices.
Boarding
- Four Forest operates as a day school; boarding is not provided.
Other costs and typical additional fees
- After-school clubs, extra-curricular activities and individual music lessons: charged separately; separate price lists apply. - Catered lunch (optional): charged in addition to tuition and invoiced with tuition invoices if used. Water is provided at school; sweetened drinks are not permitted. - One-off enrolment / material fee on first enrolment (amount covered above as the CHF 2,500 enrolment fee). - Incidental costs not covered by the tuition package (e.g., optional courses, private exams, certain external activities) are billed separately and must be paid in advance.
Refunds and cancellation terms
- Cancellation and notice: the school contract requires written notice and a four-month notice period that takes effect to the end of a semester (semester end dates: 31 January or 31 July). The date of receipt of the written notice determines the end of the payment obligation; outstanding fees and other obligations remain payable through the end of the notice period and are due within 10 working days after final billing.
- Refunds: the first-quarter tuition payment is required to secure a place and remains due if a registration is withdrawn before the contractual start; other refunds are governed by the contract and the final settlement will follow the contract's closing invoice. Late-payment charges and collection fees may apply where payments are overdue.
Fee payment instructions and methods
- Tuition and additional charges are invoiced according to the billing schedule above and must be paid in advance. Invoices include payment terms and will state the required payment arrangements; late payment may incur interest and collection fees.
Notes on adjustments
- Tuition fees are set on an annual basis and the school reserves the right to amend the fees for new school years. Sibling discounts apply only to private payers as indicated.
Fee details
Registration / Application Fee - One-time registration fee (non-refundable): CHF 600 for the first child; CHF 500 for each additional child. Payment of this fee secures the child's place.
Tuition fees (2025/26 academic year) - Annual tuition (per student) for Kindergarten 1–2: CHF 12,930 per year. - Annual tuition (per student) for Primary Years 1–6: CHF 12,930 per year.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing frequency: School fees are billed in advance per semester. - Payment options for timing: Fees may be paid either as a single payment at the beginning of the semester or as six monthly instalments. Choosing six monthly instalments carries a 2% surcharge (the instalment amount shown is the annual fee plus the surcharge divided across six payments). School fees for mid-term admissions are prorated.
Sibling discount - A sibling discount of 10% of the school fees applies to the younger child(ren) when more than one child from the same family is enrolled.
Optional additional costs - Lunch (optional): - Kindergarten and Primary 1: Full week (5 days) CHF 1,200 per semester; One day per week CHF 240 per semester; Single meal booking CHF 16 per meal. - Primary 2–6: Full week (5 days) CHF 1,350 per semester; One day per week CHF 270 per semester; Single meal booking CHF 16 per meal. - After-school care (optional, 16:00–18:00): Full week (5 days) CHF 2,400 per semester; One day per week CHF 480 per semester; Single booking CHF 18 per hour. - Clubs and extracurricular activities: costs vary by club; fees are charged separately – contact the school office for specific club prices.
Boarding / Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable: SIS Männedorf-Zürich operates as a private bilingual day school (kindergarten to Year 6) and does not offer boarding facilities.
Refunds and adjustments - The registration fee is explicitly non-refundable. Tuition for students who join mid-term is charged on a prorated basis. No other refund policy details are listed with the fee schedule provided.
Fee payment options (timing and instalment structure) - Timing options: one payment at the beginning of the semester, or six monthly instalments with a 2% surcharge. School fees are billed in advance per semester; mid-term admissions are prorated.
Notes on additional potential costs - The published fees cover tuition only; additional costs that may apply separately include optional lunch, after-school care, clubs, and any personal items or externally supplied materials. Specific charges for school trips, special courses, uniforms (if required), textbooks, or specialist services are not listed in the fee schedule and are invoiced separately where applicable.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
Private day school
Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Two lunch options are available: students may bring a packed lunch from home, or participate in a catered lunch programme at an additional cost. Water is served at school and sweetened drinks are not allowed. Lunch is supervised and followed by time for outdoor play.
Food options
Lunch is provided on site. The school also offers flexible services including before- and after-school care and flexible drop-off and pickup times to support families.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is part of the Cognita family of schools.
Governance and ownership
The school is a private educational institution financed solely from school fees and does not receive subsidies from the Swiss national or cantonal governments.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Swiss Curriculum 21 forms the basis for all subjects, with English instruction aligned to the British National Curriculum. The school immerses students in one language at a time, spending one week in English and the next in German. Preschool and 2nd Kindergarten introduce language through bilingual play, while Primary School (Grades 1-6) builds knowledge in Swiss Curriculum 21 with English taught under the British framework, alternating languages weekly. Secondary School (Grades 7-9) continues bilingual delivery, with each subject taught in its designated language. Graduation pathways include Swiss Gymnasium (grade-dependent), Swiss Secondary School, or an International Pathway from Grade 7.
Curriculum details
Bilingual primary education is based on the cantonal curriculum and is gradually supplemented with elements of the British curriculum as well as with SIS-developed curricula. Continuity from Kindergarten to College.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes.
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
Graduates move on to Swiss Gymnasium (grade-dependent) or Swiss Secondary School; some follow an International Pathway from Grade 7.
Higher education progression
Continuity from Kindergarten to College.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
Talentia enrichment programme takes place on Thursday mornings at the Zug campus for highly gifted Primary students.
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
Care & Support creates a supportive environment with a familial atmosphere. Class sizes are small, enabling individual needs to be addressed and progress discussed with parents. When required, additional support and learning support is provided. After-school activities strengthen SEL by giving students opportunities to practice teamwork, empathy and resilience in real-world settings. The after-school club runs until 6:00 pm and supervision is provided before lessons begin at 7:30 am.
Social & emotional learning
The SIS Männedorf-Zürich bilingual kindergarten offers a stimulating and supportive learning environment. Personal and Social Development is one of the six areas of the kindergarten curriculum. The English/German bilingual kindergarten uses an immersion method with 50% of time in English and 50% in German, with a German-speaking and an English-speaking teacher supporting children in their native languages. The children are supervised by one German- and one English-speaking teacher who use their native language to communicate with their students. The full-day concept provides care from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with before- and after-school care, lunch, clubs and holiday activities to support social interaction and routine.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Individual learning needs are addressed through small class sizes and targeted progression. Teachers model different learning styles to support each child's development. When required, additional support and learning support is used. The school provides language support as part of its inclusive approach.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The school offers a comprehensive bilingual program with immersive instruction in English and German. Following Swiss Curriculum 21 with elements of the British National Curriculum for English, the language of instruction alternates weekly between English and German (one week English, the next week German). Additional language support in German and English is available as required.
English as an additional language
The school teaches in English and German from kindergarten through primary, with daily immersion in both languages. In the bilingual kindergarten, 50% of activities are in English and 50% in German, guided by a German-speaking and an English-speaking teacher. In primary, each class has two teachers—one German-speaking and one English-speaking—so German and English are heard and spoken in almost equal measure throughout the day. French is taught as a foreign language from Year 5. The language emphasis aims at strong bilingual fluency across the primary years.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Safety and wellbeing are a priority; the school follows policies and procedures to ensure a happy, healthy experience. Be Well Day and anti-bullying campaigns support students' mental wellbeing.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by a nurturing, open, multicultural learning environment and a curriculum that emphasises Personal and Social Development in the early years. The immersion-based learning promotes social interaction and collaboration, contributing to students' emotional development. The school's day structure and extracurricular activities offer routine, security and opportunities for engagement that support wellbeing.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Safety and wellbeing of students are the priority; the school follows policies and procedures to ensure safety.
Safeguarding
E-safety is part of the kindergarten curriculum, reflecting safeguarding in digital contexts. The school fosters a safe and inclusive learning environment through age-appropriate digital literacy and protective practices embedded in the curriculum.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Zug campus at Chollerstrasse 23, Zug-Steinhausen (CH-6312). Four Forest offers modern facilities at both Lucerne and Zug campuses, including 1st and 2nd Kindergarten, all Primary classes, and a Forest school as part of the Swiss Curriculum. Secondary education for grades 7–10 (Secondary 1–3) is provided at both campuses. The school serves international, multilingual, and Swiss families and maintains regular parent–school communication and mutual respect to support students on their educational journey.
Facilities overview
The SIS Männedorf-Zürich is a bilingual day school located near Lake Zurich, offering instruction in German and English from Kindergarten through the 6th year of primary school. The bilingual concept has been in place since 2009. Local and international families value the bilingual instruction and the all-day structure in this family-friendly region. The school enrolls about 132 students from more than 30 nationalities. It is located near the lake and is easily accessible by public transport, with a playground that has ample space for play and modern, versatile equipment.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Access to well-equipped sports facilities; playgrounds and recreational spaces.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Modern classrooms with advanced learning technologies; dedicated art, music, and science rooms; libraries with diverse resources; extensive outdoor areas including a forest school; dedicated spaces for extracurricular activities and events.
Academic facilities
Instruction is bilingual in German and English from Kindergarten through the 6th Primarstufe, and bilingualism is not a prerequisite for entry. The immersion method enables learners to acquire language naturally. Learning is enhanced by technology across the curriculum. The program is designed to be continuous from Kindergarten through university entrance, aligning with SIS's bilingual concept.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
A wide range of after-school programmes including ball skills, Robotics, extra language classes and drama; art and craft sessions; individual music lessons (including piano); Homework Club after school on specified days.
Extra curricular facilities
Morning and afternoon supervision, lunch, courses and holiday care are offered as part of the Day School program. After-school clubs provide engaging activities, including options during school holidays. The learning environment is open, multicultural, and supportive, with a structured and varied all-day program.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Two campuses operate in Lucerne and Zug, offering education from pre-school through lower secondary. The curricula follow the cantons of Lucerne and Zug with English instruction aligned to the British National Curriculum. Four Forest is part of the Cognita global family. In 2024 Four Forest joined the Cognita family, and leadership across the group guides both campuses. A leadership team guides both Luzern and Zug campuses.
History
The school is a private bilingual day school with approximately 120 students from kindergarten to Year 6, and the bilingual educational concept has been implemented here since 2009.
Community
Community
Fasnacht celebrations at Four Forest Zug and Luzern feature student performances and community activities. Visiting Educators from Yew Chung International School explored bilingual learning at Four Forest Zug. Family language workshops and Be Well Day events have been held to foster multilingual learning and community. Four Forest Zug Sports Day 2025 demonstrated the school's active community life.
Community
The school community is characterized by a close-knit, vibrant and nurturing multicultural environment and includes more than twenty nationalities.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The Parents Association regularly organizes coffee meetups and events during the school year to strengthen community and actively involve parents. A highlight is the annual Four Forest Community Event that brings together families, students and staff to connect, celebrate, and create memories. The association supports open and respectful communication between parents and the school. Approximately 45% of our families have Swiss or German roots, with the remainder representing around 40 nations. The prospectus describes these activities as integral to the Four Forest family and community-building.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The Four Forest Group offers education from Preschool through Secondary levels under one roof. It follows Swiss Curriculum 21, with elements of the British National Curriculum for English. Teaching is delivered in German and English, with one week taught in German and the following week in English. Classes are led by teachers who teach in their native language or a language in which they are fluent, and class sizes are kept small to address individual needs and support progression.
Academic & intellectual
The school offers Ozobots programming and decorating as a robotics activity. The SIS Cup provides inter-school competitions that emphasize sport, teamwork and enjoyment. The school promotes international activities through Intercountry Activities with international mathematics days, a parcel swap, a story exchange, a photography project, and an IT activity with Ozobots, followed by a digital exhibition with sustainable art. The SIS Best Essay Award recognises the top three written final works by SIS graduates.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
An extensive range of after-school activities is offered, including ball skills, Robotics, drama, and extra language classes. Art and craft sessions provide creative development, and music lessons (including piano) are available. From Grade 1, Homework Club operates after school, and the After-School Club runs daily from 3:15pm to 6:00pm.
Arts & creative
The school hosts art exhibitions of student artworks and runs creative projects such as art made from materials that would normally be discarded.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Four Forest provides immersive bilingual education in English and German. Following Swiss Curriculum 21, with elements of the British National Curriculum for English, students are immersed in English and German on alternating weeks, taught by teachers in their native language or a language in which they are fluent. Early immersion yields faster language mastery and enhances confidence; after several years, students' second language proficiency nearly matches their mother tongue.
Cultural & language
The school runs SIS international activities and Intercountry Activities to foster language diversity and cross-cultural exchange, including interschool projects and events. Annual traditions celebrate local and international festivals and practices, including Halloween, the Räbeliechtli parade, Samichlaus, a Christmas celebration, a summer festival, Fasnacht, a ski day, an expo, World Book Day, and Mother7s/Father7s Day breakfasts.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Regular class and whole-school events such as sports days, autumn camps, ski days, and celebrations of annual festivals foster community and social interaction. Students participate in class council to learn how different opinions and positions can be represented in a discussion. After-school care and a broad range of clubs provide opportunities to socialise and pursue interests, with sports, arts, and clubs reinforcing social-emotional learning.
Social & hobbies
The school offers after-school clubs and activities as part of a varied day, including flexible morning, lunch and after-school care and holiday clubs.
Community & service
Community & service
The Parents' Club plays a vital role in fostering community engagement by organizing family events and welcoming new families, and supports fundraising for the Four Forest charity and initiatives such as Be Well Day and anti-bullying campaigns.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
The Talentia Programme nurtures highly gifted students with a weekly enrichment morning that replaces normal lessons. It focuses on projects and life skills and runs on Thursdays at the Zug campus, and is available to internal Four Forest pupils, LMS students, and external pupils who are gifted.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Outdoor Learning emphasizes movement and outdoor play in a forest setting. The program aims to develop personal, social, and emotional skills through experiences in a natural environment, building confidence and teaching respect for the environment. Sessions are supervised by fully trained and qualified specialists.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The campus includes a cafeteria (Mensa), a gym/sportraum, a workshop and music room, and a library, plus a spacious outdoor playground. The school provides a flexible all-day program with lunch, morning and after-school care, homework supervision and flexible drop-off/pick-up times.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Languages taught: English and German. Instruction languages: English and German. English is taught according to the British Curriculum as part of the Swiss Curriculum 21. Language support is available in English and German. LMS German Path is offered at both Zug and Luzern locations in primary (1st–6th grade) and in Luzern for secondary, following Curriculum 21.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
A unique bilingual learning model where children study one week in English and the next in German, taught by teachers and assistants who teach in their mother tongue or in a language in which they are fluent.
Bilingual teaching
The school operates as a bilingual day school beside Lake Zürich. Bilingual experience is a core feature of SIS Männedorf-Zürich. Bilingual primary school teaching is based on the cantonal curriculum, with supplementary elements of the British curriculum and curricula developed by SIS. Language acquisition begins early and is guided by experts in a natural learning environment.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
Preschool through primary use weekly language immersion: one week in English, the next in German, with English taught according to the British Curriculum as part of Swiss Curriculum 21. The program is delivered by staff who are native speakers or fluent in the language.
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. Application for the appropriate programme: The application form lists programmes as 1st Kindergarten, 2nd Kindergarten, 1st Grade Primary, 2nd Grade Primary, 3rd Grade Primary, 4th Grade Primary, 5th Grade Primary, 6th Grade Primary, 1st Grade Secondary, 2nd Grade Secondary, and 3rd Grade Secondary. 2. Admission interview and class visit: Admission includes an interview; the School Management may contact the child's previous schools for academic details and behaviour. A visit to an existing class may be recommended to gauge the classroom environment. 3. Availability and trial days: Admission is subject to availability and possible trial days. 4. Written decision: The decision will be confirmed in writing. 5. Enrolment contract: By signing the School Contract, a binding enrolment is concluded; the completed application must be returned to School Management; this is a binding reservation of a place and the decision regarding admission and place remains reserved. 6. Enrolment fee and first trimester fees: If admitted, a one‑time enrolment fee is due and the school fees for the first trimester are payable within 10 days. 7. Fees and payment schedule: School fees are payable in three equal installments (in advance) on August 1, December 1, and April 1; the current price list is published before the end of March each year; if a child enters mid‑year, the school fee is invoiced for the entire month of entry. 8. Withdrawals/late entry: If enrolment is withdrawn or a child does not start, the enrolment fee and the first trimester fee are due as described. 9. Year‑round applications: Applications are accepted throughout the school year. 10.
Admissions
Make the First Step: Get in touch with SIS Maennedorf-Zfcrich via our contact form, by email, or by phone. You may visit an Open House to learn about daily life and meet school leadership; we can provide further information and discuss the next suitable step for you and your child. Consultation: A personal consultation is arranged to answer questions, introduce the school and its educational concept, and, if possible, provide a tour of the building to offer insight into classroom life; virtual, phone, or email consultations are available. Trial Days: If the consultation is positive for both sides, one or more trial days are arranged to experience everyday school life; trial days are non-binding and can be substituted with an alternative solution if needed. Registration: If you decide to proceed after the consultations and trial days, you will receive the registration form (digital or printed); complete it in full and submit to the SIS school of your choice. The school will prepare the contract and send it with information about the enrolment fee; after the contract is signed and the enrolment fee is received, your child is officially registered and a place is reserved. Come and See: Open Houses are available to visit the school. FAQ highlights: Best time to enrol: Enrolments are accepted year-round if there is space; most children enroll in the spring (February to April) so they can start the school year in August. Age to enrol: Enrolment age varies by canton and location and is typically three or four years; please enquire at the school of your choice. Language: Enrollment is possible even if a child speaks only one or neither of the two school languages (German and English). Children learn both German and English by immersion, and German/English courses may be offered outside of class or as intensive courses depending on level. Entrance exam: For compulsory education, no entrance examination is required at SIS locations. Waiting lists: If a year group is full, SIS schools maintain waiting lists. Place securing: A place is reserved as soon as the enrolment fee has been received; the fee is listed on the respective school's price list.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
If a year group or class is already full, the SIS schools maintain waiting lists. To secure a place, enquire early, preferably in spring.