Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug vs SIS Swiss International School Rotkreuz-Zug
Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug and SIS Swiss International School Rotkreuz-Zug are both in Zug, about 6 km apart. Both schools offer Swiss and British programmes. Published annual fees are CHF 12,924 - 30,035 at Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug and CHF 26,620 - 27,500 at SIS Swiss International School Rotkreuz-Zug, which puts SIS Swiss International School Rotkreuz-Zug roughly 26% higher. Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug takes pupils from 3 to 15, and SIS Swiss International School Rotkreuz-Zug from 3 to 16. Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug is the larger school, with around 300 pupils to SIS Swiss International School Rotkreuz-Zug's 120.
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
The school is located in the Suurstoffi district in Rotkreuz, in the canton of Zug, Switzerland. It offers bilingual education in English and German. The modern school building is in a car-free residential and business area with excellent road and public transport links.
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 educational institution
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
20+ 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
Lunch, homework supervision, before- and after-school care, flexible drop-off and pickup times, and activities, even during school holidays
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, non-refundable registration fee required to guarantee a place. - First child: CHF 600. - Each further child from the same family: CHF 500.
Tuition fees by school level (per semester billing) - The school fees are billed in advance per semester. On request, arrangements can be made to pay the school fees in six monthly instalments (2% surcharge). School fees for mid-term admissions are prorated.
- Kindergarten 1 and 2: One payment at the beginning of the semester CHF 13,310; six monthly instalments CHF 2,263 (6 instalments, 2% surcharge). - Primary (Primary intro and Primary 1 to 6): One payment at the beginning of the semester CHF 13,310; six monthly instalments CHF 2,263 (6 instalments, 2% surcharge). - Secondary (Secondary 1 to 3): One payment at the beginning of the semester CHF 13,750; six monthly instalments CHF 2,338 (6 instalments, 2% surcharge).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed in advance per semester. Parents may choose one lump-sum payment at the beginning of the semester or request a six-month instalment plan; the instalment plan carries a 2% surcharge. Mid-term admissions are billed on a prorated basis.
Sibling discount - A sibling discount of 10% of the school fees is granted for the second, third, etc. child from the same family while multiple children are enrolled; the reduction applies to the school fees of the younger child or children.
Optional additional costs - Lunch (optional): - Kindergarten to Primary 1: Full week (5 days) CHF 1,200; One day per week CHF 240; Single booking per meal CHF 15. - Primary 2 to Secondary 3: Full week (5 days) CHF 1,350; One day per week CHF 270; Single booking per meal CHF 15.
- After-school care (optional, 16:00–18:00): Full week (5 days) CHF 2,400; One day per week CHF 480; Single booking per hour CHF 18.
- Clubs: Additional clubs are offered and incur separate charges; detailed club costs are available from the school office.
Boarding fees - SIS Rotkreuz-Zug operates as a bilingual day school for local and international families; there are no boarding facilities and therefore no boarding fees applicable.
Refund information - The registration (enrolment) fee is non-refundable. School fees for mid-term admissions are prorated. No other refund conditions are specified on the school fee summary.
Fee payment options (billing and instalment details) - Billing is per semester in advance. Parents may pay the semester amount in one payment at the beginning of the semester or choose the six-month instalment option (2% surcharge). Mid-term admissions are prorated. Specific payment method details (bank transfer, card options, etc.) are managed through the school's billing/invoice process.
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 offered. A cafeteria is on site; the kindergarten building has a nearby multi-purpose hall that serves as a cafeteria and for school events.
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
Private educational institution.
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
Since 2012, the school provides immersive, bilingual education from kindergarten through primary school in the Suurstoffi area. The SIS Educational Concept emphasizes a Bilingual Experience, an Independent and Value-Centred Approach, a Day School Community, and Continuity from Kindergarten to College, enhanced by Learning through Technology and a Strong Network. Language acquisition begins early, guided by experts in a natural environment, leading to lifelong competence. Each class is supervised by one German-speaking and one English-speaking teacher, who communicate with students in their native languages. The modern school building is located in Suurstoffi and classrooms and specialist rooms are equipped with contemporary infrastructure and advanced teaching technology; the Kindergarten sits in a refurbished historic building with an attached playground, and a nearby multi-purpose hall serves as a cafeteria and for school events. Extracurricular activities, lunch, supervision, before- and after-school care, and flexible drop-off and pickup options complement the school day.
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
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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
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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
Immersive bilingual education in German and English from kindergarten through primary school; language acquisition begins early and is guided by experts in a natural environment; the children are supervised by one German-speaking and one English-speaking teacher.
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
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Safety and wellbeing of students are the priority; the school follows policies and procedures to ensure safety.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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 modern SIS Rotkreuz-Zug building is located in the Suurstoffi district, a car-free residential and business area with excellent road and public transport links. There is a playground on the premises for outdoor play. The classrooms and special-purpose rooms are equipped with contemporary infrastructure and advanced teaching technology. Our Kindergarten is housed in a refurbished historic building with an attached playground, and a spacious multi-purpose hall next door serves as a cafeteria and for school events. The school offers lunch, supervision and flexible after-school care to support families.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Access to well-equipped sports facilities; playgrounds and recreational spaces.
Sports facilities
Outdoor spaces include a playground and a sports field for PE and outdoor activities. The page shows students on the sports field, indicating an athletics space. Facilities support physical education and active learning in the daily schedule. The campus surroundings and on-site spaces support after-school sports and activities.
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
Classrooms and special-purpose spaces are equipped with contemporary infrastructure and advanced teaching technology. The learning environment is augmented by technology across the school. The modern building is located in the Suurstoffi district, a car-free area with excellent road and public transport links. Our Kindergarten is housed in a refurbished historic building with an attached playground, and a nearby multi-purpose hall serves as a cafeteria and for school events. Since 2012, immersion bilingual education has been offered from kindergarten through primary.
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
Extracurricular activities provide a varied school day. Lunch, homework supervision, before- and after-school care, and flexible drop-off and pickup times are offered. Activities continue during school holidays. These services support families by providing reliable care and enrichment beyond standard teaching hours.
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
Since 2012, SIS Rotkreuz-Zug has offered immersive bilingual education from kindergarten through primary school. The school is located in the Suurstoffi district of Rotkreuz, in a car-free residential and business area with strong road and public transport links. The kindergarten is housed in a refurbished historic building with an attached playground, and a nearby multipurpose hall serves as a cafeteria and for school events. Students are supervised by one German-speaking and one English-speaking teacher, who use their native languages to communicate with students. SIS Rotkreuz-Zug is a private educational institution.
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
SIS Rotkreuz-Zug has a diverse, day-school community with 92 enrolled students and more than 20 nationalities. The school features on-site spaces where children can spend time together, make friends, and enjoy a welcoming environment. Upcoming events include an Open House on 28 March 2026 and the Expat Expo Zug on 30 May 2026. Stories from SIS Rotkreuz-Zug highlight classroom learning approaches and student experiences.
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
Homework supervision supports independent learning. Before- and after-school care is available for kindergarten and primary students, with care from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. before classes and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. after classes. This service is included in the school fees. Clubs provide a range of activities that complement the regular academic programme and can be booked for one semester.
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
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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
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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
A range of extracurricular activities and clubs is offered for students of all ages. Clubs provide opportunities to develop skills that complement school work or offer a change from the regular programme, and can be booked for one semester. A holiday club runs during school breaks with sports, trips and games under supervision. The costs of clubs and the holiday club are not included in the school fees.
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
Open school spaces provide a welcoming atmosphere to students, staff, parents and guests, supporting a positive learning environment. Signature school events are cultivated and SIS-wide activities are regularly participated in. Hot lunches are available and supervised in the school cafeteria; a local caterer provides a healthy, balanced menu. Holidays include a holiday club with sports and trips supervised by an experienced team.
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
The school teaches in German and English.
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 offers immersive bilingual education from kindergarten through primary school. A German-speaking teacher and an English-speaking teacher support students by using their native languages.
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
German-English immersion is provided through bilingual education from early years to primary school.
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
1. Getting in Touch: Get in touch via the contact form, by email, or by phone. You may also visit an Open House to gain an initial impression of everyday school life and meet the school leadership in an informal setting. We provide further information, answer your first questions, and discuss together what the next suitable step might be for you and your child.
2. Consultation: A personal consultation is arranged to get to know each other and discuss questions and the educational concept. The school introduces you to its approach and, when possible, provides a tour of the building to give a glimpse into classroom life. If an on-site visit isn't possible, consultations can be conducted virtually, by phone, or via email.
3. Trial Days: If it feels right for both sides, one or more trial days are arranged. Your child experiences everyday school life to assess comfort in the environment. Trial days are non-binding and typically occur after the consultation; if trial days aren't possible, an alternative solution will be discussed.
4. Registration: If you decide in favour after consultations and trial days, the registration form is provided digitally or in printed form. Complete the form in full and submit it to the SIS school of your choice. The school is happy to support you if you have any questions.
5. School Contract: After registration is received, the school contract is prepared and sent 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 the place is reserved. The school thanks you for your trust and looks forward to accompanying your child on their educational journey.
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 full, waiting lists are maintained. To secure a place, enquire about capacity early, preferably in spring.