GIS The International School of Lugano vs International School of Switzerland

	G GIS The International School of Lugano Lugano, Switzerland	I International School of Switzerland Lugano, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 11,200 - 22,500	Fees / year CHF 16,000 - 22,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 40
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Italian	Instruction language English, Italian
Opened	Opened 2025	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location GIS Lugano is located in Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland, at Via Senago 42E, 6912 Lugano, in the Pazzallo neighbourhood. It is easily accessible by public transport, with travel times: about 12 minutes from Lugano city centre, 20 minutes from Mendrisio, 28 minutes from Bellinzona, and 30 minutes from Chiasso.	Location Located in Lugano, Switzerland. Address: Corso Enrico Pestalozzi 9, Lugano 6900. The campus is in Lugano, in the southern Ticino region.
Stages	Stages GIS Lugano offers education from Early Years (preschool) through secondary school. The secondary section is divided between Middle School (ages 11–14) and Liceo (ages 15–18) and the Liceo is planned to be introduced in a second development phase.	Stages Primary School, Middle School, and High School.
School type	School type International school	School type IB World School
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Learning Support: Our Super Powers Program provides learning support with a three-step process: assessment to understand strengths and needs; personalized learning programs; ongoing support and growth guided by coaches.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Day arrival and dismissal are age-specific: Early Years arrive 8:15–9:00 (flexible) and are dismissed at 15:45; Elementary arrive 8:15–8:30 (lessons begin 8:30) and are dismissed at 15:50; Middle School arrives 8:10 (lessons begin 8:15) and is dismissed at 15:55. After-School Enrichment starts at 16:00.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Registration Fees - Admission fee (one-time, new enrolments only): CHF 2,500.00. - Registration fee (annual): CHF 1,500.00. Tuition fees by year group (annual and instalments) The school publishes annual tuition by year group and the three-instalment breakdown (25% / 50% / 25%). Payment deadlines shown are those published for the 2025/2026 schedule and the instalment percentages apply as indicated below. Amounts and instalment splits: - Early Years 1 (Half Day) - Annual tuition: CHF 11,200.00 - 1st payment (25%): CHF 2,800.00 - 2nd payment (50%): CHF 5,600.00 - 3rd payment (25%): CHF 2,800.00. - Early Years 1 & 2 (Full day) - Annual tuition: CHF 17,200.00 - 1st payment (25%): CHF 4,300.00 - 2nd payment (50%): CHF 8,600.00 - 3rd payment (25%): CHF 4,300.00. - Early Years 3 - Annual tuition: CHF 17,800.00 - 1st payment (25%): CHF 4,450.00 - 2nd payment (50%): CHF 8,900.00 - 3rd payment (25%): CHF 4,450.00. - Primary Years 1–5 - Annual tuition: CHF 19,400.00 - 1st payment (25%): CHF 4,850.00 - 2nd payment (50%): CHF 9,700.00 - 3rd payment (25%): CHF 4,850.00. - Middle Years 1–3 - Annual tuition: CHF 21,500.00 - 1st payment (25%): CHF 5,375.00 - 2nd payment (50%): CHF 10,750.00 - 3rd payment (25%): CHF 5,375.00. - Middle Years 4–5 - Annual tuition: CHF 22,500.00 - 1st payment (25%): CHF 5,625.00 - 2nd payment (50%): CHF 11,250.00 - 3rd payment (25%): CHF 5,625.00. Lunches / Catering fees - Annual lunches charge: CHF 2,200.00. - Lunch payments are split: 50% of lunches invoiced with the 2nd instalment and 50% with the 3rd instalment (no lunches charge on the 1st instalment). Billing schedule and payment terms - Instalment schedule as published for the 2025/2026 fees: - 1st payment (25% of tuition) + Registration Fee + Admission Fee — due by 31/01/2025. - 2nd payment (50% of tuition) + 50% of lunch fees — due by 31/07/2025. - 3rd payment (25% of tuition) + 50% of lunch fees — due by 15/12/2025. - Fees must be paid by the dates indicated in the billing schedule. Discounts and what the tuition includes - Sibling discounts on tuition: 10% for the second child, 20% for the third child, 25% for the fourth child. - Upfront payment discount: 5% on tuition if the total tuition amount is paid upfront by the stated upfront-payment deadline (published example: payment by 31/01/2025). - Tuition includes books and stationery and tablets for school use. Any items not explicitly listed as included are charged extra. Boarding fees - The published fee schedule lists no boarding fees. No boarding charge is included in the published annual tuition schedule. Other costs and typical additional fees - Uniform: Wearing the school uniform is compulsory. Uniform items are supplied by CoccoBaby and ordered through the designated uniform platform (myunif.com); uniform items are an additional cost and are not included in the tuition line items. - Items explicitly not included: any items not listed under the tuition inclusions (books, stationery, tablets) will be charged extra; parents should expect additional costs for personal supplies, certain school trips, specialised materials, optional activities and external exam/assessment fees where applicable. Refund information - The published annual fee schedule provides the chargeable items, instalment amounts and payment deadlines but does not set out a detailed refund or cancellation schedule within the same fee document. The fees schedule does identify the Admission Fee as a fee charged for new enrolments. For clarity about refunds of specific fees (for example enrolment cancellation, withdrawals, or refunds of payments), the school's formal refund/cancellation terms are not included in the single-page fee schedule and should be confirmed with the school's admissions or finance office. Fee payment options - The published fee documents and fee summary do not list specific accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer or card) in the fee schedule itself. Payment method details and invoicing instructions are handled through the school's admissions/finance processes. Confirm available payment channels and any transfer instructions with the admissions/finance office. Brief note on gaps in the published fee schedule (concise) - The one-page published annual fee schedule provides amounts, instalment splits, payment deadlines, discounts and what tuition covers, but it does not publish a full refund/cancellation policy or specify accepted payment methods on that same fee sheet. Financial and contractual details such as refund timelines, the treatment of mid-year withdrawals, and the school's accepted payment channels are handled separately by the school's admissions/finance team.	Fee details Application and acceptance fees - Enrolment deposit: CHF 3,000 per family. This deposit is non‑refundable and applies to new enrolling families. - The final admission paperwork must be completed and returned with the deposit within four weeks of an offer. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term equivalents) - Grade 1 (age 5–6): CHF 16,000 per year. Per term (three‑term division): CHF 5,333.33 per term. - Grades 2–5 (age 7–10): CHF 18,000 per year. Per term (three‑term division): CHF 6,000.00 per term. - Grades 6–9 (age 11–14): CHF 20,000 per year. Per term (three‑term division): CHF 6,666.67 per term. - Grades 10–12 (age 15–17): CHF 22,000 per year. Per term (three‑term division): CHF 7,333.33 per term. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment method for fees is by bank transfer using the school's Swiss account or IBAN/BIC for international transfers; the reference format required by the school is the student's first name and as much of the surname as possible (for example: ISSjohnsmith). - Computer & Book Levy: CHF 1,000 per student, per year. This levy is due by 1 September or may be included in the initial invoice. - Lunch payments can be made either termly or in full for the year. - Compulsory camps (Summer and Winter) and excursions are invoiced in advance; additional or optional activities that incur charges are invoiced separately and communicated in advance. - Full tuition payment terms and the school's terms & conditions are provided at enrolment. Boarding fees - Boarding: Not applicable — the school does not list a boarding programme or boarding fees. Other costs and compulsory extras - Computer & Book Levy: CHF 1,000 per student per year (see above). - Compulsory camps: Two camps per year (Summer and Winter); invoiced in advance. - Excursions: All curriculum excursions are compulsory and invoiced separately as required. - Diploma Programme (Grades 10–12): An additional levy applies for any extra Pamoja courses taken beyond the standard programme; these additional costs are invoiced separately. - Co‑curricular / Discovery programme: Most clubs and activities are included in fees; certain specialist programmes may carry additional charges that will be invoiced separately. - Local travel pass: Families are encouraged to obtain a yearly local travel pass for children; subsidies may be available from the local municipality. Refund information - The enrolment deposit (CHF 3,000) is explicitly non‑refundable. - Other refund or cancellation terms for tuition, levies, camps or other charges are governed by the school's full terms & conditions provided at enrolment. Fee payment options and banking details - Accepted payment method (as stated for fee payments): bank transfer to the school's UBS account for Swiss transfers or the listed IBAN/BIC for international transfers. The school asks that the payment reference include ISS plus the student's first name and as much of the surname as possible. - Swiss bank transfer details: UBS, Account No: 0247 00251043.02K (use the school's requested reference). - International bank transfer details: UBS, IBAN: CH42 0024 7247 2510 4302 K; BIC: UBSWCHZH80A (use the school's requested reference). Scholarships and financial assistance - Scholarship opportunities and financial assistance programmes are available for qualifying students; details are handled through the school's admissions/financial assistance process.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Uniform is compulsory across all GIS Lugano campuses and year groups. Uniforms are supplied by CoccoBaby; orders are placed online via myunif.com. Daily attire includes a GIS-logo polo shirt or blouse with trousers, shorts, or a skirt, and a GIS sweater or cardigan; a GIS-branded PE kit is required for physical education.	Uniform requirement The uniforms are being redesigned and a School Shop will offer uniforms, school accessories, sports gear, and exclusive ISSwitzerland merchandise. The uniform design is intended to provide a polished yet comfortable, durable, and functional fit. Launching soon.
Food options	Food options School lunches are prepared and delivered by 1908, Lugano's catering provider, and use locally sourced, organic products. Lunch is supervised by teachers, and the school accommodates special dietary needs in line with health guidelines.	Food options A Lunch Program provides meals at Manor, a nearby venue, through a partnership to offer fresh, healthy, and high‑quality meals. Monthly menus will be published in advance and pricing shared; lunch payments can be made termly or in full for the year.
House system	House system —	House system A House System fosters community based on Kindness, Innovation, Navigation, and Discovery. Students participate in House Challenges (sports, trivia, arts, charity), there are leadership opportunities (house captains and committees), and the House Cup is awarded at year end. Each student is allocated to a house on joining ISS, with siblings in the same house; events include Sports Day, House Arts Festival, and Community Service Week.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership GIS Lugano is GIS The International School of Lugano SA, part of the GIS Group of International Schools Suisse. The GIS Board of Directors comprises the founding group alongside international school leaders who serve as strategic advisers and educational supervisors.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details GIS The International School of Lugano offers a multilingual, bilingual curriculum with English and Italian instruction. The program emphasizes a student-centered approach, inquiry-based learning, and multilingualism. It aligns with the principles of the Swiss Federal Constitution and is a candidate school for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), pursuing IB World School authorization. The curriculum focuses on nurturing ethical, creative, and intellectual growth, and developing global citizens. English and Italian sound throughout the halls, reflecting a bilingual environment guided by native-speaking teachers who celebrate linguistic diversity and the 100 Languages Philosophy.	Curriculum details The curriculum is guided by the K.I.N.D. framework: Kindness, Innovation, Navigation, and Discovery. It combines strong academic foundations with opportunities to develop practical skills and explore interests through the Masterclass Program and the Discovery Program. The Masterclass Program provides workshops and topics led by educators and professionals. The Discovery Program offers time for creativity, sports, and hands-on learning in robotics, design, and the arts. The Language Program centers on English as the primary language of instruction, with Italian and German taught at varying levels and CEFR-based placement. Starting in Grade 10, students follow a dual-pathway to either Advanced Levels (A-Levels) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB Diploma Programme), with the IB Diploma Programme currently a Candidate School; the Bridge Program supports language fluency and transition to IB, A-Levels, or Liceo.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Pastoral care is provided with counseling and support services to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and confident in their learning journey. Social-emotional learning is embedded through dedicated programs, including antibullying and cyberbullying initiatives that teach empathy, resilience, and conflict resolution. The school emphasizes a holistic approach to education, integrating social and emotional development with academics. The learning culture supports students through small class sizes and individualized guidance to nurture personal growth and well-being. Students are encouraged to engage with their communities, reflect on personal strengths and attitudes, and develop self-regulation as lifelong learners.	Social & emotional learning Pastoral Care provides a holistic approach to student well-being, focusing on emotional, social, physical, and spiritual health. Each student is assigned a dedicated mentor who offers personalized guidance and support. The program includes access to professional counselors and mental health resources, with regular well-being workshops to develop emotional regulation and resilience. An inclusive community and peer-support initiatives promote empathy, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. Initiatives such as Well-Being Wednesdays, a House System, Community Circles, and parent partnerships support ongoing well-being. Safety policies and trained staff ensure a safe learning environment and prompt, sensitive responses to concerns.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) Learning support is organized through the Super Powers Program, a personalized, strengths-based approach to teaching and learning. Students are assessed on entry to identify strengths, needs, and learning preferences, guiding a differentiated plan. Coaches provide ongoing support and mentoring as students work on targeted goals, with an emphasis on self-awareness, resilience, and growth. The program goes beyond traditional learning support by focusing on strengths-based learning, growth mindset coaching, and the use of innovative tools and technologies to improve accessibility and engagement. It empowers students by fostering emotional intelligence and confidence as part of their academic development.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The curriculum provides a bilingual approach with English as the primary medium of instruction and Italian taught intensively to connect with local culture. Our bilingual program integrates with the International Baccalaureate framework. Some lessons, such as History, Geography, Mathematics and Science, may be conducted in Italian depending on the pathway; Middle School students may take the Terza Media exam if they choose that pathway; all students who continue to High School study these subjects in English.	English as an additional language English is the primary language of instruction, with emphasis on academic English across all subjects. Italian is an integral part of the curriculum given the Ticino location, with fluency in both formal and everyday Italian. German is offered at varying levels, from beginner to advanced. Language placement follows the CEFR framework, with entry tests to place students at the appropriate level. Intensive language learning is available through the Language Program and Bridge Program, including options to focus on 1–2 languages and integration into the bilingual ISSwitzerland community.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care and counseling are provided to support student wellbeing. Social-emotional learning includes antibullying and cyberbullying programs, teaching empathy, resilience, and conflict resolution. The school emphasizes holistic development with wellbeing integrated into daily practice and learning experiences.	Mental wellbeing The Wellbeing Program provides dedicated mentorship for each student. There is access to professional counselors and mental health resources to help students manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges. Inclusive community programs promote empathy, understanding, and global citizenship. Peer support systems include buddy programs and student-led well-being committees. Initiatives include Well-Being Wednesdays, a House System, Community Circles, and Parent Partnership to support ongoing well-being.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Pastoral care and safeguarding measures support student safety and wellbeing. Anti-bullying and cyberbullying programs help protect students from harm. Campus safety includes secure entrances, supervised outdoor areas, and regular safety drills. Transportation services support safe commuting to and from school.	Safeguarding Safety and security are central to pastoral care. Clear policies and procedures maintain a safe learning environment. Staff are trained to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns promptly and sensitively.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview GIS Lugano is located in Lugano, offering a bilingual English-Italian program integrated with the International Baccalaureate framework. The Early Years Learning Environment includes Digital Atelier, Clay Atelier, Colour Atelier, The Piazza, Psychomotor Space, and Nature Corner. The campus emphasizes safety with secure entrances and supervised outdoor areas. Technology is integrated across learning with state-of-the-art digital literacy resources and a bring-your-own-device policy in upper years. The curriculum includes international exchanges and weekly electives.	Facilities overview The campus offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to inspire learning and support academic and personal development. Modern Classrooms are equipped with interactive touchscreens, flexible seating arrangements, and digital integration with Microsoft tools. The STEAM Center houses a robotics lab, a makerspace, and fully equipped science laboratories. The Microsoft Dream Space is Switzerland's first Microsoft Showcase School, enabling hands-on learning with AI, VR, and coding projects. Arts and Performance Spaces include Visual Arts Studios, a professional Performing Arts Theater, and Music Rooms.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Sports are offered including swimming, soccer, and basketball. Our facilities are designed to support both individual sports and team-based activities.	Sports facilities Sports areas are available on campus.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities English is the primary language of instruction with Italian taught intensively, supporting the local culture. The school uses state-of-the-art technology, including interactive whiteboards, iPads, and coding programs, with upper-year students typically bringing their own laptops. The Early Years spaces (Digital Atelier, Clay Atelier, Colour Atelier, The Piazza, Psychomotor Space, Nature Corner) support hands-on, inquiry-based learning.	Academic facilities Modern Classrooms are equipped with interactive touchscreens, flexible seating, and digital integration with Microsoft tools. The STEAM Center includes a Robotics Lab, a Makerspace, and Science Laboratories. The Microsoft Dream Space supports hands-on learning with the latest software and hardware and opportunities to explore artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and coding projects. Arts and Performing Spaces include Visual Arts Studios, a Performing Arts Theater, and Music Rooms.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Electives cover areas such as Creative Arts (art exhibitions, musical and drama performances), Lifelong Learning with STEM options (robotics, coding, environmental science), Global Citizenship (Italian history, Model United Nations, community projects), and Multilingualism (development of native languages such as German, French, or Spanish), with electives scheduled weekly. GIS also offers international exchanges with partner schools in Brazil (São Paulo) and Italy (Monza). Active parental involvement is encouraged, and there are community events and partnerships enriching the learning experience.	Extra curricular facilities Discovery Program offers a diverse after-school range of options across sports, arts, languages, and clubs such as debating, robotics, and AI, with activities scheduled on school days after classes. The majority of these programs are included in the enrollment fee, with some specialist programs requiring additional costs. Masterclasses provide expert-led sessions across disciplines for Grades 6–12, offered during school hours and after-school through the Discovery Program, with hands-on activities and opportunities to network with mentors. The Immersion Program delivers cultural excursions, outdoor expeditions, industry visits, and a variety of masterclasses, camps, and workshops that connect learning to real-world contexts. Competitions are part of the co-curricular program, and ski and summer camps are offered as connected experiences to learning.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The holding named Group of International Schools Suisse (GIS), based on the founders' solid experience in international education, aims to establish and develop a group of international schools designed to offer premium education which inspires 21st century learning and intercultural understanding. GIS Lugano's educational project has been in development since the establishment of GIS Group of International Schools Suisse in 2018. Building on the success of GIS schools in Monza, Italy, and São Paulo, Brazil, GIS aims to offer a premium international education that fosters 21st-century learning and intercultural understanding. Founded by a diverse group of parents and entrepreneurs with extensive international education experience, GIS seeks to create a network of schools that provide bilingual and multilingual education while valuing local culture and language. The GIS Board of Directors is composed by the group of founders and by international school leaders with decades of experience as Head of Schools, they serve as strategic advisors and educational supervisors. GIS schools share the same goal: to provide local and international families with an international and bilingual education that is broad, balanced and challenging. Our Vision is to inspire and empower every student to achieve their highest potential, embrace lifelong learning, and contribute positively to the global community.	History —
Community	Community GIS Lugano's community is anchored in a shared mission across GIS campuses. Official Launch of the School on 12 October 2024, First Community Event on 25 January 2025, and Official Inauguration on 11 October 2025 mark key milestones in community growth and engagement. The Be Here Be Unique Belong motto expresses the community's welcoming and inclusive identity. Cody, the GIS mascot introduced on 15 May 2025, embodies curiosity, kindness, and courage and stemmed from a 2024 student-led collaboration involving GIS students from São Paulo and Monza who helped imagine the mascot.	Community ISS uses a House System to build a vibrant community where students form lifelong friendships, develop leadership, and work in teams, anchored in the values of Kindness, Innovation, Navigation, and Discovery. The school's vision is to build great people who are future-ready global citizens. The mission delivers a comprehensive local and multilingual curriculum that holistically prepares learners to shape the future as global citizens, guided by the K.I.N.D. principles and immersive learning experiences in a technology-driven environment. ISS integrates deeply with the Lugano community, enabling students to engage in local and international projects to foster connections and broaden perspectives.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual GIS Lugano emphasizes STEM with an interdisciplinary approach that builds critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills essential in a technology-driven world. The STEM curriculum fosters hands-on learning and real-world application, encouraging innovation and creativity. Technology is embedded across the curriculum to support research, presentation, and exploration of how the world works.	Academic & intellectual The Discovery Program offers a diverse range of afternoon activities across sports, arts, languages, and clubs such as debating, robotics, and AI. Most Discovery activities are included in the enrollment fee, with some specialist programs requiring additional costs. The Masterclass Program runs during the year for Grades 6–12 with expert-led workshops across disciplines, including technology, arts, sciences, sports and business, during school hours and after-school. The Immersion Program provides real-world learning through cultural excursions, outdoor expeditions, industry visits, and community-based projects, with masterclasses, camps and workshops that spark curiosity and action.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Drama, Visual Art, and Music are core arts disciplines offered at GIS Lugano. From age 4, students engage with drama, using unit-based exploration; younger students participate in drama games and short performances, while older students explore roles and viewpoints to build empathy and collaboration. Visual Art involves ateliers with a range of materials, with younger students exploring media and older students developing technical skills and reflective practice. Music begins at age 3 with weekly lessons focusing on musical elements; students play instruments, sing, and develop composition skills.	Arts & creative Arts are part of the Discovery Program alongside sports and languages. Masterclasses offer expert-led sessions in arts-related topics and other disciplines. Immersion Program includes performing arts experiences, with masterclasses and workshops in performing arts and creativity. Immersion Program examples include Vienna for classical music workshops and London for theatre experiences.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language GIS Lugano promotes multilingualism and intercultural understanding, encouraging the use of multiple languages in class and daily interactions. The Middle School uses a bilingual English-Italian approach, fostering bilingualism and biculturalism. Students also have access to additional foreign languages from a range of options.	Cultural & language Immersion Program includes cultural excursions to Rome, Paris, and Athens. Outdoor Expeditions include the Swiss Alps, Scottish Highlands, and Norwegian Fjords. Industry and Innovation Visits feature trips to Dublin, Munich, and Copenhagen. Language and Culinary Immersion covers Barcelona, Provence, and Tuscany for language and culture experiences.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies After-school enrichment starts from 16:00, with sessions in sports, arts, STEM, and cultural activities. These programs let students explore talents, build friendships, and grow beyond the classroom. Elementary electives run from 15:00 to 16:00, and Middle School includes a concluding elective session as part of the day.	Social & hobbies Discovery Program offers clubs such as debating, robotics and AI, alongside sports, arts and languages. Masterclasses provide hands-on learning in topics across technology, arts, sciences, sports and business. Immersion Program hosts masterclasses, camps and workshops spanning performing arts, STEAM and language/cultural experiences.
Community & service	Community & service GIS Lugano hosts community events, including the Official Launch of GIS Lugano on 12 October 2024, the First Community Event on 25 January 2025, and the Official Inauguration on 11 October 2025. These events illustrate the school's active engagement with its broader community.	Community & service The Discovery Program benefits from partnerships with many local clubs and centres, offering opportunities to express individuality, belonging, and passions. The Wellbeing Program includes dedicated mentorship, mental health support and an inclusive community. Pastoral Care provides mentorship and a supportive framework, including Well-Being Wednesdays and community circles. The Portrait of a Graduate highlights community engagement and leadership roles gained through co-curricular activities.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The Masterclass Program inspires and challenges students through specialist workshops led by industry experts from around the world. Sessions cover robotics, arts, entrepreneurship, sustainability and related fields, with networking opportunities to connect with mentors and peers. The Portrait of a Graduate highlights leadership roles and community engagement gained through co-curricular activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing After-School Enrichment operates from 16:00 onwards with sessions in sports, arts, STEM, and cultural activities. These programs support talent exploration, creativity, and community building. Elementary electives (15:00–16:00) and Middle School electives further extend the school day to include diverse wellbeing and lifestyle experiences.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Wellbeing Program provides a holistic pastoral care approach with dedicated mentorship and access to professional counselors. Pastoral care focuses on emotional, social, physical and spiritual well-being through proactive strategies and responsive support. Initiatives include Well-Being Wednesdays, the House System and Community Circles to promote resilience, belonging and parent partnership.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school offers a bilingual curriculum in English and Italian, seamlessly integrated with the IB framework. English is the primary medium of instruction; Italian is taught intensively, with some subjects taught in Italian depending on pathway; middle school students may take the Terza Media exam, and high school coursework is delivered in English. Third and fourth languages, including German, French, and Spanish, are developed, with native-speaking teachers supporting language instruction.	Language provision The school teaches English as the primary language of instruction. Italian is a vital part of the curriculum due to the Ticino location. German is offered at varying levels, from beginner to advanced. Language courses follow the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), and students are tested on entry to assess proficiency and placed in classes with peers at a similar level to support tailored instruction.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching GIS Lugano offers a bilingual education in English and Italian for preschool through secondary school. The curriculum is integrated with the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework and Swiss cantonal standards.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The school offers a bilingual education in English and Italian for students from preschool through secondary school. GIS Lugano is part of the GIS Group of International Schools Suisse and follows the IB curriculum merged with the Swiss cantonal standards. Enrollment is open throughout the year following the Admissions Policy, with class placements based on age. Fees information and payment options are available, and documents publish details such as an Admission Fee of CHF 2,500 and a Registration Fee of CHF 1,500 for 2025/2026. Prospective families can book a personalized visit.	Admissions Stage One: Inquiry. An enquiry is the first stage of the admission process. After you contact us, you will be invited to an information evening (virtual options are available), a Taster Day, and an individual visit to tour the school and meet the principal. Stage Two: Apply Online. Applications for 2024 entry are being accepted, and 2025 entry is open for the Diploma Programme. The admissions portal provides access to all required documents and allows you to create an account to complete and submit the application online. Documents can be uploaded digitally and the portal centralizes submission. Stage Three: Assessments. All pupils sit papers in Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning, alongside a short interview. If travel to the campus is not possible, exams can be sat externally. For Senior School entry in 2025, students must sit and pass the Common Entrance (CE) exam. English as an Additional Language (EAL) considerations may apply; EAL guidelines are based on CEFR levels, with Year 9 intake minimum at the lower end of B2, and three years to reach upper-intermediate. Stage Four: Offer and Acceptance. Offers are made on the basis of performance in the entry assessment. The final forms must be completed online and returned within four weeks with the deposit. An enrolment deposit of CHF 3,000 per family applies to new enrolling families and is non-refundable.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Scholarships and Financial Assistance: We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Scholarship opportunities and financial assistance programs will be available to qualifying students.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →