GIS The International School of Lugano vs International School of Ticino

	G GIS The International School of Lugano Lugano, Switzerland	I International School of Ticino Lugano, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 11,200 - 22,500	Fees / year CHF 18,120 - 25,950
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Italian	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2025	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
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 Via Ponteggia 23, 6814 Cadempino, Switzerland. Located in the Ticino canton near Lugano. Accessible by local transport and road links.
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 Ages 3-18/19; IB continuum from Early Years to High School, including the Career-related Programme (CP).
School type	School type International school	School type Private international day school; IB World School (IB continuum); part of the Inspired group of schools.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 30 different nationalities represented.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Inclusion Policy and Inclusion Program in place. Referral procedures identify students with additional learning needs and develop an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). Inclusive assessment arrangements can be made where appropriate. Reviews of ILPs and progress occur regularly, including a six‑week review cycle; support may involve external agencies as required.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland	Country affiliation Switzerland
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 admission fees - Student Admission Fee (one‑time, payable at initial enrolment): CHF 3,000. - Registration Fee (payable annually): CHF 1,950. Tuition fees by year group (annual and scheduled payments for 2026–2027) Each line below shows: Annual tuition — 1st payment (due 17 Feb 2026) — 2nd payment (due 23 Aug 2026) — 3rd payment (due 1 Dec 2026). - Kindergarten — CHF 20,735 — CHF 5,184 — CHF 10,368 — CHF 5,184. - Kindergarten (Half Day) — CHF 12,300 — CHF 3,075 — CHF 6,150 — CHF 3,075. - Transition — CHF 20,735 — CHF 5,184 — CHF 10,368 — CHF 5,184. - Grade 1 — CHF 23,640 — CHF 5,910 — CHF 11,820 — CHF 5,910. - Grade 2 — CHF 24,840 — CHF 6,210 — CHF 12,420 — CHF 6,210. - Grade 3 — CHF 24,940 — CHF 6,235 — CHF 12,470 — CHF 6,235. - Grade 4 — CHF 24,940 — CHF 6,235 — CHF 12,470 — CHF 6,235. - Grade 5 — CHF 25,190 — CHF 6,297 — CHF 12,595 — CHF 6,297. - Grade 6 — CHF 26,410 — CHF 6,602 — CHF 13,205 — CHF 6,602. - Grade 7 — CHF 26,410 — CHF 6,602 — CHF 13,205 — CHF 6,602. - Grade 8 — CHF 26,410 — CHF 6,602 — CHF 13,205 — CHF 6,602. - Grade 9 — CHF 26,410 — CHF 6,602 — CHF 13,205 — CHF 6,602. - Grade 10 — CHF 27,435 — CHF 6,859 — CHF 13,718 — CHF 6,859. - Grade 11 — CHF 27,435 — CHF 6,859 — CHF 13,718 — CHF 6,859. - Grade 12 — CHF 29,185 — CHF 7,296 — CHF 14,593 — CHF 7,296. - Grade 13 — CHF 29,185 — CHF 7,296 — CHF 14,593 — CHF 7,296. Additional fee items: - Lunches (annual): CHF 2,600 — billed as CHF 1,300 at the 2nd payment and CHF 1,300 at the 3rd payment (no amount at 1st payment). - EAL / Additional Inclusion Support (annual): CHF 4,200 (no instalment amounts shown). Billing schedule and payment terms - 1st Payment: due by 17 February 2026 — includes NSAF + Registration Fee + 25% of the tuition fee. - 2nd Payment: due by 23 August 2026 — includes 50% of lunches + 50% of the tuition fee. - 3rd Payment: due by 1 December 2026 — includes 50% of lunches + 25% of the tuition fee. - The fee schedule states: "Fees must be paid by the dates indicated." Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed in the school fee schedule; there are no boarding fees shown. Other costs and what tuition does not cover - Tuition fees do not include bus service, daily school trips, field trips, laptop, school uniforms, and external exams. - For Grades 12–13, textbooks are listed separately (not included in tuition). - The Registration Fee is stated to include stationery and educational resources. Refund information - The published school fee schedule does not specify a refund policy or refund conditions in the fee document. Fee payment options and bank details - Payment method accepted: bank transfer only (credit card payments are not indicated). - Bank details provided for payments: - Bank: UBS SA - Beneficiary: INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TICINO SA - IBAN: CH25 0023 6236 1115 0901 A - BIC / SWIFT: UBSWCHZH80A.
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 IST Uniform is mandatory for students from Pre-Kinder to MYP 3. The uniform collection comprises mandatory and optional items and can be ordered from IST's official supplier, Unique Uniforms, directly from their online store.
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 The canteen offers a hot lunch programme with a balanced and healthy variety of freshly prepared, nut-free dishes, vegetables and fresh fruit.
House system	House system —	House system —
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 The Governing Board includes Nicholas Wergan (Global Education Director for Inspired) and Federica Cravero (CEO Italy). IST is a member of Inspired, a global premium schools group, and the school is also a member of the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS).
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 IS Ticino is an IB Continuum school offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The language of instruction is English, with an Italian Programme that provides a bilingual structure for Grades 2–10 to meet Ticino Canton requirements. The Early Years curriculum uses a trans-disciplinary inquiry approach inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and provides full immersion in an English language context. The Primary Years Programme focuses on inquiry-based learning through PYP themes, while the Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme follow IB frameworks across eight subject areas and core components. The school aligns with IB standards and is part of Inspired Education Group.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes due to a small student population.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Career and higher education counselling is provided by university counsellors to advise on tertiary education pathways. University destinations include the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United States, Switzerland, and elsewhere, with more than 50% of graduates going to UK universities.
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 IST places the student at the centre of learning with a strong focus on social and emotional development within the IB framework and school pastoral care. The school has a dedicated Head of Pastoral who leads welfare and pastoral support across the school. The IB Learner Profile emphasises balance, caring and open-mindedness as core dispositions for students. The Behaviour Policy promotes respectful interactions, positive behaviour management and a no-bullying culture. The Inclusion Program is led by an Inclusion Coordinator and provides social-emotional support through referrals and Individual Learning Plans, with collaboration with families and external agencies when needed.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) IST runs an Inclusion Program with an Inclusion Coordinator to identify students with additional needs and develop Individual Learning Plans. The school provides inclusive assessment arrangements across the IB programmes and can involve external agencies as required. Referral procedures support identifying and addressing needs, with case-by-case planning for learners across the Primary, Middle and Diploma stages.
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 The Primary Years Programme and Early Years Programme are taught in English. Early Years is described as a full immersion in an English language context, with literacy developed in English. EAL support is provided as part of the school's inclusion framework, available under EAL / Additional Inclusion Support.
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 Pastoral care is a visible priority, with a Head of Pastoral overseeing welfare and support for students. The IB framework promotes balanced, caring and other wellbeing-focused attributes as part of student development. During online learning, the school emphasises looking after the wellbeing of the entire school community and provides guidance to support students' wellbeing in a digital environment.
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 The school operates a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy with a designated senior person for child protection (DSP), Mr. Graeme Wallbank, and clear welfare procedures. Staff are expected to follow safeguarding protocols, including reporting concerns and liaising with the DSP and Principal. The policy includes procedures for recording welfare concerns and coordinating with families and external agencies when necessary.
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 Classrooms are bright, spacious, and well resourced. They include up-to-date technology to blend traditional and digital learning. The learning zone for early years and the first-floor learning hub offer the latest children's literature, non-fiction, and computer software. The gymnasium is equipped for football, basketball, volleyball, and other sports. The early years space behind the school and the large playground at the front support outdoor learning and play.
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 The gymnasium serves football, basketball, volleyball, and a range of other sports activities. The large playground behind the school and outdoor spaces at the front provide areas for outdoor play and learning.
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 Classrooms are bright, spacious, and well resourced, with the latest technology to support learning. The learning zone for early years and the first-floor learning hub offer the latest children's literature, non-fiction, and computer software.
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 Music and performance: Guitar, Violin, Piano, Modern Singing, Classical Singing; Musical Theatre and Drama. Sports: Football, Tennis, Volleyball, Multi-Sport, Gym Fun, Swimming, Ballet, Break Dance, Hip Hop Dance. Languages: German, Italian, French, English, Mandarin, Spanish, and any language of your choice. Language acquisition: French (Grade 7-13), Italian (Grade 7-13), German (from Grade 7). Other activities: Robotics, Coding, Maths club, Model United Nations, Debate, History Bee and Bowl, Science club, Extended Day programme.
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 IST opened as a kindergarten in 2014 and began as a feeder to the International School Como in Italy, which had operated since 2002. It was established to offer the local and international residents of Ticino an IB education. In 2017 IST joined Inspired, a group that educates over 4,500 students in 150 schools worldwide. IST's educational vision seeks to develop the best IB inquiry-oriented, holistic education grounded in Inspired and the IB, and its mission emphasizes providing an excellent international education in a safe, nurturing environment.
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 IST culture is rooted in the IB Mission statement, which aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The IB Mission emphasizes intercultural understanding and respect. IST provides a safe, nurturing environment with a strong sense of community at its heart. IST participates in global programs through Inspired, including Global Camps and the Global Exchange Programme.
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 IST offers a wide range of co-curricular activities. Academic and intellectual options include Robotics, Coding, Maths Club, Model United Nations, Debate, History Bee and Bowl, and Science Club, with an Extended Day programme to extend learning beyond the classroom.
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 Music and performing arts are offered, including Guitar, Violin, Piano, Modern Singing, and Classical Singing; Musical Theatre and Drama are also available, with options to study any instrument of your choice.
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 Languages include German, Italian, French, English, Mandarin, and Spanish, with continued language study across year groups. French (Grades 7-13) and Italian (Grades 7-13) are taught to the highest level, and German begins in Grade 7; Mandarin and Russian are supported for other language learners.
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 IST provides a broad range of activities that foster social interaction and teamwork, including football, tennis, volleyball, multi-sport, gym, swimming, ballet, break dance, hip hop dance, and horse riding. There are also clubs and after-school opportunities as part of the co-curricular program.
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 IST is a signatory of the Global Schools Program and the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDG commitments include promoting the SDGs, ensuring environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive programs, delivering SDG-focused lessons, providing opportunities for students to engage with the SDGs, and joining the global movement to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional IST offers the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP), the first in Ticino. The CP provides seven business-related pathways: Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Technology; Sustainable Finance and Digitisation; Sustainable Fashion; Sustainable Tourism; Sustainable Hospitality; Sustainable Culinary Art; and Nature Conservation.
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 Sports and fitness are integral to IST; offerings include Football, Tennis, Volleyball, Multi-Sport, Gym Fun, Swimming, Ballet, Break Dance, Hip Hop Dance, and Horse Riding.
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 English is the language of instruction. Italian language is taught from Grade 1 to maintain Swiss Italian language proficiency and cultural identity, with Italian taught as an additional language when needed. German Language Acquisition begins in Grade 2 with CEFR-based progression to support local university access. Language Acquisition includes English, Italian, Spanish and Mandarin; co-curricular offerings include German, Italian, French, English, Mandarin and Spanish.
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 English is the language of instruction. Some subjects are delivered in English and Italian as required by the Ticino Canton. Italian is taught from Grade 1 to maintain Swiss Italian language proficiency and cultural identity, with Italian taught as an additional language for non-native speakers. German is taught from Grade 2 as a language acquisition subject, with CEFR-aligned progression.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Early Years Programme is taught in English (3-5 years old) with full immersion in an English language context. Primary School Programme is taught in English (5-11 years old). Middle School Programme is taught in English (11-16 years old).
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 IS Ticino accepts applications via an online form. After submission the admissions team will contact families to discuss the application process. IS Ticino admits international children arriving or leaving in the middle of the academic year. For Early Years and Elementary, IS Ticino provides an international education with English as the main language of instruction and operates a non-discriminatory admission policy. IS Ticino will accept children with no previous experience of speaking English. Although not all families are fluent in English, all communication with the school is primarily in English, and at least one parent should be able to speak English, communicate with staff in English, discuss English-language activities with the child, and read teacher notes and converse with teachers in English. Admission is by the Principal when it is evident the student can benefit from the programme and the school has sufficient staffing and programme capacity; placement for a different grade requires the Principal's recommendation. Priority for entry is given to families with siblings already enrolled and to international families whose children are fluent in English; all other applications are processed in strict chronological order and in compliance with the Admissions Procedure. Submit an application via the contact form (Apply Now). The language of instruction is English and applicants are assessed for English proficiency before a decision is made, including language assessments for PYP and DP where appropriate. Enrollment requires documents such as student and parent passports, Swiss permit if non-Swiss, birth certificate, vaccination record and Swiss health insurance.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Nsouli Scholars Programme: The Nsouli Scholars Programme provides full scholarships to 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend Inspired schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education. The endowment honours Nadim Nsouli, and several scholarships are awarded to individuals of Lebanese origin.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waiting lists: If a class is fully subscribed, successful applicants are invited to place their name on a waiting list. Priority is given to siblings of current IST students, children of ex-IST students, applicants from the international community, and applicants who are proficient in English or transferring from English-medium schools.
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