Institut Montana Switzerland vs International School of Schaffhausen

	I Institut Montana Switzerland Zug, Switzerland	I International School of Schaffhausen Zug, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 32,900 - 72,800	Fees / year CHF 26,750 - 70,640
Age range	Age range 6 - 19 years	Age range 0 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 280
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1926	Opened 1999
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Schönfels 5, 6300 Zug, Switzerland	Location Mühlentalstrasse 280, 8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Stages	Stages Primary School (Grades 1-6) – Bilingual Primary School; Secondary School (Grades 7-12) including Bilingual Secondary School (Grades 7-9), Swiss Gymnasium (Grades 7-12), International School (Grades 6-12)	Stages Childcare: ages 3 months to 3 years; Early Learning Centre: ages 3 to 6; Primary School: ages 6 to 11; Secondary School: ages 11 to 16. ISSH High School Diploma: ages 16 to 19, accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA); International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: ages 16 to 19.
School type	School type International day and boarding school	School type Private day and boarding school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Students come from all over the world, representing over 55 nationalities.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL) support; inclusive learning with the Learning Support Department; individualised learning plans for mild to moderate educational needs; EAL and Learning Support services may incur extra costs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland	Country affiliation Switzerland
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The school day begins at 8:15 and ends at 15:30. Wednesdays are early release days at 12:00 for Primary and up to Grade 10 for Secondary.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details ISSH operates a free shuttle service in the morning and at home time to/from the Schaffhausen main station, available to students from grade 1 onwards.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details One‑off enrolment / application fees - Admission / enrolment fee: CHF 5,500 (one‑time). This amount is payable on confirmation of enrolment. - Refundable deposit (paid on admission): Boarding students: CHF 5,000; Day students: CHF 3,000. The deposit is held against outstanding invoices and is normally refunded when the student leaves and accounts are settled. Annual tuition fees (by programme / year group) — fee per year and per semester - Boarding — Bilingual Elementary (BE5–BE6), Bilingual Secondary (BSS7–BSS9), Swiss Senior High School (SG1–SG6): CHF 70,400 per year → CHF 35,200 per semester. - Boarding — CEFY & International School (Grades 6–12): CHF 72,800 per year → CHF 36,400 per semester. - Day — Bilingual Elementary (BE1–BE4): CHF 32,900 per year → CHF 16,450 per semester. - Day — Bilingual Elementary (BE5–BE6), Bilingual Secondary (BSS7–BSS9), Swiss Senior High School (SG1–SG6): CHF 34,600 per year → CHF 17,300 per semester. - Day — CEFY & International School (Grades 6–12): CHF 36,800 per year → CHF 18,400 per semester. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition and boarding fees are billed semester by semester, in advance. Payment deadlines: 1st semester payment due by April 30 (before the school year begins); 2nd semester payment due by November 30 (during the school year). For new enrolments the first invoice includes the enrolment fee, the refundable deposit and 50% of the annual tuition/boarding fees; these items are due according to the invoice deadlines. In cases of late registration or late entry, fees for the current semester become due immediately. Personal expenses are billed monthly and are due within 30 days. Boarding fees and what they cover - Boarding rates are set by programme (see annual amounts above). Boarding fees include accommodation typically in a twin/double room, supervision and full board (five meals per day), class instruction for mandatory subjects, study hall supervision, use of the media centre and internet (copying up to a stated limit), participation in the activities programme and use of sports facilities. Flexi‑boarding (short or weekend boarding) is available on request; temporary boarding night rates for short stays are charged separately. Storage, damage or replacement charges (e.g., lost keys or ID) are additional. Other compulsory or common additional fees and typical optional charges - Personal expense account advance (held on account): Boarding students: CHF 5,000; Day students: CHF 1,000. Monthly personal expenses are billed against this account. - Programme / exam / curriculum fees: IGCSE programme fee (Grades 9–10): CHF 1,500 per programme; IB Diploma programme fee (Grades 11–12): CHF 5,000; additional IB subject fees (per semester) and per‑subject fees for HL/SL apply (document lists per‑subject charges). External exam fees (IGCSE, IB Diploma) are charged in addition and typically range approximately CHF 500–CHF 1,700 depending on the exam and subject selection. - Private music/instrument lessons: CHF 3,850 per year (CHF 1,925 per semester) for individual lessons. - Temporary boarding (double room, study and meals) when used by non‑boarders: CHF 180 per night. - Incidental charges: replacement Student ID CHF 20; lost room key CHF 100; charges for excessive damage are applied to the family account. Meals for special arrangements and some medical or travel costs may incur additional charges. Towels may be purchased from the Main Office. Refunds, cancellations and withdrawals - The refundable deposit is normally returned after the student leaves and all accounts are balanced; it may be retained if there are outstanding invoices. - For new enrolments, the one‑time admission/enrolment fee is non‑refundable. If a withdrawal occurs after specified cut‑off dates or after certain deadlines, the first instalment or other fees already paid may not be reimbursed. Fees already paid are generally not refunded for missed schooling, sickness, injury, suspension, expulsion or in the event the school must close for reasons beyond its control. The school may charge an administration fee in connection with certain contract terminations. Specific deadlines and conditions for refunds and cancellations are set out in the school's enrolment and financial conditions. Fee payment options and bank details - Payment by bank transfer is accepted; other payment methods accepted by the school may also be used. Bank account details provided for payments: Zuger Kantonalbank, CH‑6301 Zug; Account: 04‑720.377‑03; IBAN: CH32 0078 7000 4720 3770 3; SWIFT: KBZGH22. Personal expenses are billed monthly and must be paid within 30 days unless a different arrangement (for Swiss residents) is agreed with the Director. Summary notes (practical) - Tuition and boarding are billed semesterly in advance; where a yearly figure is shown above, divide by two to obtain the semester (per‑term) amount. Payments required on first invoice for new students typically include the one‑time admission fee, the refundable deposit and 50% of the annual fees. Programme‑specific and optional charges (exam fees, private music lessons, extra language support, temporary boarding, lost key/ID charges, etc.) are billed in addition to the base tuition and must be settled as invoiced.	Fee details Application & one-time fees - One-time enrolment fee for Day students (Grades 1–12): CHF 600. - One-time enrolment fee for Early Learning Centre/Childcare: CHF 200. - One-time capital building fund fee (day students, billed with first invoice): CHF 3,500 (not applicable for Early Learning Centre). Early Learning Centre & Childcare fees (ages 0–6) — fees charged per day - Age 0–3: Full day (07:45–18:00) CHF 138; Core time (07:45–15:45) CHF 118; Morning (07:45–12:30) CHF 87; Afternoon (12:30–18:00) CHF 92. - Age 3–4: Full day CHF 118; Core time CHF 102; Morning CHF 77; Afternoon CHF 87. - Age 4–6: Full day CHF 113; Core time CHF 97; Morning CHF 72; Afternoon CHF 72. Minimum booking rules apply by age group. Meals, diapers and hygiene items are included for babies; hot lunch for ELC pre-schoolers is optional and charged separately. Holiday-week refunds apply under specified conditions. Trial period and notice periods apply for cancellation. Day-school tuition (Grades 1–12) — quarterly and annual amounts - Grades 1–2: Quarterly CHF 6,690 \| Annual CHF 26,750. - Grades 3–5: Quarterly CHF 6,970 \| Annual CHF 27,870. (Grades 3, 4 & 5 shown at this rate). - Grades 6–8: Quarterly CHF 7,530 \| Annual CHF 30,090. (Grades 6, 7 & 8 shown at this rate). - Grades 9–10: Quarterly CHF 7,800 \| Annual CHF 31,200 (Grades 9 & 10 figures). - Grades 11–12 (High School / Diploma Programme): Quarterly CHF 8,330 \| Annual CHF 33,300. Note that IB examination fees are not included in the tuition for Diploma students. Boarding fees (full boarding; grades 9–12) — all-inclusive annual tuition & accommodation - One-time enrolment fee for boarding students: CHF 600; one-time capital building fund fee: CHF 3,500. Annual boarding tuition (includes tuition, accommodation, meals, supervision, most excursions and many boarding-house services): - Grades 9 & 10 (boarding): CHF 65,580 per year. - Grades 11 & 12 (IB Diploma / Pre-IB boarding): CHF 70,640 per year. Boarding fees exclude IB examination fees, private lessons, insurance and certain personal costs; boarding students from non-EU/non-EFTA countries must pay the yearly boarding fees in advance for visa documentation. Billing schedule, payment terms and instalments - Currency: All fees are payable in Swiss francs (CHF). Any exchange-rate losses are the family's responsibility. - Payment frequency options: families may choose quarterly payments in advance or a single annual payment in advance for Grades 1–12; the Early Learning Centre and Childcare are billed monthly. Quarterly bills may be paid by monthly instalments. Alternative payment arrangements may be granted only in exceptional circumstances and carry administrative conditions. - Payment dates (quarterly schedule): August 15, November 1, February 1 and May 1. Single annual payment due by August 15. The capital building fund fee is billed with the first invoice. Late payments may incur interest and recovery costs. Other costs and typical additional fees - English or German as an additional language: CHF 1,300 (listed fee). - Learning support (where applicable): CHF 1,300 (listed fee; reduced rates may be available via financial assistance). - Residential trips (approximate per-trip charges by grade): Grade 2 CHF 200; Grade 3 CHF 300; Grade 4 CHF 400; Grade 5 (Ski) CHF 950; Grades 6–8 CHF 800; Grades 9–12 CHF 950. - Diploma-related fees: IB registration and exam fees (DP2) approx. CHF 1,500; DP camp fees approx. CHF 800. IB exam fees are explicitly excluded from Diploma tuition. - Additional services: music lessons, specialist support and some extracurricular offerings are charged at the external teacher rate; lunch service, holiday camps, after-school clubs and other optional programmes may incur separate charges. Some shuttle-bus or transit services may be provided as described by the school. Refund, withdrawal and cancellation rules (key points) - The enrolment fee and the capital building fund fee are non‑refundable. - Early withdrawal charges (day students): - Withdrawals between July 1 and December 31 with notice given before October 31: 50% of the annual school fees will be charged. - Withdrawals between January 1 and March 31 with notice given before December 31 of the previous year: 75% of the annual school fees will be charged. - If notice is given after January 1, the full annual school fees will be charged. - Re-registration and no-show fees: withdrawal between April 30 and June 30 triggers an administrative charge of CHF 800; students who are registered and withdrawn after June 30 or who do not show up at the start of the school year will be billed 50% of the annual tuition (not applicable to ELC). - Early Learning Centre (ELC/Childcare) cancellations: a 4-week trial period applies; thereafter the contract may be cancelled with two months' notice at the end of a month. Holiday-week refunds for additional booked weeks: 50% refund if booked six weeks in advance (maximum of 12 additional weeks). No refunds for illness or other absences. - Force majeure: no refund of fees will be issued if part of the school must close for reasons beyond the school's control. Sibling discount & financial assistance - Sibling discount: second‑oldest child receives a 10% discount; each additional younger child receives a 5% discount (oldest child receives no discount). The discount is not available if other financial assistance has been granted and applies to families (not companies). Financial assistance is available for tuition only and is subject to annual reassessment and documentary verification. Accepted payment method(s) and invoicing - The school accepts tuition payments by bank transfer. Detailed payment instructions are provided on school invoices. Boarding students from certain countries must pay fees in full in advance for visa purposes. Invoices and billing correspondence are issued by the school's administration. Notes on inclusions and exclusions - Tuition and boarding fee descriptions indicate which items are included (regular tuition, course books and materials, many school-day activities; boarding also covers accommodation, three meals per day and supervision for the stated teaching weeks) and which are excluded (IB exam fees, private tuition/coaching, musical instrument lessons, liability/medical insurance, personal travel and personal expenses). Visa-related documentation requires proof of payment for boarding students when applicable.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Three boarding houses provide accommodation: Grosses Haus for older boys, Haus Juventus for younger boys, and Haus Felsenegg for girls. A total of about 120 boarding students live on campus, representing around 24 nationalities, with boarding starting at age 10. Flexi-boarding is available for weeks or weekends, and boarders participate in weekend activities and trips around Switzerland.	Boarding arrangements The boarding houses are off-campus in quiet residential neighbourhoods, a short bus ride from campus. The dorms are co-ed, with one boys' floor and one girls' floor, and each dorm accommodates up to ten students (most in double rooms). There is a large kitchen, a common room, and a staff room for boarding staff. Meals are included in the boarding fees: breakfast in the boarding house, hot lunch at school, and dinner in the boarding house; a sign-out system monitors departures and students must return before dinner, with a set curfew; boarding staff supervise outside school hours.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Primary School students wear Montana School clothing during the school day, with orders placed via Unique Uniforms. The bilingual primary school specifies Montana School uniforms for everyday wear.	Uniform requirement ISSH does not require a school uniform.
Food options	Food options Dining is done in a sit-down dining hall with daily meals that include breakfast, cocoa breaks, lunch, afternoon breaks, and dinner. The menu combines served and buffet-style options, includes vegetarian dishes, and uses locally sourced ingredients, with milk supplied from the Zugerberg.	Food options Boarding includes all meals: breakfast in the boarding house, hot lunch at school, and dinner in the boarding house. Hot lunch is optional for day students and is charged separately.
House system	House system There are three boarding houses: Grosses Haus (older boys), Haus Juventus (younger boys), and Haus Felsenegg (girls). Each house has its own house manager and dedicated facilities, supporting a family-like boarding community.	House system The boarding houses are located off-campus and are co-ed, with separate floors for boys and girls; each house accommodates up to ten students and includes a large kitchen and a common room, with a staff room for house carers.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is owned and operated by Institut Montana Zugerberg AG, the independent Swiss company that runs Institut Montana Zugerberg in Zug, Switzerland.	Governance and ownership ISSH is owned by the International School of Schaffhausen Foundation and is governed by the Foundation Board and Board of Directors.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Institut Montana offers four academic pathways for Grades 1–12: Bilingual Primary School Grades 1–6 follows the Swiss Lehrplan 21 and is taught in English and German. Bilingual Secondary School Grades 7–9 follows the Swiss curriculum with language and subject options in English and German, and offers intensive language courses with certificates in German, French and English (Goethe Institut, DELF, Cambridge). Swiss Gymnasium Grades 7–12 leads to the Swiss Matura, with monolingual German or bilingual pathways and language support in German, French and English (Goethe Institut, DELF, Cambridge). International School Grades 6–12 uses international programmes starting with Cambridge Lower Secondary/IGCSE, progressing to the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a High School Diploma; the main language of instruction is English and English language assessment is used with EAL support. The language/certification mix includes Cambridge, Goethe/DELF, and Cambridge IGCSE; the Swiss Matura provides direct access to ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of St. Gallen and EHL; the IB Diploma offers global university entry.	Curriculum details The school uses the International Baccalaureate framework across all divisions. The Primary Years Programme is offered from the Early Learning Centre through Primary for ages 3-12. The bespoken secondary curriculum brings the IB philosophy to life, with Grades 9-10 following a pre-IB programme and dedicated career guidance to prepare for the Diploma Programme. The Diploma Programme is a two-year programme for students aged 16-19 that prepares them for higher education and beyond.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Student/teacher ratio is 4:1. Average class size is 10.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results IB Diploma pass rate 99% (2025). The International School serves about 170 students with an average class size of 12 and students from around 45 nationalities. The IB Diploma program is a pathway within the International School, enabling admission to universities worldwide and in Switzerland.	Exam results The Diploma Programme has maintained a 100% pass rate for several consecutive years.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression IB Diploma graduates have access to universities worldwide and in Switzerland. The Swiss Matura path provides direct access to ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of St. Gallen and EHL.	Higher education progression The Diploma Programme prepares students for higher education and beyond.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented The admissions process is holistic and considers students' interests and talents. Co-curricular activities such as Model United Nations, Performing Arts, and Entrepreneurship Club provide outlets for talented students.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning We take a holistic approach to learning and development, recognizing that overall well-being (physical and emotional) supports academic success. Emotional resilience and happiness are fostered through programmes and workshops. Confidential student support is available on-site through the Care Team and school counsellors. Early intervention and preventative counselling are part of our Care Team services. KiVa anti-bullying programme supports a safe and respectful school climate.	Social & emotional learning The school uses the Boarding Programme to develop core skills and to foster ethical, personal, and social growth. The school provides a safe, nurturing boarding environment where students build confidence, responsibility, autonomy, integrity and strong interpersonal abilities. The school uses small boarding groups to provide attentive, individualized support through regular check-ins and meetings with the Head of Boarding. The school integrates skill development with academic life, helping students plan study schedules and meet academic deadlines. The school embeds wellbeing and personal development in daily routines, with emphasis on stress-management techniques and meaningful social connections.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school provides in-house learning support with a Learning Support Coordinator who collaborates with teachers, parents and students to tailor recommendations for those with specific learning needs. The school offers one-on-one lessons and small-group pull-out lessons, with push-in services available at an additional cost. When needed, the school helps families connect with external assessments or therapies. Individualised Learning Plans are put in place to enhance the student's learning experience and overall success.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English and/or German are the main languages of instruction, with additional language support provided as needed.	English as an additional language The school provides tailored language support to ensure all students achieve academic success across all stages, from Primary through to the Diploma Programme.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The Care Team runs mental health and social skills workshops to help students manage stress, build self-esteem and develop healthy relationships. Confidential student support is available on-site through our guidance counsellors. KiVa anti-bullying programme supports the mental wellbeing of our community.	Mental wellbeing The school integrates wellbeing into every aspect of ISSH life. The school prioritizes physical health and mental wellbeing within the boarding programme, with care staff providing guidance and structure. The Safeguarding Committee continually reviews policies to protect students' wellbeing. Boarding houses are supervised by caregivers, with small groups enabling individualized attention. The school teaches stress-reduction techniques, particularly during examination periods, and promotes balanced living with healthy sleep, regular activity, digital safety and constructive relationships with technology.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Anti-bullying and child protection policies uphold the emotional well-being of the community. KiVa anti-bullying programme is embedded in the curriculum. Clear guidelines focus on respect, responsibility and kindness.	Safeguarding The school has a Safeguarding Committee that regularly reviews programmes, policies and procedures to protect student wellbeing at all times. The school recognises students' right to be protected from harm, and that learning cannot occur without physical and emotional security. The school maintains a comprehensive safeguarding framework, a secure neighbourhood environment, and boarding-house security protocols. The school promotes digital safety and media literacy as part of safeguarding.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Campus on the Zugerberg sits on a pre-alpine mountain in Zug, Switzerland, surrounded by forests and meadows. It offers easy access to the city of Zug and connections via Zurich. In summer, there are breath-taking views over Lake Zug with opportunities to swim and row. The campus provides on-site dining services and health and well-being support. Co-curricular spaces support activities such as music, private instrument lessons, choir and drama club, and Model United Nations.	Facilities overview Our campus blends history, innovation, and nature to support learning, play, and community. It includes an Early Learning Centre and Primary building (Logierhaus), a Secondary Building, an outdoor learning area, physical and play spaces, and two boarding houses.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities In summer swimming and rowing on Lake Zug are available. Outdoor activities such as walking and biking trails are directly accessible from the campus doorstep, with mountain biking in the surrounding area. The mountain setting supports seasonal outdoor activities and access to nearby ski resorts.	Sports facilities Physical activity and well-being are central to life at ISSH. The campus includes a modern gymnasium for indoor sports and events, an outdoor soccer pitch, and a basketball court for active play and training. There are dedicated play areas for Early Learning Centre and Primary students to promote safe exploration.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Bilingual Primary School offers immersive German-English language learning with project-based studies and extensive tech integration. Bilingual Secondary School provides individual support and mentoring to develop skills for further study or training. Swiss Gymnasium focuses on Swiss Matura with a bilingual option for some subjects in English. International School guides students toward International Baccalaureate or a High School Diploma. Summer Camp combines language learning with interactive workshops and activities.	Academic facilities The Secondary Building features bright, adaptable learning spaces and a well-equipped secondary library. Science laboratories support hands-on biology, physics, and chemistry experiments. Learning spaces are designed to foster collaboration, communication, and inquiry.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular activities emphasize Be active, Be creative, Be inspired and Be compassionate. Performing Arts includes music, private instrument lessons, choir and drama club. Model United Nations enables students to represent UN Member States. Learn more about co-curricular activities on Institut Montana's site.	Extra curricular facilities Boarding at ISSH offers a family-style living experience in two boarding houses for up to 25 students. An outdoor learning area beside the school grounds, the Waldsofa forest, provides forest-based learning opportunities, and there are play areas for Early Learning Centre and Primary students.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Opened on May 3, 1926, the school on the Zugerberg was founded by Dr Max Husmann to educate a multinational student body and foster international mindedness and respect for different cultures. In the 1920s and 1930s it expanded the programme to include languages, business and technical skills, with an emphasis on student happiness and close bonds between teachers and students, and classrooms sometimes moved outdoors in summer. The school remained open through World War II, though many buildings were requisitioned; after the war Husmann established the Max Husmann Foundation in 1946 and transferred ownership to safeguard the school's values. In 1987 Institut Montana joined the International Baccalaureate Organisation, expanding Swiss and international diploma paths, and the 1990s saw a financial crisis overcome through community support and changes in ownership. More recently the campus has evolved with a 2024 Innovation Hub and the 100-year anniversary planned for 2026.	History The International School of Schaffhausen was founded in 1999 to support the economic development of the Schaffhausen region by meeting the educational needs of both international and local families. Since then, the school has grown into a thriving IB World School, renowned for its personalised approach, international outlook, and commitment to excellence. ISSH is owned by the International School of Schaffhausen Foundation and is governed by the Foundation Board and Board of Directors. The school provides English-language international education from Nursery through to the Diploma Programme.
Community	Community Day students and boarders come from many countries, creating an international Montana family. The Montana student community is lively and international, and everyone learns languages. Students participate in musical performances, Model United Nations, skiing in the Swiss mountains and a busy social calendar. The friendships formed here are carried forward into the alumni community that students join on graduation.	Community ISSH fosters a global community where international families and local Swiss families come together, united by shared values. Our caring staff and small class sizes support a personalised learning journey for every student. School life features cultural celebrations and outdoor experiences that build meaningful friendships across nationalities. Family Hub provides after-school care, playgroups, and community events to connect families, while the Parents' Association acts as the voice of parents, fostering involvement and a welcoming community.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The Parents' Association serves as the voice of parents. The PA fosters a welcoming and supportive environment that brings the community together. The PA committee includes a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Class Representatives. The PA works to enrich the school experience for both students and their families. Families are encouraged to get involved and contact the association.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Offers Cambridge Lower Secondary (Pre-IGCSE), IGCSE, International Baccalaureate Diploma, or Swiss high school diploma as academic pathways. The International School uses English as the main language of instruction, with an English language assessment during admissions and English-language support as needed. Bilingual Primary School and Bilingual Secondary School provide instruction in English and German, with intensive language courses and certificates for German, French, and English; first-language courses in German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese help maintain students' home languages.	Academic & intellectual The school has clubs that promote academic inquiry and global awareness. MUN, STEM, and UNESCO clubs offer hands-on, inquiry-driven experiences related to global issues and science.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Be creative offers a wide range of activities including writing and producing the school magazine; culinary arts; clay ceramics; performing arts with private instrument lessons, drama club, and school choir; and photography.	Arts & creative The school has an Arts & Crafts Club and a Creative Expression program for imaginative projects. The clubs encourage creativity, expression, and confidence through art.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Languages of instruction include English as the main language for the International School, with bilingual English–German pathways in the primary and secondary levels. Intensive language courses and certificate programs for German, French, and English are available, with EAL support as needed. First-language options include German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese to support language maintenance and development.	Cultural & language Model United Nations (MUN) fosters international dialogue and global issues awareness. A German Conservation Club provides opportunities to practise spoken German in real-world contexts.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Be active features team sports (volleyball, football, unihockey), tennis and badminton, running, fitness and zumba, archery, mountain biking, and beginner swimming, encouraging outdoor activity and health. Be inspired includes activities like drama, science and technology, entrepreneurship, chess, Student Council, book club, and Model United Nations to foster social and intellectual engagement.	Social & hobbies Movement & Sports clubs promote teamwork and fitness. Reading & Storytelling and Games & Strategy clubs develop language, literacy, problem solving, and strategic thinking.
Community & service	Community & service Be compassionate covers service-oriented activities such as IBDP CAS (creativity, activity, service) programmes, school project weeks, a Student Council Environment Committee, forest club, and upcycling projects to develop civic responsibility.	Community & service The UNESCO Club focuses on peace, sustainability, education, and intercultural understanding through service learning and campaigns. It collaborates with local and international organisations and empowers students as changemakers.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities include Student Council involvement, entrepreneurship initiatives, and Model United Nations; there is a Head of Co-Curricular and ICT teacher guiding activities and technology integration to develop leadership and professional skills.	Leadership & professional MUN develops leadership, public speaking, negotiation, and teamwork. ISSH students lead and organise their own annual MUN Conference on campus.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing We provide Health and Well-Being counselling and confidential student support, along with Dining Services that offer meals in a home-like environment. A broad range of co-curricular activities supports physical and mental health, with outdoor surroundings encouraging active lifestyles.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Movement & Sports clubs offer weekly activities to stay active and build teamwork. The Wellbeing Club focuses on mindfulness, self-care, and kindness.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English and German are the main languages of instruction, and French is introduced.	Language provision English is the language of instruction across all grade levels, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for non-native English speakers. German is taught as a Second Language in the Primary School. In Secondary School, Language A (Mother Tongue) and Language B (Language Acquisition) courses are offered in English and German. French is introduced from Grades 5 to 8 and becomes optional from Grade 9.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Primary School offers bilingual education with full-immersion classrooms in German and English; Secondary School provides bilingual German–English instruction with French introduced.	Bilingual teaching The school teaches in English as the primary language of instruction across all grade levels. In Secondary School, Language A (Mother Tongue) and Language B (Language Acquisition) courses are offered in both English and German. French is introduced from Grades 5 to 8 and becomes optional from Grade 9.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Primary School features full-immersion classrooms in German and English as part of its bilingual program.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards null	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations CIS; Cambridge; Canton of Zug; plus additional accreditations and logos displayed on site.	Accreditations MSA accreditation for the ISSH High School Diploma.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The admissions process is holistic and evaluates each application beyond academic performance to understand a child's potential, motivation to learn, interests and passions, and whether they will thrive in the international community. The process has six steps: 1. 2. Interview: Visit campus for a free trial day or arrange a video meeting if you cannot visit in person. 3. Academic assessment: CAT4 Ability Test and language placement tests assess academic and language levels; depending on year group, Heads of Programmes join for a short interview. 4. Admissions evaluation: The Admissions Team and Heads of Programmes evaluate the application and advise on needed support. 5. Offer letter: Includes class placement and any required support plans; the offer letter is valid for two weeks. 6. Enrolment confirmation: After accepting, the Admissions Team assists with final documents and shares information for a successful first day; visa applications are supported for boarders. Admissions are rolling throughout the year, with a recommendation to start at the beginning of a semester; the team will help determine the best entry point for each student.	Admissions 1. Begin your application via the online application form. The online application form is hosted on OpenApply, and our admissions team is available to support you from the first enquiry to the first day of school. From the first enquiry to the first day of school, our admissions team guides you through the process, answering questions to ensure that ISSH is the right fit for your child. For personalised support, you can reach the admissions team throughout the process. 2. If applying to the Early Learning Centre (ELC), the admissions process takes about two weeks. We have limited places available in the ELC Programme, so it is advisable to begin your application early and schedule a personalised tour of the ELC. You can schedule a tour and seek further information by contacting the admissions team. 3. For Primary School admissions (ages 6 to 11), after submitting the application documents you will be invited to visit ISSH and meet our admissions team in person. A trial day for your child is encouraged as part of the process. If relocation makes in-person visits difficult, we are happy to meet you online. 4. For Secondary School or High School Diploma programmes (ages 11 to 19), submit the completed application form along with supporting documents, including school reports and letters of recommendation. ISSH will arrange academic assessments in English and mathematics, followed by an interview with the admissions team. For local Schaffhausen applicants, a trial period at ISSH will also be organised to ensure a good fit with our community. 5. For the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), complete the application form and submit supporting documents. We will conduct an academic assessment to evaluate English and mathematics skills, then arrange a meeting with our academic team to discuss university aspirations. A trial day is encouraged to give your child a genuine taste of IB learning at ISSH. 6. For the Boarding Programme (ages 14 to 19), schedule an online meeting with our admissions team to guide you through submitting the boarding application and supporting documents. We will arrange assessments in English and mathematics, as well as interviews with both our academic team and Head of Boarding. You are welcome to visit the campus to experience daily life at ISSH.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships ISSH offers a financial assistance programme with reduced rates. Reduced rates may be available through the financial assistance programme, and eligibility details are described in the Financial Regulations. Cantonal childcare subsidies may be available for families registered in the Canton of Schaffhausen who are employed or unemployed; details are in the Financial Regulations.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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