Institut Montana Switzerland vs International School of Zug and Luzern - Zug Campus

	I Institut Montana Switzerland Zug, Switzerland	I International School of Zug and Luzern - Zug Campus Zug, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 32,900 - 72,800	Fees / year CHF 16,800 - 36,700
Age range	Age range 6 - 19 years	Age range 3 - 14 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 800
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1926	Opened 1961
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Schönfels 5, 6300 Zug, Switzerland	Location Two ISZL campuses are located in Central Switzerland: Baar (Zug Campus) and Hünenberg (Riverside Campus). The Zug Campus address is Walterswil 1, 6340 Baar, Switzerland. The Riverside Campus address is Rothusstrasse 4B, 6331 Hünenberg, Switzerland. The campuses are about 33 km from Zürich Airport.
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 Primary School (ages 3–11) follows the IB Primary Years Programme; Middle School (ages 11–14) follows the IB Middle Years Programme; High School (ages 14–18) offers the IB Diploma Programme or the ISZL High School Diploma.
School type	School type International day and boarding school	School type The school is a private, non-profit international day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Students come from all over the world, representing over 55 nationalities.	Pupil nationality mix 60 nationalities represented.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Support for Additional Learning Needs is tailored to the individual and provided in-class, in small groups, or one-on-one.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland	Country affiliation Switzerland
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Non-denominational
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure School hours are Primary and Middle School 08:50–15:30 and High School 08:40–16:00, Monday–Friday. A daily hot lunch is available at an additional cost, and the Eagles after-school care runs 15:30–18:00 for Early Years–Grade 8.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Transportation includes a school bus for the Zug Campus; parents may drive or students can use public transport; High School students primarily use public transport.
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 / registration fee - A non‑refundable registration fee is required to confirm each student's place. Starting amounts are: CHF 2,000 for entry in Early Years 1; CHF 3,000 for entry in Early Years 2; and CHF 5,000 for entry in Kindergarten or any grade above. The registration fee is one‑time and is not credited toward tuition. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term) - Early Years 1 (mornings only): Annual CHF 16,650 — Per term CHF 5,550.00. - Early Years 1 (full time): Annual CHF 26,050 — Per term CHF 8,683.33. - Early Years 2 (mornings only): Annual CHF 16,850 — Per term CHF 5,616.67. - Early Years 2 (full time): Annual CHF 27,800 — Per term CHF 9,266.67. - Kindergarten: Annual CHF 32,700 — Per term CHF 10,900.00. - Grades 1–5 (Primary): Annual CHF 32,900 — Per term CHF 10,966.67. - Grades 6–8 (Middle School): Annual CHF 36,300 — Per term CHF 12,100.00. - Grades 9–10 (High School): Annual CHF 38,700 — Per term CHF 12,900.00. - Grades 11–12 (High School senior years): Annual CHF 39,200 — Per term CHF 13,066.67. (Per‑term figures are the annual tuition divided by three terms and shown to two decimal places.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Enrolment is for the full school year. All invoices are sent electronically and tuition invoices are payable within thirty (30) days of the invoice date or before the start of the next payment period. Any bank fees charged when transferring funds must be paid by the sender. Interest on overdue amounts is charged at 12% per year. Payment options for private payers may be arranged in 2, 3, 4 or 8 instalments; an administration fee of CHF 200 per child per year applies to any instalment plan. Instalment due dates are specified in the school's financial regulations (examples: for 3 instalments — payments due around July 31, November 30 and February 28; for 4 instalments — July 31, September 30, November 30 and February 28; for 2 instalments — July 31 and January 31). Employer payments (registration or tuition paid directly by an employer) can be indicated on the fees/payment information. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered; ISZL operates as a non‑profit co‑educational day school (no boarding fees apply). Other costs and typical additional fees - Lunch programme: charged separately. - School bus / transport service: charged separately. - Music Academy lessons and other optional co‑curricular lessons: charged separately. - Multilingual Academy / extra language classes: charged separately. - External exam and course fees for Grades 11–12 (AP/IB/College Board exam fees) and college application‑related expenses: charged to families as applicable. - Optional trips, tournaments and some extracurricular trips: charged separately as applicable. - Parents' Association annual membership fee: CHF 40 per child, added to the invoice. - Uniform: there is no formal compulsory uniform; a dress code applies and optional branded sports/PE items are available for purchase. Any costs for optional branded items are additional. Refunds and withdrawal charges (summary of main rules) - The registration fee is non‑refundable. - New students who cancel a confirmed enrolment before classes start will be charged a percentage of the relevant tuition if cancellation is within the notice window (examples given in the school's enrolment and finance policies: a 25% charge applies for new‑student cancellations unless notice is received at least four calendar months before the start date). Re‑enrolment and late withdrawal rules include a 25% late withdrawal charge if a student is withdrawn after re‑enrolment. - Force majeure, school closure for reasons beyond the school's control, and student disciplinary suspension/expulsion do not entitle families to a refund of tuition or other fees. - Unpaid invoices may be pursued externally and related collection costs may be charged to the family. Fee payment methods and practical notes - Invoices are issued electronically. Payment instructions require the payer to cover any bank transfer charges. Payment is arranged via the Business Office; instalment plans must be pre‑arranged each year. Employer direct payment of registration and/or tuition is accommodated where indicated. The school's published materials specify bank transfer and invoicing as the standard mechanisms; families should follow the invoice payment instructions. Overdue fees incur interest (12% p.a.) and missed or late payments may trigger collection action. Summary statement - Annual tuition at ISZL varies by age and grade from CHF 16,650 (Early Years 1 mornings) up to CHF 39,200 (Grades 11–12) with standard billing aligned to the school's three‑term academic year. Registration fees, instalment administration fees, and a set of optional additional charges (meals, transport, extracurricular lessons, exam fees, trips, parents' association fee) are applied in addition to tuition. The school is a day school and does not charge boarding fees. Refunds are limited: the registration fee is non‑refundable and withdrawal/cancellation charges apply per the school's enrolment and financial regulations; force majeure and disciplinary exclusions to refunds apply.
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 —
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 No formal uniform is required. Students must dress appropriately and in accordance with the ISZL Dress Code.
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 The Zug Campus offers an optional hot lunch programme; meals are prepared on-site in the school kitchen and served daily in the cafeteria. Menus can be viewed by parents via the Parent Portal.
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 —
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 ISZL is a non-profit foundation under Swiss law, approved by the educational authorities of Zug and Luzern. The Board of Trustees defines the mission, vision, and strategic goals, appoints the Director, and oversees finances, with four standing committees: Governance, Facilities, Finance and Audit, and Fundraising.
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 ISZL follows the International Baccalaureate framework across the Primary, Middle, and High School. Primary School uses the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Middle School uses the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). High School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the ISZL High School Diploma, with pathways that include Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the BTEC Diploma in Creative Media. The school operates on two campuses: Zug (Zug Campus for Primary and Middle) and Riverside (High School), with English as the main language of instruction and dedicated EAL support and German offered as an additional language.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Student/teacher ratio is 4:1. Average class size is 10.	Student teacher ratio 1:7
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 ISZL high school students in Grades 11 and 12 earn a range of internationally recognised qualifications, including Advanced Placement exams, BTEC Diplomas in Creative Media, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Our students consistently achieve results well above global averages.
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 ISZL provides university advising with personalised guidance on course selection and curriculum pathways, psychometric testing, information about external assessments, and guidance on university applications (including UK UCAS, Netherlands Studielink, and the USA Common Application). Formal university preparation begins in Grade 10, with Grade 11 offering biweekly university seminars and Grade 12 focused on applications; students can submit up to ten university applications worldwide.
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 Enrichment programmes include the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, Youth Forum Switzerland, after‑school clubs, competitive sports, and service learning, which support leadership, creativity, and global citizenship as part of ISZL's enrichment offering.
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 Wellbeing is embedded in ISZL's daily life across both campuses. The wellbeing approach is holistic, addressing emotional, social, and physical health. Strong relationships, dedicated guidance and a caring community help students build confidence and life skills. The four pillars of wellbeing are awareness, insight, connection and purpose. Small homeroom groups provide daily mentoring, circle discussions and grade assemblies to support self-awareness and empathy. Residential and experiential trips, including the Duke of Edinburgh activities and time at the school chalet in Wengen, extend wellbeing learning beyond the classroom.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) All ISZL campuses provide support for students with identified mild to moderate learning needs. The High School Learning Support team works with students, teachers and families to understand individual needs and develop personalised learning plans. Support may include in-class assistance, small group sessions, or one-to-one instruction. A trained mental health professional supports student wellbeing as part of the broader support services. The policy framework supports inclusive practice for diverse learning needs.
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 English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided for students who do not have English as their first language or who have been educated in a different language. From building vocabulary and reading comprehension to supporting classroom participation, the EAL team helps students grow language skills and confidence in the ISZL community. The Primary School EAL programme is built on the PYP framework. The school also supports multilingual learners through first language programmes and multilingual resources. EAL support is integrated with curriculum to enable access to subject content.
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 Trained mental health professionals play a key role in student wellbeing. They help students navigate challenges, build resilience, and set personal goals. They also contribute to the PSHE programme and provide staff with strategies to support students' social and emotional development. Wellbeing is supported through dedicated guidance and a caring community, with small homeroom groups fostering personal development. Residential and school chalet experiences, such as Personal Development Week and other trips, contribute to students' wellbeing and social-emotional growth.
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 Safeguarding students is central to recruitment and daily practice. Annual child protection training is provided. We use reporting platforms such as MyConcern and Confide for reporting concerns. All staff undergo criminal background checks and reference checks before hiring. The Child Protection Handbook shows how we create a safe environment for our students.
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 ISZL operates two campuses in Central Switzerland: the Zug Campus for Early Years through Middle School and the Riverside Campus in Hünenberg for High School. The Zug Campus centers on the historic Wettinger House (17th century) surrounded by modern buildings, with 75 rooms to explore. The Riverside Campus features the main building with over 20 classrooms, science labs, a library, an art atelier and music rooms, the triple gym, and additional space in the neighboring Seeblick and Alpenblick buildings. ISZL also owns Chalet Bergheim, a wooden Outdoor Education Centre in Wengen for outdoor learning and residential trips.
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 The Riverside Campus features the triple gym.
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 Zug Campus comprises the historic Wettinger House (17th century) and modern buildings, with 75 rooms to explore. The Riverside Campus houses the High School with over 20 classrooms, science labs, a library, an art atelier and music rooms.
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 Chalet Bergheim Outdoor Education Centre in Wengen serves as the school's outdoor education centre.
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 ISZL has a deeply rooted history in the canton of Zug in Central Switzerland, where our story began long before we embraced the name ISZL. For more than 60 years, ISZL has grown from a small tutoring group for 14 American children of Willy's employees, known as Willy's School, to an expansive multicampus community serving around 1,200 students from 60 countries. What began as Willy's School was renamed the Zug Anglo-American School in 1964, and the campus relocated through the 1960s to accommodate growth. In 2008, the merger of the International School of Zug, the International School of Luzern, and the Riverside School formed the ISZL we know today, followed by expansion such as Chalet Bergheim and the mission 'Respect, Motivate, Achieve'. Plans for a new Middle School campus next to the High School in Hünenberg are planned for opening in 2028.
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 ISZL has strong ties with the wider Swiss community. Orientation Day is held on both the Zug and Riverside campuses to welcome new families, and the PA provides Community Representatives to connect families with others who share cultural backgrounds. The annual ISZL Community events include International Day, Community Festival, the Winter Market, Welcome Fair, Trunk or Treat, Quiz Night, and Wine & Cheese tasting. The PA's Neighbourhood Networks help connect families with local services, carers and clubs.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association ISZL's Parents' Association (PA) is the active volunteer body behind the ISZL community, with over 300 volunteers who help organise events and welcome new families. It supports school initiatives and offers social and cultural activities, informal coffee mornings, and practical advice to families settling in. Class and Grade Representatives act as a bridge between parents and the school, with class representatives in Primary and grade representatives in Middle and High School. The PA connects families through Neighbourhood Networks to share local tips and arrange carpooling. The PA also leads and supports a range of clubs and events, including the annual International Day.
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 Activities Programme offers opportunities for personal growth, creativity, and connection. The activities are organized into three categories: Visual and Performing Arts; Recreational Sports; and Academic Enrichment And Student Leadership. In Academic Enrichment And Student Leadership, ISZL offers Digital Creators, German, Leadership & Action, Aquaponics/Urban Gardening, Swiss Young Naturalists Tournament, Creative Thinking, SATs Prep, Debate, Vex Robotics, Eco-schools, Model United Nations, Live Media Technicians, Medical Society, Student Ambassadors, Spanish, and Student-led Activities in the Primary School. Students learn new skills, understand the importance of commitment and resilience, and develop creativity, independence, communication, and leadership, while engaging in service projects.
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 Visual and Performing Arts is one of the three activity categories. ISZL provides Drama; Guitar or Wind Band; Photography; Sinfonia; Theatre Production; Improv; Raku Ceramics; and Mural Creating and Painting. Some activities, such as orchestra and choir, run all year round.
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 German and Spanish are featured in Academic Enrichment. Model United Nations is included as an academic enrichment activity. Youth Forum Switzerland provides an international platform for student leaders to discuss global issues and to develop leadership and communication skills through inviting speakers, shaping programmes, and coordinating activities.
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 The Activities Programme offers opportunities to pursue passions and connect with others. ISZL's activity categories—Visual and Performing Arts, Recreational Sports, and Academic Enrichment—allow students to pursue a wide range of interests and hobbies. The program encourages students to step out of their comfort zone and pursue their passions while building empathy through service projects.
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 Students engage in service projects through Academic Enrichment and Student Leadership activities. Youth Forum Switzerland includes initiatives focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Personal Development Week, with a school chalet in Wengen, focuses on teamwork and social and environmental responsibility, laying the foundation for project-based service learning. ISZL also provides on-campus health and wellbeing support through registered nurses and mental health professionals.
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 Youth Forum Switzerland is entirely student-led, with Grade 11 and 12 students taking ownership of every aspect. Participants develop real-world skills in organisation, public speaking, media engagement, and strategic thinking. ISZL students lead in inviting speakers, shaping the programme, and coordinating logistics for the forum.
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 Wellbeing in High School is holistic, recognizing the importance of emotional, social, and physical health. The four pillars of wellbeing are awareness, insight, connection, and purpose. Small homeroom groups provide daily one-to-one mentoring, circle discussions, and assemblies to build self-awareness, empathy, and confidence. Personal Development Week includes grade-level trips across Europe and a school chalet in Wengen, hosting Duke of Edinburgh International Award activities and ski trips, supporting teamwork and leadership, while on-campus nurses and mental health professionals support student wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English and German are the main languages of instruction, and French is introduced.	Language provision The main language of instruction is English. German, French and Spanish are offered as foreign language courses. The school runs a First Language Programme to support home/heritage languages, with a broad range of languages studied (including Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and more). English language support (EAL) is provided for about 20% of students to access the curriculum.
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 has a First Language Programme to support students' home languages and enable IB Bilingual Diploma. German, French and Spanish are offered as foreign language courses. The main language of instruction is English. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for about 20% of students.
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 The school has earned the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award.
Accreditations	Accreditations CIS; Cambridge; Canton of Zug; plus additional accreditations and logos displayed on site.	Accreditations The school is an IB World School. It carries accreditation/membership with NEASC and CIS, ECIS, ISTA and other associations as part of its international standing.
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. Submitting Your Application: Applications are accepted throughout the year, depending on availability; there is no application fee, but a registration fee is required once a place is offered. For Primary School (Ages 3–11), complete the online application and upload the passport, school reports, and a teacher evaluation. For Middle and High School (Ages 11–18), submit the online form, passport, transcripts, and two teacher evaluations, including one from a current maths teacher. An English language assessment may be required for mid-year entry from Grade 7. 2. Application Review and Language Assessment: After submission, the Admissions Committee reviews the application and aims to provide an outcome within 10 working days; if support services are required, the process may take longer. If admitted but there is no space, the child may be placed on a waiting list. If entering mid-year (Grade 7+), an English language assessment may be required. 3. Offer and Registration: If admission is granted, a formal offer and a non-refundable registration fee are issued. After payment, the place is confirmed. The offer outlines the next steps and the start date. 4. Preparation and Portal Access: Before your child begins classes, you will receive access to the Parent Portal with resources and the ability to sign up for school services. The portal helps you prepare for the first day at ISZL. Access is provided prior to the start date. 5. The Zug Campus (Early Years–Grade 8) is Walterswil 1, 6340 Baar. The Riverside Campus (Grade 9–12) is Rothusstrasse 4B, 6331 Hünenberg.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist If admission is granted but there is no space, the child may be placed on a waiting list.
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