Inter-Community School Zurich vs Zurich International School - Secondary Campus
Inter-Community School Zurich and Zurich International School - Secondary Campus are both in Zug, about 7 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Zurich International School - Secondary Campus also offers Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke and Swiss. Published annual fees are CHF 12,600 - 39,700 at Inter-Community School Zurich and CHF 36,450 - 39,700 at Zurich International School - Secondary Campus, which puts Zurich International School - Secondary Campus roughly 46% higher. Inter-Community School Zurich takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Zurich International School - Secondary Campus from 11 to 18. Zurich International School - Secondary Campus is the larger school, with around 1,280 pupils to Inter-Community School Zurich's 850.
The Inter-Community School Zurich is located at Strubenacher 3, 8126 Zumikon, Switzerland. It is the oldest international school in the Greater Zurich Area. ICS is an English-language international school in Zurich, serving students aged 24 months to 18 years. ICS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme for Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Studies, with a bilingual diploma option.
Location
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Stages
Stages
Preschool (Nursery to K2); Primary School (Grades 1-5); Middle School (Grades 6-8); Diploma Studies (Grades 11-12).
Stages
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School type
School type
English-language international school offering the IB Programme across all levels (PYP, MYP, DP).
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
50+ nationalities are represented; families come from 55 countries.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The Learning Support Department provides support for students with learning challenges, offering in-class and withdrawal services and developing individual support plans with input from parents and teachers to help each student access the curriculum.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
ICS runs its own school bus service for students aged 4 and older, with drivers licensed for safety; registration is via the Parent Portal. Public transport access includes Bus 919 and the Forchbahn S18 to Waltikon, with a short 5–7 minute walk from the stops.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application Fees
- Application Fee: CHF 500 per student, one-time, non-refundable. Payment of the Application Fee is required before an application will be considered; it is paid online by credit card (MasterCard or VISA).
Capital Fund Fee (one-time)
- Nursery entrants: CHF 1,000, one-time, non-refundable. - Pre-Kindergarten or higher entrants: CHF 5,000, one-time, non-refundable. - Children moving from Nursery to Pre-Kindergarten are invoiced CHF 4,000 with the first tuition invoice (returning students pay the difference if applicable).
Tuition Fees (annual and per-term breakdown)
Note: Tuition is billed in two portions: 60% due at the start of the school year and 40% due in the winter term. The per-term amounts below show Term 1 = 60% and Term 2 = 40% of the annual fee.
- Nursery – Half Days: Annual CHF 13,100. Term 1 (60%): CHF 7,860. Term 2 (40%): CHF 5,240. - Nursery – Full Days: Annual CHF 24,300. Term 1: CHF 14,580. Term 2: CHF 9,720.
- Preschool (Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten 1) – Half Days: Annual CHF 17,100. Term 1: CHF 10,260. Term 2: CHF 6,840. - Preschool (Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten 1) – Full Days: Annual CHF 26,900. Term 1: CHF 16,140. Term 2: CHF 10,760. - Kindergarten 2: Annual CHF 33,000. Term 1: CHF 19,800. Term 2: CHF 13,200.
- Primary School (Grades 1–5): Annual CHF 33,000. Term 1: CHF 19,800. Term 2: CHF 13,200.
- Middle School (Grades 6–8): Annual CHF 37,100. Term 1: CHF 22,260. Term 2: CHF 14,840.
- Senior School (Grades 9–10): Annual CHF 38,200. Term 1: CHF 22,920. Term 2: CHF 15,280.
- Senior School (Grades 11–12): Annual CHF 39,900 (this amount includes IB/DP examination fees). Term 1: CHF 23,940. Term 2: CHF 15,960.
(All tuition figures and the 60%/40% billing split are defined in the school Financial Regulations & Schedule of Fees.)
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard billing: First portion of tuition (60%) is due in August; second portion (40%) is due in January. An optional instalment plan is available subject to a 2% administration charge (arrangements must be made with the Finance Office). - Late payment charge: 2% per month applied to any past-due balance. The school may require immediate payment of the full amount if instalments are missed and may withhold access to classes, examinations, diplomas, reports or transcripts for unresolved arrears. - Administrative charge for withdrawal: CHF 2,000 if a student is withdrawn after confirming re-enrolment for the upcoming academic year (does not apply to Nursery). Nursery cancellations given less than two months before contract start incur a CHF 200 cancellation fee. - Late enrolment: Tuition is prorated monthly (11 months from the start to the end of the academic year) and includes an enrolment surcharge of 5% of the annual fee (not applicable to Nursery). - Early withdrawal: Written notice required with two months' notice to the end of the month; tuition will be prorated monthly and a 5% withdrawal surcharge of the annual fee applies (different notice terms apply for Nursery).
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not listed as an offered service or fee in the school's Schedule of Fees; no boarding fees are charged.
Other costs and separately invoiced items
- Items invoiced separately include (but are not limited to): school bus service; additional learning support beyond the included hours; after-school care; after-school clubs; lunch (except Nursery, which includes meals as noted); extra-curricular activities and associated transportation; hire of musical instruments; additional or replacement IT devices, textbooks or library books; athletics equipment; retaking or remarking of IB examinations; and other specific assessments or costs as notified.
Refund information and fee remission
- No refunds of fees are issued for absences due to family holidays, public holidays, illness, accident, or temporary closure of the school for reasons beyond the school's control. No refunds are granted in the event of permanent exclusion. - The school may grant a limited tuition fee remission in exceptional circumstances for one year only; remission requests can only be considered after completion of the student's first year at the school and must meet published deadlines for application.
Fee payment options and bank details
- Tuition payment method: Credit cards are not accepted for tuition fee payments. International bank transfer in Swiss Francs (CHF) is the recommended method for tuition payments; payor-borne bank charges apply. - Bank details on tuition payment instructions: - Account holder: Stiftung für die Inter-Community School Zurich - Bank: Zürcher Kantonalbank - IBAN: CH12 0070 0111 0014 6486 7 - BIC / SWIFT: ZKBKCHZZ80A - Application Fee payment method: The non-refundable application fee is paid online by credit card (MasterCard or VISA).
Administrative and contractual notes (financial liabilities)
- Parents/guardians are contractually responsible for all fees regardless of billing address. Charges for late payment, actions for debt recovery, and withholding of academic records for outstanding balances are applied in accordance with the Financial Regulations. The school requires parents to maintain health, accident and liability insurance for each enrolled child.
Fee details
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Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
No uniform is required. Students dress respectfully, safely, and appropriately for school activities. For PE, wear dark shorts or sweatpants and a white or orange T-shirt.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Hot lunch programme offered. Primary School students register for hot lunch each semester; Middle and Senior School students receive a lunch card that can be preloaded with credit and may use it to purchase breakfast, hot or cold lunch, and snacks; Senior School students may use their own debit card or pay with cash. Menus and more details are available on the School Services page.
Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is a non-profit foundation governed by a Board of Trustees.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes for Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Studies. It is the only school in Zurich offering all three IB programmes. ICS teaches in English and offers a bilingual IB Diploma option. The school serves students from 24 months to 18 years across Early Childhood, Primary Years, Middle Years, and the Diploma Programme. The IB framework emphasizes an international mindset and inquiry-based learning. The ICS difference comes from developing the whole child and supporting community engagement through Round Square.
Curriculum details
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
ICS is an IB World School offering the Diploma Programme. All Diploma students are encouraged to take the IB Diploma exams. ICS Diploma students can qualify for the IB Bilingual Diploma. Diploma students on average earn significantly better scores than the worldwide average.
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Top university admission is supported by a rigorous university counselling programme that opens doors to universities around the world. In the IB Diploma Programme, students choose six courses to study, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level from the IB groups; the sixth subject can be from the Arts or a second subject in Sciences or Individuals and Societies.
Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
There are programmes across the school focusing on the emotional, social and physical well‑being of students. In Senior School, positive pro‑social behaviours are promoted through five principles: safe, ready to learn, respectful, responsible, and kind.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The Learning Support Department provides necessary support for students with learning challenges to participate in the school community and access the curriculum while recognising their strengths. Support is delivered along a continuum through consultation with classroom or specialist teachers, in‑class support, withdrawal sessions, or a combination, based on each learner's needs and documented in an individual plan developed with the student, parents and staff. The Primary Learning Support Programme supports unique student needs to maximise academic and social‑emotional growth, while the Senior School Learning Support helps identified learners access the IB curriculum and develop effective study skills, with both out‑of‑class and in‑class options plus after‑school support as needed.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided to help students succeed in the mainstream classroom. EAL support is available in the Primary School, and an English as an Additional Language Programme is in place to assist non‑native speakers within the ICS curriculum.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
There are school‑wide programmes focused on the emotional, social and physical well‑being of students, with emphasis on positive behaviours in Senior School through the five pro‑social principles: safe, ready to learn, respectful, responsible, and kind.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
The safety, welfare and wellbeing of students is ICS's highest priority. The safeguarding framework is the Child Protection Policy, outlining expectations and practices around safe recruitment and ongoing professional development of staff, aligned with international child protection standards. All prospective staff undergo background checks, including criminal record checks and reference checks.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The campus hosts nearly 1,000 people daily. The ICS Cafeteria provides nutritionally evaluated lunches with vegetarian options; students may bring lunch or buy hot meals. The campus includes a gym, a dance studio, and outdoor spaces including the ICS Research Garden. There is on-site health services with a school nurse. A bus service transports students, and an after-school care programme is provided.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
ICS offers a diverse Athletics programme to students from Grade 4 through Grade 12. In 2023-2024, 44 teams competed across 3 seasons and 420 student participants. Seasonal sports include Boys' and Girls' Basketball, Cross Country, Indoor Soccer, Skiing, Swimming, Outdoor Soccer, Track & Field, Tennis, Volleyball, and Softball. ICS is a member of SGIS, ISSL, and SCIS leagues, with fixtures and tournaments. Signups open via myICS 3-4 weeks before the start of a season.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
English is the language of instruction and the IB Programme is offered for the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and the Diploma Programme. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme supports students with limited English, with dedicated teachers and assistants. German is taught from Preschool through Grade 10, and students can study German as Language A or Language B. After-school Home Language classes are available in a wide range of languages, with reimbursement support for recognised Home Language courses. In Senior School, French and Spanish are offered as language options alongside German, and IB Diploma Programme students study at least two languages, with the Self-Taught Language A option available. The Forest Programme provides outdoor learning (Waldkinder); the Preschool has access to two courtyards, a mud kitchen, a vegetable patch, a pond, and a large wood-chipped playground.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
All ICS students have opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities beyond the regular school day; more than 50 rotating clubs are offered across three terms. Examples of Middle and Senior School ECAs include Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh, Math Competition Club, LEGO Robotics Club, Debate Club, Philosophy Club, Visual Arts Club, Design Club, String Ensemble, Vocal Group, Rock Club, Science Club, Theatre Production, Board Games Club, Literature Club, and Esports Club. Senior lunchtime activities include Environmental Committee, Student Bridge, Performing Arts Council, Athletics Council, Service as Action, Phoenix Club, Buddy Program, Yearbook Club, Student Lens Newspaper, International Club and Chess Club. Primary School ECAs include School Garden Club, Mindfulness, Maths Club, Ecovengers, iPad Photography, Board Games Club, Musical Club, Tuneful Tigers, Perform a Play, Yoga Adventures, Story Workshop, Show Tunes Club, Just Dance, Art Jam, and Beginners Violin; some clubs are offered bilingually in English and German. Specialised ECAs provided by external organisations include Creative Coding & LEGO Robotics, Science Clubs, Intersoccer, Playball, Acrokids Gymnastics, Young Engineers, Chess Club, Breaking & Streetdance, Ballet and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; not all clubs are offered every season.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
ICS was founded in 1960 as a Primary school for English-speaking expatriates, starting with 80 students from 10 nationalities. It is the first international school in Zurich. Today, ICS is an International Baccalaureate World School educating children aged 24 months to 18 years, with around 800 students from 55 nationalities. It is fully authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organisation to offer three IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP) and is the only Round Square school in Zurich, with accreditation from CIS and NEASC.
History
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Community
Community
With families from 55 countries, the ICS Parent Association offers a vibrant social network within the ICS community. The Parents' Association is an important part of the school community, aiming to enhance the children's educational experience and foster a welcoming, international community. All parents and guardians of ICS students are members of the PA, and it is guided by an Executive Board each year. The PA supports charities and organizes events throughout the year, including the Welcome Back Picnic, Book Fairs, Halloween Party, Winter Market, Zurich Walking Tour, and the International Festival.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The ICS Parents' Association is a strong, supportive community with families from 55 countries. All parents and guardians of ICS students are members of the PA. An Executive Board oversees the PA each year; the 2025-2026 Board includes Carli Shelley as President, Marianne Nourbakhsh as Primary Vice-President, Lorena Moro as Middle School Vice-President, Nienke Sijbring as Senior School Vice-President, Elisabetta Vigano Rizzi as Secretary, Zurine Catalano-Aperribay as Treasurer, and Stefania Vancheri as Communications. The PA supports several charities, including ICS scholarship students from Nepal who study IB Diploma at ICS with host families. Throughout the school year, the PA organizes Welcome Back Picnic, Book Fairs, Halloween Party, Winter Market, Zurich Walking Tour, the International Festival, Workshops, and PA/Parent Conversations with the ICS Leadership Team.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school offers more than 50 rotating clubs in Middle and Senior School. Examples include Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh International Award, Math Competition Club, LEGO Robotics, Debate, Philosophy, Visual Arts, Design, Science, Theatre Production, Board Games, Literature and Esports. Senior Student Leadership lunchtime activities include Environmental Committee, Student Bridge, Performing Arts Council, Athletics Council, Service as Action and International Club; students may lead or co-create activities under staff supervision, developing leadership and collaboration skills.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The arts and creative program includes Visual Arts Club, Theatre Production, String Ensemble, Vocal Group and Rock Club. Primary School ECAs include Musical Club, Tuneful Tigers, Show Tunes, Just Dance, Art Jam, Beginnings Violin and Jewellery Making, with some clubs offered bilingually in English and German. External providers offer specialised ECAs such as Creative Coding & LEGO Robotics with TechSpark Academy and XLabs Science Clubs.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
International Club provides opportunities for cultural exchange and global connections. Duolingo Club supports language learning, and some Primary School ECAs are offered bilingually in English and German.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Board Games Club and Esports Club provide social and hobby-based activities. Chess Club is available as a senior activity, alongside lunchtime clubs such as Yearbook and International Club. Senior Student Leadership Lunchtime Activities foster collaboration and friendships through varied clubs.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
The Duke of Edinburgh International Award is offered as an ECA, combining physical activity, service and outdoor journeys. Service as Action is a Senior Leadership lunchtime activity focusing on service and community projects. Environmental Committee and other service-oriented clubs encourage hands-on community engagement.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Senior students may lead or co-create activities under staff supervision, developing leadership skills. Leadership opportunities include Environmental Committee, Performing Arts Council, Athletics Council, CAS Committee, Yearbook Club, and International Club. The Duke of Edinburgh program and other clubs provide experience in project planning, teamwork and professional skills.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Extra-curricular activities support a well-balanced lifestyle and personal growth. Primary School ECAs include Mindfulness and Yoga Adventures to promote well-being. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award encourages physical activity and outdoor journeys as part of holistic development.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is the language of instruction; the IB programme is offered across the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme. The DP includes an IB Bilingual Diploma option, with English A and German A as Language A courses, and other languages available as Self-Taught Language A. In Senior School, French and Spanish are offered in addition to German (through Grades 11–12). German is the language of the host community; all students study German through Grade 10, with EAL support for learners of English.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
English is the language of instruction. The IB Diploma Programme includes an IB Bilingual Diploma option; English A and German A are offered as Language A courses, with other languages available as Self-Taught Language A.
Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
ICS Inter-Community School Zurich accepts applications year-round via the online application portal. To apply, provide English school reports for the past two years, a recent photograph, a copy of the child's birth certificate or passport, any educational test results, a teacher's recommendation, a completed and signed financial regulations form, and a non-refundable application fee of 500 Swiss Francs for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Admissions Handbook explains the admission process and is available for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The school is an English-language international school located in Strubenacher 3, 8126 Zumikon, Switzerland. Processing begins once the completed documentation and the fee are received, and the school provides a timeline: in February, ICS invites current families to re-enrol; in March, applications from corporate partners are processed; in April, all applications are processed with priority to corporate-partner families with a child already enrolled, then corporate-partner families, then families with a child already enrolled, then alumni children, then international families, then local internationally mobile families; processing continues from April to August; the school year begins in August and new students may join during the school year where space permits.
