International School Basel vs Saint Charles International School

	I International School Basel Basel, Switzerland	S Saint Charles International School Basel, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 14,270 - 37,680	Fees / year CHF 15,300 - 74,500
Age range	Age range 3 - 19 years	Age range 8 - 20 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum Swiss Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,200	Pupils 259
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language English, French, German
Opened	Opened 1979	Opened 1897
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ISB operates on three campuses in the Basel region of Switzerland: Aesch Campus at Arlesheimerstrasse 7, 4147 Aesch; Fiechten Campus at Fiechtenweg 72, 4153 Reinach; Reinach Campus at Fleischbachstrasse 2, 4153 Reinach. The Aesch Campus is in the municipality of Aesch, while the Reinach Campuses are in Reinach, Basel-Landschaft. Public transportation is convenient via BLT tram line 11, with Arlesheimerstrasse stop for Aesch Campus, Reinach Süd stop for Fiechten Campus, and Reinach centre stop for Reinach Campus.	Location Saint-Charles International School is in Porrentruy, Jura, Switzerland at Rue du 24-Septembre 1, 2900 Porrentruy. The campus is less than two hours from Zürich and about one hour from Basel, and is easy to reach by car or train. From Zürich Airport, trains to Zürich Main Station and then to Porrentruy take about 2 to 2.5 hours; from Basel Airport, direct trains to Porrentruy take just over an hour. On arrival in Porrentruy, the campus is minutes away from the train station, with a six-minute walk for travelers without luggage.
Stages	Stages The school is divided into three levels: Junior School for ages 3–11, Middle School for ages 11–14, and Senior School for ages 14–18.	Stages Swiss Programme from primary through middle school and high school (Maturité), with instruction in French, English, and German.
School type	School type The school is not-for-profit, co-educational day school and an IB World School offering three IB programmes (PYP, MYP, Diploma) taught in English, with an English–German Dual Language Programme available in the Junior School.	School type The school is private and offers day schooling and boarding; boarding is available for students from age 10.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 1200 students representing 60+ nationalities across three campuses.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided to support students not yet proficient in English. EAL specialists assist with reading, writing, listening and speaking, with three learning stages: Emerging, Developing and Consolidating. There are no additional fees payable for EAL support.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland	Country affiliation Recognised by the Swiss Confederation and authorised to prepare students for the Maturité exams.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Christian; founded with Christian roots and supported by the Diocese of Basel.
School day structure	School day structure Opening hours are 07:45–18:00 during term. Drop-off is 07:45–08:20; classes run 08:20–15:50; pick-up is 15:50–18:00.	School day structure The day includes standard classroom instruction with after-school Devoirs accompagnés (supervised study) available for students after class.
Bus service details	Bus service details Public transportation is available via BLT tram 11 (and related rail connections) to stops at Arlesheimerstrasse (Aesch Campus), Reinach Süd (Fiechten Campus), and Reinach centre (Reinach Campus); no dedicated school bus service is listed.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & admission fees - Development Fee (one-time, payable when a place is offered): CHF 4,500. This fee is non-refundable and is not deducted from tuition. - Waiting-list Deposit (when placed on a waiting list): CHF 1,000. Once a place is offered this deposit is offset against tuition; if no place is offered within eight months the deposit is refunded. Annual tuition fees (by school level and EC1 flexible options) - Early Childhood 1 (EC1) — flexible enrolment options (annual amounts): - 5 mornings (minimum): CHF 14,270. - 5 mornings + 1 full day: CHF 16,130. - 3 mornings + 2 full days: CHF 17,990. - 2 mornings + 3 full days: CHF 19,860. - 1 morning + 4 full days: CHF 21,720. - 5 full days: CHF 23,780. - Ad-hoc full day (until 15:00): CHF 100 per day. - Early Childhood 2 (EC2): CHF 23,780 per year. - Early Childhood 3 – Grade 5 (Primary Years Programme): CHF 27,970 per year. - Middle School (Grades 6–8, Middle Years Programme): CHF 32,010 per year. - Senior School (Grades 9–10): CHF 33,370 per year. - Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12): CHF 37,680 per year. Reductions and family discounts - Second child from same family: CHF 1,000 discount per year. - Third child from same family: CHF 2,000 discount per year. - Fourth (and additional) child: CHF 4,000 discount per year. Billing schedule and payment terms (how tuition is billed and typical payment plans) - A tuition invoice is issued per household for the school year; invoices are sent electronically (paper copies available for a CHF 5 charge). ISB accepts payments in Swiss francs (CHF) only; any bank charges must be paid by the sender. - Standard payment options for privately paid tuition (arranged annually with Finance Office): - Option 1: 100% of the annual tuition due before 15 July. - Option 2: 70% due before 15 July; remaining 30% due before the last day of school before the Fasnacht break or 15 February, whichever is earlier. - Option 3: 10 monthly instalments due on the 15th of each month from 15 July through 15 April; this option carries an administration surcharge of 2% per year. - Company-paid tuition: 100% of annual tuition is due before 15 July. - Late-enrolment and initial-payment rules for students starting mid-year (examples): - Enrolment from 1 June to 31 December: 100% of annual tuition is due; private payers also pay a minimum down payment of 20% at least two working days before the student starts. - Enrolment from 1 January to last day of Spring Break: 60% of annual tuition is due, plus a minimum down payment of 20% before the student starts; remainder invoiced within 30 days. - Enrolment after the first day of classes following Spring Break: 30% of annual tuition is due, plus a minimum down payment of 20% before the student starts; remainder invoiced within 30 days. Withdrawal, re-enrolment and refund rules - Development Fee is non-refundable in all circumstances. Waiting-list deposits are refunded if no place is offered within eight months. - Re-enrolment withdrawals (examples of charges when a returning family confirms re-enrolment and then withdraws): - Withdrawal between the re-enrolment deadline and 31 March: no tuition fees due. - Withdrawal between 1 April and 31 May: late withdrawal fee of CHF 3,000 per student. - Withdrawal between 1 June and 15 July: late withdrawal fee of CHF 5,000 per student. - Withdrawal after 15 July: standard early-withdrawal rules apply (below). - Early withdrawal from the school after the school year has started (tuition owed based on date of written notice): - Withdrawal between 15 July and 31 December (with at least two months' written notice): 55% of the annual tuition fee is due. - Withdrawal between 1 January and the last day of Spring Break (with at least two months' written notice): 85% of the annual tuition fee is due. - Withdrawal after the first day of classes following Spring Break: 100% of the annual tuition fee is due. - In Payment Option 3 (monthly instalments) partial annual tuition amounts are due 30 days before the date of withdrawal. ISB may withhold school records until outstanding balances are settled. - No refund is provided for tuition in the event of school closure for force majeure events, for expulsion, or for leave of absence due to illness, accident or mental illness. Late payment and collection - Late payment charge: 2% per month on outstanding balances or an administration fee of CHF 50, whichever is greater. ISB may refuse entry to class, withhold records, and engage debt-collection third parties for unpaid invoices. Other costs and fees (charged separately) - Costs not included in tuition (examples that are invoiced separately): additional or replacement textbooks; damage or loss of school equipment; field trips, camps and excursions; external examinations (for example IB exam costs); IB DP online courses; psycho-educational evaluations; some therapies and evaluations; extra-curricular programme fees; 1:1 teacher assistant costs; and meals. Such items are invoiced separately and are subject to the payment terms on each invoice. - After-school and holiday childcare (EC1–Grade 5): - Extended School Day (15:00–18:00) — Trimester registration: CHF 30 per day; Drop-in registration: CHF 60 per day. - Holiday Childcare (07:45–17:00 on selected holidays) — Pre-registration: CHF 90 per day; Drop-in registration: CHF 150 per day. Ad-hoc EC1 full-day rate (until 15:00): CHF 100 per day. - Paper invoice fee (if paper invoices are requested): CHF 5 per invoice. Special billing or changes to payment frequency may incur administration fees (e.g., CHF 100 per change request or special billing). Boarding / residential provision - ISB operates as a co-educational day school for students aged 3–19; there is no boarding provision and no boarding fees. Fee payment options and bank details - Payments are accepted in Swiss francs (CHF) and may be made by bank transfer. Any bank charges are the responsibility of the payer. The school's bank details for CHF transfers are provided for tuition payment (Bank Cler AG, Basel; IBAN: CH79 0844 0697 0092 9000 0; SWIFT/BIC: BCLRCHBB). Parents should indicate family name and student names when making transfers. Key administrative provisions - Parents/guardians must maintain health, accident and liability insurance for each enrolled student. ISB reserves the right to invoice separately for any additional costs described above and to take action for overdue accounts as set out in the financial regulations.	Fee details Admission & Application Fees: - Day students (day-school admission): CHF 500 (one-time, non-refundable). - Boarding students (boarding admission): CHF 3,000 (one-time, non-refundable). Tuition fees (annual and per-term / per-semester equivalents): Note: Tuition is quoted as an annual amount. Billing may be processed by semester on request; where a per-term amount is shown below it is the annual figure divided by two (per-semester). - Primary School (Swiss curriculum): - Annual: CHF 6'600 (families in the Canton of Jura) / CHF 14'400 (outside the canton). - Per semester (billing-by-semester equivalent): CHF 3'300 / CHF 7'200. - Middle School (Collège, Swiss curriculum): - Annual: CHF 7'200 (Jura) / CHF 18'000 (outside the canton). - Per semester: CHF 3'600 / CHF 9'000. - Swiss Lycée – Maturité (French): - Annual: CHF 9'600 (Jura) / CHF 20'400 (outside the canton). - Per semester: CHF 4'800 / CHF 10'200. - Bilingual Lycée (English–French) – Maturité: - Annual: CHF 12'000 (Jura) / CHF 24'000 (outside the canton). - Per semester: CHF 6'000 / CHF 12'000. - International Section (IB MYP and DP): - IB MYP 3: Annual CHF 20'000 (Jura) / CHF 23'000 (outside). Per semester: CHF 10'000 / CHF 11'500. - IB MYP 4: Annual CHF 22'000 (Jura) / CHF 33'000 (outside). Per semester: CHF 11'000 / CHF 16'500. - IB MYP 5: Annual CHF 22'000 (Jura) / CHF 33'000 (outside). Per semester: CHF 11'000 / CHF 16'500. - IB Diploma Programme (DP): Annual CHF 25'000 (Jura) / CHF 33'000 (outside). Per semester: CHF 12'500 / CHF 16'500. Boarding fees (packages, inclusions and exclusions): - 5-day boarding package (board and school week activities): CHF 32'700 per year. Included elements listed for the package: full board during the week, the boarding programme, supervised homework, on-site extracurricular activities, day trips, certain sports outfit items, and some cultural/outings; certain items are excluded (residence permit fees, books and school supplies in some circumstances, certain exam and activity costs, travel, pocket money, occasional laundry, airport transfers and some camps/trips). - 7-day boarding package (full weekly boarding including weekends): CHF 47'000 per year. The 7-day package includes weekend activities, laundry and additional weekend services; a number of items remain excluded (travel, some lessons/activities charged separately, pocket money, airport transfers, certain exam fees and specialist activities). - Day-board / lunch options (annual lunch plans): - 1 lunch per week: CHF 390 (annual). 2 lunches: CHF 780. 3 lunches: CHF 1'170. 4 lunches: CHF 1'560. 5 lunches: CHF 1'950. Other recurring fees and one-off academic/exam charges: - General / annual fees (covers textbooks, school supplies, school outings, ski/green camp, graduation trips and administrative costs): billed in two instalments (at the start of the school year and at the start of the second semester). Amounts vary by programme: - Primary: CHF 1'000 per year. - Middle School (Collège): CHF 1'500 per year. - Swiss Lycée / Bilingual Lycée: CHF 1'500 per year. - International Section MYP levels: CHF 1'500 per year. - IB DP (final years): CHF 2'500 per year. - Support / tutoring and extra academic services (examples): - Private 45-minute lessons: CHF 100 per lesson. - Semi-private (max 3 students) 45-minute: CHF 60 per lesson. - Group (4+ students) 45-minute: CHF 30 per lesson. - Language-exam preparation courses: approx. CHF 1'000 per semester (charged when organised). - Language examination fees: generally between CHF 400 and CHF 750. - IB DP examination fees: CHF 2'980. - Extras commonly excluded from package fees and billed separately: specialist lessons (horse riding, music, golf, aviation), certain travel and airport transfers, replacement of lost/damaged books or licences, some medical or insurance costs beyond those listed, pocket money and occasional laundry/dry-cleaning. Billing schedule and payment terms: - Invoices are issued in advance and are payable within the stated payment term; billing may be processed by semester on request. Payments are to be made in Swiss francs (CHF). Payments in cash are not accepted. Late payments incur interest at 1% per month; administrative reminder fees apply (typical reminder fees: CHF 20 / CHF 50 / CHF 100 for successive reminders). No place reservation is processed before payment of the registration/admission fee; students may not attend classes until invoices are paid. Cancellation, refunds and contractual penalties: - For new applicants: if registration is cancelled before 30 June, a cancellation fee equal to two months of tuition (and boarding, where applicable) is charged; if cancelled after 30 June a cancellation fee equal to three months of tuition (and boarding where applicable) is charged. - For current students: withdrawal before the end of the school year makes all expenses for the current trimester and the following one payable. Unless written notice is given by parents before the specified deadline for re-registration (28 February), students are automatically entered for the following school year; cancelling after that date creates a financial obligation (example: tuition for the first three months may be payable as compensation). Uniform / clothing and included clothing items: - No separate general uniform fee is listed. For boarding students a sports outfit (t-shirts, leggings or jogging pants) is listed among included items in the boarding packages; additional specialist sports or activity clothing or equipment may be charged separately. Fee payment options: - The school accepts international payments via Flywire (enables bank transfers and local payment methods in many currencies) and invoices are payable by bank transfer. Payments in cash are not accepted. Specific payment instructions and the school's Flywire payment portal are used for international transactions. Summary of the key amounts at a glance (examples): - Admission fee (day): CHF 500; Admission fee (boarding): CHF 3'000. - Typical annual tuition (examples, Jura / outside canton): Primary CHF 6'600 / 14'400; Middle CHF 7'200 / 18'000; Swiss Lycée CHF 9'600 / 20'400; Bilingual Lycée CHF 12'000 / 24'000; IB MYP/DP ranges CHF 20'000–25'000 (Jura) and up to CHF 33'000 (outside). Per-semester equivalents are half the annual amounts. (End of fees overview.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Day school; no boarding is offered.	Boarding arrangements Saint-Charles offers 5-day boarding and 7-day boarding. Two separate boarding houses accommodate up to 70 students, each supervised by a dedicated staff team. The 5-day boarding includes boarding school management, full board, residence permit fee, books and school supplies, KVG/LAMAL and private health insurance, and other related costs. The 7-day boarding includes boarding school supervision including weekend activities, full board, residence permit fee, books and school supplies, KVG/LAMAL and private health insurance, and other related costs.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement There is a dress code rather than a formal uniform. Must Wear: a shirt/top with straps or sleeves, pants/jeans or the equivalent, and shoes. Shorts, skirts/dresses and ripped jeans are allowed if underwear is not exposed; shirts should meet the waistband; hats and sunglasses may be worn outside but not inside; appropriate footwear required for lab and PE.	Uniform requirement A sports uniform is provided for boarders, consisting of a t-shirt and leggings or jogging pants.
Food options	Food options Lunch is provided by Passion Food with hot meals including salad and dessert or fruit, or lighter options from the salad bar and freshly prepared sandwiches and snacks. Students can enrol in the lunch program daily, pay on the day, or bring their own lunch. Junior School lunch vouchers are available; Middle & Senior School use a pre-paid card via an app.	Food options Charly's Corner on campus provides breakfast, lunch and dinner for boarders; day students have lunch. The menu is varied daily with vegetarian options, and fresh fruit is available throughout the day. The kitchen holds the Fourchette Verte label and Saint-Charles is a member of the Healthy Schools network; menus are updated daily.
House system	House system —	House system Up to 70 students are accommodated in two separate boarding houses, each supervised by a dedicated staff team.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is owned and operated by International School Basel Region AG (ISBR AG), a not-for-profit company registered under Swiss law. Shareholders include corporations in Basel region and the Association of the International School Basel. The supreme corporate body is the general meeting of shareholders.	Governance and ownership Saint-Charles International School is governed by a Board of Directors and a management team. The Board comprises five members: Didier Membrez (President), Josiane Sudan-Girardin, Anne Seydoux-Christe, Pierre-Alain Berret, and Abbé Jean-Jacques Theurillat; Esmond Tweedie serves as Executive Director and heads the management team.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details ISB offers the International Baccalaureate across three programmes: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–11; Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16; and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–18. The school is English-language. The PYP is offered in English with German as a second language, and a Dual Language Programme (English and German) is available for younger students. The MYP provides an eight-subject-group framework and includes a co-curricular Z-Block for Grades 6–8. The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous university-preparatory course offered through ISB's Senior School, with ISB offering over 65 academic courses. ISB uses Continuums—subject guides that ensure a seamless educational experience across its three campuses.	Curriculum details Saint-Charles offers two curriculum pathways: the Swiss Programme and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The Swiss Programme covers primary through maturité and uses instruction in French, English and German; Primary is taught in English and French, and the Middle School is multilingual in English, French and German. The Swiss Maturité is bilingual French-English and is recognised by the Swiss Confederation, with the school authorised to prepare students for maturité examinations. The IB Programme is taught in English, offering the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme, with English as the language of instruction for all subjects and ESL support available. Immersion language teaching introduces English and German from early years through 'language islands' where other subjects are taught in additional languages, laying the foundation for bilingual Matura or the IB Diploma Programme.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results IB Diploma results show strong performance. In 2025, 158 students completed the IB Diploma Examinations. Of the 147 students who completed the full Diploma, ISB achieved a 96.6% pass rate and an average of 34.4 points (out of 45), with 17% achieving 40+ points. Diploma Programme Courses: For the 11 students who took Diploma Programme Courses, they completed 48 courses with an average of 4.1 points per course. MAP test results measure reading and mathematics progress for Grades 3–10; Fall 2025 results are posted.	Exam results IB Diploma Programme class of 2025 results: 17% entering a top 25 institution; 1 in 3 graduates joined a top 100 university; 30% were recognised for excellence in their subject areas.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression ISB's Pathways to Swiss Universities explains that the IB Diploma earned at ISB is fully recognised by Swiss universities as equivalent to a Swiss Matura, provided it meets the required criteria. The Swiss admission framework includes six IB subject groups (first language, second language, humanities, natural science, mathematics, and an elective) and HL requirements for some universities (e.g., ETH Zürich and EPFL). Most bachelor programmes at Swiss universities are taught in German, French or Italian, with some courses in English; admission decisions are made by the individual universities. ISB provides a dedicated university counselling team to guide Swiss and international applications and hosts annual university fairs with representatives from universities worldwide.	Higher education progression University preparation and guidance are core at Saint-Charles. A dedicated University Support Team helps identify universities and coordinate applications, with university talks and fairs accessible to students. From the Middle Years Programme, students take part in regular guidance lessons and receive tailored advice on IBDP subject selection in MYP5; in the Diploma Programme, guidance becomes more personalised with one-to-one meetings and university representation is facilitated by the school, supported by a University Library.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning SEE Learning guides Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning at ISB. The framework fosters a compassionate and ethical learning environment and places student wellbeing at the heart of teaching and learning. Vision 2030 anchors wellbeing as central to the school's mission, supporting social, mental, physical and emotional development. Age-appropriate approaches develop essential skills such as teamwork, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, empathy and respect across the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. A dedicated team of School Counsellors provides individual and small-group counselling, restorative interventions and crisis response services, and supports parent involvement in wellbeing.	Social & emotional learning Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to Saint-Charles. The school fosters mental, physical, social, and academic wellbeing to help students grow. A dedicated Wellbeing Team coordinates pastoral care; the team is led by Esmond Tweedie, Executive Director and Designated Safeguarding Lead. Boarding is supported by Head of Boarding José Miquelino, with round-the-clock support, while Antonella Galioto supports day students. A confidential listening ear is available from Paulina Tkaczyk, and an external nurse supports day students. Students' rights are upheld; they can turn to staff with concerns and are cared for in a safe and respectful environment.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) English Language Support provides a nurturing environment for students who have little English knowledge. A continuum of support is offered for students with mild and moderate learning needs to ensure a quality and equitable education. Private speech-language, occupational, and physical therapists work with students during the school day. A School Psychologist conducts psycho-educational evaluations to tailor learning environments to individual needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) Study support and mentoring help students manage their learning. A dedicated Wellbeing Team coordinates care for all students. ESL (English as a Second Language) assistance is available for students who require language support. Boarding students receive guidance with personal matters, organization, and daily routines, with weekly progress monitoring by the boarding staff and teachers. These measures support students across their academic journey.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The Dual Language Programme offers instruction in English and German as an alternative to the English Language Programme in the Junior School. The programme is currently available to students aged 3 to 10, with plans to extend to Grade 5 in 2026/27. It enables students to develop proficiency in both languages and facilitates local community integration. Each Dual Language Class is supported by two core teachers (one English-speaking and one German-speaking) and teaching assistants, with 50% of instruction in English and 50% in German. Homeroom teachers provide ongoing support and communicate with parents.	English as an additional language IB programmes are taught in English. English proficiency is emphasized and ESL support is available for students who require it. Language Acquisition includes French and German; Group 2 offers foreign languages from beginner to advanced. From Grade 9, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) is taught entirely in English. Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature are usually taken in the student's mother tongue, while Group 2 Language Acquisition covers foreign languages from beginner to advanced; English is the language of instruction for most subjects.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is at the heart of ISB's mission, with Vision 2030 fostering social, mental, physical and emotional fulfillment. The school embraces SEE Learning to support social, emotional and ethical development. Age-appropriate approaches build teamwork, emotional regulation, empathy and respect across year levels. A team of School Counsellors supports students across Junior, Middle and Senior Schools, offering individual and small-group counselling, restorative interventions and crisis response services. Parents participate in wellbeing workshops and school-wide wellbeing initiatives.	Mental wellbeing Student wellbeing is central to the mission. Pastoral care nurtures mental, physical, social, and academic wellbeing. The Wellbeing Team coordinates this care, led by Esmond Tweedie. Boarding staff provide 24/7 support; a confidential listening ear from Paulina Tkaczyk and a nurse are available to support health needs. Students' rights ensure safety, care, respect, privacy, and a voice to raise concerns.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding ISB has a Child Protection Policy and adheres to Swiss Federal and Cantonal laws regarding child protection. The school commits to safeguarding and providing a safe environment for all students in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.	Safeguarding A designated safeguarding lead oversees safeguarding within the Wellbeing Team. Boarding staff provide round-the-clock protection and support for students. Students' rights protect privacy and ensure a voice to raise concerns. The school upholds the rights of the child under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Staff are available to discuss safeguarding concerns and to provide support.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview ISB operates across three campuses in Reinach, Aesch, and Fiechten, connected by Basel's tram network and located near the A18 motorway. The campuses feature dynamic, innovative learning spaces with flexible layouts and integrated technology. Indoor and outdoor multipurpose sports facilities include a gymnasium, sports fields, and fitness rooms to support physical education and teamwork. Dedicated wellbeing spaces include counselling offices, quiet zones, and wellness rooms to support mental and emotional health. Specialised subject areas include science labs, robotics workshops, and dedicated art studios and performance spaces, enabling hands-on exploration. The campuses are designed with eco-friendly practices and green spaces, reinforcing environmental stewardship and community hub activities.	Facilities overview The school has on-campus facilities including a swimming pool, a gym, tennis courts, music rooms and a private movie theatre. The on-campus dining hall serves meals with vegetarian options; day students have lunch at Charly's Corner and boarders are offered breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining hall. Off-campus, Saint-Charles provides equestrian training at two world-class partner riding centres and opportunities to join local football or ice hockey clubs, with nearby options for ice skating and climbing. Cultural enrichment is supported by access to a Children's Music Conservatory minutes from the school.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities ISB offers multipurpose indoor and outdoor sports facilities to support a range of activities. The gymnasium, sports fields, fitness rooms, and flexible multi-purpose spaces enable a variety of sports and physical education. The facilities are designed to foster teamwork and healthy lifestyles across all age groups. They form part of ISB's dynamic campus design that supports active living and collaboration.	Sports facilities Saint-Charles has on-campus highlights including a swimming pool, a gym, tennis courts, music rooms and a private movie theatre. The co-curricular programme features sports and athletics such as horse-riding, ice hockey, football, basketball, tennis, padel, swimming and volleyball, plus fitness and martial arts options including kickboxing, judo, karate, yoga and pilates.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities ISB provides dynamic, specialised subject areas including science labs, robotics workshops, art studios, and performance spaces. Classrooms and learning spaces are designed to be flexible, with modern technology to support collaboration and inquiry. Dedicated spaces enable hands-on exploration in STEM and the arts. The facilities support immersive and experiential learning across disciplines. Sustainable design features are integrated into campus facilities to support environmental education.	Academic facilities Saint-Charles offers a comprehensive curriculum in French, English or a bilingual programme. The academic programme is organized into three pathways: the Swiss curriculum, the International Baccalaureate and the Saint-Charles High School Diploma. The school emphasises small class sizes and personalised guidance to support each student.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Sports, drama, music, art, debate, representation, and recreation are offered; ISB provides numerous ways for students to cooperate and compete to develop their skills or try something new. ASPIRE provides after-school care for Junior School students, with options to register per semester or as a drop-in, available until 18:00 on school days. The Music program includes regular concerts and choirs, with on- and off-campus performances. Students can participate in 200+ school-organized co-curricular activities, both on- and off-campus. Leadership opportunities include the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, Model United Nations, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, Student Librarians, Student Representatives, Student Sports Council, and Yearbook Club. Theatre and Visual Arts offer annual productions and exhibitions, artist workshops, field trips, and university visits.	Extra curricular facilities Saint-Charles offers a wide range of co-curricular activities in sport, music, arts and academics. Sports and athletics include horse-riding, ice hockey, football, basketball, tennis, padel, swimming and volleyball. Fitness and martial arts include kickboxing, judo, karate, yoga and pilates. Arts and performance include ballet, dance, drama, music and photography. Academic, innovation and language clubs include AI Club, Business Club, Model United Nations, STEAM Club, robotics, chess and a variety of language clubs.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History ISB was founded in 1979 by Janet Galli with 15 students. It is a not-for-profit, co-educational day school offering three IB programmes (PYP for ages 3–11, MYP for ages 11–16, and DP for ages 16–19) across three campuses. In May 1999 the school's name was changed to International School of the Basel Region AG. The Reinach campus opened in 2002, the Aesch campus opened in 2007, and the Fiechten Campus began serving Grade 6 in 2012 and Grade 7 in 2013. In 2022 ISB launched an English-German Dual Language Programme in Junior School and the school now serves more than 1,200 students across three campuses.	History Saint-Charles International School was founded in 1897 by Ernest Daucourt as a Catholic boarding school, known as the Catholic Institute. By 1901 primary and secondary classes were established, and enrolment growth led to the search for a larger home. In 1915 Abbot Charles Humair renamed the institute the Saint-Charles Institute; in 1918 it acquired neighboring watchmaking and gilding workshops to expand, and in 1925 it became Collège Saint-Charles with capacity for 300 students. From 1939 to 1977, final-year students could complete the baccalaureate through an agreement with Saint-Maurice; in 1975 the school welcomed its first female students and, in 1978, was authorised to award its own high school diplomas. In the late 20th century the school continued to develop, and in 2020 became a recognised IB World School offering the Diploma Programme and the Middle Years Programme; today over 8,000 alumni worldwide carry forward its humanistic spirit and the school educates around 250 students.
Community	Community All ISB parents and staff are members of the ISB Community Association. The Association welcomes new families, supports educational enrichment, and maintains an active dialogue between parents and ISB staff. A wide range of activities is organized to foster community, including social events for parent networking and liaison roles such as Campus Affairs and the Welcome Programme. Local community engagement emphasizes participation in Basel's associations and clubs to enrich the school experience.	Community Life at Saint-Charles extends far beyond the classroom, with a supportive community where learning, wellbeing, and personal growth go hand in hand. From pastoral care and boarding to co-curricular activities and daily routines, every aspect of school life is designed to help students feel at home, discover their strengths, and build the confidence to thrive. A sense of belonging unites day pupils and boarders, with strong relationships among students, house teams, teachers, and the wider school community. The day balances focused learning with time for reflection, creativity, physical activity, and social life.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The ISB Community Association includes all ISB parents and staff. The CA welcomes new families, supports educational enrichment, and maintains an active dialogue between parents and ISB staff. Campus Affairs provides liaison parents on each campus to help families find information within the school community. Arts & Sports Boosters support ISB's arts and athletics programmes and foster spirit across campuses. Educational Enrichment is a volunteer group that brings innovative projects and activities to learning, and a Sustainability Team comprises parents, faculty and staff to promote environmental sustainability. There is a complete calendar of parent networking and involvement opportunities through governance, boosters, welcoming new families, and event planning.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual ISBasel delivers the International Baccalaureate across three programmes: Junior School (Primary Years Programme, PYP), Middle School (MYP), and Senior School (Diploma Programme, DP). The PYP is offered in English with German as a second language, and a Dual Language Programme (English and German) is available for younger students. The school provides over 65 academic courses across the IB framework, and the Diploma Programme is university‑preparatory while emphasising social, emotional, and physical growth. Senior School students receive career and university guidance through dedicated university counselling and related support.	Academic & intellectual Academic, Innovation and Language Clubs inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. The clubs include AI Club, Business Club, Model United Nations, STEAM Club, Robotics, Chess, and a variety of Language Clubs. Students explore new ideas, strengthen collaboration, and develop leadership through these activities.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Artistic expression is central to ISBasel and is organised through Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Music includes regular concerts and choirs with on- and off-campus performances. Drama and Theatre feature annual productions and special performances. Visual Arts offer artist workshops, field trips, university visits, internships, and art exhibitions. The ISB community also hosts a podcast related to performing arts.	Arts & creative Arts and Performance nurture creativity and self-expression through Ballet, Dance (Hip-hop/Modern), Drama, Music, and Photography. Students develop performance and technical skills and can showcase their work in school productions and exhibitions. The programme fosters confidence, collaboration, and creative problem-solving in a supportive environment.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The language of instruction is English. The Youngest students (ages 3–8) may enrol in an English‑German Programme, and an English‑German Dual Language Programme is available for ages 3–10. Older students can study a combination of German, French, and Spanish as second languages, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students with limited English. The school draws on a diverse community representing more than 50 nationalities.	Cultural & language Academic, Innovation and Language Clubs include a variety of Language Clubs, expanding linguistic horizons. Model United Nations and other clubs foster cross-cultural understanding and global perspectives. Students engage in collaborative projects that connect language learning with real-world contexts.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies ISBasel offers a broad range of co‑curricular activities beyond the classroom, spanning sports, drama, music, arts, robotics, debate, and exploration. An activities catalogue lists programs such as Basketball Academy and Football Academy, alongside academic support and other enrichment opportunities, with many activities open to students from outside ISB.	Social & hobbies Sports and Athletics offer a wide range of activities: Horse-Riding, Ice Hockey, Football, Basketball, Tennis, Padel, Swimming, and Volleyball. Fitness and Martial Arts include Kickboxing, Judo, Karate, Yoga, and Pilates. The programme emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and balanced development.
Community & service	Community & service Making a Difference highlights student‑led service, creative initiatives, and acts of kindness as central to ISB's mission. Students demonstrate empathy, take initiative, and aim to make a positive impact through service projects. Examples include student‑led homeroom competitions and other community‑focused initiatives across grade levels.	Community & service Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) are part of the IB Diploma Programme core, inviting students to engage in purposeful activities beyond the classroom and to give back to the community. This core develops responsibility, empathy, and community engagement.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional ISB provides extensive university and career guidance, including mentoring and interview preparation for Senior School students. The school supports leadership development through a large set of clubs and co‑curricular opportunities (hundreds of options across campuses) and assigns University Advisors to assist with university planning. There are multiple school counselors and university advisors to support student leadership and professional preparation.	Leadership & professional Academic, Innovation and Language Clubs inspire leadership and collaboration; Students explore new ideas, strengthen leadership skills, and expand their global perspective.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Vision 2030 places wellbeing at the heart of ISB's mission, promoting social, mental, physical, and emotional fulfillment. The SEE Learning framework guides Social, Emotional and Ethical development, supported by a dedicated team of wellbeing counsellors. After‑school programming (ASPIRE) provides extended day care, and ISB's Athletics Programme offers training, tournaments, and the Elite Performance Pathway for high‑level athletes. ISB also emphasises creativity and digital learning as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and Fitness programs encourage physical health and balance with academic life. The gym, swimming pool, and relaxation areas support well-being during boarding and after-school hours.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English is the language of instruction. German, French and Spanish are offered as secondary languages. The Junior School provides an English-German Dual Language Programme, and older students may study German, French and Spanish as secondary languages.	Language provision French is the main language of instruction. The lycée teaches French, English, German, Italian and Spanish, with German prioritized as a national language. The International Baccalaureate is taught in English in the International Section.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school offers an English-German Dual Language Programme in the Junior School. Two dedicated teachers, one English-speaking and one German-speaking, support each class, with teaching assistants. In Middle School, the English-German Dual Language Programme will be introduced gradually, beginning in August 2027.	Bilingual teaching The school offers a bilingual French-English Maturité in the Lycée. Primary classes include bilingual instruction, introduced in 2019.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Daily practice with immersion opportunities in the second language (German) is part of the Dual Language Programme. The programme is supported by two dedicated teachers, one English-speaking and one German-speaking, with teaching assistants.	Immersion programs Language islands provide English and German within other subjects; Primary and Secondary pupils have 2 hours per week of English and 5 hours per week of German. The International Section focuses entirely on the International Baccalaureate, taught in English.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations New England Association of Schools and Colleges; International Baccalaureate Organization	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Explore: Learn about ISBasel's personalised approach to education and schedule an individual consultation in person or online to understand how ISBasel can support your child. The school outlines three levels—Junior School (ages 3–11), Middle School (ages 11–14), and Senior School (ages 14–18)—which you can discuss during this consult. This initial exploration helps families determine fit before moving to the next steps. 2. Visit: ISBasel's doors are open year‑round. Schedule a visit or call, and you will be welcomed for an individual tour at your convenience. During the visit you can explore the school in depth and meet key staff members. This visit is designed to give you a first‑hand sense of the school environment and community. 3. Register & Apply: The Admissions Team is here to assist you every step of the way. ISBasel enrols students throughout the year, dependent on space and fulfillment of entry requirements. They provide personalised support and guidance on documentation, application forms, and admission criteria. You can ask questions about the process and receive help with next steps as you prepare your dossier. 4. Documentation and join requirements: Complete all application forms; all documents must be in English or officially translated (submit both original and translation). Additional assessment outcomes may be required; the level of English proficiency and any student support needs will be reviewed. Availability of space in classes and option groups, sibling availability, and the Director's and Principal's discretion also influence admission decisions. 5. English proficiency and placement: Grade 6 and above require an online English test to determine proficiency, sometimes with an interview. Seniors may have a tailored curriculum if enrolled in external English programs, and they transition as language skills improve. ISB uses the CEFR framework to outline minimum English proficiency by grade: Grade 9 A2/B1; Grade 10 A2/B2; Grade 11 B1/B2; Grade 12 B1/B2 (Only for students currently in the IB Diploma Programme). 6. Student support: ISB provides tailored learning support for mild to moderate learning needs, with close collaboration with families to ensure proper placement and resources. Conditional enrolment may be offered with agreed services and extra costs. In rare cases where the school cannot meet a student's needs, a decision is explained and families are guided toward alternative options.	Admissions Three steps are required for enrolment: schedule an appointment with the school headmistress; during an interview, all aspects of the curriculum and admissions are discussed, with the child present. The parents complete the enrolment application and send it to the secretariat and pay the enrolment fee, after which enrolment is confirmed. For primary school, motivation to learn in a multilingual environment is sought; for secondary school, candidates must pass entrance tests in French, Math, and German. Saint-Charles offers two high school streams, one in French and one bilingual French-English, both recognised by Swiss educational authorities. Appointments can be booked online or by contacting the school secretary. The admission process includes providing documents (school reports for the last two years, a letter of recommendation, and a color scan of the passport), an interview and admissions testing, and language assessments (IB Diploma: English Proficiency; Swiss Matura: English and French Proficiency) plus a Maths assessment. The Head of Admissions reviews applications and responds in roughly 10 days. Possible outcomes are admittance with a welcome package and visa procedures; provisional acceptance after a language-study period; waitlist; or non-acceptance.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships A scholarship fund for Jura-based students exists and allows residents of the canton to attend Saint-Charles. The school administration is available to answer questions in complete confidentiality.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waitlist: if there is no space in the desired program, a place on the waitlist may be offered until space becomes available.
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