International School of Switzerland vs International School of Ticino

	I International School of Switzerland Lugano, Switzerland	I International School of Ticino Lugano, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 16,000 - 22,000	Fees / year CHF 18,120 - 25,950
Age range	Age range 5 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Pupils	Pupils 40	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Italian	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located in Lugano, Switzerland. Address: Corso Enrico Pestalozzi 9, Lugano 6900. The campus is in Lugano, in the southern Ticino region.	Location Via Ponteggia 23, 6814 Cadempino, Switzerland. Located in the Ticino canton near Lugano. Accessible by local transport and road links.
Stages	Stages Primary School, Middle School, and High School.	Stages Ages 3-18/19; IB continuum from Early Years to High School, including the Career-related Programme (CP).
School type	School type IB World School	School type Private international day school; IB World School (IB continuum); part of the Inspired group of schools.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 30 different nationalities represented.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning Support: Our Super Powers Program provides learning support with a three-step process: assessment to understand strengths and needs; personalized learning programs; ongoing support and growth guided by coaches.	Additional learning support Inclusion Policy and Inclusion Program in place. Referral procedures identify students with additional learning needs and develop an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). Inclusive assessment arrangements can be made where appropriate. Reviews of ILPs and progress occur regularly, including a six‑week review cycle; support may involve external agencies as required.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Switzerland
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and acceptance fees - Enrolment deposit: CHF 3,000 per family. This deposit is non‑refundable and applies to new enrolling families. - The final admission paperwork must be completed and returned with the deposit within four weeks of an offer. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term equivalents) - Grade 1 (age 5–6): CHF 16,000 per year. Per term (three‑term division): CHF 5,333.33 per term. - Grades 2–5 (age 7–10): CHF 18,000 per year. Per term (three‑term division): CHF 6,000.00 per term. - Grades 6–9 (age 11–14): CHF 20,000 per year. Per term (three‑term division): CHF 6,666.67 per term. - Grades 10–12 (age 15–17): CHF 22,000 per year. Per term (three‑term division): CHF 7,333.33 per term. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment method for fees is by bank transfer using the school's Swiss account or IBAN/BIC for international transfers; the reference format required by the school is the student's first name and as much of the surname as possible (for example: ISSjohnsmith). - Computer & Book Levy: CHF 1,000 per student, per year. This levy is due by 1 September or may be included in the initial invoice. - Lunch payments can be made either termly or in full for the year. - Compulsory camps (Summer and Winter) and excursions are invoiced in advance; additional or optional activities that incur charges are invoiced separately and communicated in advance. - Full tuition payment terms and the school's terms & conditions are provided at enrolment. Boarding fees - Boarding: Not applicable — the school does not list a boarding programme or boarding fees. Other costs and compulsory extras - Computer & Book Levy: CHF 1,000 per student per year (see above). - Compulsory camps: Two camps per year (Summer and Winter); invoiced in advance. - Excursions: All curriculum excursions are compulsory and invoiced separately as required. - Diploma Programme (Grades 10–12): An additional levy applies for any extra Pamoja courses taken beyond the standard programme; these additional costs are invoiced separately. - Co‑curricular / Discovery programme: Most clubs and activities are included in fees; certain specialist programmes may carry additional charges that will be invoiced separately. - Local travel pass: Families are encouraged to obtain a yearly local travel pass for children; subsidies may be available from the local municipality. Refund information - The enrolment deposit (CHF 3,000) is explicitly non‑refundable. - Other refund or cancellation terms for tuition, levies, camps or other charges are governed by the school's full terms & conditions provided at enrolment. Fee payment options and banking details - Accepted payment method (as stated for fee payments): bank transfer to the school's UBS account for Swiss transfers or the listed IBAN/BIC for international transfers. The school asks that the payment reference include ISS plus the student's first name and as much of the surname as possible. - Swiss bank transfer details: UBS, Account No: 0247 00251043.02K (use the school's requested reference). - International bank transfer details: UBS, IBAN: CH42 0024 7247 2510 4302 K; BIC: UBSWCHZH80A (use the school's requested reference). Scholarships and financial assistance - Scholarship opportunities and financial assistance programmes are available for qualifying students; details are handled through the school's admissions/financial assistance process.	Fee details Application and admission fees - Student Admission Fee (one‑time, payable at initial enrolment): CHF 3,000. - Registration Fee (payable annually): CHF 1,950. Tuition fees by year group (annual and scheduled payments for 2026–2027) Each line below shows: Annual tuition — 1st payment (due 17 Feb 2026) — 2nd payment (due 23 Aug 2026) — 3rd payment (due 1 Dec 2026). - Kindergarten — CHF 20,735 — CHF 5,184 — CHF 10,368 — CHF 5,184. - Kindergarten (Half Day) — CHF 12,300 — CHF 3,075 — CHF 6,150 — CHF 3,075. - Transition — CHF 20,735 — CHF 5,184 — CHF 10,368 — CHF 5,184. - Grade 1 — CHF 23,640 — CHF 5,910 — CHF 11,820 — CHF 5,910. - Grade 2 — CHF 24,840 — CHF 6,210 — CHF 12,420 — CHF 6,210. - Grade 3 — CHF 24,940 — CHF 6,235 — CHF 12,470 — CHF 6,235. - Grade 4 — CHF 24,940 — CHF 6,235 — CHF 12,470 — CHF 6,235. - Grade 5 — CHF 25,190 — CHF 6,297 — CHF 12,595 — CHF 6,297. - Grade 6 — CHF 26,410 — CHF 6,602 — CHF 13,205 — CHF 6,602. - Grade 7 — CHF 26,410 — CHF 6,602 — CHF 13,205 — CHF 6,602. - Grade 8 — CHF 26,410 — CHF 6,602 — CHF 13,205 — CHF 6,602. - Grade 9 — CHF 26,410 — CHF 6,602 — CHF 13,205 — CHF 6,602. - Grade 10 — CHF 27,435 — CHF 6,859 — CHF 13,718 — CHF 6,859. - Grade 11 — CHF 27,435 — CHF 6,859 — CHF 13,718 — CHF 6,859. - Grade 12 — CHF 29,185 — CHF 7,296 — CHF 14,593 — CHF 7,296. - Grade 13 — CHF 29,185 — CHF 7,296 — CHF 14,593 — CHF 7,296. Additional fee items: - Lunches (annual): CHF 2,600 — billed as CHF 1,300 at the 2nd payment and CHF 1,300 at the 3rd payment (no amount at 1st payment). - EAL / Additional Inclusion Support (annual): CHF 4,200 (no instalment amounts shown). Billing schedule and payment terms - 1st Payment: due by 17 February 2026 — includes NSAF + Registration Fee + 25% of the tuition fee. - 2nd Payment: due by 23 August 2026 — includes 50% of lunches + 50% of the tuition fee. - 3rd Payment: due by 1 December 2026 — includes 50% of lunches + 25% of the tuition fee. - The fee schedule states: "Fees must be paid by the dates indicated." Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed in the school fee schedule; there are no boarding fees shown. Other costs and what tuition does not cover - Tuition fees do not include bus service, daily school trips, field trips, laptop, school uniforms, and external exams. - For Grades 12–13, textbooks are listed separately (not included in tuition). - The Registration Fee is stated to include stationery and educational resources. Refund information - The published school fee schedule does not specify a refund policy or refund conditions in the fee document. Fee payment options and bank details - Payment method accepted: bank transfer only (credit card payments are not indicated). - Bank details provided for payments: - Bank: UBS SA - Beneficiary: INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TICINO SA - IBAN: CH25 0023 6236 1115 0901 A - BIC / SWIFT: UBSWCHZH80A.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The uniforms are being redesigned and a School Shop will offer uniforms, school accessories, sports gear, and exclusive ISSwitzerland merchandise. The uniform design is intended to provide a polished yet comfortable, durable, and functional fit. Launching soon.	Uniform requirement The IST Uniform is mandatory for students from Pre-Kinder to MYP 3. The uniform collection comprises mandatory and optional items and can be ordered from IST's official supplier, Unique Uniforms, directly from their online store.
Food options	Food options A Lunch Program provides meals at Manor, a nearby venue, through a partnership to offer fresh, healthy, and high‑quality meals. Monthly menus will be published in advance and pricing shared; lunch payments can be made termly or in full for the year.	Food options The canteen offers a hot lunch programme with a balanced and healthy variety of freshly prepared, nut-free dishes, vegetables and fresh fruit.
House system	House system A House System fosters community based on Kindness, Innovation, Navigation, and Discovery. Students participate in House Challenges (sports, trivia, arts, charity), there are leadership opportunities (house captains and committees), and the House Cup is awarded at year end. Each student is allocated to a house on joining ISS, with siblings in the same house; events include Sports Day, House Arts Festival, and Community Service Week.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The Governing Board includes Nicholas Wergan (Global Education Director for Inspired) and Federica Cravero (CEO Italy). IST is a member of Inspired, a global premium schools group, and the school is also a member of the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The curriculum is guided by the K.I.N.D. framework: Kindness, Innovation, Navigation, and Discovery. It combines strong academic foundations with opportunities to develop practical skills and explore interests through the Masterclass Program and the Discovery Program. The Masterclass Program provides workshops and topics led by educators and professionals. The Discovery Program offers time for creativity, sports, and hands-on learning in robotics, design, and the arts. The Language Program centers on English as the primary language of instruction, with Italian and German taught at varying levels and CEFR-based placement. Starting in Grade 10, students follow a dual-pathway to either Advanced Levels (A-Levels) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB Diploma Programme), with the IB Diploma Programme currently a Candidate School; the Bridge Program supports language fluency and transition to IB, A-Levels, or Liceo.	Curriculum details IS Ticino is an IB Continuum school offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The language of instruction is English, with an Italian Programme that provides a bilingual structure for Grades 2–10 to meet Ticino Canton requirements. The Early Years curriculum uses a trans-disciplinary inquiry approach inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and provides full immersion in an English language context. The Primary Years Programme focuses on inquiry-based learning through PYP themes, while the Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme follow IB frameworks across eight subject areas and core components. The school aligns with IB standards and is part of Inspired Education Group.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes due to a small student population.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Career and higher education counselling is provided by university counsellors to advise on tertiary education pathways. University destinations include the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United States, Switzerland, and elsewhere, with more than 50% of graduates going to UK universities.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Pastoral Care provides a holistic approach to student well-being, focusing on emotional, social, physical, and spiritual health. Each student is assigned a dedicated mentor who offers personalized guidance and support. The program includes access to professional counselors and mental health resources, with regular well-being workshops to develop emotional regulation and resilience. An inclusive community and peer-support initiatives promote empathy, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. Initiatives such as Well-Being Wednesdays, a House System, Community Circles, and parent partnerships support ongoing well-being. Safety policies and trained staff ensure a safe learning environment and prompt, sensitive responses to concerns.	Social & emotional learning IST places the student at the centre of learning with a strong focus on social and emotional development within the IB framework and school pastoral care. The school has a dedicated Head of Pastoral who leads welfare and pastoral support across the school. The IB Learner Profile emphasises balance, caring and open-mindedness as core dispositions for students. The Behaviour Policy promotes respectful interactions, positive behaviour management and a no-bullying culture. The Inclusion Program is led by an Inclusion Coordinator and provides social-emotional support through referrals and Individual Learning Plans, with collaboration with families and external agencies when needed.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Learning support is organized through the Super Powers Program, a personalized, strengths-based approach to teaching and learning. Students are assessed on entry to identify strengths, needs, and learning preferences, guiding a differentiated plan. Coaches provide ongoing support and mentoring as students work on targeted goals, with an emphasis on self-awareness, resilience, and growth. The program goes beyond traditional learning support by focusing on strengths-based learning, growth mindset coaching, and the use of innovative tools and technologies to improve accessibility and engagement. It empowers students by fostering emotional intelligence and confidence as part of their academic development.	Special educational needs (SEN) IST runs an Inclusion Program with an Inclusion Coordinator to identify students with additional needs and develop Individual Learning Plans. The school provides inclusive assessment arrangements across the IB programmes and can involve external agencies as required. Referral procedures support identifying and addressing needs, with case-by-case planning for learners across the Primary, Middle and Diploma stages.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language English is the primary language of instruction, with emphasis on academic English across all subjects. Italian is an integral part of the curriculum given the Ticino location, with fluency in both formal and everyday Italian. German is offered at varying levels, from beginner to advanced. Language placement follows the CEFR framework, with entry tests to place students at the appropriate level. Intensive language learning is available through the Language Program and Bridge Program, including options to focus on 1–2 languages and integration into the bilingual ISSwitzerland community.	English as an additional language The Primary Years Programme and Early Years Programme are taught in English. Early Years is described as a full immersion in an English language context, with literacy developed in English. EAL support is provided as part of the school's inclusion framework, available under EAL / Additional Inclusion Support.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The Wellbeing Program provides dedicated mentorship for each student. There is access to professional counselors and mental health resources to help students manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges. Inclusive community programs promote empathy, understanding, and global citizenship. Peer support systems include buddy programs and student-led well-being committees. Initiatives include Well-Being Wednesdays, a House System, Community Circles, and Parent Partnership to support ongoing well-being.	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care is a visible priority, with a Head of Pastoral overseeing welfare and support for students. The IB framework promotes balanced, caring and other wellbeing-focused attributes as part of student development. During online learning, the school emphasises looking after the wellbeing of the entire school community and provides guidance to support students' wellbeing in a digital environment.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safety and security are central to pastoral care. Clear policies and procedures maintain a safe learning environment. Staff are trained to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns promptly and sensitively.	Safeguarding The school operates a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy with a designated senior person for child protection (DSP), Mr. Graeme Wallbank, and clear welfare procedures. Staff are expected to follow safeguarding protocols, including reporting concerns and liaising with the DSP and Principal. The policy includes procedures for recording welfare concerns and coordinating with families and external agencies when necessary.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The campus offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to inspire learning and support academic and personal development. Modern Classrooms are equipped with interactive touchscreens, flexible seating arrangements, and digital integration with Microsoft tools. The STEAM Center houses a robotics lab, a makerspace, and fully equipped science laboratories. The Microsoft Dream Space is Switzerland's first Microsoft Showcase School, enabling hands-on learning with AI, VR, and coding projects. Arts and Performance Spaces include Visual Arts Studios, a professional Performing Arts Theater, and Music Rooms.	Facilities overview Classrooms are bright, spacious, and well resourced. They include up-to-date technology to blend traditional and digital learning. The learning zone for early years and the first-floor learning hub offer the latest children's literature, non-fiction, and computer software. The gymnasium is equipped for football, basketball, volleyball, and other sports. The early years space behind the school and the large playground at the front support outdoor learning and play.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Sports areas are available on campus.	Sports facilities The gymnasium serves football, basketball, volleyball, and a range of other sports activities. The large playground behind the school and outdoor spaces at the front provide areas for outdoor play and learning.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Modern Classrooms are equipped with interactive touchscreens, flexible seating, and digital integration with Microsoft tools. The STEAM Center includes a Robotics Lab, a Makerspace, and Science Laboratories. The Microsoft Dream Space supports hands-on learning with the latest software and hardware and opportunities to explore artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and coding projects. Arts and Performing Spaces include Visual Arts Studios, a Performing Arts Theater, and Music Rooms.	Academic facilities Classrooms are bright, spacious, and well resourced, with the latest technology to support learning. The learning zone for early years and the first-floor learning hub offer the latest children's literature, non-fiction, and computer software.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Discovery Program offers a diverse after-school range of options across sports, arts, languages, and clubs such as debating, robotics, and AI, with activities scheduled on school days after classes. The majority of these programs are included in the enrollment fee, with some specialist programs requiring additional costs. Masterclasses provide expert-led sessions across disciplines for Grades 6–12, offered during school hours and after-school through the Discovery Program, with hands-on activities and opportunities to network with mentors. The Immersion Program delivers cultural excursions, outdoor expeditions, industry visits, and a variety of masterclasses, camps, and workshops that connect learning to real-world contexts. Competitions are part of the co-curricular program, and ski and summer camps are offered as connected experiences to learning.	Extra curricular facilities Music and performance: Guitar, Violin, Piano, Modern Singing, Classical Singing; Musical Theatre and Drama. Sports: Football, Tennis, Volleyball, Multi-Sport, Gym Fun, Swimming, Ballet, Break Dance, Hip Hop Dance. Languages: German, Italian, French, English, Mandarin, Spanish, and any language of your choice. Language acquisition: French (Grade 7-13), Italian (Grade 7-13), German (from Grade 7). Other activities: Robotics, Coding, Maths club, Model United Nations, Debate, History Bee and Bowl, Science club, Extended Day programme.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History IST opened as a kindergarten in 2014 and began as a feeder to the International School Como in Italy, which had operated since 2002. It was established to offer the local and international residents of Ticino an IB education. In 2017 IST joined Inspired, a group that educates over 4,500 students in 150 schools worldwide. IST's educational vision seeks to develop the best IB inquiry-oriented, holistic education grounded in Inspired and the IB, and its mission emphasizes providing an excellent international education in a safe, nurturing environment.
Community	Community ISS uses a House System to build a vibrant community where students form lifelong friendships, develop leadership, and work in teams, anchored in the values of Kindness, Innovation, Navigation, and Discovery. The school's vision is to build great people who are future-ready global citizens. The mission delivers a comprehensive local and multilingual curriculum that holistically prepares learners to shape the future as global citizens, guided by the K.I.N.D. principles and immersive learning experiences in a technology-driven environment. ISS integrates deeply with the Lugano community, enabling students to engage in local and international projects to foster connections and broaden perspectives.	Community IST culture is rooted in the IB Mission statement, which aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The IB Mission emphasizes intercultural understanding and respect. IST provides a safe, nurturing environment with a strong sense of community at its heart. IST participates in global programs through Inspired, including Global Camps and the Global Exchange Programme.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The Discovery Program offers a diverse range of afternoon activities across sports, arts, languages, and clubs such as debating, robotics, and AI. Most Discovery activities are included in the enrollment fee, with some specialist programs requiring additional costs. The Masterclass Program runs during the year for Grades 6–12 with expert-led workshops across disciplines, including technology, arts, sciences, sports and business, during school hours and after-school. The Immersion Program provides real-world learning through cultural excursions, outdoor expeditions, industry visits, and community-based projects, with masterclasses, camps and workshops that spark curiosity and action.	Academic & intellectual IST offers a wide range of co-curricular activities. Academic and intellectual options include Robotics, Coding, Maths Club, Model United Nations, Debate, History Bee and Bowl, and Science Club, with an Extended Day programme to extend learning beyond the classroom.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts are part of the Discovery Program alongside sports and languages. Masterclasses offer expert-led sessions in arts-related topics and other disciplines. Immersion Program includes performing arts experiences, with masterclasses and workshops in performing arts and creativity. Immersion Program examples include Vienna for classical music workshops and London for theatre experiences.	Arts & creative Music and performing arts are offered, including Guitar, Violin, Piano, Modern Singing, and Classical Singing; Musical Theatre and Drama are also available, with options to study any instrument of your choice.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Immersion Program includes cultural excursions to Rome, Paris, and Athens. Outdoor Expeditions include the Swiss Alps, Scottish Highlands, and Norwegian Fjords. Industry and Innovation Visits feature trips to Dublin, Munich, and Copenhagen. Language and Culinary Immersion covers Barcelona, Provence, and Tuscany for language and culture experiences.	Cultural & language Languages include German, Italian, French, English, Mandarin, and Spanish, with continued language study across year groups. French (Grades 7-13) and Italian (Grades 7-13) are taught to the highest level, and German begins in Grade 7; Mandarin and Russian are supported for other language learners.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Discovery Program offers clubs such as debating, robotics and AI, alongside sports, arts and languages. Masterclasses provide hands-on learning in topics across technology, arts, sciences, sports and business. Immersion Program hosts masterclasses, camps and workshops spanning performing arts, STEAM and language/cultural experiences.	Social & hobbies IST provides a broad range of activities that foster social interaction and teamwork, including football, tennis, volleyball, multi-sport, gym, swimming, ballet, break dance, hip hop dance, and horse riding. There are also clubs and after-school opportunities as part of the co-curricular program.
Community & service	Community & service The Discovery Program benefits from partnerships with many local clubs and centres, offering opportunities to express individuality, belonging, and passions. The Wellbeing Program includes dedicated mentorship, mental health support and an inclusive community. Pastoral Care provides mentorship and a supportive framework, including Well-Being Wednesdays and community circles. The Portrait of a Graduate highlights community engagement and leadership roles gained through co-curricular activities.	Community & service IST is a signatory of the Global Schools Program and the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDG commitments include promoting the SDGs, ensuring environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive programs, delivering SDG-focused lessons, providing opportunities for students to engage with the SDGs, and joining the global movement to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Masterclass Program inspires and challenges students through specialist workshops led by industry experts from around the world. Sessions cover robotics, arts, entrepreneurship, sustainability and related fields, with networking opportunities to connect with mentors and peers. The Portrait of a Graduate highlights leadership roles and community engagement gained through co-curricular activities.	Leadership & professional IST offers the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP), the first in Ticino. The CP provides seven business-related pathways: Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Technology; Sustainable Finance and Digitisation; Sustainable Fashion; Sustainable Tourism; Sustainable Hospitality; Sustainable Culinary Art; and Nature Conservation.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Wellbeing Program provides a holistic pastoral care approach with dedicated mentorship and access to professional counselors. Pastoral care focuses on emotional, social, physical and spiritual well-being through proactive strategies and responsive support. Initiatives include Well-Being Wednesdays, the House System and Community Circles to promote resilience, belonging and parent partnership.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and fitness are integral to IST; offerings include Football, Tennis, Volleyball, Multi-Sport, Gym Fun, Swimming, Ballet, Break Dance, Hip Hop Dance, and Horse Riding.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school teaches English as the primary language of instruction. Italian is a vital part of the curriculum due to the Ticino location. German is offered at varying levels, from beginner to advanced. Language courses follow the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), and students are tested on entry to assess proficiency and placed in classes with peers at a similar level to support tailored instruction.	Language provision English is the language of instruction. Italian language is taught from Grade 1 to maintain Swiss Italian language proficiency and cultural identity, with Italian taught as an additional language when needed. German Language Acquisition begins in Grade 2 with CEFR-based progression to support local university access. Language Acquisition includes English, Italian, Spanish and Mandarin; co-curricular offerings include German, Italian, French, English, Mandarin and Spanish.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching English is the language of instruction. Some subjects are delivered in English and Italian as required by the Ticino Canton. Italian is taught from Grade 1 to maintain Swiss Italian language proficiency and cultural identity, with Italian taught as an additional language for non-native speakers. German is taught from Grade 2 as a language acquisition subject, with CEFR-aligned progression.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Early Years Programme is taught in English (3-5 years old) with full immersion in an English language context. Primary School Programme is taught in English (5-11 years old). Middle School Programme is taught in English (11-16 years old).
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Stage One: Inquiry. An enquiry is the first stage of the admission process. After you contact us, you will be invited to an information evening (virtual options are available), a Taster Day, and an individual visit to tour the school and meet the principal. Stage Two: Apply Online. Applications for 2024 entry are being accepted, and 2025 entry is open for the Diploma Programme. The admissions portal provides access to all required documents and allows you to create an account to complete and submit the application online. Documents can be uploaded digitally and the portal centralizes submission. Stage Three: Assessments. All pupils sit papers in Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning, alongside a short interview. If travel to the campus is not possible, exams can be sat externally. For Senior School entry in 2025, students must sit and pass the Common Entrance (CE) exam. English as an Additional Language (EAL) considerations may apply; EAL guidelines are based on CEFR levels, with Year 9 intake minimum at the lower end of B2, and three years to reach upper-intermediate. Stage Four: Offer and Acceptance. Offers are made on the basis of performance in the entry assessment. The final forms must be completed online and returned within four weeks with the deposit. An enrolment deposit of CHF 3,000 per family applies to new enrolling families and is non-refundable.	Admissions IS Ticino accepts applications via an online form. After submission the admissions team will contact families to discuss the application process. IS Ticino admits international children arriving or leaving in the middle of the academic year. For Early Years and Elementary, IS Ticino provides an international education with English as the main language of instruction and operates a non-discriminatory admission policy. IS Ticino will accept children with no previous experience of speaking English. Although not all families are fluent in English, all communication with the school is primarily in English, and at least one parent should be able to speak English, communicate with staff in English, discuss English-language activities with the child, and read teacher notes and converse with teachers in English. Admission is by the Principal when it is evident the student can benefit from the programme and the school has sufficient staffing and programme capacity; placement for a different grade requires the Principal's recommendation. Priority for entry is given to families with siblings already enrolled and to international families whose children are fluent in English; all other applications are processed in strict chronological order and in compliance with the Admissions Procedure. Submit an application via the contact form (Apply Now). The language of instruction is English and applicants are assessed for English proficiency before a decision is made, including language assessments for PYP and DP where appropriate. Enrollment requires documents such as student and parent passports, Swiss permit if non-Swiss, birth certificate, vaccination record and Swiss health insurance.
Scholarships	Scholarships Scholarships and Financial Assistance: We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Scholarship opportunities and financial assistance programs will be available to qualifying students.	Scholarships Nsouli Scholars Programme: The Nsouli Scholars Programme provides full scholarships to 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend Inspired schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education. The endowment honours Nadim Nsouli, and several scholarships are awarded to individuals of Lebanese origin.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waiting lists: If a class is fully subscribed, successful applicants are invited to place their name on a waiting list. Priority is given to siblings of current IST students, children of ex-IST students, applicants from the international community, and applicants who are proficient in English or transferring from English-medium schools.
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