International School of Zug and Luzern - Zug Campus and Tandem International Multilingual School are both in Zug, about 16 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Tandem International Multilingual School also offers Bespoke, British and Swiss. Published annual fees are CHF 16,800 - 36,700 at International School of Zug and Luzern - Zug Campus and CHF 25,320 - 33,600 at Tandem International Multilingual School, which puts Tandem International Multilingual School roughly 10% higher. International School of Zug and Luzern - Zug Campus takes pupils from 3 to 14, and Tandem International Multilingual School from 0.5 to 18. International School of Zug and Luzern - Zug Campus is the larger school, with around 800 pupils to Tandem International Multilingual School's 350. Typical class sizes are 18 at International School of Zug and Luzern - Zug Campus and 22 at Tandem International Multilingual School.
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International School of Zug and Luzern - Zug Campus
Zug, Switzerland
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Tandem International Multilingual School
Zug, Switzerland
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year CHF 16,800 - 36,700 | Fees / year CHF 25,320 - 33,600 |
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Age range
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Age range 3 - 14 years | Age range 6 months - 18 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) | Curriculum IB (PYP), Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum |
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Pupils
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Pupils 800 | Pupils 350 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 18 | Typical class size 22 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language German, English, French |
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Opened
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Opened 1961 | Opened 2004 |
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Bus service
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Bus service No | Bus service Yes |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location Two ISZL campuses are located in Central Switzerland: Baar (Zug Campus) and Hünenberg (Riverside Campus). The Zug Campus address is Walterswil 1, 6340 Baar, Switzerland. The Riverside Campus address is Rothusstrasse 4B, 6331 Hünenberg, Switzerland. The campuses are about 33 km from Zürich Airport. | Location Zurich region, Switzerland, with campuses in Erlenbach, Küsnacht, Zollikon and Zürich (Seefeldstrasse 111, CH-8008). |
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Stages
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Stages Primary School (ages 3–11) follows the IB Primary Years Programme; Middle School (ages 11–14) follows the IB Middle Years Programme; High School (ages 14–18) offers the IB Diploma Programme or the ISZL High School Diploma. | Stages Early Years & Pre-School; Kindergarten; Primary School; Gymnasium (upper secondary leading to the Swiss Matura). |
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School type
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School type The school is a private, non-profit international day school. | School type Day school. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix 60 nationalities represented. | Pupil nationality mix — |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support Support for Additional Learning Needs is tailored to the individual and provided in-class, in small groups, or one-on-one. | Additional learning support — |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation Switzerland | Country affiliation Switzerland and United Kingdom (Zurich canton curriculum Lehrplan 21; UK National Curriculum). |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation Non-denominational | Religious affiliation — |
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School day structure
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School day structure School hours are Primary and Middle School 08:50–15:30 and High School 08:40–16:00, Monday–Friday. A daily hot lunch is available at an additional cost, and the Eagles after-school care runs 15:30–18:00 for Early Years–Grade 8. | School day structure — |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details Transportation includes a school bus for the Zug Campus; parents may drive or students can use public transport; High School students primarily use public transport. | Bus service details Bus transfer from Erlenbach to Zurich connecting campuses with pick-up locations along the lake; 07:50 pickups in Erlenbach, Küsnacht and Zollikon; 08:20 pickup in Zürich Seefeld. |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application / registration fee - A non‑refundable registration fee is required to confirm each student's place. Starting amounts are: CHF 2,000 for entry in Early Years 1; CHF 3,000 for entry in Early Years 2; and CHF 5,000 for entry in Kindergarten or any grade above. The registration fee is one‑time and is not credited toward tuition. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term) - Early Years 1 (mornings only): Annual CHF 16,650 — Per term CHF 5,550.00. - Early Years 1 (full time): Annual CHF 26,050 — Per term CHF 8,683.33. - Early Years 2 (mornings only): Annual CHF 16,850 — Per term CHF 5,616.67. - Early Years 2 (full time): Annual CHF 27,800 — Per term CHF 9,266.67. - Kindergarten: Annual CHF 32,700 — Per term CHF 10,900.00. - Grades 1–5 (Primary): Annual CHF 32,900 — Per term CHF 10,966.67. - Grades 6–8 (Middle School): Annual CHF 36,300 — Per term CHF 12,100.00. - Grades 9–10 (High School): Annual CHF 38,700 — Per term CHF 12,900.00. - Grades 11–12 (High School senior years): Annual CHF 39,200 — Per term CHF 13,066.67. (Per‑term figures are the annual tuition divided by three terms and shown to two decimal places.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Enrolment is for the full school year. All invoices are sent electronically and tuition invoices are payable within thirty (30) days of the invoice date or before the start of the next payment period. Any bank fees charged when transferring funds must be paid by the sender. Interest on overdue amounts is charged at 12% per year. Payment options for private payers may be arranged in 2, 3, 4 or 8 instalments; an administration fee of CHF 200 per child per year applies to any instalment plan. Instalment due dates are specified in the school's financial regulations (examples: for 3 instalments — payments due around July 31, November 30 and February 28; for 4 instalments — July 31, September 30, November 30 and February 28; for 2 instalments — July 31 and January 31). Employer payments (registration or tuition paid directly by an employer) can be indicated on the fees/payment information. Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered; ISZL operates as a non‑profit co‑educational day school (no boarding fees apply). Other costs and typical additional fees - Lunch programme: charged separately. - School bus / transport service: charged separately. - Music Academy lessons and other optional co‑curricular lessons: charged separately. - Multilingual Academy / extra language classes: charged separately. - External exam and course fees for Grades 11–12 (AP/IB/College Board exam fees) and college application‑related expenses: charged to families as applicable. - Optional trips, tournaments and some extracurricular trips: charged separately as applicable. - Parents' Association annual membership fee: CHF 40 per child, added to the invoice. - Uniform: there is no formal compulsory uniform; a dress code applies and optional branded sports/PE items are available for purchase. Any costs for optional branded items are additional. Refunds and withdrawal charges (summary of main rules) - The registration fee is non‑refundable. - New students who cancel a confirmed enrolment before classes start will be charged a percentage of the relevant tuition if cancellation is within the notice window (examples given in the school's enrolment and finance policies: a 25% charge applies for new‑student cancellations unless notice is received at least four calendar months before the start date). Re‑enrolment and late withdrawal rules include a 25% late withdrawal charge if a student is withdrawn after re‑enrolment. - Force majeure, school closure for reasons beyond the school's control, and student disciplinary suspension/expulsion do not entitle families to a refund of tuition or other fees. - Unpaid invoices may be pursued externally and related collection costs may be charged to the family. Fee payment methods and practical notes - Invoices are issued electronically. Payment instructions require the payer to cover any bank transfer charges. Payment is arranged via the Business Office; instalment plans must be pre‑arranged each year. Employer direct payment of registration and/or tuition is accommodated where indicated. The school's published materials specify bank transfer and invoicing as the standard mechanisms; families should follow the invoice payment instructions. Overdue fees incur interest (12% p.a.) and missed or late payments may trigger collection action. Summary statement - Annual tuition at ISZL varies by age and grade from CHF 16,650 (Early Years 1 mornings) up to CHF 39,200 (Grades 11–12) with standard billing aligned to the school's three‑term academic year. Registration fees, instalment administration fees, and a set of optional additional charges (meals, transport, extracurricular lessons, exam fees, trips, parents' association fee) are applied in addition to tuition. The school is a day school and does not charge boarding fees. Refunds are limited: the registration fee is non‑refundable and withdrawal/cancellation charges apply per the school's enrolment and financial regulations; force majeure and disciplinary exclusions to refunds apply. | Fee details Application & one-off (first-time) fees - Assessment (application) fee: CHF 300. - Registration / enrolment fee (one-off, charged after contractual offer): CHF 550. - Capital fund (one-off, charged at first enrolment for Gymnasium pupils): Progymnasium CHF 3'000; Kurzgymnasium CHF 2'000. Tuition fees — Early Years, Pre‑School (day care hours shown) - Early Years (0–3 years) — tuition per month (09:00–16:00): 2 days CHF 1'268; 3 days CHF 1'902; 4 days CHF 2'536; 5 days CHF 3'170. - Pre‑School (3–4 years) — tuition per month (09:00–16:00): 3 days CHF 1'902; 4 days CHF 2'536; 5 days CHF 3'170. Tuition fees — Kindergarten (4–6 years) - Annual tuition (08:50–15:40): 3.5 days CHF 25'320; 4 days CHF 27'960. - Optional French Fridays programme (includes lunch and day care): CHF 7'524 per year. Tuition fees — Primary School (6–12 years) - Annual tuition (08:30–15:55): 4.5 days CHF 28'380; 5 days CHF 30'360. (With 4.5 days, Wednesday morning ends at 12:30 and excludes lunch; 5 days includes Wednesday afternoon French in Zurich.) Tuition fees — Gymnasium and 10th Grade preparation (12–18 years) - Annual tuition (Küsnacht): Progymnasium CHF 31'800; Kurzgymnasium + 10th Grade Gymi‑preparation CHF 33'600. Optional / additional fees and typical extras - Kurzgymnasium afternoon preparation course (Aug–Mar) for Grade 8: CHF 2'500 (optional). - Additional language support (German/English/French), charged per semester: CHF 1'000 (optional). - DELF / Cambridge exam preparation, project weeks, external internships, multi‑day trips and other externally billed activities: charged individually when they occur. - Schoolbooks: personal schoolbooks are charged individually; routine school materials (except personal books) are included in the tuition. - After‑school clubs and extra‑curricular sessions: fees vary by activity, duration and provider; these are charged separately. - Holiday‑care / Holiday‑camp options: separate booking is possible; typical daily holiday‑care fee (separate booking) is CHF 160 per day per child (includes breakfast, snacks, lunch and materials). Holiday camp weeks have published per‑week fees and specific cancellation deadlines; cancelled bookings after the deadline are subject to full charge. Registration fees for some extra‑curricular camps may be non‑refundable. - School bus service is available (day‑time transfer between campuses and local pick‑up points); bus usage is an additional service with separate charges. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition is calculated on a yearly basis and is presented as a single annual amount. For billing simplicity the annual fee is divided into 12 equal monthly amounts. These monthly amounts are invoiced on a quarterly basis (three months per invoice). Invoices for each quarter are due before the start of that quarter. Optional charges are invoiced separately (arrears invoice). One‑off fees for new pupils are due before the start and are non‑refundable. Refund, cancellation and discount rules - One‑off fees charged at first enrolment (assessment, enrolment fee, capital fund) are non‑refundable. - Holiday camp cancellations: if a booking is cancelled after the stated deadline, the full camp fee is due; no refunds are given for missed sessions or illness in normal circumstances. If a camp is cancelled by the school for government‑mandated reasons, fees will not be charged. Registration fees for extra‑curricular activities may be non‑refundable. - Sibling discount: while multiple children from the same private‑paying family attend the school, each child receives a 5% reduction on the tuition (optional fees excluded). The enrolment fee for a second child is reduced by 50%. These discounts apply only when fees are paid by a private individual (not a company). Boarding - Tandem IMS is a day school; boarding is not offered. Fee payment options and invoicing - Tuition and additional charges are issued by invoice (quarterly for the 12‑month split; optional fees billed separately). Payment instructions and the required payment details are provided on each invoice. Optional fees and one‑off fees are due as stated on their respective invoices. Important notes about optional charges and variability - The published figures above cover the core tuition and commonly referenced optional items. Project weeks, residential trips, specialised exam fees, some extra‑curricular providers and certain consumables are charged on an individual basis when they occur. After‑school club and holiday camp fees vary by programme and are set per offering. Capital fund and one‑time enrolment charges apply at first enrolment for relevant programmes. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements Day school; no boarding offered. |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement No formal uniform is required. Students must dress appropriately and in accordance with the ISZL Dress Code. | Uniform requirement — |
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Food options
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Food options The Zug Campus offers an optional hot lunch programme; meals are prepared on-site in the school kitchen and served daily in the cafeteria. Menus can be viewed by parents via the Parent Portal. | Food options Lunch is provided as part of day services; lunch service is offered. |
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House system
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House system — | House system — |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership ISZL is a non-profit foundation under Swiss law, approved by the educational authorities of Zug and Luzern. The Board of Trustees defines the mission, vision, and strategic goals, appoints the Director, and oversees finances, with four standing committees: Governance, Facilities, Finance and Audit, and Fundraising. | Governance and ownership Founders Sonya Maechler-Dent (Founder and Curriculum Development) and Philip Maechler (Co-Founder and Business Development). An Advisory Board provides strategic direction and guides quality improvements. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details ISZL follows the International Baccalaureate framework across the Primary, Middle, and High School. Primary School uses the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Middle School uses the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). High School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the ISZL High School Diploma, with pathways that include Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the BTEC Diploma in Creative Media. The school operates on two campuses: Zug (Zug Campus for Primary and Middle) and Riverside (High School), with English as the main language of instruction and dedicated EAL support and German offered as an additional language. | Curriculum details The core curriculum is Zurich Lehrplan 21 and the UK National Curriculum, with additional elements from the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Translanguaging and enquiry-based learning are integral parts of the Tandem IMS curriculum. It is designed to prepare pupils for the Swiss Gymnasium or other upper-level schools. It follows a twelve-month span with monthly and weekly planning to tailor activities to each class and language development. It aligns Swiss and international curricula and supports multilingual education across languages. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio 1:7 | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results ISZL high school students in Grades 11 and 12 earn a range of internationally recognised qualifications, including Advanced Placement exams, BTEC Diplomas in Creative Media, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Our students consistently achieve results well above global averages. | Exam results Gymnasium pass rate: 100%. DELF Prim pass rate: 100%. |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression ISZL provides university advising with personalised guidance on course selection and curriculum pathways, psychometric testing, information about external assessments, and guidance on university applications (including UK UCAS, Netherlands Studielink, and the USA Common Application). Formal university preparation begins in Grade 10, with Grade 11 offering biweekly university seminars and Grade 12 focused on applications; students can submit up to ten university applications worldwide. | Higher education progression Prepares pupils for the Swiss Matura and direct access to Swiss universities. Progymi, Kurzgymi, and Matura are offered in bilingual and monolingual tracks. Starting in 2026/27, a 10th Grade Gymnasium Preparation bridge year supports ZAP/TAP readiness and pathways toward Gymnasium and related design/engineering tracks. |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented Enrichment programmes include the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, Youth Forum Switzerland, after‑school clubs, competitive sports, and service learning, which support leadership, creativity, and global citizenship as part of ISZL's enrichment offering. | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning Wellbeing is embedded in ISZL's daily life across both campuses. The wellbeing approach is holistic, addressing emotional, social, and physical health. Strong relationships, dedicated guidance and a caring community help students build confidence and life skills. The four pillars of wellbeing are awareness, insight, connection and purpose. Small homeroom groups provide daily mentoring, circle discussions and grade assemblies to support self-awareness and empathy. Residential and experiential trips, including the Duke of Edinburgh activities and time at the school chalet in Wengen, extend wellbeing learning beyond the classroom. | Social & emotional learning — |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) All ISZL campuses provide support for students with identified mild to moderate learning needs. The High School Learning Support team works with students, teachers and families to understand individual needs and develop personalised learning plans. Support may include in-class assistance, small group sessions, or one-to-one instruction. A trained mental health professional supports student wellbeing as part of the broader support services. The policy framework supports inclusive practice for diverse learning needs. | Special educational needs (SEN) — |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided for students who do not have English as their first language or who have been educated in a different language. From building vocabulary and reading comprehension to supporting classroom participation, the EAL team helps students grow language skills and confidence in the ISZL community. The Primary School EAL programme is built on the PYP framework. The school also supports multilingual learners through first language programmes and multilingual resources. EAL support is integrated with curriculum to enable access to subject content. | English as an additional language The school provides multilingual education in German, English and French. English and German are spoken in nurseries, and French is part of the multilingual program from kindergarten. All pupils engage in translanguaging, with two native-language teachers working together in the same classroom. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing Trained mental health professionals play a key role in student wellbeing. They help students navigate challenges, build resilience, and set personal goals. They also contribute to the PSHE programme and provide staff with strategies to support students' social and emotional development. Wellbeing is supported through dedicated guidance and a caring community, with small homeroom groups fostering personal development. Residential and school chalet experiences, such as Personal Development Week and other trips, contribute to students' wellbeing and social-emotional growth. | Mental wellbeing — |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding Safeguarding students is central to recruitment and daily practice. Annual child protection training is provided. We use reporting platforms such as MyConcern and Confide for reporting concerns. All staff undergo criminal background checks and reference checks before hiring. The Child Protection Handbook shows how we create a safe environment for our students. | Safeguarding — |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview ISZL operates two campuses in Central Switzerland: the Zug Campus for Early Years through Middle School and the Riverside Campus in Hünenberg for High School. The Zug Campus centers on the historic Wettinger House (17th century) surrounded by modern buildings, with 75 rooms to explore. The Riverside Campus features the main building with over 20 classrooms, science labs, a library, an art atelier and music rooms, the triple gym, and additional space in the neighboring Seeblick and Alpenblick buildings. ISZL also owns Chalet Bergheim, a wooden Outdoor Education Centre in Wengen for outdoor learning and residential trips. | Facilities overview Tandem IMS is a dynamic day school offering high-quality multilingual education in German, English and French in a warm, child-friendly environment welcoming local Swiss and international families. The multilingual concept accompanies children from early childhood to the Swiss Matura, with translanguaging and two native language teachers working in the same classroom. An enquiry-based learning curriculum based on the Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate ensures a stimulating, creative education. The core of the curriculum is Zurich's Lehrplan 21 and the UK National Curriculum, with assessments such as Swiss Klassencockpit and UK SATs to track progress. Since August 2025, a new campus in Küsnacht unites primary school and Gymnasium pupils in a modern learning environment nestled in nature, with small classes. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities The Riverside Campus features the triple gym. | Sports facilities After School Clubs include football, taught by experienced InterSoccer coaches. The football club runs on Tuesdays from 16:00 to 17:15 for ages 6-9, with multilingual instruction (English and German) and takes place near the school on Bauerwiese or in the FGZ sports hall. Lessons are booked for the entire semester; a minimum of seven children is required; the cost is CHF 35 per lesson. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities Zug Campus comprises the historic Wettinger House (17th century) and modern buildings, with 75 rooms to explore. The Riverside Campus houses the High School with over 20 classrooms, science labs, a library, an art atelier and music rooms. | Academic facilities Translanguaging and multilingual education are central: English and German are spoken in nurseries, and French becomes part of multilingual education from kindergarten. Two native language teachers work together in the same classroom to support multilingual learning. An enquiry-based learning approach anchored in the IB Primary Years Programme leads to a stimulating, creative education. The core curricula are Lehrplan 21 (Zurich) and the UK National Curriculum, with assessments including Swiss Klassencockpit and UK SATs. Since August 2025, Campus Küsnacht offers a modern learning environment with small classes to prepare pupils for the Swiss Gymnasium and Matura. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities Chalet Bergheim Outdoor Education Centre in Wengen serves as the school's outdoor education centre. | Extra curricular facilities After School Clubs and Holiday Camps are offered. Football is an After School Club, run with InterSoccer by qualified coaches. Football sessions run on Tuesdays from 16:00–17:15 for ages 6–9, with multilingual instruction (English and German) near the school at Bauerwiese or FGZ sports hall; course requires booking for the entire semester, with a minimum of seven children and a cost of CHF 35 per lesson. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History ISZL has a deeply rooted history in the canton of Zug in Central Switzerland, where our story began long before we embraced the name ISZL. For more than 60 years, ISZL has grown from a small tutoring group for 14 American children of Willy's employees, known as Willy's School, to an expansive multicampus community serving around 1,200 students from 60 countries. What began as Willy's School was renamed the Zug Anglo-American School in 1964, and the campus relocated through the 1960s to accommodate growth. In 2008, the merger of the International School of Zug, the International School of Luzern, and the Riverside School formed the ISZL we know today, followed by expansion such as Chalet Bergheim and the mission 'Respect, Motivate, Achieve'. Plans for a new Middle School campus next to the High School in Hünenberg are planned for opening in 2028. | History Tandem IMS was set up by multilingual education specialists to advance primary education through multilingualism. It began with six children at the Uetikon site and grew to over 300 children from about 30 nationalities, with campuses in Erlenbach, Küsnacht, Zollikon and Zurich. Sonya Maechler-Dent founded the first Tandem IMS school in Uetikon am See and led expansion; the name Tandem International Multilingual School was adopted in 2010 with the motto 'Discover the world through languages'. In 2024 Tandem IMS celebrated 20 years of multilingual education, and in 2025 opened the Küsnacht campus hosting the Gymnasium and primary grades 5 and 6. |
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Community
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Community ISZL has strong ties with the wider Swiss community. Orientation Day is held on both the Zug and Riverside campuses to welcome new families, and the PA provides Community Representatives to connect families with others who share cultural backgrounds. The annual ISZL Community events include International Day, Community Festival, the Winter Market, Welcome Fair, Trunk or Treat, Quiz Night, and Wine & Cheese tasting. The PA's Neighbourhood Networks help connect families with local services, carers and clubs. | Community Tandem IMS operates across four campuses: Erlenbach, Küsnacht, Zollikon and Zurich, serving Early Years through Gymnasium. The school offers After School Clubs and Holiday Camps as part of its community life. The multilingual environment includes engagement in English as the administrative language and classroom use of multiple languages, with 57% of students communicating in three or more languages and students from around 30 nationalities. The community emphasizes welcoming newcomers and fostering a family ethos across campuses. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association ISZL's Parents' Association (PA) is the active volunteer body behind the ISZL community, with over 300 volunteers who help organise events and welcome new families. It supports school initiatives and offers social and cultural activities, informal coffee mornings, and practical advice to families settling in. Class and Grade Representatives act as a bridge between parents and the school, with class representatives in Primary and grade representatives in Middle and High School. The PA connects families through Neighbourhood Networks to share local tips and arrange carpooling. The PA also leads and supports a range of clubs and events, including the annual International Day. | Parent teacher association The Tandem IMS PTA is an active link between teachers and parents to support school life in a wide variety of ways. It meets regularly and organizes volunteer groups to enhance school experiences, seeking input from a broad range of viewpoints. Its main objective is to partner with Tandem IMS to make a positive difference for children, strengthen the home–school link, and promote the Tandem IMS ethos. It organises events, projects and celebrations and welcomes newcomers to the Tandem IMS family. PTA funds are invested in extras to enrich learning and life for children, parents and staff. Administrative simplicity in a multilingual school is served by English as the working language. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual The Activities Programme offers opportunities for personal growth, creativity, and connection. The activities are organized into three categories: Visual and Performing Arts; Recreational Sports; and Academic Enrichment And Student Leadership. In Academic Enrichment And Student Leadership, ISZL offers Digital Creators, German, Leadership & Action, Aquaponics/Urban Gardening, Swiss Young Naturalists Tournament, Creative Thinking, SATs Prep, Debate, Vex Robotics, Eco-schools, Model United Nations, Live Media Technicians, Medical Society, Student Ambassadors, Spanish, and Student-led Activities in the Primary School. Students learn new skills, understand the importance of commitment and resilience, and develop creativity, independence, communication, and leadership, while engaging in service projects. | Academic & intellectual STEAM Techlabs provide early exposure to programming and digital literacy. Junior STEAM (4–6 years) and STEAM (6–9 years) deliver age-appropriate technology experiences in Zurich. Techlabs are external providers, bringing high-quality technology education to Tandem IMS students. Most clubs are bilingual in English and German. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative Visual and Performing Arts is one of the three activity categories. ISZL provides Drama; Guitar or Wind Band; Photography; Sinfonia; Theatre Production; Improv; Raku Ceramics; and Mural Creating and Painting. Some activities, such as orchestra and choir, run all year round. | Arts & creative Music Club offers Private Piano Tuition in Zurich and Zollikon, and Private Guitar & Violin Tuition in Zurich. These music lessons are delivered in partnership with the Swiss International Music School (SIMS). The School Choir in Zurich welcomes all children and performs throughout the year, led by Miss Penrose. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language German and Spanish are featured in Academic Enrichment. Model United Nations is included as an academic enrichment activity. Youth Forum Switzerland provides an international platform for student leaders to discuss global issues and to develop leadership and communication skills through inviting speakers, shaping programmes, and coordinating activities. | Cultural & language German Booster – Zurich provides immersion to strengthen vocabulary, grammar, and communication in a small-group setting. Most Tandem IMS clubs are bilingual (English and German), while some language-specific or specialist clubs may be held primarily in one language. German language–focused offerings are part of the broader language-club provision. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies The Activities Programme offers opportunities to pursue passions and connect with others. ISZL's activity categories—Visual and Performing Arts, Recreational Sports, and Academic Enrichment—allow students to pursue a wide range of interests and hobbies. The program encourages students to step out of their comfort zone and pursue their passions while building empathy through service projects. | Social & hobbies Playball Programmes in Zurich promote a healthy lifestyle and teamwork. Ballet classes in Zurich and Zollikon help children develop coordination and self-expression. Football is offered in Zurich in partnership with InterSoccer, welcoming children of all levels. Architecture for kids introduces design and spatial thinking, while S.T.R.O.N.G. teaches nutrition and healthy habits. |
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Community & service
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Community & service Students engage in service projects through Academic Enrichment and Student Leadership activities. Youth Forum Switzerland includes initiatives focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Personal Development Week, with a school chalet in Wengen, focuses on teamwork and social and environmental responsibility, laying the foundation for project-based service learning. ISZL also provides on-campus health and wellbeing support through registered nurses and mental health professionals. | Community & service — |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional Youth Forum Switzerland is entirely student-led, with Grade 11 and 12 students taking ownership of every aspect. Participants develop real-world skills in organisation, public speaking, media engagement, and strategic thinking. ISZL students lead in inviting speakers, shaping the programme, and coordinating logistics for the forum. | Leadership & professional — |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing in High School is holistic, recognizing the importance of emotional, social, and physical health. The four pillars of wellbeing are awareness, insight, connection, and purpose. Small homeroom groups provide daily one-to-one mentoring, circle discussions, and assemblies to build self-awareness, empathy, and confidence. Personal Development Week includes grade-level trips across Europe and a school chalet in Wengen, hosting Duke of Edinburgh International Award activities and ski trips, supporting teamwork and leadership, while on-campus nurses and mental health professionals support student wellbeing. | Lifestyle & wellbeing Ballet classes in Zurich (and Zollikon) foster movement and artistry, while Playball programmes across locations promote fitness and teamwork. Gymnastics is available in Zurich to build strength and coordination, and Jiu Jitsu in Zurich focuses on discipline, balance, and self-confidence. Football in Zurich, delivered with InterSoccer, provides structured athletic development for varying levels of ability. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision The main language of instruction is English. German, French and Spanish are offered as foreign language courses. The school runs a First Language Programme to support home/heritage languages, with a broad range of languages studied (including Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and more). English language support (EAL) is provided for about 20% of students to access the curriculum. | Language provision Languages taught are German, English and French. Early Years and Pre-School teach German and English; Kindergarten includes German and English with French optional; Primary includes French as an integral part of the weekly schedule. The core curriculum combines Lehrplan 21 (Zurich canton) with the UK National Curriculum. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching The school has a First Language Programme to support students' home languages and enable IB Bilingual Diploma. German, French and Spanish are offered as foreign language courses. The main language of instruction is English. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for about 20% of students. | Bilingual teaching A bilingual curriculum in German and English begins from six months old; French is offered in Kindergarten and becomes an integral part of the weekly schedule in Primary. In Early Years and Pre-School, groups are taught by a German and an English native-speaking teacher, and translanguaging is used to help children learn both languages. French is optional in Kindergarten and is integrated in Primary. |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs Translanguaging-based immersion allows seamless use of German, English and French; two native-language teachers work together in the same classroom to support multilingual learning; English and German are spoken in nurseries, with French added as part of multilingual education by Kindergarten. |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards The school has earned the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award. | Awards — |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations The school is an IB World School. It carries accreditation/membership with NEASC and CIS, ECIS, ISTA and other associations as part of its international standing. | Accreditations — |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions 1. Submitting Your Application: Applications are accepted throughout the year, depending on availability; there is no application fee, but a registration fee is required once a place is offered. For Primary School (Ages 3–11), complete the online application and upload the passport, school reports, and a teacher evaluation. For Middle and High School (Ages 11–18), submit the online form, passport, transcripts, and two teacher evaluations, including one from a current maths teacher. An English language assessment may be required for mid-year entry from Grade 7. 2. Application Review and Language Assessment: After submission, the Admissions Committee reviews the application and aims to provide an outcome within 10 working days; if support services are required, the process may take longer. If admitted but there is no space, the child may be placed on a waiting list. If entering mid-year (Grade 7+), an English language assessment may be required. 3. Offer and Registration: If admission is granted, a formal offer and a non-refundable registration fee are issued. After payment, the place is confirmed. The offer outlines the next steps and the start date. 4. Preparation and Portal Access: Before your child begins classes, you will receive access to the Parent Portal with resources and the ability to sign up for school services. The portal helps you prepare for the first day at ISZL. Access is provided prior to the start date. 5. The Zug Campus (Early Years–Grade 8) is Walterswil 1, 6340 Baar. The Riverside Campus (Grade 9–12) is Rothusstrasse 4B, 6331 Hünenberg. | Admissions Prospective families are invited to learn about the school's philosophy and curriculum; to enquire about space, fill out the Enquiry Form. International applicants will receive information and support from office staff to assist with a smooth transition for the entire family. The Admissions section also provides access to Tuition and Fees and School Holidays. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships — | Scholarships — |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist If admission is granted but there is no space, the child may be placed on a waiting list. | Waitlist — |
| View full profile → | View full profile → | |
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