Lipschule vs SIS Swiss International School Zürich

	L Lipschule Zug, Switzerland	S SIS Swiss International School Zürich Zug, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 21,456 - 31,416	Fees / year CHF 23,460 - 30,340
Age range	Age range 3 - 16 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 120	Pupils 327
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language German, English	Instruction language German, English
Opened	Opened 1998	Opened 2005
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Lip Private School Zurich is located at Seestrasse 561, 8038 Zürich. It lies on the left bank of Lake Zurich near the city border with Wollishofen. The school is accessible by public transport.	Location Zurich, Switzerland. The school building is easily accessible by public transport. It is located in an up-and-coming industrial zone, and borders an idyllic local recreational area.
Stages	Stages Cycle 1: Montessori Kindergarten and Primary Level from 3 years; Cycle 2: Middle Level from 9 years; Cycle 3: Secondary Level from 11 years; Focus Year: 10th School Year from 15 years.	Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, SIS Bilingual College, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
School type	School type The school is a private Montessori-based school.	School type Private bilingual day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 327 enrolled students; 40+ nationalities.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland	Country affiliation Switzerland.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Lunch, homework supervision, before- and after-school care, and flexible drop-off and pickup times.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / registration fees - No separate application or one‑off registration fee is published as part of the school's publicly‑listed fee schedule for the current academic year. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term equivalent) - Kindergarten 1 (age 3): Annual CHF 27,120. Per term equivalent (annual ÷ 3): CHF 9,040. - Kindergarten 2 (age 4): Annual CHF 27,120. Per term equivalent: CHF 9,040. - Kindergarten 3 (age 5): Annual CHF 27,120. Per term equivalent: CHF 9,040. - Grade 1 (age 6): Annual CHF 27,840. Per term equivalent: CHF 9,280. - Grade 2 (age 7): Annual CHF 27,840. Per term equivalent: CHF 9,280. - Grade 3 (age 8): Annual CHF 27,840. Per term equivalent: CHF 9,280. - Grade 4 (age 9): Annual CHF 30,480. Per term equivalent: CHF 10,160. - Grade 5 (age 10): Annual CHF 30,480. Per term equivalent: CHF 10,160. - Grade 6 (age 11): Annual CHF 30,480. Per term equivalent: CHF 10,160. - Grade 7 (age 12): Annual CHF 30,480. Per term equivalent: CHF 10,160. - Grade 8 (age 13): Annual CHF 30,480. Per term equivalent: CHF 10,160. - Grade 9 (age 14): Annual CHF 30,480. Per term equivalent: CHF 10,160. - Grade 10 (age 15): Annual CHF 30,480. Per term equivalent: CHF 10,160. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is presented and charged on an annual basis (the published fee figures are annual amounts). Per‑term figures above are simple thirds of the annual amount to show a per‑term equivalent. Boarding / accommodation - The school operates as a day school; boarding provision is not part of the school's offering. Sibling discount and family reductions - Sibling reductions apply: second child receives a 15% reduction; third child receives a 25% reduction on the published tuition. Other costs and typical extras - No separate, mandatory uniform fee is stated in the published fee overview. Additional costs for items such as learning materials, school trips, extracurricular activities, lunches or late‑care are not included in the headline tuition figures and may incur extra charges. Refunds and withdrawals - No public, itemised refund policy for partial terms, late starts, or early withdrawals is included in the school's published fee figures. Fee payment options - The published fee information does not itemise accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer, direct debit or credit card). Contact details are provided for direct enquiries about payment arrangements. Notes for record use - The amounts above are the school's published annual tuition rates for the current academic cycle and include the sibling discounts rule shown. Per‑term figures shown here are computed as one‑third of the annual fee to provide a term‑equivalent value for database display.	Fee details Registration fee - One-time, non-refundable registration fee per family: CHF 600 for the first child; CHF 500 for each additional child. Tuition fees (per semester) and equivalent per academic year - Kindergarten 1 and 2: CHF 12,930 per semester — CHF 25,860 per year. (6-month instalment option: CHF 2,198 per month; 2% surcharge applies). - Primary (Grades 1–6): CHF 12,930 per semester — CHF 25,860 per year. (6-month instalment option: CHF 2,198 per month; 2% surcharge applies). - Secondary 1 and 2: CHF 13,220 per semester — CHF 26,440 per year. (6-month instalment option: CHF 2,247 per month; 2% surcharge applies). - Secondary 3: CHF 14,140 per semester — CHF 28,280 per year. (6-month instalment option: CHF 2,404 per month; 2% surcharge applies). - Precollege 1 and 2: CHF 13,220 per semester — CHF 26,440 per year. (6-month instalment option: CHF 2,247 per month; 2% surcharge applies). - College 1 and 2: CHF 14,140 per semester — CHF 28,280 per year. (6-month instalment option: CHF 2,404 per month; 2% surcharge applies). - College 3 and 4: CHF 15,170 per semester — CHF 30,340 per year. (6-month instalment option: CHF 2,579 per month; 2% surcharge applies). - International Baccalaureate (IB) Years 1 and 2: CHF 11,730 per semester — CHF 23,460 per year. (6-month instalment option: CHF 1,994 per month; 2% surcharge applies). Billing schedule and payment terms - School fees are billed in advance per semester. On request, arrangements can be made to pay the school fees in monthly instalments; a 6-month instalment plan is available with a 2% surcharge (monthly amounts shown above). School fees for mid-term admissions are prorated. Sibling discount - A sibling discount of 10% of the school fees is granted for the second, third, etc. child; the reduction applies to the school fees of the younger child(ren). Before- and after-school care (optional) - Morning care (7:00–7:30 a.m.): CHF 700 for full week (5 days), CHF 140 for one day per week, or CHF 18 per single booking hour. - After-school care (4:00–6:00 p.m.): CHF 2,400 for full week (5 days), CHF 480 for one day per week, or CHF 18 per single booking hour. Clubs and extracurricular costs - Clubs are optional and billed separately; details and fees for specific clubs are provided by the school office. Boarding - SIS Zürich is a bilingual day school; boarding is not offered at this campus. Refund information - The registration (enrolment) fee is non-refundable. School fees for mid-term admissions are prorated. No other refund schedule is listed on the school's published fee overview. Fee payment options (invoicing / instalments / administration) - Fees are invoiced per semester in advance. A 6-month instalment plan (with a 2% surcharge) is published as an available instalment option; the school notes that monthly instalment arrangements can be made on request. Specific accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, direct debit or credit card) are handled through the school's administration and are provided on the enrolment/invoice documentation. Parents should arrange payment according to the invoice and the school's billing instructions. Other notes on additional costs - The published tuition figures cover the levels listed above; optional services (after-school care, clubs, and any other optional services) are charged in addition to tuition. The published fee overview lists the main optional care charges; costs for items such as uniforms, specific trips, or elective extras are handled and billed separately when applicable. (End of fee overview.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements Day school
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Tuition includes meals. A Wednesday afternoon care option (12:30–18:00) is available for 265 CHF per month (3,180 CHF per year). Nachschulbetreuung (after-school care) runs after the end of classes from 16:00 to 18:00 and can be added for 1–4 days per week: 90 CHF per month (1,080 CHF per year) for 1 day; 137 CHF per month (1,644 CHF per year) for 2 days; 184 CHF per month (2,208 CHF per year) for 3 days; 231 CHF per month (2,772 CHF per year) for 4 days. The tuition schedule also lists full-time options with and without Wednesday meals (e.g., Vollpensum) priced accordingly (e.g., 2,440 CHF per month with Wednesday meals; 2,618 CHF per month without Wednesday meals; amounts vary by cycle).	Food options Lunch is offered; homework supervision, before- and after-school care, flexible drop-off and pickup times are available.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Lip Privatschule Zürich operates Lip Schule as a private school. The operator's address is Seestrasse 561, 8038 Zürich, and the Handelsregisternummer is CH-020.4.018.819-2. Oliver Steinlin is listed as Co-Geschäftsleitung (Co-Managing Director). Lipschule AG is the corporate entity behind Lip Schule.	Governance and ownership Private educational institution financed solely from school fees; does not receive subsidies from the Swiss national or cantonal governments.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Lip Private School Zurich is a Montessori private school offering Kindergarten and Primary (Cycle 1) from age 3, followed by Cycle 2 Middle Level from age 9, Cycle 3 Secondary Level from age 11, and a Focus Year (the 10th school year) from age 15. Cycle 2 features mixed‑age groups where students deepen their skills, explore interests, and learn to take responsibility, in an environment that strengthens personality and talents. The school is state‑recognized. Multilingual education is central: German and English are the everyday and teaching languages, and in Cycle 2 (grades 3–6 and the transitional year) lessons are conducted in German, English and French. New media are a fixed part of the curriculum, and every child has access to their own tablet. The Focus Year provides an individualized bridging year after secondary school for deepening, development and future planning, with personal guidance and flexible design.	Curriculum details SIS Zürich offers bilingual, immersive education from Kindergarten through to College. The Academic Offer includes Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, SIS Bilingual College and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). In the bilingual primary school, teaching is based on the cantonal curriculum, supplemented with elements of the British curriculum and curricula developed by SIS. Language acquisition begins early and is guided by experts in a natural environment, leading to lifelong competence. The classrooms and special-purpose rooms are equipped with contemporary infrastructure and advanced teaching technology, supporting learning across the school. The programme emphasizes continuity from Kindergarten to College, and the school provides a large outdoor area with a sports field, playground and rooftop terrace to complement lessons.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
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 Learning is personal. Reliable relationships between teachers and students address individual needs. The school emphasizes personal development and provides a learning environment that fosters self-esteem within a familial setting.	Social & emotional learning Independent and Value-Centred Approach guides interactions with core values of honesty, appreciation, personal responsibility and commitment to developing students' cultural, linguistic and social identities. Day School Community offers a structured bilingual program with fixed hours, lunch, supervised homework and additional supervised activities, creating a stable, nurturing environment. Performance through Diversity reflects an international student body and diverse staff, providing a range of teaching and learning methods. International Education – Local Insight aims for SIS Zürich graduates to be global citizens with a strong sense of their origins, and offers national (Matura) or international (IBDP) qualifications. Continuity from Kindergarten to College and Learning Enhanced by Technology describe a unified, technology-enabled approach across levels, with digital learning from kindergarten onward and tools such as Office 365. Strong Network underpins high quality standards and cross-border collaboration within the SIS group.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school uses bilingual German/English Montessori pedagogy and has multilingual teachers and staff.	English as an additional language English and German play equal roles in school communication – in the classroom and in all parts of day-to-day school life. Language is acquired through the immersion method, inviting children to dive headfirst into the new language. SIS faculty members are native speakers of their language and use their mother tongue for teaching in the classroom, in the school yard, at lunch, and during events and excursions. Children can learn both English and German through immersion, even if they are not native speakers of either language.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Wellbeing is fostered through a familial environment, personal development, and positive learning experiences that strengthen self-esteem.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Lip Montessori Private School Zürich sits in Zürich-Wollishofen near the lake. The building is designed for children's needs with bright, well-structured spaces that provide orientation and freedom of movement. Learning happens everywhere: in the learning landscape, on the break courtyard, and in the after-care area. The learning environment includes ateliers, learning niches, learning halls, and a school garden. The Kindergarten and early primary use a bilingual German-English Montessori approach, with German and English integrated into daily life.	Facilities overview SIS Zürich offers bilingual, immersive education from Kindergarten through to College. The school building is modern and easily accessible by public transport. It is located in an up‑and‑coming industrial zone and borders a local recreational area. There is a large outdoor area with a sports field and a playground, and a rooftop terrace. The classrooms and other spaces are equipped with contemporary infrastructure and advanced teaching technology.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities On-site there is a large hall on the first floor used by the middle school, providing space for movement and sometimes serving as a theatre. The school operates an open learning space with personal workstations, group rooms, ateliers and a lakeside break area suitable for a variety of activities. There is no dedicated on-site gym; Lip Schule rents sports halls in Zürich and surrounding communities.	Sports facilities The large outdoor area features a sports field. A playground provides space for active play for younger students. A rooftop terrace adds additional outdoor space for breaks and informal activities. These outdoor spaces are popular during lesson-free time.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Lip Schule Zürich follows Montessori pedagogy in the Kindergarten and primary years, with a bilingual German-English environment. German and English are part of everyday life, supported by native-speaking teachers to encourage natural language acquisition; all other subjects are taught in German. The school emphasizes Montessori philosophy and a learning culture that fosters independence and curiosity. In the second cycle, digital competence and media literacy are integrated; students learn to research, evaluate sources, and use digital content responsibly, including use of iPads and other devices. In the third cycle, individual coaching focuses on expanding personal, social, and methodological competencies, with an emphasis on guiding the learning path toward future career choices. Examinations exist in various forms to demonstrate competencies, and a competence profile guides next steps toward future career choices.	Academic facilities Classrooms and special‑purpose rooms are equipped with contemporary infrastructure and advanced teaching technology. The academic program runs from Kindergarten through Secondary School to the SIS Bilingual College and includes the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Bilingual education from Kindergarten to College is central to the SIS Zürich learning concept. In the primary school, teaching is based on the cantonal curriculum and is supplemented with elements of the British curriculum and SIS‑developed materials. Technology is integrated across subjects to support learning.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Exkursionen, camps and project days are integral to the program. From the primary to the secondary levels, students take part in field trips to nature, culture, and society, as well as theatre and museums. There are several project weeks and camps across three school years to explore different subject areas.	Extra curricular facilities Lunch is offered. Homework supervision is available. Before- and after-school care is provided. Flexible drop-off and pickup times are available. Exciting activities take place, including during school holidays.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Lip Privatschule Zürich is a familial private school on Lake Zurich that offers children and adolescents an inspiring place for personal development. Since 1998 Lip has stood for an inspiring learning environment—before, during, and beyond compulsory schooling. As a Montessori private school, Lip operates with room within Lehrplan 21 for holistic, competence-oriented education.	History Established in 2005, SIS Zürich operates as a bilingual day school from Kindergarten through to College. It is financed solely from school fees and does not receive subsidies from the Swiss national or cantonal governments.
Community	Community Lip maintains a close, friendly network with partners, suppliers, alumni, and the parents of its students. This Lip network provides graduates with additional opportunities and perspectives for entering the job market. The school emphasizes three core values: Inspiring learning happens everywhere—at the Wollishofen site, in the mixed-age open spaces, in the diverse learning niches, in the workshop, outdoors by the lake, and during outings; Personal learning is supported by reliable relationships between teachers and students and among staff, enabling holistic, competence-oriented growth within Lehrplan 21; and a Family-like environment that strengthens self-worth through positive learning experiences and encourages students to deepen their interests and pursue their own path.	Community SIS Zürich emphasizes a day-school community. The school offers lunch, homework supervision, before- and after-school care, flexible drop-off and pickup times, and activities even during school holidays. It runs a SIS Student Exchange Programme enabling study abroad at another SIS school. Upcoming events include admission examinations for College and Pre-College and an Open House. Stories from SIS Zürich share student and family experiences.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Digital literacy is emphasized; students learn to use iPads, phones, and computers to research, evaluate, prepare, and present information. Responsible use of digital and social media is taught in class and daily life, with parental involvement. English and French are part of daily schooling; native-speaking teachers enable natural language learning while other subjects are taught in German. Excursions, camps, and project days bring world topics into the classroom and support cross-disciplinary learning.	Academic & intellectual The school offers a range of extracurricular activities and clubs for students of all ages. Clubs include a variety of activities and can be booked for one semester. These clubs complement regular school work or provide a welcome change from the standard academic programme.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Focus Year includes theater and music as modules. Project work and ateliers are integral to the curriculum. Rhythmized learning, stress management, and communication and teamwork are addressed. Garden projects, theater activities, and swimming courses are part of the experiential program.	Arts & creative The school provides spaces for the arts, including an art room and a music room. Extracurricular activities include visits to the theatre, museum or opera.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language English and French are part of daily life not only in language classes but also during breaks, supervision, and meals. Native-speaking teachers enable natural, playful language acquisition. All other subjects are taught in German. The school uses Zurich's cultural offerings for excursions and projects to broaden students' cultural experiences.	Cultural & language SIS International Activities promote intercultural understanding through events such as the SIS Cup (sport, games) and the Intercountry Activity. These activities have included international math days, a gift exchange, storytelling exchanges, a photo campaign, an Ozobot IT activity and a digital art exhibition. The SIS Student Exchange Programme also allows study at another SIS school abroad.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Community is built by collaboratively developing rules and encouraging respectful cooperation. Students develop social and personal competencies through teamwork and shared meals, strengthening their sense of belonging within the school. Open spaces support movement, play, and social interaction across age groups.	Social & hobbies Annual school traditions at SIS Zürich include Snow Day, Sports Day, Vernissage / kindergarten graduation, Matura celebration, Halloween, Samichlaus and a Christmas concert. These events foster community and shared student life.
Community & service	Community & service Garden projects near Grenzsteig involve caring for the community garden, chickens, planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting; harvested produce is used in the garden kitchen. Internships and service-learning opportunities occur with partner companies to connect learning with real-world contexts.	Community & service The school fosters community through assemblies, projects involving different class groups and the celebration of local and international holidays and traditions. Sports days are also part of community life.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Career exploration is facilitated through modules on career choice, internships, and applications. There are internships and service-learning opportunities with partner businesses, plus development of communication, presentation, teamwork, and conflict-resolution skills. The Focus Year spaces resemble coworking environments to prepare students for the working world, supported by personal coaching.	Leadership & professional The Best Essay Award recognises the three best written theses by SIS graduates as part of the national university entrance qualification or the IB diploma. The SIS Student Exchange Programme also promotes intercultural understanding and personal growth by studying at another SIS school abroad.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Swimming courses and first-aid training are offered as part of the program. Rhythmed learning and stress management are included to support well-being. An in-house kitchen serves fresh meals daily and accommodates dietary needs, with opportunities for students to assist in meal preparation. The Focus Year provides open, calm coworking-style spaces to foster balance and focused work.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Annual traditions include Snow Day and Sports Day, a Christmas concert and Halloween. The school also offers lunch, before- and after-school care, and a holiday club for activities and supervision outside normal class time.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision German, English and French are taught across Lip Schule Zurich. Cycle 1 uses German and English as everyday and teaching languages. Cycle 2 uses German, English and French. Cycle 3 provides English and French taught by a dedicated English teacher and a French specialist.	Language provision English and German are taught with equal emphasis; English and German are used in classroom and daily life. The curriculum is based on the cantonal framework and supplemented by international elements. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is available at SIS Zürich. The schools are cantonally and federally recognized, and continuity from Kindergarten to College is provided.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Cycle 1 is bilingual, with German and English as part of everyday life and teaching languages. Cycle 2 uses German, English and French as teaching languages. Cycle 3 includes English and French taught by a dedicated English teacher and a French specialist.	Bilingual teaching English and German play equal roles in school communication – in the classroom and in all parts of day-to-day school life. Children learn to express themselves naturally and confidently in both languages. SIS faculty members are native speakers of their language and teach in their mother tongue in the classroom and in daily school life. Students learn both English and German through immersion, even if they are not native speakers of either language.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Language is acquired through the immersion method, inviting children to dive headfirst into the new language. SIS Zürich offers bilingual education from Kindergarten through College, with immersion embedded across all levels. Native-language teachers use their mother tongues to support learning in both languages in everyday school life.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations IB World School since 28 March 2003 (authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions Getting in touch. The first step is very straightforward: simply get in touch with us via our contact form, by email, or by phone. You are also welcome to visit an Open House to get an impression of everyday school life and meet the school leadership in an informal setting. We send you further information, answer your questions, and discuss together what the next suitable step might be for you and your child. Consultation. We arrange a personal consultation to get to know each other and to introduce you to our school and educational concept. If possible, we will show you around our school building and give you a brief insight into classroom life. If an on-site visit is not possible, we offer virtual, phone, or email consultations. Trial Days. If it feels right for both sides, we arrange one or more trial days so your child can experience everyday school life. Trial days are an important and non-binding step in our shared journey and usually take place after the consultation. If trial days are not possible for you at the moment, we will gladly look for an alternative solution together. Registration. If you decide in favour after the consultations and trial days, we will provide you with the registration form — either digitally or in printed form. You complete the form in full and submit it to the SIS school of your choice. We are, of course, happy to support you if you have any questions. School Contract. Once we have received your registration, we will prepare the school contract and send it to you together with information about the enrolment fee. After the contract has been signed and the enrolment fee has been received, your child is officially registered at SIS Switzerland and their place at the school is reserved. The enrolment fee details are included with the contract.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Does SIS have waiting lists? If a year group or class is full, the SIS schools maintain waiting lists. To secure a place for your child, enquire about capacity early, preferably in the spring.
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