Saint Charles International School vs SIS Swiss International School Basel

	S Saint Charles International School Basel, Switzerland	S SIS Swiss International School Basel Basel, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 15,300 - 74,500	Fees / year CHF 22,820 - 34,020
Age range	Age range 8 - 20 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Swiss Curriculum, IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 259	Pupils 500
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English, French, German	Instruction language German, English
Opened	Opened 1897	Opened 1999
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Saint-Charles International School is in Porrentruy, Jura, Switzerland at Rue du 24-Septembre 1, 2900 Porrentruy. The campus is less than two hours from Zürich and about one hour from Basel, and is easy to reach by car or train. From Zürich Airport, trains to Zürich Main Station and then to Porrentruy take about 2 to 2.5 hours; from Basel Airport, direct trains to Porrentruy take just over an hour. On arrival in Porrentruy, the campus is minutes away from the train station, with a six-minute walk for travelers without luggage.	Location Basel, Switzerland
Stages	Stages Swiss Programme from primary through middle school and high school (Maturité), with instruction in French, English, and German.	Stages Kindergarten through to College, including Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, SIS Bilingual College and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP); continuity from Kindergarten to College.
School type	School type The school is private and offers day schooling and boarding; boarding is available for students from age 10.	School type Private bilingual day school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 396 enrolled students; 40+ nationalities represented
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Recognised by the Swiss Confederation and authorised to prepare students for the Maturité exams.	Country affiliation Switzerland
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Christian; founded with Christian roots and supported by the Diocese of Basel.	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure The day includes standard classroom instruction with after-school Devoirs accompagnés (supervised study) available for students after class.	School day structure Lunch, homework supervision, before- and after-school care, flexible drop-off and pickup times
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Admission & Application Fees: - Day students (day-school admission): CHF 500 (one-time, non-refundable). - Boarding students (boarding admission): CHF 3,000 (one-time, non-refundable). Tuition fees (annual and per-term / per-semester equivalents): Note: Tuition is quoted as an annual amount. Billing may be processed by semester on request; where a per-term amount is shown below it is the annual figure divided by two (per-semester). - Primary School (Swiss curriculum): - Annual: CHF 6'600 (families in the Canton of Jura) / CHF 14'400 (outside the canton). - Per semester (billing-by-semester equivalent): CHF 3'300 / CHF 7'200. - Middle School (Collège, Swiss curriculum): - Annual: CHF 7'200 (Jura) / CHF 18'000 (outside the canton). - Per semester: CHF 3'600 / CHF 9'000. - Swiss Lycée – Maturité (French): - Annual: CHF 9'600 (Jura) / CHF 20'400 (outside the canton). - Per semester: CHF 4'800 / CHF 10'200. - Bilingual Lycée (English–French) – Maturité: - Annual: CHF 12'000 (Jura) / CHF 24'000 (outside the canton). - Per semester: CHF 6'000 / CHF 12'000. - International Section (IB MYP and DP): - IB MYP 3: Annual CHF 20'000 (Jura) / CHF 23'000 (outside). Per semester: CHF 10'000 / CHF 11'500. - IB MYP 4: Annual CHF 22'000 (Jura) / CHF 33'000 (outside). Per semester: CHF 11'000 / CHF 16'500. - IB MYP 5: Annual CHF 22'000 (Jura) / CHF 33'000 (outside). Per semester: CHF 11'000 / CHF 16'500. - IB Diploma Programme (DP): Annual CHF 25'000 (Jura) / CHF 33'000 (outside). Per semester: CHF 12'500 / CHF 16'500. Boarding fees (packages, inclusions and exclusions): - 5-day boarding package (board and school week activities): CHF 32'700 per year. Included elements listed for the package: full board during the week, the boarding programme, supervised homework, on-site extracurricular activities, day trips, certain sports outfit items, and some cultural/outings; certain items are excluded (residence permit fees, books and school supplies in some circumstances, certain exam and activity costs, travel, pocket money, occasional laundry, airport transfers and some camps/trips). - 7-day boarding package (full weekly boarding including weekends): CHF 47'000 per year. The 7-day package includes weekend activities, laundry and additional weekend services; a number of items remain excluded (travel, some lessons/activities charged separately, pocket money, airport transfers, certain exam fees and specialist activities). - Day-board / lunch options (annual lunch plans): - 1 lunch per week: CHF 390 (annual). 2 lunches: CHF 780. 3 lunches: CHF 1'170. 4 lunches: CHF 1'560. 5 lunches: CHF 1'950. Other recurring fees and one-off academic/exam charges: - General / annual fees (covers textbooks, school supplies, school outings, ski/green camp, graduation trips and administrative costs): billed in two instalments (at the start of the school year and at the start of the second semester). Amounts vary by programme: - Primary: CHF 1'000 per year. - Middle School (Collège): CHF 1'500 per year. - Swiss Lycée / Bilingual Lycée: CHF 1'500 per year. - International Section MYP levels: CHF 1'500 per year. - IB DP (final years): CHF 2'500 per year. - Support / tutoring and extra academic services (examples): - Private 45-minute lessons: CHF 100 per lesson. - Semi-private (max 3 students) 45-minute: CHF 60 per lesson. - Group (4+ students) 45-minute: CHF 30 per lesson. - Language-exam preparation courses: approx. CHF 1'000 per semester (charged when organised). - Language examination fees: generally between CHF 400 and CHF 750. - IB DP examination fees: CHF 2'980. - Extras commonly excluded from package fees and billed separately: specialist lessons (horse riding, music, golf, aviation), certain travel and airport transfers, replacement of lost/damaged books or licences, some medical or insurance costs beyond those listed, pocket money and occasional laundry/dry-cleaning. Billing schedule and payment terms: - Invoices are issued in advance and are payable within the stated payment term; billing may be processed by semester on request. Payments are to be made in Swiss francs (CHF). Payments in cash are not accepted. Late payments incur interest at 1% per month; administrative reminder fees apply (typical reminder fees: CHF 20 / CHF 50 / CHF 100 for successive reminders). No place reservation is processed before payment of the registration/admission fee; students may not attend classes until invoices are paid. Cancellation, refunds and contractual penalties: - For new applicants: if registration is cancelled before 30 June, a cancellation fee equal to two months of tuition (and boarding, where applicable) is charged; if cancelled after 30 June a cancellation fee equal to three months of tuition (and boarding where applicable) is charged. - For current students: withdrawal before the end of the school year makes all expenses for the current trimester and the following one payable. Unless written notice is given by parents before the specified deadline for re-registration (28 February), students are automatically entered for the following school year; cancelling after that date creates a financial obligation (example: tuition for the first three months may be payable as compensation). Uniform / clothing and included clothing items: - No separate general uniform fee is listed. For boarding students a sports outfit (t-shirts, leggings or jogging pants) is listed among included items in the boarding packages; additional specialist sports or activity clothing or equipment may be charged separately. Fee payment options: - The school accepts international payments via Flywire (enables bank transfers and local payment methods in many currencies) and invoices are payable by bank transfer. Payments in cash are not accepted. Specific payment instructions and the school's Flywire payment portal are used for international transactions. Summary of the key amounts at a glance (examples): - Admission fee (day): CHF 500; Admission fee (boarding): CHF 3'000. - Typical annual tuition (examples, Jura / outside canton): Primary CHF 6'600 / 14'400; Middle CHF 7'200 / 18'000; Swiss Lycée CHF 9'600 / 20'400; Bilingual Lycée CHF 12'000 / 24'000; IB MYP/DP ranges CHF 20'000–25'000 (Jura) and up to CHF 33'000 (outside). Per-semester equivalents are half the annual amounts. (End of fees overview.)	Fee details Application / Registration Fee - One-time registration (enrolment) fee: First child CHF 600. Each additional child CHF 500. This fee is non-refundable and a place at the school is only guaranteed once the registration fee has been paid. Tuition fees (per semester) and annual totals by school year group Note: Tuition is billed in advance per semester. The figures below show the one-payment (semester) amount and the equivalent annual amount (two semesters). Monthly instalment amounts shown are the six-month instalments for a semester (these instalments include a 2% surcharge and are paid over six months for the semester). - Kindergarten 1 & 2: - Per semester: CHF 11,410. - Annual (2 semesters): CHF 22,820. - 6 monthly instalments (per month during the semester): CHF 1,940 (total per semester when paid in instalments: CHF 11,640). - Primary Intro: - Per semester: CHF 12,330. - Annual: CHF 24,660. - 6 monthly instalments: CHF 2,096 (total per semester by instalments: CHF 12,576). - Primary (Years 1–6): - Per semester: CHF 12,330. - Annual: CHF 24,660. - 6 monthly instalments: CHF 2,096 (total per semester by instalments: CHF 12,576). - Lower Secondary (Years 7–9): - Per semester: CHF 15,430. - Annual: CHF 30,860. - 6 monthly instalments: CHF 2,623 (total per semester by instalments: CHF 15,738). - Year 10: - Per semester: CHF 15,700. - Annual: CHF 31,400. - 6 monthly instalments: CHF 2,669 (total per semester by instalments: CHF 16,014). - Years 11 & 12: - Per semester: CHF 17,010. - Annual: CHF 34,020. - 6 monthly instalments: CHF 2,892 (total per semester by instalments: CHF 17,352). - International Baccalaureate (IBDP): - Per semester: CHF 14,690. - Annual: CHF 29,380. - 6 monthly instalments: CHF 2,497 (total per semester by instalments: CHF 14,982). Billing schedule and payment terms - School fees are billed in advance per semester; fees for mid-term admissions are prorated. On request, payment by monthly instalments (six monthly instalments per semester) is possible; instalments carry a 2% surcharge. - School Fees are due before the start of each semester. Late payment may result in collection action; interest on arrears is charged at 5% p.a., dunning costs of CHF 20 per reminder (from the second reminder) are applicable, and collection charges may be added. Certificates or diplomas may be withheld until outstanding School Fees are paid or guaranteed. - A sibling discount of 10% on the school fees is granted for the second, third, etc., child; the reduction applies to the younger child(ren). Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable. SIS Basel is a bilingual day school (no boarding programme). Other costs and optional services - After‑school care (optional): - Coupon booklet (six hours) CHF 102. - Kindergarten / Primary Intro: Full week (5 days) CHF 2,400; one day per week CHF 480; single booking per hour CHF 18. - Primary: Full week (5 days) CHF 2,000; one day per week CHF 400; single booking per hour CHF 18. - Clubs and extracurricular activities: costs vary by offer and semester; these are additional and charged separately. - School Fees do not include costs for excursions, class trips, camps, external examinations and certificates, or additional services and activities; such items are charged separately. - No separate uniform fee is listed for SIS Basel in the published fee information; no uniform charge is specified among the standard school fees. Refunds, cancellations and termination (important points) - The registration (enrolment) fee is non-refundable. If a reserved place is not used after payment of the registration fee, there is no right to reimbursement. - Notification deadlines for ordinary termination: to terminate a contract at the end of a semester, notice must be received by December 1 (winter semester) or May 1 (summer semester). If no valid notice is received by those dates, the School Contract is automatically extended for the next semester. Late termination after these dates triggers a compensation charge of 25% of the School Fees for the corresponding semester. - Leaving mid‑semester: fees are charged up to the end of the week in which the student leaves and are calculated pro rata based on the number of weeks attended (school vacations are not taken into account). If termination is not notified at least ten calendar weeks prior to the end of the week in which the student leaves, a compensation charge of 25% of the School Fees for the corresponding semester may apply. - Force majeure: if authorities order the school's closure due to force majeure (for example epidemic, pandemic, natural disaster), there is no right to a refund of school fees. Fee payment options and invoicing - Invoices and credit notes are issued with a QR payment section (Swiss QR invoice format) and are available in the Parents' Portal. Additional services (lunch, after‑school care, clubs, excursions) can be booked via the school's Webshop, which is integrated with the Parents' systems. Parents receive payment slips or invoicing details as part of the registration and contracting process. - Payment by instalment (monthly) is offered on request and carries the indicated surcharge (2% for the six‑month instalment option per semester). School Fees must be paid or guaranteed at the time of registration for external examinations. Administrative and statutory notes relevant to fees - School Fees are published in the current price list; the School's General Terms and Conditions set out payment deadlines, late‑payment interest and dunning charges, and the legal procedures for termination and refunds/compensation. Withholding of certificates for unpaid fees is possible. Version note: the published fee schedule for SIS Basel is listed for the 2025/26 school year in the school's fee overview and accompanying terms. The figures above reflect the published one‑semester amounts and related terms and optional service charges as presented in the school's current fee information.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Saint-Charles offers 5-day boarding and 7-day boarding. Two separate boarding houses accommodate up to 70 students, each supervised by a dedicated staff team. The 5-day boarding includes boarding school management, full board, residence permit fee, books and school supplies, KVG/LAMAL and private health insurance, and other related costs. The 7-day boarding includes boarding school supervision including weekend activities, full board, residence permit fee, books and school supplies, KVG/LAMAL and private health insurance, and other related costs.	Boarding arrangements No boarding is offered; SIS Basel operates as a day school.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement A sports uniform is provided for boarders, consisting of a t-shirt and leggings or jogging pants.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Charly's Corner on campus provides breakfast, lunch and dinner for boarders; day students have lunch. The menu is varied daily with vegetarian options, and fresh fruit is available throughout the day. The kitchen holds the Fourchette Verte label and Saint-Charles is a member of the Healthy Schools network; menus are updated daily.	Food options Lunch is provided; cafeteria available; before- and after-school care offered as part of the day program.
House system	House system Up to 70 students are accommodated in two separate boarding houses, each supervised by a dedicated staff team.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Saint-Charles International School is governed by a Board of Directors and a management team. The Board comprises five members: Didier Membrez (President), Josiane Sudan-Girardin, Anne Seydoux-Christe, Pierre-Alain Berret, and Abbé Jean-Jacques Theurillat; Esmond Tweedie serves as Executive Director and heads the management team.	Governance and ownership Private educational institution financed solely by school fees and not subsidised by the Swiss government; part of SIS Swiss International Schools Schweiz AG.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Saint-Charles offers two curriculum pathways: the Swiss Programme and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The Swiss Programme covers primary through maturité and uses instruction in French, English and German; Primary is taught in English and French, and the Middle School is multilingual in English, French and German. The Swiss Maturité is bilingual French-English and is recognised by the Swiss Confederation, with the school authorised to prepare students for maturité examinations. The IB Programme is taught in English, offering the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme, with English as the language of instruction for all subjects and ESL support available. Immersion language teaching introduces English and German from early years through 'language islands' where other subjects are taught in additional languages, laying the foundation for bilingual Matura or the IB Diploma Programme.	Curriculum details SIS Basel offers an English/German bilingual kindergarten with continuity from Kindergarten to College. The curriculum combines the Swiss curriculum (Lehrplan 21) with the British curriculum and SIS-developed content to promote bilingualism. Children spend 50% of their time in English and 50% in German. The six curriculum areas are Personal and Social Development; Language Development; Mathematics; Knowledge and Understanding of the World; Physical Development; and Creative Development. Language is learned through immersion with a German-speaking and an English-speaking teacher, with languages used on alternating days. The day runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with after-school care and a range of clubs, and regular trips and events form part of the program.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results IB Diploma Programme class of 2025 results: 17% entering a top 25 institution; 1 in 3 graduates joined a top 100 university; 30% were recognised for excellence in their subject areas.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression University preparation and guidance are core at Saint-Charles. A dedicated University Support Team helps identify universities and coordinate applications, with university talks and fairs accessible to students. From the Middle Years Programme, students take part in regular guidance lessons and receive tailored advice on IBDP subject selection in MYP5; in the Diploma Programme, guidance becomes more personalised with one-to-one meetings and university representation is facilitated by the school, supported by a University Library.	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 Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to Saint-Charles. The school fosters mental, physical, social, and academic wellbeing to help students grow. A dedicated Wellbeing Team coordinates pastoral care; the team is led by Esmond Tweedie, Executive Director and Designated Safeguarding Lead. Boarding is supported by Head of Boarding José Miquelino, with round-the-clock support, while Antonella Galioto supports day students. A confidential listening ear is available from Paulina Tkaczyk, and an external nurse supports day students. Students' rights are upheld; they can turn to staff with concerns and are cared for in a safe and respectful environment.	Social & emotional learning The SIS Basel learning environment is open, multicultural and nurturing. The school uses a value-centered approach that supports independence and personal development. Students develop social, emotional and procedural skills and attitudes as part of their education. English and German are used across the curriculum, reinforcing intercultural communication and collaborative learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Study support and mentoring help students manage their learning. A dedicated Wellbeing Team coordinates care for all students. ESL (English as a Second Language) assistance is available for students who require language support. Boarding students receive guidance with personal matters, organization, and daily routines, with weekly progress monitoring by the boarding staff and teachers. These measures support students across their academic journey.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language IB programmes are taught in English. English proficiency is emphasized and ESL support is available for students who require it. Language Acquisition includes French and German; Group 2 offers foreign languages from beginner to advanced. From Grade 9, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) is taught entirely in English. Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature are usually taken in the student's mother tongue, while Group 2 Language Acquisition covers foreign languages from beginner to advanced; English is the language of instruction for most subjects.	English as an additional language From kindergarten onward, bilingual education in German and English is provided with immersion that allocates 50% of learning time to English and 50% to German. A German- and an English-native speaking teaching team supports language development, with language acquired through immersion. In primary school, students acquire high-level language skills in both German and English. In the bilingual college, English and German are equally important as languages of instruction, with options for the IB Diploma alongside the bilingual Swiss Matura.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Student wellbeing is central to the mission. Pastoral care nurtures mental, physical, social, and academic wellbeing. The Wellbeing Team coordinates this care, led by Esmond Tweedie. Boarding staff provide 24/7 support; a confidential listening ear from Paulina Tkaczyk and a nurse are available to support health needs. Students' rights ensure safety, care, respect, privacy, and a voice to raise concerns.	Mental wellbeing Social, emotional and procedural skills and attitudes are part of the general education. SIS Basel provides an open, multicultural and nurturing learning environment that supports wellbeing. The day-school concept is structured, varied and designed to promote stability and student engagement. Extracurricular activities and the school community contribute to a supportive social environment.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding A designated safeguarding lead oversees safeguarding within the Wellbeing Team. Boarding staff provide round-the-clock protection and support for students. Students' rights protect privacy and ensure a voice to raise concerns. The school upholds the rights of the child under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Staff are available to discuss safeguarding concerns and to provide support.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school has on-campus facilities including a swimming pool, a gym, tennis courts, music rooms and a private movie theatre. The on-campus dining hall serves meals with vegetarian options; day students have lunch at Charly's Corner and boarders are offered breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining hall. Off-campus, Saint-Charles provides equestrian training at two world-class partner riding centres and opportunities to join local football or ice hockey clubs, with nearby options for ice skating and climbing. Cultural enrichment is supported by access to a Children's Music Conservatory minutes from the school.	Facilities overview SIS Basel is a bilingual day school from Kindergarten through to College. The school has a large blue outdoor sports field used for football. The school has a cafeteria where hot lunches are served and all students eat in the cafeteria under supervision. Before- and after-school care is available, and lunchtime supervision is included in the school fees.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Saint-Charles has on-campus highlights including a swimming pool, a gym, tennis courts, music rooms and a private movie theatre. The co-curricular programme features sports and athletics such as horse-riding, ice hockey, football, basketball, tennis, padel, swimming and volleyball, plus fitness and martial arts options including kickboxing, judo, karate, yoga and pilates.	Sports facilities The school has a large outdoor sports field used for football.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Saint-Charles offers a comprehensive curriculum in French, English or a bilingual programme. The academic programme is organized into three pathways: the Swiss curriculum, the International Baccalaureate and the Saint-Charles High School Diploma. The school emphasises small class sizes and personalised guidance to support each student.	Academic facilities The academic offer includes Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, SIS Bilingual College, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The SIS Basel educational concept includes continuity from Kindergarten to College and learning is enhanced by technology. The school emphasises bilingual education and international orientation as part of its approach.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Saint-Charles offers a wide range of co-curricular activities in sport, music, arts and academics. Sports and athletics include horse-riding, ice hockey, football, basketball, tennis, padel, swimming and volleyball. Fitness and martial arts include kickboxing, judo, karate, yoga and pilates. Arts and performance include ballet, dance, drama, music and photography. Academic, innovation and language clubs include AI Club, Business Club, Model United Nations, STEAM Club, robotics, chess and a variety of language clubs.	Extra curricular facilities Before- and after-school care is available to children in kindergarten and primary school from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (start of day) and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with supervision; this service is included in the school fees. Lunch is offered in the school cafeteria with supervision, served by the ZFV catering group; registration is via the ZFV platform. Clubs offer a range of extracurricular activities that can be booked for one semester. The holiday club runs during school breaks with week-long activities under supervision by an experienced team.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Saint-Charles International School was founded in 1897 by Ernest Daucourt as a Catholic boarding school, known as the Catholic Institute. By 1901 primary and secondary classes were established, and enrolment growth led to the search for a larger home. In 1915 Abbot Charles Humair renamed the institute the Saint-Charles Institute; in 1918 it acquired neighboring watchmaking and gilding workshops to expand, and in 1925 it became Collège Saint-Charles with capacity for 300 students. From 1939 to 1977, final-year students could complete the baccalaureate through an agreement with Saint-Maurice; in 1975 the school welcomed its first female students and, in 1978, was authorised to award its own high school diplomas. In the late 20th century the school continued to develop, and in 2020 became a recognised IB World School offering the Diploma Programme and the Middle Years Programme; today over 8,000 alumni worldwide carry forward its humanistic spirit and the school educates around 250 students.	History Private bilingual day school in Basel with approximately 500 students from three years old through Year 12. The bilingual educational concept of SIS Swiss International School has been implemented here since 1999. The school is located at Erlenstrasse 15, Basel 4058. Marcel Brunner has been principal since 1 August 2023.
Community	Community Life at Saint-Charles extends far beyond the classroom, with a supportive community where learning, wellbeing, and personal growth go hand in hand. From pastoral care and boarding to co-curricular activities and daily routines, every aspect of school life is designed to help students feel at home, discover their strengths, and build the confidence to thrive. A sense of belonging unites day pupils and boarders, with strong relationships among students, house teams, teachers, and the wider school community. The day balances focused learning with time for reflection, creativity, physical activity, and social life.	Community The school community is multicultural, representing more than forty nationalities. Approximately 500 students from ages 3 to Year 12 study on the campus. The leadership team includes Marcel Brunner (Principal) and Bret Simner (Head of Bilingual International College and IB Coordinator); the team engages in ongoing professional development. An Open House is scheduled for March 18, 2026, from 09:00 to 12:00.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Academic, Innovation and Language Clubs inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. The clubs include AI Club, Business Club, Model United Nations, STEAM Club, Robotics, Chess, and a variety of Language Clubs. Students explore new ideas, strengthen collaboration, and develop leadership through these activities.	Academic & intellectual The school promotes learning beyond the classroom, with a strong emphasis on developing emotional and social skills alongside academics. Lunchtime, homework supervision, and before- and after-school care support students and provide a valuable complement to family life. A variety of clubs is available, offering activities that extend learning beyond regular classes and can be booked for a semester.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts and Performance nurture creativity and self-expression through Ballet, Dance (Hip-hop/Modern), Drama, Music, and Photography. Students develop performance and technical skills and can showcase their work in school productions and exhibitions. The programme fosters confidence, collaboration, and creative problem-solving in a supportive environment.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Academic, Innovation and Language Clubs include a variety of Language Clubs, expanding linguistic horizons. Model United Nations and other clubs foster cross-cultural understanding and global perspectives. Students engage in collaborative projects that connect language learning with real-world contexts.	Cultural & language SIS Basel offers the SIS Student Exchange Programme, enabling upper-level students to study at another SIS school abroad. The programme fosters international-mindedness and intercultural understanding through study-abroad experiences. The SIS network connects schools across countries to help students become global citizens.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Sports and Athletics offer a wide range of activities: Horse-Riding, Ice Hockey, Football, Basketball, Tennis, Padel, Swimming, and Volleyball. Fitness and Martial Arts include Kickboxing, Judo, Karate, Yoga, and Pilates. The programme emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and balanced development.	Social & hobbies The school offers a range of clubs for students of all ages, enabling development of skills that complement classroom work and provide variety from the regular program. Clubs can be booked for one semester, and costs are not included in school fees; details are available through the school office. During school holidays, a Holiday Club runs with week-long activities, sports, and trips under supervision.
Community & service	Community & service Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) are part of the IB Diploma Programme core, inviting students to engage in purposeful activities beyond the classroom and to give back to the community. This core develops responsibility, empathy, and community engagement.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Academic, Innovation and Language Clubs inspire leadership and collaboration; Students explore new ideas, strengthen leadership skills, and expand their global perspective.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and Fitness programs encourage physical health and balance with academic life. The gym, swimming pool, and relaxation areas support well-being during boarding and after-school hours.	Lifestyle & wellbeing All students can sign up for a hot lunch, eaten in the cafeteria under supervision; lunch registration is handled separately. Before- and after-school care is available for kindergarten and primary, with arrivals from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and after-school care from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; this service is included in school fees, while after-school clubs carry additional costs. The school also emphasizes spaces that invite learning and a culture of learning through its Student Life environment.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision French is the main language of instruction. The lycée teaches French, English, German, Italian and Spanish, with German prioritized as a national language. The International Baccalaureate is taught in English in the International Section.	Language provision Multilingualism is an integral part of everyday life at SIS Basel. The school emphasizes a bilingual experience as part of its pedagogical approach. The Academic Offer includes Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, SIS Bilingual College, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school offers a bilingual French-English Maturité in the Lycée. Primary classes include bilingual instruction, introduced in 2019.	Bilingual teaching The school operates a bilingual day school from Kindergarten through to College. Since 1999, SIS Basel has been implementing the bilingual school concept. The SIS Educational Concept includes a Bilingual Experience.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Language islands provide English and German within other subjects; Primary and Secondary pupils have 2 hours per week of English and 5 hours per week of German. The International Section focuses entirely on the International Baccalaureate, taught in English.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Three steps are required for enrolment: schedule an appointment with the school headmistress; during an interview, all aspects of the curriculum and admissions are discussed, with the child present. The parents complete the enrolment application and send it to the secretariat and pay the enrolment fee, after which enrolment is confirmed. For primary school, motivation to learn in a multilingual environment is sought; for secondary school, candidates must pass entrance tests in French, Math, and German. Saint-Charles offers two high school streams, one in French and one bilingual French-English, both recognised by Swiss educational authorities. Appointments can be booked online or by contacting the school secretary. The admission process includes providing documents (school reports for the last two years, a letter of recommendation, and a color scan of the passport), an interview and admissions testing, and language assessments (IB Diploma: English Proficiency; Swiss Matura: English and French Proficiency) plus a Maths assessment. The Head of Admissions reviews applications and responds in roughly 10 days. Possible outcomes are admittance with a welcome package and visa procedures; provisional acceptance after a language-study period; waitlist; or non-acceptance.	Admissions 1. Getting in Touch. Contact SIS Basel via the contact form, by email, or by phone. You are welcome to visit an Open House to gain an impression of everyday school life and meet the school leadership. We provide further information and discuss together what the next suitable step might be for you and your child. Open Houses offer an informal setting to ask questions and learn about SIS Basel. 20 2. Consultation. A personal consultation is arranged. During the consultation, we take the time to get to know you and answer questions while introducing you to our school and educational concept. If possible, a tour of the school building is provided to give a brief insight into classroom life; virtual, phone, or email consultations are also available. 20 3. Trial Days. If the consultation is positive for both sides, one or more trial days are arranged to experience everyday school life and assess comfort in the environment. Trial days are non-binding. If trial days are not possible, an alternative solution is discussed. 20 4. Registration. If you decide in favour of SIS after the consultations and trial days, you will be provided with the registration form digitally or in printed form. Complete the form in full and submit it to the SIS school of your choice. We are happy to support you if you have any questions. 20 5. School Contract – Welcome to SIS!. After the registration is received, the school contract is prepared and sent along with information about the enrolment fee. Once the contract is signed and the enrolment fee is received, your child is officially registered at SIS Switzerland and their place at the school is reserved. We look forward to accompanying your child on their educational journey.
Scholarships	Scholarships A scholarship fund for Jura-based students exists and allows residents of the canton to attend Saint-Charles. The school administration is available to answer questions in complete confidentiality.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist Waitlist: if there is no space in the desired program, a place on the waitlist may be offered until space becomes available.	Waitlist Waiting lists are maintained if a year group or class is full. To secure a place for your child, enquire about capacity early, preferably in the spring.
	View full profile →	View full profile →