SIS Swiss International School Zürich vs SIS Swiss International School Zürich-Wollishofen
SIS Swiss International School Zürich and SIS Swiss International School Zürich-Wollishofen are both in Zug, about 8 km apart. Both schools offer Bespoke, British and Swiss programmes, and SIS Swiss International School Zürich also offers IB. Published annual fees are close, at CHF 23,460 - 30,340 for SIS Swiss International School Zürich and CHF 25,860 for SIS Swiss International School Zürich-Wollishofen. SIS Swiss International School Zürich takes pupils from 4 to 18, and SIS Swiss International School Zürich-Wollishofen from 4 to 12.
IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Curriculum
Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
327
Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
German, English
Instruction language
English, German
Opened
Opened
2005
Opened
2000
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
Location
Located between the city and Lake Zürich, SIS Zürich-Wollishofen sits in a charming garden complex where two buildings are combined. The bilingual kindergarten is housed in the historic building, while the bilingual primary school, library and cafeteria are in the modern building. The school is easily accessible by public transport and offers a central, green location with views of Landiwiese park and Lake Zürich.
Stages
Stages
Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, SIS Bilingual College, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Lunch, homework supervision, before- and after-school care, and flexible drop-off and pickup times.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
A school bus is available.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
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.)
Fee details
Registration / Application fee - One-time registration fee, non-refundable. Payment of this fee guarantees a school place. - First child: CHF 600. - Each additional child from the same family: CHF 500.
Tuition fees (per semester) and annual equivalents - Billing schedule: school fees are billed in advance per semester. On request, arrangements can be made to pay the school fees in monthly instalments (see instalment line below). School fees for mid-term admissions are prorated.
- Kindergarten 1 and 2: - Per semester (one payment at the beginning of the semester): CHF 12,930. - Instalment option: CHF 2,198 per month for 6 months (6 monthly instalments; 2% surcharge). - Per academic year (two semesters): CHF 25,860 if paid by semester; instalment total per semester is CHF 13,188 (CHF 2,198 × 6), equivalent to CHF 26,376 per academic year when using the instalment option.
- Primary (Primary 1 to Primary 6): - Per semester (one payment at the beginning of the semester): CHF 12,930. - Instalment option: CHF 2,198 per month for 6 months (6 monthly instalments; 2% surcharge). - Per academic year (two semesters): CHF 25,860 if paid by semester; instalment total per semester is CHF 13,188 (CHF 2,198 × 6), equivalent to CHF 26,376 per academic year when using the instalment option.
Sibling discount - A sibling discount of 10% on the school fees is applied for the second, third, etc. child from the same family while multiple children are enrolled. The reduction applies to the younger child(ren).
Before- and after-school care (optional) - Morning care (7:00–7:30 a.m.): - Full week (5 days): CHF 700. - One day per week: CHF 140. - Single booking, per hour: CHF 18. - Afternoon care (4:00–6:00 p.m.): - Full week (5 days): CHF 2,400. - One day per week: CHF 480. - Single booking, per hour: CHF 18.
School bus (optional) - School transport is offered on defined routes; places are limited and routes may change. - Zone fares (listed as one-way ride and round-trip): - Zone I (Zürich city limit to Kilchberg): CHF 9.50 one-way / CHF 19.00 round-trip. - Zone II (to Adliswil and Rüschlikon): CHF 11.50 one-way / CHF 23.00 round-trip. - Zone III (to Thalwil): CHF 13.50 one-way / CHF 27.00 round-trip. - Zone IV (to Horgen) — afternoon only: CHF 18.00 one-way / CHF 36.00 round-trip.
Clubs and extracurricular costs - Clubs and extracurricular activities are offered; specific costs for clubs are available from the school office on request.
Boarding / residential provision - The school operates as a day school and does not offer boarding accommodation.
Refunds and prorating - The registration fee is explicitly non-refundable. - School fees for mid-term admissions are prorated to reflect the shortened period of attendance.
Billing schedule and payment terms (summary) - Fees are invoiced in advance per semester. On request, a six-month monthly instalment plan is available for a 2% surcharge on the instalment total. Mid-term admissions are billed on a prorated basis.
Fee payment options - Fees are issued by invoice according to the billing schedule above; the school provides instalment arrangements on request. Specific accepted payment methods are indicated on invoicing documentation.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
Day school
Boarding arrangements
Day school
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Lunch is offered; homework supervision, before- and after-school care, flexible drop-off and pickup times are available.
Food options
Lunch is offered.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Private educational institution financed solely from school fees; does not receive subsidies from the Swiss national or cantonal governments.
Governance and ownership
The school is a private educational institution financed solely from school fees and does not receive subsidies from the Swiss national or cantonal governments.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
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.
Curriculum details
Teaching follows the cantonal curriculum and is gradually supplemented with elements of the British curriculum and curricula developed by SIS. In the bilingual primary school, a German-speaking and an English-speaking teacher work with students, using their native languages to communicate. Language acquisition begins early and is guided by experts in a natural environment, leading to lifelong competence.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
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.
Social & emotional learning
Bilingual experience is central to the school's approach. The school follows an independent and value-centered approach to learning. It functions as a day school community that supports social interaction and belonging. Diversity is valued, and the school maintains a strong network across SIS schools. Continuity from kindergarten to college and learning enhanced by technology support long-term development.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
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.
English as an additional language
The children are supervised by one German-speaking and one English-speaking teacher who use their native languages to communicate with the students. English and German play equal roles in school communication in the classroom and day-to-day life. Students spend about half of their time in German and half in English. There are opportunities for supervised after-school activities that further immerse students in language. Teachers are native speakers who use their mother tongue in class, in the lunchroom, and at events.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
Student life provides a welcoming environment where children can spend time together, make friends, and enjoy a pleasant atmosphere. The school offers lunch, homework supervision, before- and after-school care, flexible drop-off and pickup times, and a school bus to support families and safe routines. The campus is central and green, with gardens and parks nearby that provide space for outdoor activity and well-being.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
Schutzkonzept applies to SIS Zürich-Wollishofen as the cantonal protection concept for Volksschulen Zürich, covering Kindergarten and Primary School. The responsible person is the headteacher Ryan Howard. The document outlines general rules, distancing, hygiene, school events, special teaching forms/supervision, employer obligations, and isolation/quarantine measures. It notes that federal and cantonal guidelines apply, that the school does not order tests, and that it informs staff and parents about data usage and visitor access. It requires 1.5-meter distancing for adults; masks indoors for adults; external visitors must wear masks; and isolation/quarantine measures are to be followed as advised by medical authorities.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
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.
Facilities overview
Two school buildings are combined in a charming garden complex between the city and Lake Zürich. The bilingual kindergarten is housed in the historical building, while the bilingual primary school, library and cafeteria are in the modern school building. The school is surrounded by its own garden and a large nearby park area with views of the Landiwiese park and Lake Zürich. It has easy access to public transport and occupies a central, green location.
Sports facilities
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.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
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.
Academic facilities
The classrooms and special-purpose rooms are equipped with contemporary infrastructure and advanced teaching technology. The bilingual primary school teaching is based on the cantonal curriculum, supplemented with elements of the British curriculum as well as curricula developed by SIS. The children are supervised by one German- and one English-speaking teacher who use their native languages to communicate with their students. A library is part of the campus and the cafeteria is on site in the modern building. A school bus service provides safe, timely transport.
Extra curricular facilities
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.
Extra curricular facilities
Lunch is offered and homework supervision is provided. Before- and after-school care is available. Flexible drop-off and pickup times are offered. A school bus is provided for transportation. Exciting activities are offered, even during school holidays.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
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.
History
SIS Zürich-Wollishofen is a private bilingual day school in Zürich offering education from kindergarten to Year 6, with approximately 220 students and more than twenty nationalities. The bilingual educational concept has been implemented here since 2000. The school sits between the city and Lake Zürich, in a garden complex with two buildings; the bilingual kindergarten is housed in the historic building, while the bilingual primary school, library, and cafeteria are in the modern building. The address is Seestrasse 271, 8038 Zürich, Switzerland.
Community
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.
Community
The school community is characterized by a vibrant and nurturing multicultural environment and represents more than twenty nationalities. The day school offers lunch, homework supervision, before- and after-school care, flexible drop-off and pickup times, a school bus, and activities even during school holidays. Classrooms and specialist rooms are equipped with contemporary infrastructure and advanced teaching technology. Upcoming events include an Open House on March 26, 2026, and stories document Swiss traditions such as Räbeliechtli-Umzug.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
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.
Academic & intellectual
Clubs provide activities that complement the regular academic programme and can be booked for one semester. Before- and after-school care includes homework supervision to support learning beyond classroom hours. The school offers a bus service to provide reliable transport to and from the campus. Lunch is available as a supervised communal meal in the cafeteria, helping to maintain daily routines.
Arts & creative
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.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
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.
Cultural & language
The bilingual primary school uses German- and English-speaking teachers to communicate with students in their native languages. Instruction is based on the cantonal curriculum and is complemented by elements of the British curriculum and curricula developed by SIS. The school participates in Swiss cultural traditions such as Räbeliechtli-Umzug, with Kindergarten through primary 2 students taking part. The school also engages in signature events that involve SIS schools around the world.
Social & hobbies
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.
Social & hobbies
A range of clubs is offered for students of all ages, allowing them to develop skills that complement their school work. Clubs can be booked for a semester, and costs are not included in tuition. The school provides a holiday club during school breaks, offering week-long activities including sports and trips under supervision. Before- and after-school care provides space for recreation and social interaction after class.
Community & service
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.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
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.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lunch is offered as a supervised communal meal in the school cafeteria. A school bus service provides safe transport to and from school. Before- and after-school care is available, with activities after 4 p.m. A holiday club runs during school breaks with sports and trips under adult supervision.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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.
Language provision
German and English are used in instruction. Language acquisition begins early, guided by experts, and occurs in a natural environment. In the bilingual primary school, teaching is based on the cantonal curriculum and is gradually supplemented with elements of the British curriculum and curricula developed by SIS.
Bilingual teaching
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.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual kindergarten and bilingual primary school (German and English). The children are supervised by one German-speaking and one English-speaking teacher who use their native languages to communicate with students.
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.
Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
IB World School since 28 March 2003 (authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme).
Accreditations
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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.
Admissions
1. Getting in Touch: The first step is to get in touch via the contact form, by email, or by phone. You are welcome to visit an Open House to experience daily school life and meet the school leadership. Further information is provided, initial questions are answered, and the next suitable step for your child is discussed.
2. Consultation: A personal consultation is arranged to get to know each other. Questions are answered and the school and its educational concept are introduced, with a possible building tour to give a brief insight into classroom life. If an on-site visit is not possible, consultations can be conducted virtually, by phone, or via email.
3. Trial Days: If it feels right for both sides, one or more trial days are arranged. Trial days let your child experience everyday school life and determine comfort in the environment, and the process is non-binding. If trial days aren't possible, an alternative solution is explored.
4. Registration: You receive the registration form—digital or printed. If you decide in favour after consultations and trial days, complete the form in full and submit it to the SIS school of your choice. Support is available if you have questions.
5. School Contract: The school contract is prepared after registration, with information about the enrolment fee. After the contract is signed and the enrolment fee is received, the child is officially registered at SIS Switzerland and their place at the school is reserved.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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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.
Waitlist
If a year group or class is full, SIS schools maintain waiting lists. To secure a place, inquire about capacity early, preferably in the spring.