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BKA International School

Switzerland, Basel

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, German
Fees CHF 23,700 - 32,000
Ages 0 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 350
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Swiss Curriculum
Taught languages French
Strengths Languages, Sport, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

BKA International School is a bilingual private IB World School in Basel, Switzerland, educating children from infancy through upper secondary across five campuses. The school teaches in English and German from early years, with French introduced from Grade 3, enabling multilingual development. The youngest learners join at 3 months, with Wettstein, Spalentor, Gellert, and Rittergasse campuses, and Rosental Campus opened in 2021 for upper primary. The Early Years program combines Curriculum 21 with the IB Primary Years Programme in a play-based setting that emphasizes language acquisition. Primary builds on this foundation with developmentally appropriate study across disciplines, while Secondary learners prepare for Swiss and international universities through IGCSEs and A-Levels. BKA holds Basel-Stadt Alignment and Transition Agreement, ensuring the IB framework aligns with Lehrplan 21. The BKA Experience centres on curiosity, discovery, and learning within a bilingual IB framework, with 45+ extracurricular activities and after-school care until 19:00 for families.

Gellertstrasse 25, 4052 Basel, Switzerland

The Essentials

BKA International School has 350 pupils, instruction in English, German.

Location
Basel, Switzerland. BKA International School Basel operates across Basel city campuses: Wettstein campus (Alemannengasse 22/24, 4058 Basel); Spalentor Campus (Schützengraben 35, 4051 Basel); Gellert 37 campus (Gellertstrasse 37, 4052 Basel); Gellert 25 campus (Gellertstrasse 25, 4052 Basel); Rittergasse campus (Rittergasse 20, 4051 Basel).

Stages
Daycare (3 months – 4 years); Primary (4–12 years; KG, Grades 1–6); Secondary (12–18 years).

Type
Bilingual private IB World School.

Additional learning support
Student Support.

Country affiliation
Switzerland
Fees

Annual tuition at BKA International School ranges from CHF 23,700 to CHF 32,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees
- No separate, published one‑off application or registration fee amount is listed; applications are submitted through the school's online enrolment portal.

Tuition fees by year group (core semester fees — two semesters per academic year)
- Kindergarten Year 1–2 (ages 4–6): CHF 11'850.- per semester (CHF 23'700.- per academic year).
- Primary Grades 1–6 (ages 6–12): CHF 12'250.- per semester (CHF 24'500.- per academic year).
- Lower Secondary Grades 7–9 (ages 12–15): CHF 14'500.- per semester (CHF 29'000.- per academic year).
- Upper Secondary Grades 10–12 (ages 15–18): CHF 16'000.- per semester (CHF 32'000.- per academic year).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The academic year is divided into two semesters; fees are invoiced on a per‑semester basis. A single payment is expected at the beginning of each semester. On request, fees may be paid in five monthly instalments subject to a 3% surcharge. A 10% sibling discount may be applied to the lowest fee when a second child is enrolled. Core tuition does not include extracurricular activities or holiday camps.

Boarding fees (if applicable)
- No boarding programme or boarding fees are listed for the school; the school operates multiple day campuses for the stated age ranges and does not publish boarding charges.

Other costs and fees
- Uniform: Primary students are required to wear a school uniform from Grade 1; the school sells core items (white or blue polo shirt; dark blue pullover or cardigan). Other items (trousers/shorts/skirts/shoes) may be purchased independently.
- Extracurricular activities: Prices vary by class and semester; these activities are charged separately from core tuition.
- Holiday camps: Coverage options and weekly rates are published as CHF 450 per week (coverage 08:00–15:00) and CHF 585 per week (coverage 08:00–19:00).
- Afterschool care (flexible daily coverage 15:00–19:00): one day per week for a full semester CHF 500; full week for a full semester CHF 2'500.
- Any additional fees for materials, special trips, external exam charges or optional services are billed separately when applicable; core semester fees exclude these items.

Refund information
- No specific, published refund or withdrawal terms are provided alongside the core tuition schedule; families should confirm refund and withdrawal terms as part of the enrolment contract and invoicing process.

Fee payment options
- Fees are payable as a single payment at the start of each semester, or on the offered monthly instalment plan (5 instalments with a 3% surcharge). Specific accepted payment instruments (for example: bank transfer, credit card, direct debit) are not listed in the published fee information and should be confirmed with the school's admissions/finance office during enrolment.
Academics

BKA International School teaches IB (PYP), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Swiss Curriculum for students aged 0 to 18.

Curriculum
BKA International School is a bilingual private school offering English and German instruction from early years, with French introduced from Grade 3. The early years use Curriculum 21 together with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), with a play-based approach and emphasis on language development. Primary builds on that foundation with a developmentally appropriate curriculum that fosters knowledge, skills, and curiosity year by year. In Secondary, the program uses IGCSEs and A-Levels to prepare for Swiss and international universities. BKA holds Basel-Stadt Alignment and Transition Agreement ensuring the IB curriculum aligns with Lehrplan 21 and is an IB World School. The school operates across Wettstein, Spalentor, Gellért, and Rittergasse campuses serving ages 3 months through 18 years.

Higher Education Progression
Through IGCSEs and A-Levels, graduates are prepared for Swiss and international universities, with A-Levels recognised by universities across Europe, the UK, North America, and beyond.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school delivers a bilingual education that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. It is rooted in a Basel community and guided by international best practice. The school welcomes children from 3 months through Grade 12 into a nurturing and academically strong environment. Students thrive within a culture of excellence, respect, and global citizenship, preparing them to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally in an ever-changing world. The mission emphasizes social and emotional development as an integral part of preparing students to contribute to global communities.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
From day one, English and German are the languages of instruction, with French introduced from Grade 3. Teachers are fluent and guide students through a curriculum that develops strong academic skills in every language. The bilingual approach uses each language in lessons, activities, and daily routines to build reading, writing, speaking, and thinking in both languages. Students become confident communicators who can navigate multiple languages and cultures.

Mental Wellbeing
The school emphasizes emotional intelligence, character development, and social responsibility as part of a holistic approach to education.

Safeguarding
Safety, wellbeing, and protection of every child are the highest priorities. Safeguarding is embedded in school culture and underpins everything the school does. Clear reporting procedures, strong supervision, and openness ensure students feel confident speaking up and seeking support. The school works closely with families and authorities when necessary, always acting in the best interests of the child. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility and forms the foundation for learning, growth, and wellbeing.
Parent Experience

History
BKA International School is a bilingual private school in Basel that is internationally accredited as an IB World School and has an alignment and transition agreement with Basel-Stadt based on the Swiss national curriculum. The school operates across five Basel campuses, with Wettstein (Alemannengasse 22/24, 4058 Basel) and Spalentor (Schützengraben 35, 4051 Basel) for early years; Gellert 37 (Gellertstrasse 37, 4052 Basel) for ages 3 months–6 years; Gellert 25 (Gellertstrasse 25, 4052 Basel) for ages 6–9; and Rittergasse (Rittergasse 20, 4051 Basel) for ages 9–18. The Rosental Campus opened in August 2021 to welcome upper primary classes. The BKA Experience centers on curiosity, discovery, and learning within a bilingual IB framework.

Community
Community at BKA is built around a five-campus, international environment with a broad program of campus life. The school offers more than 45 extracurricular activities across its campuses, spanning sports, the arts, humanities, technology, and more, and provides on-site after-school care until 19:00 with homework support. Holiday programs are available across the campuses, expanding opportunities for students during school breaks. The campus-life program emphasizes inclusion and opportunities for students to connect beyond classroom learning.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The PTA at BKA is made up of committed and engaged parent members who play an active role in supporting the life of the school. Representing a diverse international community, PTA members work with school leadership and staff to enhance students' educational experience and well-being. PTA members contribute their time, expertise, and perspectives to strengthen communication between families and the school, support community-building initiatives, and assist with events and projects that enrich school life. Their involvement reflects a shared commitment to the school's values and to fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Through constructive dialogue and active participation, PTA members serve as an important link between the parent community and the school.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school operates across five Basel campuses: Wettstein campus (Alemannengasse 22/24, 4058 Basel) for ages 3 months–6 years; Spalentor Campus (Schützengraben 35, 4051 Basel) for ages 3 months–6 years; Gellert 37 campus (Gellertstrasse 37, 4052 Basel) for ages 3 months–6 years; Gellert 25 campus (Gellertstrasse 25, 4052 Basel) for ages 6–9 years; Rittergasse campus (Rittergasse 20, 4051 Basel) for ages 9–18 years. The school is bilingual and internationally accredited as an IB World School, with an alignment and transition agreement with Basel-Stadt based on the Swiss national curriculum.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Across five campuses, students can choose from over 45 enriching extra-curricular activities spanning sports, the arts, humanities, technology, and more. On-site after-school care runs until 19:00, including homework support and enrichment activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
There are over 45 extra-curricular activities spanning sports, the arts, humanities, technology, and more. These activities extend learning beyond the classroom and help students develop new skills. Activities are available across five campuses.

Arts & Creative
The arts are included in the extra-curricular activities.

Cultural & Language
English and German are used from day one, with French introduced from Grade 3.

Social & Hobbies
On-site after-school care until 19:00 includes homework support, enrichment activities, and social time. This supports social interaction and flexible family schedules.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The program includes sports as part of the extra-curricular activities, contributing to students' lifestyle and wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught are English, German, and French. In the early years, instruction uses English and German as the primary languages, with French introduced from Grade 3. Teachers are fluent in all three languages and guide students through a curriculum that develops reading, writing, speaking, and thinking skills in each language.

Bilingual Teaching
From the first day, students are immersed in English and German. French is introduced from Grade 3. Lessons, activities, and daily routines are structured so children practice thinking, reading, writing, and speaking in both languages. Qualified teachers fluent in these languages guide the curriculum to develop strong academic skills in each language.

Immersion Programs
English and German immersion begins on day one. French is introduced starting in Grade 3. The language-rich environment supports multilingual communication and cross-cultural understanding.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enquire Or Schedule A Tour: Begin by reaching out to BKA to explore our programmes, curriculum, and community. The admissions team answers questions, provides detailed information, and arranges a personalised school tour so you can see our environment and ethos firsthand. You can schedule a tour or inquire today through the admissions platform.

2. Apply: Decide that BKA is the right fit and submit your application. The admissions team guides families through the necessary paperwork and required documents, ensuring the process is straightforward and transparent through the admissions platform. The Apply Now option starts the submission, and the platform provides status updates as you move through the process. Additional questions are answered by the admissions team as needed.

3. Trial days in School (optional): Trial days in School are optional, but in certain admission cases they may be mandatory. Prospective students spend time in classrooms to experience BKA's learning environment and to engage with teachers and peers. This helps them feel comfortable before joining formally. This experience provides a firsthand impression of daily life at BKA.

4. Admission: Upon successful completion of the paperwork, each application is carefully reviewed, and a formal offer of admission is extended. BKA provides guidance to ensure a seamless transition, including placement in the bilingual programme and support with any remaining administrative or financial matters. This final step marks the beginning of your child's educational journey with us.
School Events
The school has not added events
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