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GIS The International School of Lugano

Switzerland, Lugano

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Italian
Fees CHF 11,200 - 22,500
Ages 3 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2025
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Taught languages German, French, English, Italian
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

GIS Lugano is a bilingual international school in Lugano, Switzerland, offering a multilingual curriculum for ages 3 to 18. English and Italian are the primary languages of instruction, with intensive Italian for local culture and native-speaking teachers supporting linguistic diversity. The school follows the International Baccalaureate framework and is pursuing authorization for the IB Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme, while also delivering a bespoke curriculum that blends inquiry-based learning with a student-centered approach. The campus includes Early Years learning spaces such as Digital Atelier, Clay Atelier, Colour Atelier, The Piazza, Psychomotor Space, and Nature Corner, with a strong emphasis on safety and hands-on exploration. Technology is integrated across learning, including BYOD in upper years and access to interactive whiteboards and coding programs. GIS Lugano supports global perspectives through international exchanges with partner schools in Brazil and Italy, weekly electives, and a 100 Languages Philosophy that celebrates linguistic diversity.

Via Senago 42E, 6912 Pazzallo, Switzerland

The Essentials

GIS The International School of Lugano has instruction in English, Italian.

Location
GIS Lugano is located in Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland, at Via Senago 42E, 6912 Lugano, in the Pazzallo neighbourhood. It is easily accessible by public transport, with travel times: about 12 minutes from Lugano city centre, 20 minutes from Mendrisio, 28 minutes from Bellinzona, and 30 minutes from Chiasso.

Stages
GIS Lugano offers education from Early Years (preschool) through secondary school. The secondary section is divided between Middle School (ages 11–14) and Liceo (ages 15–18) and the Liceo is planned to be introduced in a second development phase.

Type
International school

Country affiliation
Switzerland

School day structure
Day arrival and dismissal are age-specific: Early Years arrive 8:15–9:00 (flexible) and are dismissed at 15:45; Elementary arrive 8:15–8:30 (lessons begin 8:30) and are dismissed at 15:50; Middle School arrives 8:10 (lessons begin 8:15) and is dismissed at 15:55. After-School Enrichment starts at 16:00.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is compulsory across all GIS Lugano campuses and year groups. Uniforms are supplied by CoccoBaby; orders are placed online via myunif.com. Daily attire includes a GIS-logo polo shirt or blouse with trousers, shorts, or a skirt, and a GIS sweater or cardigan; a GIS-branded PE kit is required for physical education.

Food Options
School lunches are prepared and delivered by 1908, Lugano's catering provider, and use locally sourced, organic products. Lunch is supervised by teachers, and the school accommodates special dietary needs in line with health guidelines.

Governance and Ownership
GIS Lugano is GIS The International School of Lugano SA, part of the GIS Group of International Schools Suisse. The GIS Board of Directors comprises the founding group alongside international school leaders who serve as strategic advisers and educational supervisors.
Fees

Annual tuition at GIS The International School of Lugano ranges from CHF 11,200 to CHF 22,500 for 2026/27.

Application & Registration Fees

- Admission fee (one-time, new enrolments only): CHF 2,500.00.
- Registration fee (annual): CHF 1,500.00.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and instalments)

The school publishes annual tuition by year group and the three-instalment breakdown (25% / 50% / 25%). Payment deadlines shown are those published for the 2025/2026 schedule and the instalment percentages apply as indicated below. Amounts and instalment splits:

- Early Years 1 (Half Day)
- Annual tuition: CHF 11,200.00
- 1st payment (25%): CHF 2,800.00
- 2nd payment (50%): CHF 5,600.00
- 3rd payment (25%): CHF 2,800.00.

- Early Years 1 & 2 (Full day)
- Annual tuition: CHF 17,200.00
- 1st payment (25%): CHF 4,300.00
- 2nd payment (50%): CHF 8,600.00
- 3rd payment (25%): CHF 4,300.00.

- Early Years 3
- Annual tuition: CHF 17,800.00
- 1st payment (25%): CHF 4,450.00
- 2nd payment (50%): CHF 8,900.00
- 3rd payment (25%): CHF 4,450.00.

- Primary Years 1–5
- Annual tuition: CHF 19,400.00
- 1st payment (25%): CHF 4,850.00
- 2nd payment (50%): CHF 9,700.00
- 3rd payment (25%): CHF 4,850.00.

- Middle Years 1–3
- Annual tuition: CHF 21,500.00
- 1st payment (25%): CHF 5,375.00
- 2nd payment (50%): CHF 10,750.00
- 3rd payment (25%): CHF 5,375.00.

- Middle Years 4–5
- Annual tuition: CHF 22,500.00
- 1st payment (25%): CHF 5,625.00
- 2nd payment (50%): CHF 11,250.00
- 3rd payment (25%): CHF 5,625.00.

Lunches / Catering fees

- Annual lunches charge: CHF 2,200.00.
- Lunch payments are split: 50% of lunches invoiced with the 2nd instalment and 50% with the 3rd instalment (no lunches charge on the 1st instalment).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Instalment schedule as published for the 2025/2026 fees:
- 1st payment (25% of tuition) + Registration Fee + Admission Fee — due by 31/01/2025.
- 2nd payment (50% of tuition) + 50% of lunch fees — due by 31/07/2025.
- 3rd payment (25% of tuition) + 50% of lunch fees — due by 15/12/2025.
- Fees must be paid by the dates indicated in the billing schedule.

Discounts and what the tuition includes

- Sibling discounts on tuition: 10% for the second child, 20% for the third child, 25% for the fourth child.
- Upfront payment discount: 5% on tuition if the total tuition amount is paid upfront by the stated upfront-payment deadline (published example: payment by 31/01/2025).
- Tuition includes books and stationery and tablets for school use. Any items not explicitly listed as included are charged extra.

Boarding fees

- The published fee schedule lists no boarding fees. No boarding charge is included in the published annual tuition schedule.

Other costs and typical additional fees

- Uniform: Wearing the school uniform is compulsory. Uniform items are supplied by CoccoBaby and ordered through the designated uniform platform (myunif.com); uniform items are an additional cost and are not included in the tuition line items.
- Items explicitly not included: any items not listed under the tuition inclusions (books, stationery, tablets) will be charged extra; parents should expect additional costs for personal supplies, certain school trips, specialised materials, optional activities and external exam/assessment fees where applicable.

Refund information

- The published annual fee schedule provides the chargeable items, instalment amounts and payment deadlines but does not set out a detailed refund or cancellation schedule within the same fee document. The fees schedule does identify the Admission Fee as a fee charged for new enrolments. For clarity about refunds of specific fees (for example enrolment cancellation, withdrawals, or refunds of payments), the school's formal refund/cancellation terms are not included in the single-page fee schedule and should be confirmed with the school's admissions or finance office.

Fee payment options

- The published fee documents and fee summary do not list specific accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer or card) in the fee schedule itself. Payment method details and invoicing instructions are handled through the school's admissions/finance processes. Confirm available payment channels and any transfer instructions with the admissions/finance office.

Brief note on gaps in the published fee schedule (concise)

- The one-page published annual fee schedule provides amounts, instalment splits, payment deadlines, discounts and what tuition covers, but it does not publish a full refund/cancellation policy or specify accepted payment methods on that same fee sheet. Financial and contractual details such as refund timelines, the treatment of mid-year withdrawals, and the school's accepted payment channels are handled separately by the school's admissions/finance team.
Academics

GIS The International School of Lugano teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
GIS The International School of Lugano offers a multilingual, bilingual curriculum with English and Italian instruction. The program emphasizes a student-centered approach, inquiry-based learning, and multilingualism. It aligns with the principles of the Swiss Federal Constitution and is a candidate school for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), pursuing IB World School authorization. The curriculum focuses on nurturing ethical, creative, and intellectual growth, and developing global citizens. English and Italian sound throughout the halls, reflecting a bilingual environment guided by native-speaking teachers who celebrate linguistic diversity and the 100 Languages Philosophy.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Pastoral care is provided with counseling and support services to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and confident in their learning journey. Social-emotional learning is embedded through dedicated programs, including antibullying and cyberbullying initiatives that teach empathy, resilience, and conflict resolution. The school emphasizes a holistic approach to education, integrating social and emotional development with academics. The learning culture supports students through small class sizes and individualized guidance to nurture personal growth and well-being. Students are encouraged to engage with their communities, reflect on personal strengths and attitudes, and develop self-regulation as lifelong learners.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The curriculum provides a bilingual approach with English as the primary medium of instruction and Italian taught intensively to connect with local culture. Our bilingual program integrates with the International Baccalaureate framework. Some lessons, such as History, Geography, Mathematics and Science, may be conducted in Italian depending on the pathway; Middle School students may take the Terza Media exam if they choose that pathway; all students who continue to High School study these subjects in English.

Mental Wellbeing
Pastoral care and counseling are provided to support student wellbeing. Social-emotional learning includes antibullying and cyberbullying programs, teaching empathy, resilience, and conflict resolution. The school emphasizes holistic development with wellbeing integrated into daily practice and learning experiences.

Safeguarding
Pastoral care and safeguarding measures support student safety and wellbeing. Anti-bullying and cyberbullying programs help protect students from harm. Campus safety includes secure entrances, supervised outdoor areas, and regular safety drills. Transportation services support safe commuting to and from school.
Parent Experience

History
The holding named Group of International Schools Suisse (GIS), based on the founders' solid experience in international education, aims to establish and develop a group of international schools designed to offer premium education which inspires 21st century learning and intercultural understanding. GIS Lugano's educational project has been in development since the establishment of GIS Group of International Schools Suisse in 2018. Building on the success of GIS schools in Monza, Italy, and São Paulo, Brazil, GIS aims to offer a premium international education that fosters 21st-century learning and intercultural understanding. Founded by a diverse group of parents and entrepreneurs with extensive international education experience, GIS seeks to create a network of schools that provide bilingual and multilingual education while valuing local culture and language. The GIS Board of Directors is composed by the group of founders and by international school leaders with decades of experience as Head of Schools, they serve as strategic advisors and educational supervisors. GIS schools share the same goal: to provide local and international families with an international and bilingual education that is broad, balanced and challenging. Our Vision is to inspire and empower every student to achieve their highest potential, embrace lifelong learning, and contribute positively to the global community.

Community
GIS Lugano's community is anchored in a shared mission across GIS campuses. Official Launch of the School on 12 October 2024, First Community Event on 25 January 2025, and Official Inauguration on 11 October 2025 mark key milestones in community growth and engagement. The Be Here Be Unique Belong motto expresses the community's welcoming and inclusive identity. Cody, the GIS mascot introduced on 15 May 2025, embodies curiosity, kindness, and courage and stemmed from a 2024 student-led collaboration involving GIS students from São Paulo and Monza who helped imagine the mascot.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
GIS Lugano is located in Lugano, offering a bilingual English-Italian program integrated with the International Baccalaureate framework. The Early Years Learning Environment includes Digital Atelier, Clay Atelier, Colour Atelier, The Piazza, Psychomotor Space, and Nature Corner. The campus emphasizes safety with secure entrances and supervised outdoor areas. Technology is integrated across learning with state-of-the-art digital literacy resources and a bring-your-own-device policy in upper years. The curriculum includes international exchanges and weekly electives.

Sports Facilities
Sports are offered including swimming, soccer, and basketball. Our facilities are designed to support both individual sports and team-based activities.

Academic Facilities
English is the primary language of instruction with Italian taught intensively, supporting the local culture. The school uses state-of-the-art technology, including interactive whiteboards, iPads, and coding programs, with upper-year students typically bringing their own laptops. The Early Years spaces (Digital Atelier, Clay Atelier, Colour Atelier, The Piazza, Psychomotor Space, Nature Corner) support hands-on, inquiry-based learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Electives cover areas such as Creative Arts (art exhibitions, musical and drama performances), Lifelong Learning with STEM options (robotics, coding, environmental science), Global Citizenship (Italian history, Model United Nations, community projects), and Multilingualism (development of native languages such as German, French, or Spanish), with electives scheduled weekly. GIS also offers international exchanges with partner schools in Brazil (São Paulo) and Italy (Monza). Active parental involvement is encouraged, and there are community events and partnerships enriching the learning experience.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
GIS Lugano emphasizes STEM with an interdisciplinary approach that builds critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills essential in a technology-driven world. The STEM curriculum fosters hands-on learning and real-world application, encouraging innovation and creativity. Technology is embedded across the curriculum to support research, presentation, and exploration of how the world works.

Arts & Creative
Drama, Visual Art, and Music are core arts disciplines offered at GIS Lugano. From age 4, students engage with drama, using unit-based exploration; younger students participate in drama games and short performances, while older students explore roles and viewpoints to build empathy and collaboration. Visual Art involves ateliers with a range of materials, with younger students exploring media and older students developing technical skills and reflective practice. Music begins at age 3 with weekly lessons focusing on musical elements; students play instruments, sing, and develop composition skills.

Cultural & Language
GIS Lugano promotes multilingualism and intercultural understanding, encouraging the use of multiple languages in class and daily interactions. The Middle School uses a bilingual English-Italian approach, fostering bilingualism and biculturalism. Students also have access to additional foreign languages from a range of options.

Social & Hobbies
After-school enrichment starts from 16:00, with sessions in sports, arts, STEM, and cultural activities. These programs let students explore talents, build friendships, and grow beyond the classroom. Elementary electives run from 15:00 to 16:00, and Middle School includes a concluding elective session as part of the day.

Community & Service
GIS Lugano hosts community events, including the Official Launch of GIS Lugano on 12 October 2024, the First Community Event on 25 January 2025, and the Official Inauguration on 11 October 2025. These events illustrate the school's active engagement with its broader community.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
After-School Enrichment operates from 16:00 onwards with sessions in sports, arts, STEM, and cultural activities. These programs support talent exploration, creativity, and community building. Elementary electives (15:00–16:00) and Middle School electives further extend the school day to include diverse wellbeing and lifestyle experiences.
Languages

Language Provision
The school offers a bilingual curriculum in English and Italian, seamlessly integrated with the IB framework. English is the primary medium of instruction; Italian is taught intensively, with some subjects taught in Italian depending on pathway; middle school students may take the Terza Media exam, and high school coursework is delivered in English. Third and fourth languages, including German, French, and Spanish, are developed, with native-speaking teachers supporting language instruction.

Bilingual Teaching
GIS Lugano offers a bilingual education in English and Italian for preschool through secondary school. The curriculum is integrated with the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework and Swiss cantonal standards.
Admissions

Admissions
The school offers a bilingual education in English and Italian for students from preschool through secondary school. GIS Lugano is part of the GIS Group of International Schools Suisse and follows the IB curriculum merged with the Swiss cantonal standards. Enrollment is open throughout the year following the Admissions Policy, with class placements based on age. Fees information and payment options are available, and documents publish details such as an Admission Fee of CHF 2,500 and a Registration Fee of CHF 1,500 for 2025/2026. Prospective families can book a personalized visit.
School Events
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