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International School Basel

Switzerland, Basel

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, German
Fees CHF 14,270 - 37,680
Ages 3 - 19 years
Pupil numbers 1200
Type Co-educational
Opened 1979
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Danish, Dutch, Russian, Croatian, Mandarin
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Academic and Intellectual, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

International School Basel is a not-for-profit, co-educational day school delivering the International Baccalaureate across Reinach, Aesch and Fiechten. The school serves students aged 3 to 18 and teaches entirely in English, with an English–German Dual Language Programme available in the Junior School and German, French and Spanish offered as second languages. It offers the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, with over 65 academic courses in Senior School and university counselling. Its multi‑campus design is linked by Basel's tram network, with classroom, science labs, robotics workshops, art studios and performance spaces, plus well‑equipped gymnasia, fields and wellbeing facilities. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry, social, emotional and physical development, and the school features robust co‑curricular options—from music concerts and theatre to Model United Nations and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. The school fosters environmental stewardship and community involvement through its Vision 2030 framework and Making a Difference initiatives.

Fleischbachstrasse 2, 4153 Reinach, Switzerland

The Essentials

International School Basel has 1,200 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English, German.

Location
ISB operates on three campuses in the Basel region of Switzerland: Aesch Campus at Arlesheimerstrasse 7, 4147 Aesch; Fiechten Campus at Fiechtenweg 72, 4153 Reinach; Reinach Campus at Fleischbachstrasse 2, 4153 Reinach. The Aesch Campus is in the municipality of Aesch, while the Reinach Campuses are in Reinach, Basel-Landschaft. Public transportation is convenient via BLT tram line 11, with Arlesheimerstrasse stop for Aesch Campus, Reinach Süd stop for Fiechten Campus, and Reinach centre stop for Reinach Campus.

Stages
The school is divided into three levels: Junior School for ages 3–11, Middle School for ages 11–14, and Senior School for ages 14–18.

Type
The school is not-for-profit, co-educational day school and an IB World School offering three IB programmes (PYP, MYP, Diploma) taught in English, with an English–German Dual Language Programme available in the Junior School.

Pupil Nationality Mix
1200 students representing 60+ nationalities across three campuses.

Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided to support students not yet proficient in English. EAL specialists assist with reading, writing, listening and speaking, with three learning stages: Emerging, Developing and Consolidating. There are no additional fees payable for EAL support.

Country affiliation
Switzerland

School day structure
Opening hours are 07:45–18:00 during term. Drop-off is 07:45–08:20; classes run 08:20–15:50; pick-up is 15:50–18:00.

Bus service
Public transportation is available via BLT tram 11 (and related rail connections) to stops at Arlesheimerstrasse (Aesch Campus), Reinach Süd (Fiechten Campus), and Reinach centre (Reinach Campus); no dedicated school bus service is listed.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Day school; no boarding is offered.

Uniform Requirement
There is a dress code rather than a formal uniform. Must Wear: a shirt/top with straps or sleeves, pants/jeans or the equivalent, and shoes. Shorts, skirts/dresses and ripped jeans are allowed if underwear is not exposed; shirts should meet the waistband; hats and sunglasses may be worn outside but not inside; appropriate footwear required for lab and PE.

Food Options
Lunch is provided by Passion Food with hot meals including salad and dessert or fruit, or lighter options from the salad bar and freshly prepared sandwiches and snacks. Students can enrol in the lunch program daily, pay on the day, or bring their own lunch. Junior School lunch vouchers are available; Middle & Senior School use a pre-paid card via an app.

Governance and Ownership
The school is owned and operated by International School Basel Region AG (ISBR AG), a not-for-profit company registered under Swiss law. Shareholders include corporations in Basel region and the Association of the International School Basel. The supreme corporate body is the general meeting of shareholders.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School Basel ranges from CHF 14,270 to CHF 37,680 for 2026/27.

Application & admission fees

- Development Fee (one-time, payable when a place is offered): CHF 4,500. This fee is non-refundable and is not deducted from tuition.

- Waiting-list Deposit (when placed on a waiting list): CHF 1,000. Once a place is offered this deposit is offset against tuition; if no place is offered within eight months the deposit is refunded.

Annual tuition fees (by school level and EC1 flexible options)

- Early Childhood 1 (EC1) — flexible enrolment options (annual amounts):
- 5 mornings (minimum): CHF 14,270.
- 5 mornings + 1 full day: CHF 16,130.
- 3 mornings + 2 full days: CHF 17,990.
- 2 mornings + 3 full days: CHF 19,860.
- 1 morning + 4 full days: CHF 21,720.
- 5 full days: CHF 23,780.
- Ad-hoc full day (until 15:00): CHF 100 per day.

- Early Childhood 2 (EC2): CHF 23,780 per year.

- Early Childhood 3 – Grade 5 (Primary Years Programme): CHF 27,970 per year.

- Middle School (Grades 6–8, Middle Years Programme): CHF 32,010 per year.

- Senior School (Grades 9–10): CHF 33,370 per year.

- Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12): CHF 37,680 per year.

Reductions and family discounts

- Second child from same family: CHF 1,000 discount per year.
- Third child from same family: CHF 2,000 discount per year.
- Fourth (and additional) child: CHF 4,000 discount per year.

Billing schedule and payment terms (how tuition is billed and typical payment plans)

- A tuition invoice is issued per household for the school year; invoices are sent electronically (paper copies available for a CHF 5 charge). ISB accepts payments in Swiss francs (CHF) only; any bank charges must be paid by the sender.

- Standard payment options for privately paid tuition (arranged annually with Finance Office):
- Option 1: 100% of the annual tuition due before 15 July.
- Option 2: 70% due before 15 July; remaining 30% due before the last day of school before the Fasnacht break or 15 February, whichever is earlier.
- Option 3: 10 monthly instalments due on the 15th of each month from 15 July through 15 April; this option carries an administration surcharge of 2% per year.

- Company-paid tuition: 100% of annual tuition is due before 15 July.

- Late-enrolment and initial-payment rules for students starting mid-year (examples):
- Enrolment from 1 June to 31 December: 100% of annual tuition is due; private payers also pay a minimum down payment of 20% at least two working days before the student starts.
- Enrolment from 1 January to last day of Spring Break: 60% of annual tuition is due, plus a minimum down payment of 20% before the student starts; remainder invoiced within 30 days.
- Enrolment after the first day of classes following Spring Break: 30% of annual tuition is due, plus a minimum down payment of 20% before the student starts; remainder invoiced within 30 days.

Withdrawal, re-enrolment and refund rules

- Development Fee is non-refundable in all circumstances. Waiting-list deposits are refunded if no place is offered within eight months.

- Re-enrolment withdrawals (examples of charges when a returning family confirms re-enrolment and then withdraws):
- Withdrawal between the re-enrolment deadline and 31 March: no tuition fees due.
- Withdrawal between 1 April and 31 May: late withdrawal fee of CHF 3,000 per student.
- Withdrawal between 1 June and 15 July: late withdrawal fee of CHF 5,000 per student.
- Withdrawal after 15 July: standard early-withdrawal rules apply (below).

- Early withdrawal from the school after the school year has started (tuition owed based on date of written notice):
- Withdrawal between 15 July and 31 December (with at least two months' written notice): 55% of the annual tuition fee is due.
- Withdrawal between 1 January and the last day of Spring Break (with at least two months' written notice): 85% of the annual tuition fee is due.
- Withdrawal after the first day of classes following Spring Break: 100% of the annual tuition fee is due.
- In Payment Option 3 (monthly instalments) partial annual tuition amounts are due 30 days before the date of withdrawal. ISB may withhold school records until outstanding balances are settled.

- No refund is provided for tuition in the event of school closure for force majeure events, for expulsion, or for leave of absence due to illness, accident or mental illness.

Late payment and collection

- Late payment charge: 2% per month on outstanding balances or an administration fee of CHF 50, whichever is greater. ISB may refuse entry to class, withhold records, and engage debt-collection third parties for unpaid invoices.

Other costs and fees (charged separately)

- Costs not included in tuition (examples that are invoiced separately): additional or replacement textbooks; damage or loss of school equipment; field trips, camps and excursions; external examinations (for example IB exam costs); IB DP online courses; psycho-educational evaluations; some therapies and evaluations; extra-curricular programme fees; 1:1 teacher assistant costs; and meals. Such items are invoiced separately and are subject to the payment terms on each invoice.

- After-school and holiday childcare (EC1–Grade 5):
- Extended School Day (15:00–18:00) — Trimester registration: CHF 30 per day; Drop-in registration: CHF 60 per day.
- Holiday Childcare (07:45–17:00 on selected holidays) — Pre-registration: CHF 90 per day; Drop-in registration: CHF 150 per day. Ad-hoc EC1 full-day rate (until 15:00): CHF 100 per day.

- Paper invoice fee (if paper invoices are requested): CHF 5 per invoice. Special billing or changes to payment frequency may incur administration fees (e.g., CHF 100 per change request or special billing).

Boarding / residential provision

- ISB operates as a co-educational day school for students aged 3–19; there is no boarding provision and no boarding fees.

Fee payment options and bank details

- Payments are accepted in Swiss francs (CHF) and may be made by bank transfer. Any bank charges are the responsibility of the payer. The school's bank details for CHF transfers are provided for tuition payment (Bank Cler AG, Basel; IBAN: CH79 0844 0697 0092 9000 0; SWIFT/BIC: BCLRCHBB). Parents should indicate family name and student names when making transfers.

Key administrative provisions

- Parents/guardians must maintain health, accident and liability insurance for each enrolled student. ISB reserves the right to invoice separately for any additional costs described above and to take action for overdue accounts as set out in the financial regulations.
Academics

International School Basel teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 19.

Curriculum
ISB offers the International Baccalaureate across three programmes: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–11; Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16; and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–18. The school is English-language. The PYP is offered in English with German as a second language, and a Dual Language Programme (English and German) is available for younger students. The MYP provides an eight-subject-group framework and includes a co-curricular Z-Block for Grades 6–8. The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous university-preparatory course offered through ISB's Senior School, with ISB offering over 65 academic courses. ISB uses Continuums—subject guides that ensure a seamless educational experience across its three campuses.

Exam Results
IB Diploma results show strong performance. In 2025, 158 students completed the IB Diploma Examinations. Of the 147 students who completed the full Diploma, ISB achieved a 96.6% pass rate and an average of 34.4 points (out of 45), with 17% achieving 40+ points. Diploma Programme Courses: For the 11 students who took Diploma Programme Courses, they completed 48 courses with an average of 4.1 points per course. MAP test results measure reading and mathematics progress for Grades 3–10; Fall 2025 results are posted.

Higher Education Progression
ISB's Pathways to Swiss Universities explains that the IB Diploma earned at ISB is fully recognised by Swiss universities as equivalent to a Swiss Matura, provided it meets the required criteria. The Swiss admission framework includes six IB subject groups (first language, second language, humanities, natural science, mathematics, and an elective) and HL requirements for some universities (e.g., ETH Zürich and EPFL). Most bachelor programmes at Swiss universities are taught in German, French or Italian, with some courses in English; admission decisions are made by the individual universities. ISB provides a dedicated university counselling team to guide Swiss and international applications and hosts annual university fairs with representatives from universities worldwide.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEE Learning guides Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning at ISB. The framework fosters a compassionate and ethical learning environment and places student wellbeing at the heart of teaching and learning. Vision 2030 anchors wellbeing as central to the school's mission, supporting social, mental, physical and emotional development. Age-appropriate approaches develop essential skills such as teamwork, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, empathy and respect across the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. A dedicated team of School Counsellors provides individual and small-group counselling, restorative interventions and crisis response services, and supports parent involvement in wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
English Language Support provides a nurturing environment for students who have little English knowledge. A continuum of support is offered for students with mild and moderate learning needs to ensure a quality and equitable education. Private speech-language, occupational, and physical therapists work with students during the school day. A School Psychologist conducts psycho-educational evaluations to tailor learning environments to individual needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The Dual Language Programme offers instruction in English and German as an alternative to the English Language Programme in the Junior School. The programme is currently available to students aged 3 to 10, with plans to extend to Grade 5 in 2026/27. It enables students to develop proficiency in both languages and facilitates local community integration. Each Dual Language Class is supported by two core teachers (one English-speaking and one German-speaking) and teaching assistants, with 50% of instruction in English and 50% in German. Homeroom teachers provide ongoing support and communicate with parents.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is at the heart of ISB's mission, with Vision 2030 fostering social, mental, physical and emotional fulfillment. The school embraces SEE Learning to support social, emotional and ethical development. Age-appropriate approaches build teamwork, emotional regulation, empathy and respect across year levels. A team of School Counsellors supports students across Junior, Middle and Senior Schools, offering individual and small-group counselling, restorative interventions and crisis response services. Parents participate in wellbeing workshops and school-wide wellbeing initiatives.

Safeguarding
ISB has a Child Protection Policy and adheres to Swiss Federal and Cantonal laws regarding child protection. The school commits to safeguarding and providing a safe environment for all students in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Parent Experience

History
ISB was founded in 1979 by Janet Galli with 15 students. It is a not-for-profit, co-educational day school offering three IB programmes (PYP for ages 3–11, MYP for ages 11–16, and DP for ages 16–19) across three campuses. In May 1999 the school's name was changed to International School of the Basel Region AG. The Reinach campus opened in 2002, the Aesch campus opened in 2007, and the Fiechten Campus began serving Grade 6 in 2012 and Grade 7 in 2013. In 2022 ISB launched an English-German Dual Language Programme in Junior School and the school now serves more than 1,200 students across three campuses.

Community
All ISB parents and staff are members of the ISB Community Association. The Association welcomes new families, supports educational enrichment, and maintains an active dialogue between parents and ISB staff. A wide range of activities is organized to foster community, including social events for parent networking and liaison roles such as Campus Affairs and the Welcome Programme. Local community engagement emphasizes participation in Basel's associations and clubs to enrich the school experience.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The ISB Community Association includes all ISB parents and staff. The CA welcomes new families, supports educational enrichment, and maintains an active dialogue between parents and ISB staff. Campus Affairs provides liaison parents on each campus to help families find information within the school community. Arts & Sports Boosters support ISB's arts and athletics programmes and foster spirit across campuses. Educational Enrichment is a volunteer group that brings innovative projects and activities to learning, and a Sustainability Team comprises parents, faculty and staff to promote environmental sustainability. There is a complete calendar of parent networking and involvement opportunities through governance, boosters, welcoming new families, and event planning.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
ISB operates across three campuses in Reinach, Aesch, and Fiechten, connected by Basel's tram network and located near the A18 motorway. The campuses feature dynamic, innovative learning spaces with flexible layouts and integrated technology. Indoor and outdoor multipurpose sports facilities include a gymnasium, sports fields, and fitness rooms to support physical education and teamwork. Dedicated wellbeing spaces include counselling offices, quiet zones, and wellness rooms to support mental and emotional health. Specialised subject areas include science labs, robotics workshops, and dedicated art studios and performance spaces, enabling hands-on exploration. The campuses are designed with eco-friendly practices and green spaces, reinforcing environmental stewardship and community hub activities.

Sports Facilities
ISB offers multipurpose indoor and outdoor sports facilities to support a range of activities. The gymnasium, sports fields, fitness rooms, and flexible multi-purpose spaces enable a variety of sports and physical education. The facilities are designed to foster teamwork and healthy lifestyles across all age groups. They form part of ISB's dynamic campus design that supports active living and collaboration.

Academic Facilities
ISB provides dynamic, specialised subject areas including science labs, robotics workshops, art studios, and performance spaces. Classrooms and learning spaces are designed to be flexible, with modern technology to support collaboration and inquiry. Dedicated spaces enable hands-on exploration in STEM and the arts. The facilities support immersive and experiential learning across disciplines. Sustainable design features are integrated into campus facilities to support environmental education.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Sports, drama, music, art, debate, representation, and recreation are offered; ISB provides numerous ways for students to cooperate and compete to develop their skills or try something new. ASPIRE provides after-school care for Junior School students, with options to register per semester or as a drop-in, available until 18:00 on school days. The Music program includes regular concerts and choirs, with on- and off-campus performances. Students can participate in 200+ school-organized co-curricular activities, both on- and off-campus. Leadership opportunities include the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, Model United Nations, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, Student Librarians, Student Representatives, Student Sports Council, and Yearbook Club. Theatre and Visual Arts offer annual productions and exhibitions, artist workshops, field trips, and university visits.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
ISBasel delivers the International Baccalaureate across three programmes: Junior School (Primary Years Programme, PYP), Middle School (MYP), and Senior School (Diploma Programme, DP). The PYP is offered in English with German as a second language, and a Dual Language Programme (English and German) is available for younger students. The school provides over 65 academic courses across the IB framework, and the Diploma Programme is university‑preparatory while emphasising social, emotional, and physical growth. Senior School students receive career and university guidance through dedicated university counselling and related support.

Arts & Creative
Artistic expression is central to ISBasel and is organised through Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Music includes regular concerts and choirs with on- and off-campus performances. Drama and Theatre feature annual productions and special performances. Visual Arts offer artist workshops, field trips, university visits, internships, and art exhibitions. The ISB community also hosts a podcast related to performing arts.

Cultural & Language
The language of instruction is English. The Youngest students (ages 3–8) may enrol in an English‑German Programme, and an English‑German Dual Language Programme is available for ages 3–10. Older students can study a combination of German, French, and Spanish as second languages, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for students with limited English. The school draws on a diverse community representing more than 50 nationalities.

Social & Hobbies
ISBasel offers a broad range of co‑curricular activities beyond the classroom, spanning sports, drama, music, arts, robotics, debate, and exploration. An activities catalogue lists programs such as Basketball Academy and Football Academy, alongside academic support and other enrichment opportunities, with many activities open to students from outside ISB.

Community & Service
Making a Difference highlights student‑led service, creative initiatives, and acts of kindness as central to ISB's mission. Students demonstrate empathy, take initiative, and aim to make a positive impact through service projects. Examples include student‑led homeroom competitions and other community‑focused initiatives across grade levels.

Leadership & Professional
ISB provides extensive university and career guidance, including mentoring and interview preparation for Senior School students. The school supports leadership development through a large set of clubs and co‑curricular opportunities (hundreds of options across campuses) and assigns University Advisors to assist with university planning. There are multiple school counselors and university advisors to support student leadership and professional preparation.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Vision 2030 places wellbeing at the heart of ISB's mission, promoting social, mental, physical, and emotional fulfillment. The SEE Learning framework guides Social, Emotional and Ethical development, supported by a dedicated team of wellbeing counsellors. After‑school programming (ASPIRE) provides extended day care, and ISB's Athletics Programme offers training, tournaments, and the Elite Performance Pathway for high‑level athletes. ISB also emphasises creativity and digital learning as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. German, French and Spanish are offered as secondary languages. The Junior School provides an English-German Dual Language Programme, and older students may study German, French and Spanish as secondary languages.

Bilingual Teaching
The school offers an English-German Dual Language Programme in the Junior School. Two dedicated teachers, one English-speaking and one German-speaking, support each class, with teaching assistants. In Middle School, the English-German Dual Language Programme will be introduced gradually, beginning in August 2027.

Immersion Programs
Daily practice with immersion opportunities in the second language (German) is part of the Dual Language Programme. The programme is supported by two dedicated teachers, one English-speaking and one German-speaking, with teaching assistants.
Reputation

Accreditations
New England Association of Schools and Colleges; International Baccalaureate Organization
Admissions

Admissions
1. Explore: Learn about ISBasel's personalised approach to education and schedule an individual consultation in person or online to understand how ISBasel can support your child. The school outlines three levels—Junior School (ages 3–11), Middle School (ages 11–14), and Senior School (ages 14–18)—which you can discuss during this consult. This initial exploration helps families determine fit before moving to the next steps.

2. Visit: ISBasel's doors are open year‑round. Schedule a visit or call, and you will be welcomed for an individual tour at your convenience. During the visit you can explore the school in depth and meet key staff members. This visit is designed to give you a first‑hand sense of the school environment and community.

3. Register & Apply: The Admissions Team is here to assist you every step of the way. ISBasel enrols students throughout the year, dependent on space and fulfillment of entry requirements. They provide personalised support and guidance on documentation, application forms, and admission criteria. You can ask questions about the process and receive help with next steps as you prepare your dossier.

4. Documentation and join requirements: Complete all application forms; all documents must be in English or officially translated (submit both original and translation). Additional assessment outcomes may be required; the level of English proficiency and any student support needs will be reviewed. Availability of space in classes and option groups, sibling availability, and the Director's and Principal's discretion also influence admission decisions.

5. English proficiency and placement: Grade 6 and above require an online English test to determine proficiency, sometimes with an interview. Seniors may have a tailored curriculum if enrolled in external English programs, and they transition as language skills improve. ISB uses the CEFR framework to outline minimum English proficiency by grade: Grade 9 A2/B1; Grade 10 A2/B2; Grade 11 B1/B2; Grade 12 B1/B2 (Only for students currently in the IB Diploma Programme).

6. Student support: ISB provides tailored learning support for mild to moderate learning needs, with close collaboration with families to ensure proper placement and resources. Conditional enrolment may be offered with agreed services and extra costs. In rare cases where the school cannot meet a student's needs, a decision is explained and families are guided toward alternative options.
School Events
The school has not added events
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