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International School of Switzerland

Switzerland, Lugano

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Italian
Fees CHF 16,000 - 22,000
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 40
Type Co-educational
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, German
Strengths STEM, Languages, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

The International School of Switzerland is a day school for students aged 6–18 that offers the IB Middle Years Programme, the IB Diploma Programme, and Cambridge A Levels. It operates as an IB World School guided by the K.I.N.D. framework—Kindness, Innovation, Navigation, and Discovery—to shape both academics and co‑curricular life. Instruction is in English, with Italian and German taught at varying levels and CEFR‑based placement. From Grade 10, students can pursue a dual pathway to Advanced Levels or the IB Diploma Programme; the IB Diploma Programme is currently a Candidate School, and the Bridge Program supports language fluency and transitions to IB, A‑Levels, or Liceo. Facilities include modern classrooms with interactive touchscreens and Microsoft tools, a STEAM Center with robotics labs and a makerspace, and Switzerland's first Microsoft Dream Space for AI, VR, and coding projects. Arts spaces include Visual Arts Studios, a professional Performing Arts Theater, and Music Rooms, with on‑campus sports facilities. Co‑curriculars feature the Discovery Program, Masterclasses, and the Immersion Program, which offer diverse activities, masterclasses, cultural excursions, and industry visits.

Corso Enrico Pestalozzi 9, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland

The Essentials

International School of Switzerland has 40 pupils, instruction in English, Italian.

Location
Located in Lugano, Switzerland. Address: Corso Enrico Pestalozzi 9, Lugano 6900. The campus is in Lugano, in the southern Ticino region.

Stages
Primary School, Middle School, and High School.

Type
IB World School

Additional learning support
Learning Support: Our Super Powers Program provides learning support with a three-step process: assessment to understand strengths and needs; personalized learning programs; ongoing support and growth guided by coaches.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The uniforms are being redesigned and a School Shop will offer uniforms, school accessories, sports gear, and exclusive ISSwitzerland merchandise. The uniform design is intended to provide a polished yet comfortable, durable, and functional fit. Launching soon.

Food Options
A Lunch Program provides meals at Manor, a nearby venue, through a partnership to offer fresh, healthy, and high‑quality meals. Monthly menus will be published in advance and pricing shared; lunch payments can be made termly or in full for the year.

House System
A House System fosters community based on Kindness, Innovation, Navigation, and Discovery. Students participate in House Challenges (sports, trivia, arts, charity), there are leadership opportunities (house captains and committees), and the House Cup is awarded at year end. Each student is allocated to a house on joining ISS, with siblings in the same house; events include Sports Day, House Arts Festival, and Community Service Week.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School of Switzerland ranges from CHF 16,000 to CHF 22,000 for 2026/27.

Application and acceptance fees

- Enrolment deposit: CHF 3,000 per family. This deposit is non‑refundable and applies to new enrolling families.
- The final admission paperwork must be completed and returned with the deposit within four weeks of an offer.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term equivalents)

- Grade 1 (age 5–6): CHF 16,000 per year. Per term (three‑term division): CHF 5,333.33 per term.
- Grades 2–5 (age 7–10): CHF 18,000 per year. Per term (three‑term division): CHF 6,000.00 per term.
- Grades 6–9 (age 11–14): CHF 20,000 per year. Per term (three‑term division): CHF 6,666.67 per term.
- Grades 10–12 (age 15–17): CHF 22,000 per year. Per term (three‑term division): CHF 7,333.33 per term.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment method for fees is by bank transfer using the school's Swiss account or IBAN/BIC for international transfers; the reference format required by the school is the student's first name and as much of the surname as possible (for example: ISSjohnsmith).
- Computer & Book Levy: CHF 1,000 per student, per year. This levy is due by 1 September or may be included in the initial invoice.
- Lunch payments can be made either termly or in full for the year.
- Compulsory camps (Summer and Winter) and excursions are invoiced in advance; additional or optional activities that incur charges are invoiced separately and communicated in advance.
- Full tuition payment terms and the school's terms & conditions are provided at enrolment.

Boarding fees

- Boarding: Not applicable — the school does not list a boarding programme or boarding fees.

Other costs and compulsory extras

- Computer & Book Levy: CHF 1,000 per student per year (see above).
- Compulsory camps: Two camps per year (Summer and Winter); invoiced in advance.
- Excursions: All curriculum excursions are compulsory and invoiced separately as required.
- Diploma Programme (Grades 10–12): An additional levy applies for any extra Pamoja courses taken beyond the standard programme; these additional costs are invoiced separately.
- Co‑curricular / Discovery programme: Most clubs and activities are included in fees; certain specialist programmes may carry additional charges that will be invoiced separately.
- Local travel pass: Families are encouraged to obtain a yearly local travel pass for children; subsidies may be available from the local municipality.

Refund information

- The enrolment deposit (CHF 3,000) is explicitly non‑refundable.
- Other refund or cancellation terms for tuition, levies, camps or other charges are governed by the school's full terms & conditions provided at enrolment.

Fee payment options and banking details

- Accepted payment method (as stated for fee payments): bank transfer to the school's UBS account for Swiss transfers or the listed IBAN/BIC for international transfers. The school asks that the payment reference include ISS plus the student's first name and as much of the surname as possible.
- Swiss bank transfer details: UBS, Account No: 0247 00251043.02K (use the school's requested reference).
- International bank transfer details: UBS, IBAN: CH42 0024 7247 2510 4302 K; BIC: UBSWCHZH80A (use the school's requested reference).

Scholarships and financial assistance

- Scholarship opportunities and financial assistance programmes are available for qualifying students; details are handled through the school's admissions/financial assistance process.
Academics

International School of Switzerland teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum
The curriculum is guided by the K.I.N.D. framework: Kindness, Innovation, Navigation, and Discovery. It combines strong academic foundations with opportunities to develop practical skills and explore interests through the Masterclass Program and the Discovery Program. The Masterclass Program provides workshops and topics led by educators and professionals. The Discovery Program offers time for creativity, sports, and hands-on learning in robotics, design, and the arts. The Language Program centers on English as the primary language of instruction, with Italian and German taught at varying levels and CEFR-based placement. Starting in Grade 10, students follow a dual-pathway to either Advanced Levels (A-Levels) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB Diploma Programme), with the IB Diploma Programme currently a Candidate School; the Bridge Program supports language fluency and transition to IB, A-Levels, or Liceo.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Pastoral Care provides a holistic approach to student well-being, focusing on emotional, social, physical, and spiritual health. Each student is assigned a dedicated mentor who offers personalized guidance and support. The program includes access to professional counselors and mental health resources, with regular well-being workshops to develop emotional regulation and resilience. An inclusive community and peer-support initiatives promote empathy, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. Initiatives such as Well-Being Wednesdays, a House System, Community Circles, and parent partnerships support ongoing well-being. Safety policies and trained staff ensure a safe learning environment and prompt, sensitive responses to concerns.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning support is organized through the Super Powers Program, a personalized, strengths-based approach to teaching and learning. Students are assessed on entry to identify strengths, needs, and learning preferences, guiding a differentiated plan. Coaches provide ongoing support and mentoring as students work on targeted goals, with an emphasis on self-awareness, resilience, and growth. The program goes beyond traditional learning support by focusing on strengths-based learning, growth mindset coaching, and the use of innovative tools and technologies to improve accessibility and engagement. It empowers students by fostering emotional intelligence and confidence as part of their academic development.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the primary language of instruction, with emphasis on academic English across all subjects. Italian is an integral part of the curriculum given the Ticino location, with fluency in both formal and everyday Italian. German is offered at varying levels, from beginner to advanced. Language placement follows the CEFR framework, with entry tests to place students at the appropriate level. Intensive language learning is available through the Language Program and Bridge Program, including options to focus on 1–2 languages and integration into the bilingual ISSwitzerland community.

Mental Wellbeing
The Wellbeing Program provides dedicated mentorship for each student. There is access to professional counselors and mental health resources to help students manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges. Inclusive community programs promote empathy, understanding, and global citizenship. Peer support systems include buddy programs and student-led well-being committees. Initiatives include Well-Being Wednesdays, a House System, Community Circles, and Parent Partnership to support ongoing well-being.

Safeguarding
Safety and security are central to pastoral care. Clear policies and procedures maintain a safe learning environment. Staff are trained to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns promptly and sensitively.
Parent Experience

Community
ISS uses a House System to build a vibrant community where students form lifelong friendships, develop leadership, and work in teams, anchored in the values of Kindness, Innovation, Navigation, and Discovery. The school's vision is to build great people who are future-ready global citizens. The mission delivers a comprehensive local and multilingual curriculum that holistically prepares learners to shape the future as global citizens, guided by the K.I.N.D. principles and immersive learning experiences in a technology-driven environment. ISS integrates deeply with the Lugano community, enabling students to engage in local and international projects to foster connections and broaden perspectives.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to inspire learning and support academic and personal development. Modern Classrooms are equipped with interactive touchscreens, flexible seating arrangements, and digital integration with Microsoft tools. The STEAM Center houses a robotics lab, a makerspace, and fully equipped science laboratories. The Microsoft Dream Space is Switzerland's first Microsoft Showcase School, enabling hands-on learning with AI, VR, and coding projects. Arts and Performance Spaces include Visual Arts Studios, a professional Performing Arts Theater, and Music Rooms.

Sports Facilities
Sports areas are available on campus.

Academic Facilities
Modern Classrooms are equipped with interactive touchscreens, flexible seating, and digital integration with Microsoft tools. The STEAM Center includes a Robotics Lab, a Makerspace, and Science Laboratories. The Microsoft Dream Space supports hands-on learning with the latest software and hardware and opportunities to explore artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and coding projects. Arts and Performing Spaces include Visual Arts Studios, a Performing Arts Theater, and Music Rooms.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Discovery Program offers a diverse after-school range of options across sports, arts, languages, and clubs such as debating, robotics, and AI, with activities scheduled on school days after classes. The majority of these programs are included in the enrollment fee, with some specialist programs requiring additional costs. Masterclasses provide expert-led sessions across disciplines for Grades 6–12, offered during school hours and after-school through the Discovery Program, with hands-on activities and opportunities to network with mentors. The Immersion Program delivers cultural excursions, outdoor expeditions, industry visits, and a variety of masterclasses, camps, and workshops that connect learning to real-world contexts. Competitions are part of the co-curricular program, and ski and summer camps are offered as connected experiences to learning.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Discovery Program offers a diverse range of afternoon activities across sports, arts, languages, and clubs such as debating, robotics, and AI. Most Discovery activities are included in the enrollment fee, with some specialist programs requiring additional costs. The Masterclass Program runs during the year for Grades 6–12 with expert-led workshops across disciplines, including technology, arts, sciences, sports and business, during school hours and after-school. The Immersion Program provides real-world learning through cultural excursions, outdoor expeditions, industry visits, and community-based projects, with masterclasses, camps and workshops that spark curiosity and action.

Arts & Creative
Arts are part of the Discovery Program alongside sports and languages. Masterclasses offer expert-led sessions in arts-related topics and other disciplines. Immersion Program includes performing arts experiences, with masterclasses and workshops in performing arts and creativity. Immersion Program examples include Vienna for classical music workshops and London for theatre experiences.

Cultural & Language
Immersion Program includes cultural excursions to Rome, Paris, and Athens. Outdoor Expeditions include the Swiss Alps, Scottish Highlands, and Norwegian Fjords. Industry and Innovation Visits feature trips to Dublin, Munich, and Copenhagen. Language and Culinary Immersion covers Barcelona, Provence, and Tuscany for language and culture experiences.

Social & Hobbies
Discovery Program offers clubs such as debating, robotics and AI, alongside sports, arts and languages. Masterclasses provide hands-on learning in topics across technology, arts, sciences, sports and business. Immersion Program hosts masterclasses, camps and workshops spanning performing arts, STEAM and language/cultural experiences.

Community & Service
The Discovery Program benefits from partnerships with many local clubs and centres, offering opportunities to express individuality, belonging, and passions. The Wellbeing Program includes dedicated mentorship, mental health support and an inclusive community. Pastoral Care provides mentorship and a supportive framework, including Well-Being Wednesdays and community circles. The Portrait of a Graduate highlights community engagement and leadership roles gained through co-curricular activities.

Leadership & Professional
The Masterclass Program inspires and challenges students through specialist workshops led by industry experts from around the world. Sessions cover robotics, arts, entrepreneurship, sustainability and related fields, with networking opportunities to connect with mentors and peers. The Portrait of a Graduate highlights leadership roles and community engagement gained through co-curricular activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Wellbeing Program provides a holistic pastoral care approach with dedicated mentorship and access to professional counselors. Pastoral care focuses on emotional, social, physical and spiritual well-being through proactive strategies and responsive support. Initiatives include Well-Being Wednesdays, the House System and Community Circles to promote resilience, belonging and parent partnership.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches English as the primary language of instruction. Italian is a vital part of the curriculum due to the Ticino location. German is offered at varying levels, from beginner to advanced. Language courses follow the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), and students are tested on entry to assess proficiency and placed in classes with peers at a similar level to support tailored instruction.
Admissions

Admissions
Stage One: Inquiry. An enquiry is the first stage of the admission process. After you contact us, you will be invited to an information evening (virtual options are available), a Taster Day, and an individual visit to tour the school and meet the principal.

Stage Two: Apply Online. Applications for 2024 entry are being accepted, and 2025 entry is open for the Diploma Programme. The admissions portal provides access to all required documents and allows you to create an account to complete and submit the application online. Documents can be uploaded digitally and the portal centralizes submission.

Stage Three: Assessments. All pupils sit papers in Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning, alongside a short interview. If travel to the campus is not possible, exams can be sat externally. For Senior School entry in 2025, students must sit and pass the Common Entrance (CE) exam. English as an Additional Language (EAL) considerations may apply; EAL guidelines are based on CEFR levels, with Year 9 intake minimum at the lower end of B2, and three years to reach upper-intermediate.

Stage Four: Offer and Acceptance. Offers are made on the basis of performance in the entry assessment. The final forms must be completed online and returned within four weeks with the deposit. An enrolment deposit of CHF 3,000 per family applies to new enrolling families and is non-refundable.

Scholarships
Scholarships and Financial Assistance: We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Scholarship opportunities and financial assistance programs will be available to qualifying students.
School Events
The school has not added events
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