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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
Availability Not shared by this school
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.

isswitzerland.ch

Corso Enrico Pestalozzi 9, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland

Vibes and Culture
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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
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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
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Parent Experience
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Facilities
The school has not added this information
Extra-Curricular Activities
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Languages
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Reputation
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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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