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International School Rheintal

Switzerland, Buchs

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CHF 18,030 - 35,470
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 175
Type Co-educational
Opened 2002
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Taught languages English, German, French
Typical class size 20
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Kindergarten, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School, Sixth Form
Introduction

International School Rheintal is a non-profit, authorised International Baccalaureate World School in Buchs, Switzerland, serving ages 3 to 18. The school offers the IB continuum—PYP for primary, MYP for middle years, and DP for the diploma—with Kindergarten included in the PYP. Instruction is in English across subjects, with German taught from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and French introduced in Grade 5; EAL support is available. ISR is evaluated by the IBO and CIS to uphold IB standards. The campus opened in 2023/2024, featuring a 1000 m2 roof terrace with solar installation, biodiversity planting, and natural ventilation. Inside, classrooms with outdoor access, a design and art studio, three laboratories, a Learning Hub and library, and dedicated music/theatre spaces sit alongside a large competition-size double gym and stage. More than 40 learning spaces, safety measures, underground parking and a drop-off zone; sports facilities are shared with Hanflandschule to support community use.

International School Rheintal, Werdenbergstrasse 17, 9470 Buchs, Switzerland

The Essentials

International School Rheintal has 175 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
Located in Buchs SG, eastern Switzerland, at Werdenbergstrasse 17, 9470 Buchs, Switzerland. The school operates in English and serves Pre-School to Grade 12 as an IB World and CIS fully accredited institution.

Stages
Pre-School to Grade 12 (K–12).

Pupil Nationality Mix
31 nationalities represented.

Additional learning support
Language support (EAL and German classes), guidance counselling, career counselling, and SEND support on site.

School day structure
Office hours are 08:15–16:20, Monday–Friday. Primary School day typically runs from around 08:50–15:20 (with early arrival at 08:30 and a lunch break 12:15–13:15; enrichment 15:25–16:25 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays). Senior School day runs from around 08:30–16:25 (08:50–08:55 registration; breaks 11:00–11:15; lunch 12:15–13:15). Pre- and After-School Care is offered from 08:00–18:00.

Bus service
ISR Shuttle Buses connect Buchs to Chur and St. Gallen. Morning departure from St. Gallen (Museumstrasse) at 08:00 to arrive at Buchs around 08:50; afternoon departures from Buchs at 15:20 (Wednesdays & Fridays) arriving around 16:10, and 16:25 (Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays) arriving around 17:10. The Chur route (from August 2026) runs via Landquart, Maienfeld and Trübbach. Booking information is available through the ISR office.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
No boarding; day school only.

Uniform Requirement
No school uniform; dress code follows Swiss conventions.

Food Options
Multiple lunch and break areas on campus. Primary School lunch is scheduled from 12:15 to 13:15; Senior School lunch and enrichment are scheduled from 12:15 to 13:15.

Governance and Ownership
ISR is governed by a Board that holds responsibility for the strategic development and long-term sustainability of the school as a non-profit educational institution and for contributing to the Rheintal region as a business and education hub.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School Rheintal ranges from CHF 18,030 to CHF 35,470 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration fee
- A registration/application fee must be submitted with the application; the school requires this payment for the application to be processed.

Capital fund (one-time) and other enrolment charges
- Capital Fund Fee (one-time, non-refundable) for first child entering Grade 1–12: CHF 5,600.
- Capital Fund Fee for second child: CHF 4,100 (discounted).
- Capital Fund Fee for third child: CHF 2,600 (discounted).
- No Capital Fund Fee is payable as of the fourth child.

Tuition fees — annual amounts by year group (2026/27 Schedule of Fees)
- Kindergarten 1–2 (3–5 half days): CHF 18,030 per year.
- Kindergarten 1–2 (1 full day + 4 half days or 3 full days): CHF 20,070 per year.
- Kindergarten 1–2 (2 full days + 3 half days): CHF 21,690 per year.
- Kindergarten 1–2 (3 full days + 2 half days or 4 full days): CHF 23,420 per year.
- Kindergarten 1–2 (5 full days): CHF 24,600 per year.
- Kindergarten 3 (5 full days): CHF 25,570 per year.
- Primary Years (Grade 1–5): CHF 27,860 per year (per grade).
- Middle Years (Grade 6–10): CHF 31,880 per year (per grade).
- Diploma Programme (Grade 11–12): CHF 35,470 per year (per grade).

Per-term presentation (derivation)
- The school year is organised into three terms (Autumn, Winter, Summer). The per-term amount below is the annual tuition divided evenly by three to present a per-term figure (this is a straightforward division, not a separate published term charge): Autumn/Winter/Summer per-term = (annual tuition) ÷ 3. Example: Grade 1 annual CHF 27,860 → CHF 9,286.67 per term (rounded to two decimal places).

What tuition covers
- Tuition includes books, compulsory field trips, English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, counselling, enrichment activities and the shuttle bus service between St. Gallen and Buchs where provided. Optional items and variable costs (see "Other fees") are not included.

Other fees and optional services
- Pre-School Care (08:00–08:30, full year): CHF 1,030 per year.
- After-School Care (15:20–17:00, full year): CHF 3,100 per year.
- After-School Care (15:20–18:00, full year): CHF 5,150 per year.
- Ad hoc or part-time PSC/ASC attendance is charged pro rata; ad hoc hourly rate (booked) and late pick-up charge: CHF 25 per hour.
- IB Diploma Programme additional costs: online IB course fees (approx.) CHF 1,400 per year for Pamoja courses; IB exam fees (Grade 12) approximately CHF 1,400 (IB-set and subject to annual change).
- Supplementary 1:1 support, repairs or replacement of lost/damaged textbooks or IT devices and optional trips/lunches are charged separately at effective cost or as quoted.
- Shuttle / School Bus Service (optional; invoiced with tuition and charged by zone, registration binding for full academic year): Zone 1 — CHF 300 (1–5 trips/week) or CHF 600 (6–10 trips/week); Zone 2 — CHF 540 / CHF 1,080; Zone 3 — CHF 735 / CHF 1,470; Zone 4 — CHF 990 / CHF 1,980. A sibling discount equivalent to the tuition sibling discount applies to bus fees for families with three or more children.

Discounts and sibling reductions
- For three or more children enrolled at the school, there is a 25% discount on the tuition fee for each child (the first and second child pay full tuition). The first child is defined as the oldest child attending ISR in the given year.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition and Capital Fund fees are due before the first day of classes in August. All other invoices are payable as stated on the invoice.
- Monthly instalment option: Tuition may be paid in up to nine monthly payments; the final instalment must be made in April and a surcharge of 3.5% of the tuition fee is charged for the instalment plan. A late-payment charge of 1% per month applies to overdue balances. Alternative payment arrangements require written approval from the school.
- Late enrolment billing: Students enrolling after the school year start are charged a pro rata percentage of the annual tuition depending on the enrolment date (100% before 15 Nov; 75% after 15 Nov; 65% after 1 Jan; 45% after 1 Mar; 25% between 1 May and year end in long-term commitments).

Refunds and withdrawal penalties
- Early withdrawal fees (partial-year charges) are applied by date of withdrawal: withdrawing between 1 April 2026 and before the first day of classes incurs 25% of the annual tuition; withdrawing before 15 Nov: 45%; before 1 Jan: 65%; before 1 Mar: 75%; after 1 Mar: 100% of the annual tuition. Notification of leaving is required by March 31 each school year for exemption from fees for the following school year. No refund of fees will be issued if the school is forced to close due to circumstances beyond its control. Bus fees and some other services may not be refunded for withdrawal during a semester; pro rata billing applies for mid-year enrolment.

Boarding
- Boarding is not provided; ISR is a day school only. There are no boarding fees. Students must live within commuting distance; the school operates a shuttle/bus service where available.

Fee payment options and invoicing
- Payment arrangements selectable on the application form include: employer-paid, individually funded, instalments, or one full payment. Invoices may be received via e-mail or post per family preference. The school can invoice an employer when the employer agrees to pay.

Other practical notes on costs and billing
- Optional trips, lunches, replacement of lost/damaged items, supplementary 1:1 support and certain enrichment items are charged separately and vary by service; compulsory field trips are included in the tuition. Registration for optional services such as the shuttle bus is binding for the full academic year and subject to availability.

(End of fees overview)
Academics

International School Rheintal teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
ISR is a fully authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. ISR offers a continuum of IB programmes for ages 3 to 19: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), with Kindergarten included in the PYP. The language of instruction is English for all subjects, German is taught from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and French is introduced in Grade 5; English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for students who need it. The IB programmes emphasise personal development, critical thinking and cross-disciplinary learning, and open doors to universities in Switzerland and around the world. ISR is externally evaluated by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and the Council of International Schools (CIS) to ensure IB standards. The IB Diploma opens doors to universities around the world.

Student Teacher Ratio
The student to teacher ratio is 6:1 in 2023.

Exam Results
Average IBDP score (2021) was 36. IB Diploma pass rate (2021) was 100%. These results indicate strong Diploma Programme outcomes for ISR students.

Higher Education Progression
An IB education opens doors to universities in Switzerland and around the world. The Diploma Programme provides breadth and depth of knowledge to support university progression and career opportunities. English instruction and EAL support enable ISR students to access international universities. The IB framework emphasises inquiry-based learning and global citizenship to prepare students for higher education studies.

Gifted and Talented
ISR offers the ISR Academic Scholarship Programme for up to two students per school year. The scholarship is for Grade 10 entry with continuation into the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11 and 12). Applicants must have Cambridge English at level B2 or above, and English language support is provided as part of the selection. Applications open February 1 and close May 1; the process comprises three phases including English and mathematics assessments.
Wellbeing

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school teaches in English. English is the medium of teaching and communication. For students whose first language is not English or German, it is possible to study their language as a language A course at the standard level.
Parent Experience

History
International School Rheintal is a non-profit school located in Buchs, Switzerland. It serves students from pre-school through grade 12 and teaches in English. The school is an IB World School and is fully accredited by CIS. Over the last twenty years, ISR has grown and innovated in education.

Community
The ISR community includes a PTG consisting of parents, teachers, PYP, MYP and DP coordinators, the school director, and parent representatives on the board. All ISR parents are encouraged to join the PTG. The PTG's mission is to build and maintain a positive school spirit and to enable parents to actively participate in students' academic and non-academic activities, strengthening the home–school relationship. PTG meetings occur monthly and serve as a communication forum between the school leadership team, teachers and parents, followed by informal time to network.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The PTG consists of parents, teachers, PYP, MYP and DP coordinators, the school director and the parent representatives of the board. ISR parents are encouraged to join the PTG. The PTG's mission is to work together to support ISR in building and maintaining a positive school spirit and to enable parents to play an active role in students' academic and non-academic activities, strengthening the home–school relationship. PTG meetings occur monthly and provide a forum for communication between the school leadership team, teachers and parents. The meetings are followed by informal coffee and cake, a time to exchange information, connect, and plan school activities and events. For more information or to participate, contact [email protected].
Facilities

Facilities Overview
ISR's campus is a modern, sustainable three-story building opened for the 2023/2024 school year. The design was by Kämpfen Zinke + Partner and was funded with support from the Hilti Family Foundation Liechtenstein. The timber building features a 1000 m2 roof terrace with a solar installation, biodiversity-friendly landscaping, and natural ventilation. Inside, there are bright, high classrooms with outdoor access, a design and art studio, three laboratories, a large competition-size double gym with a stage, a Learning Hub and library, and dedicated music, theatre and rehearsal spaces, with more than 40 learning spaces. The atrium provides natural light throughout, there is a generous entrance, underground parking, a drop-off zone, and high safety measures, and the campus shares sports facilities with the Hanflandschule and the municipality of Buchs to support community use.

Sports Facilities
The campus includes a large, competition-size double gymnasium with a stage for assemblies and performances. The sports field is shared with the Hanflandschule. The sports halls are shared with the municipality of Buchs. For swimming and physical education, ISR uses local sports facilities.

Academic Facilities
Three laboratories are available on site. A design and arts studio is provided. A well-equipped fitness room, two music rehearsal rooms, and a music/theatre space are available. Quiet learning zones for senior students and a Learning Hub with a library are on site. There are over 40 classrooms and learning spaces. A 1000 m2 rooftop terrace with solar installation, outdoor dining areas, and an outdoor learning area support flexible learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
After-school activities (ASAs) provide opportunities to discover new skills and interests, support a healthy lifestyle, and build friendships. ASAs vary by trimester and typically run once a week for eight weeks, after school and lasting about 60 minutes. Examples include art and crafts club; Latin writing; live music mixing and recording; gardening; Junior-/Senior running clubs; Model United Nations; basketball; digital journalism; Kids Yoga and mindfulness; football; songwriting; Surface Designer Club; Modern Art Club; and more. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award is offered by ISR.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Model United Nations is offered as part of enrichment. Digital journalism develops media literacy and writing skills. Learn Basic Latin is offered, along with typing classes to build keyboard proficiency. Activities are voluntary and run for one semester; Primary School activities take place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, while Senior School activities run at lunchtime.

Arts & Creative
Arts and crafts club, live music mixing and recording, songwriting, surface designer club, and modern art club are offered as enrichment activities. These clubs provide opportunities for creative exploration and collaboration. They are voluntary and run for one semester.

Cultural & Language
Learn Basic Latin is offered as enrichment.

Social & Hobbies
Junior/Senior running club, basketball, and football club are offered as enrichment activities. These activities support teamwork, physical activity, and social interaction. They run on appropriate days as part of the enrichment schedule.

Community & Service
ISR proudly delivers the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, available for 14-24-year-olds. The award includes Service, Physical recreation, and Skills through an adventurous journey. The experience encourages students to reach their potential beyond academics, stimulates critical thinking and reflection, and provides opportunities to tackle new challenges. The Duke of Edinburgh International Award promotes international-mindedness and builds lifelong skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Kids' yoga and mindfulness are offered as part of enrichment. Enrichment activities are designed to promote a healthy lifestyle and physical activity, and to encourage new friendships. The program supports well-being and community-building.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. German is the host-country language and is taught from Kindergarten through Grade 12, and French is taught as a foreign language (Grade 5 onward). EAL support is available for non-native English speakers, and First Language/mother tongue maintenance is encouraged with English and German lessons for near-native speakers. In the Diploma Programme, Language A and Language B options are available, and native French speakers may study French as a Language A in DP in certain contexts.

Bilingual Teaching
The school is multilingual, with English as the language of instruction. German is taught from Kindergarten through Grade 12 as the host language, and French is taught as a foreign language starting in Grade 5. English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided for students who are not fluent in English, and there are opportunities to study first languages (mother tongue) to support language maintenance.

Immersion Programs
English is the primary language of instruction and social interaction. All subjects other than language classes are delivered in English. German is taught as a second language from Kindergarten onward, and French is introduced as a foreign language in Grade 5. The language policy emphasises multilingualism and language development across the IB programmes.
Admissions

Admissions
1. ISR is non-selective and welcomes all families with children aged 3 to 19 who share the school's vision and mission. Applications are accepted year‑round, provided spaces are available, and the school offers support to make entry as simple as possible. 2. To determine the appropriate grade for a child, use the admissions calculator and start by entering the child's date of birth to reveal the key steps to joining. 3. To apply, read and complete the application form and the financial regulations, and pay the application fee; submissions can be made by email or in paper form. 4. Documentation must include a completed application with a photo, copies of the student's passport, the signed ICT form, school records for the last three years, and any relevant education plans or standardized tests; assessments in English, mathematics and non‑verbal reasoning may be requested, and a personal interview is desirable. 5. Admissions decisions are reviewed by the Admissions Lead, the Head of School, and the Director; final admission rests with the Director and may be conditional, with a six‑week trial period in the assigned class mandatory before full entry. 6. A capital Fund Fee and the application fee are payable to reserve the place if admission is offered. 7. The school conducts a six‑week trial in the assigned class, and entry can occur at any time if there is a vacancy in the child's year group. 8. ISR operates as a day school (not a boarding school). 9. The language of instruction is English; EAL support is provided up to and including Grade 10, with intensive German courses available to support language development, and German is taught from kindergarten to Grade 12, with French introduced in Grade 5. 10. The school encourages families to explore entry points to learn more about registration.

Scholarships
The ISR Academic Scholarship Programme offers full or partial financial support for school fees for three years from Grade 10 through Grade 12. It is aimed at local students who would benefit from an ISR international education but would not ordinarily be able to afford the costs. The first recipients started in Grade 10 in August 2024. The programme is funded through donations from the Hilti Foundation and other donors, as well as ISR fundraising activities and community contributions.

Waitlist
Where a waiting list exists, priority for admission is given to international students coming from outside the region. Applications are reviewed on a first‑come, first‑reviewed basis.
School Events
The school has not added events
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