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Zurich International School - Primary Campus

Switzerland, Zug

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, German
Fees CHF 27,750 - 32,800
Ages 3 - 11 years
Pupil numbers 400
Type Co-educational
Opened 1963
Bus Service Yes
Part of
Zurich International School
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), Swiss Curriculum
Taught languages German, Spanish, French
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, STEM, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Zurich International School (ZIS) is a non-profit, co-educational day school in the Greater Zurich area, serving ages 3 to 18. Founded in 1963, it operates as a non-profit foundation governed by a Board of Trustees. Two campuses host Primary and Secondary programs. The school offers a bilingual pathway with daily German and English instruction, guided by Lehrplan 21, and pathways to the IB Diploma Programme or AP courses in the Upper School, plus a ZIS Diploma with Honors. Diploma requirements include 23 credits across core areas, three AP or IB HL courses in at least two subjects, a 3.0 GPA, and no final-year grade below C. ZIS uses learning technology to support inquiry-driven learning and a co-curricular program (ATAC) with over 40 activities, including STEM clubs, performing arts, and Model United Nations. Distinctive features include a Design Lab, WorldFest, Service Learning, and links to local and international communities.

This campus is part of Zurich International School

Steinacherstrasse 140, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland

The Essentials

Zurich International School - Primary Campus has 400 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English, German.

Location
Steinacherstrasse 140, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland. The school is in the Greater Zurich area and accessible by road and public transport. It operates across two age-appropriate campuses: Primary Campus (Early Childhood and Lower School) and Secondary Campus (Middle and Upper School).

Stages
Lower School (ages 3-11); Middle School (ages 11-14); Upper School (ages 14-18).

Type
Inclusive non-profit day school; bilingual and international education; co-educational.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 400 students from over 50 nations.

Additional learning support
English language learner support; academic and behavioural support; social and emotional support; Individualised Learning Support (ILP); speech and language support in English; counseling.

Country affiliation
Switzerland

School day structure
School Day: Before school care from 07:00; morning supervision from 08:00-08:20; classes run from 08:30 to 15:20 (Wednesday 14:20); after-school activities until 16:20 (15:20 on Wednesdays); after-school care until 18:00; hot meals available in the cafeteria.

Bus service
School bus service covering parts of Greater Zurich and Zug areas.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school is a day school; boarding is not offered.

Uniform Requirement
There was a strict uniform in the early years; students wore a full suit. Since 1988 the dress code has been guidance rather than a code.

Food Options
The school has a lunch program run by Passion Food on campus. Menus include meat and vegetarian options with a salad, fruit and a drink, and meals are freshly prepared on site. Allergy and special-diet questions are handled by staff, but meals cannot be prepared for individual students or small groups.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a non-profit foundation governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board operates three standing committees: Governance, Finance, and Community Relations. The Director is a non-voting member of the Board and an ex officio member of all committees. The Leadership Team includes the Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Director, the Principals of the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools, and Directors of Community Relations and Student Life.
Fees

Annual tuition at Zurich International School - Primary Campus ranges from CHF 27,750 to CHF 32,800 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration Fees
- Application fee (per student): CHF 500. A CHF 25 credit-card surcharge applies when a card payment is used for the application. This fee is non-refundable and covers the application process; it also covers registration if the child is enrolling directly into Preschool.
- Re-application fee (if applicable, valid for one admission cycle): CHF 500 (+ CHF 25 credit-card surcharge where applicable).
- Infrastructure contribution (one-off, invoiced from Kindergarten 1): CHF 5,000. This infrastructure contribution is non-refundable.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and normal instalment split for the 2025/26 academic year)
Note: the standard billing for full-day year groups is in two instalments (60% / 40%). Preschool tuition is billed quarterly (see below). The amounts shown are annual tuition totals followed by the normal instalment breakdown where applicable.

- Preschool (PS0–PS5) annual tuition and standard quarterly billing (2025/26):
- PS0 (mornings): CHF 16,800 — quarterly CHF 4,200.
- PS1 (mornings + 1 afternoon): CHF 19,000 — quarterly CHF 4,750.
- PS2 (mornings + 2 afternoons): CHF 21,100 — quarterly CHF 5,275.
- PS3 (mornings + 3 afternoons): CHF 23,100 — quarterly CHF 5,775.
- PS4 (mornings + 4 afternoons): CHF 24,900 — quarterly CHF 6,225.
- PS5 (full days): CHF 26,700 — quarterly CHF 6,675.

- Kindergarten 1–2 (KG1–2) — Full days: CHF 27,600 per year. Standard instalments: 1st instalment (60%) CHF 16,560; 2nd instalment (40%) CHF 11,040.

- Grades 1–5 — Full days: CHF 32,600 per year. Standard instalments: 1st instalment (60%) CHF 19,560; 2nd instalment (40%) CHF 13,040.

- Grades 6–8 — Full days: CHF 36,100 per year. Standard instalments: 1st instalment (60%) CHF 21,660; 2nd instalment (40%) CHF 14,440.

- Grades 9–10 — Full days: CHF 38,900 per year. Standard instalments: 1st instalment (60%) CHF 23,340; 2nd instalment (40%) CHF 15,560.

- Grades 11–12 (and Grade 13 where applicable) — Full days: CHF 39,300 per year. Standard instalments: 1st instalment (60%) CHF 23,580; 2nd instalment (40%) CHF 15,720.

- Individualised / Bespoke Learning Support (ILP) annual tuition (where applicable):
- Grades 1–5: CHF 65,200 per year. Instalments: 1st (60%) CHF 39,120; 2nd (40%) CHF 26,080.
- Grades 6–8: CHF 72,100 per year. Instalments: 1st (60%) CHF 43,260; 2nd (40%) CHF 28,840.
- Grades 9–12 (13): CHF 77,800 per year. Instalments: 1st (60%) CHF 46,680; 2nd (40%) CHF 31,120.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard instalment schedule for full-day year groups: first instalment (60% of annual tuition) is due on the first day of classes in August; second instalment (40%) is due on the first day of classes in January.
- Preschool tuition (PS0–PS5) is billed quarterly in the months September, November, February and April; if a child is enrolled or withdrawn mid-quarter, billing is adjusted on a monthly basis or as specified for a full month.
- Alternative payment arrangements may be granted only in exceptional circumstances, for one year at a time, subject to written application and approval by the Finance Department; approved alternative plans incur a CHF 300 administrative charge per student and school year (waived where a tuition reduction has been granted). The final instalment under any approved plan must be paid by the end of the following March at the latest.
- Interest may be charged on overdue balances; a student may be barred from attendance and official records withheld until outstanding balances are settled. The signatory(ies) on the Financial Regulations are jointly and severally responsible for payment.

Boarding fees
- Zurich International School operates as a non-profit day school; there is no boarding provision and therefore no boarding fees.

Other costs and charges (examples of items charged in addition to tuition)
- External examination fees (SAT, PSAT, AP, IB, etc.).
- Occupational and speech therapy where required (these are not included in standard tuition).
- Tutoring (including English tuition beyond the included English-as-an-additional-language support).
- After-school care and optional curriculum-enriching trips, sports trips and tournaments.
- School bus / shuttle charges and lunch service costs.
- Yearbook, PE clothing, outdoor gear (e.g., rain trousers, boots, jackets), and replacement or damage charges for laptops and other IT devices where applicable.
- Replacement or additional charges for lost, stolen or damaged textbooks and library books.

Refunds, late enrolment and early withdrawal (refund/charge rules)
- No refund of application or infrastructure contribution fees.
- Late enrolment: where a student is enrolled after the normal start of the school year, the payable portion of annual tuition is determined by the date of enrolment (examples: enrolment Aug 1–Oct 31 = 100% of annual tuition; Nov 1–Dec 31 = 75%; Jan 1–Jan 31 = 55%; Feb 1–Mar 31 = 45%; Apr 1–Apr 30 = 35%; May 1–end of year = 20%). For Preschool late enrolment is calculated monthly for remaining months.
- Early withdrawal by currently enrolled students: the school charges a percentage of the annual tuition depending on withdrawal date (examples: withdrawal between first day of classes and Oct 31 = 45% of annual tuition; Nov 1–Jan 31 = 60%; Feb 1–Mar 31 = 75%; Apr 1–end of school year = 100%). Preschool early withdrawal is calculated monthly for preceding months. No fees already due or for services already rendered will be waived for closures beyond the school's control.

Fee payment methods and invoicing
- Fees and other charges are payable by bank transfer or by any alternative payment method accepted by the school. Application and re-application payments may be made by credit card subject to the stated CHF 25 card surcharge per application payment. Employers may be invoiced directly for tuition, infrastructure contribution or other contracted fees when agreed in writing.

Notes on compulsory items commonly paid separately
- The annual tuition figures include items explicitly listed as covered (books, access to a device for Preschool–Grade 8, EAL and learning support and mandatory curriculum trips) but do not include the additional items listed above under "Other costs." Payment responsibility for extra services (therapy, tutoring, after-school care, external exams, bus, lunch, trips, etc.) lies with the parent/guardian unless otherwise agreed in writing with the school or employer invoicing arrangement.
Academics

Zurich International School - Primary Campus teaches IB (PYP), Swiss Curriculum for students aged 3 to 11.

Curriculum
ZIS is an inclusive, non-profit day school in the Greater Zurich area that delivers comprehensive bilingual and international educational programs for local and foreign national students aged 3 to 18. The Upper School provides a flexible, rigorous English-language curriculum with pathways to the IB Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including a Grade 11-12 pathway to a ZIS Diploma with AP courses, and a separate IB Diploma pathway. The ZIS Diploma with Honors is awarded to a student who completes the ZIS diploma requirements, including three AP or IB Higher Level courses in at least two subject areas, maintains a 3.0 GPA across the final four semesters, and has no final-year grade lower than C. Course credits total 23 and must cover English, World Languages, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Creative Arts, Physical Education and Health, plus Electives; IB Diploma candidates must also satisfy IB requirements. External examinations may be taken for AP or IB courses, with exam fees varying by type and number. Availability of courses depends on student interest, staffing and scheduling.

Exam Results
IB Diploma Results: The IB Diploma Programme is scored 0-45. IB Diploma Score Distribution: 40–45 points: ZIS 21% | World 9%; 35–39 points: ZIS 36% | World 21%; 30–34 points: ZIS 29% | World 28%; 25–29 points: ZIS 13% | World 28%. IB Diploma Highlights: 40% of students earned a bilingual IB Diploma. 92 students were IB Diploma candidates. 98% of candidates successfully passed the IB Diploma. The average IB Diploma score was 35 points. IB Results by Subject: Studies in Language and Literature (ZIS 5.47 vs World 4.90), Language Acquisition (ZIS 5.79 vs World 5.20), Individuals and Societies (ZIS 5.67 vs World 4.80), Experimental Sciences (ZIS 5.31 vs World 4.50), Mathematics (ZIS 5.59 vs World 4.40), Arts (ZIS 5.00 vs World 4.30).

Higher Education Progression
98% of ZIS graduates go on to attend university in Switzerland or internationally.

Gifted and Talented
Honors Diploma is awarded to students who complete the ZIS high school diploma requirements, including three AP or IB Higher Level courses in at least two subject areas, maintain a 3.0 GPA across the final four semesters, and have no final-year grade lower than a C.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
ZIS operates a multi-level support model that centers on social and emotional development and student agency. Level One Instruction ensures all learners are supported by teachers who reflect on best practices and collaborate with English as an Additional Language teachers, Learning Support staff, counselors, and Instructional Coaches. Level Two Instruction provides short- to medium-term interventions to enhance academic skills or guide social and emotional development, with families involved in planning. Level Three Instruction offers longer-term services for language acquisition and academic support for students with diagnoses or limited English proficiency. Counseling supports students with academic, social and emotional issues and helps them develop well-being, happiness and learning.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
ZIS provides a range of Student Support Services including English as an Additional Language (EAL), Counseling, Learning Support, and Individualized Learning Provisions. Students with a diagnosed learning, attention, mental health disorder, or physical/medical disability are eligible for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), with a case manager coordinating accommodations and services. Bespoke Learning Support Programming offers a deeply personalized experience designed around each learner's strengths and needs, with guidance from a multidisciplinary team. External assessments and services such as neuropsychological, developmental and educational evaluations, Occupational Therapy, and Social and Emotional Support are available at additional cost.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is offered to support students from diverse nationalities and languages. Proficiency in English is crucial to maximize learning, and new applicants to the Middle and Upper Schools may be asked to complete a placement assessment to gauge language level. In the Lower School, EAL teachers collaborate with classroom teachers to create a support plan for beginner and intermediate language learners. In the secondary level, separate EAL classes are available if required, which can replace or supplement mainstream English classes.

Mental Wellbeing
Counseling services support students with academic, social and emotional issues and help them develop the skills they need to optimize well-being, happiness and learning. The school uses a multi-level approach to support social-emotional growth, with additional interventions when needed. Staff include EAL teachers, Learning Support teachers, counselors and instructional coaches who collaborate with families to support student well-being.

Safeguarding
ZIS Saf safeguarding and Child Protection Policy endorses the Convention on the Rights of the Child and commits to safeguarding and protecting children and to preventing abuse in any form. The policy defines safeguarding and child protection and applies to all employees, including teaching and non-teaching staff, support staff, peripatetic personnel, volunteers and any adults working at the School, including when education takes place off-site. The policy and Code of Conduct outline safeguarding responsibilities and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of students across all settings.
Parent Experience

History
The school was founded in 1963. It was previously known as the American International School of Zurich (AISZ) and the International Primary School of Zurich (IPSZ). The John Mattern Alumni Award for Faculty is named for the first headmaster of the school. Zurich International School is a non-profit foundation governed by a Board of Trustees.

Community
ZIS has a global community with students representing more than 55 countries. The school serves about 1,300 students across two campuses. The Parents' Association organizes community-building events and volunteer opportunities, and provides avenues for area and nationality groups, social activities, and volunteering.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents' Association brings ZIS families together and partners with the school. It provides community-building opportunities through activity groups, social events, and volunteer opportunities. Involvement options include joining activity groups, becoming an area or nationality representative, or joining the PA Executive Team. Volunteer coordination is handled by pa_volunteer@zis.ch and the PA President at pa_president@zis.ch. Community events include WorldFest, All School BBQ, and the Ghana Cup. The PA also supports teacher and staff appreciation and has roles for Grade and Class Parents.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Two campuses serve the school: a Primary Campus for Early Childhood and Lower School, and a Secondary Campus for Middle and Upper School. Lower School is a purpose-built facility with age-appropriate playgrounds, a dedicated Design Lab, and classrooms designed for German, Music, Visual and Performing Arts, plus a gym for Physical Education. It also features extensive outdoor spaces including a sports field, multiple play spaces, an Edible Food Forest, and access to the neighboring forest, with a school bus service and access to public transport. Middle School opened a brand-new facility in August 2022 featuring a media center, a Design Lab, and theatre, music and performance areas. Upper School sits on a modern campus with access to public transport. The school uses the latest learning technology across divisions to support inquiry-driven learning and a broad range of co-curricular offerings.

Sports Facilities
Lower School has a gym for Physical Education; outdoor spaces include a sports field and forest access. A broad range of sports is offered across Lower, Middle and Upper School, including soccer, basketball, swimming, cross country, tennis, skiing, rugby, volleyball, and more.

Academic Facilities
Lower School has a dedicated Design Lab and classrooms designed for German, Music, Visual and Performing Arts, plus a gym for Physical Education. Middle School opened in August 2022 with a brand-new facility including a media center, Design Lab, and theatre, music and performance areas. Upper School sits on a modern campus with access to public transport.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The co-curricular program (ATAC) features over 40 activities. Example Lower School activities include robotics, drones and programming, science, STEM, First Lego League Jr., chess, origami, sewing and other creative options; athletics include basketball, cross country, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, track and field, and Unihockey. Middle School offers student clubs, competitive and non-competitive athletics and the performing arts, including rugby, swimming, soccer, basketball, skiing, tennis, fitness training, cricket, volleyball, and badminton. Upper School includes clubs and activities in academics, service learning, performing arts, debate, entrepreneurship, e-sports, and leadership opportunities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
After-school activities include STEM-focused clubs (Robotics, Programming, Geocaching, Math, Science, Live Streaming, Design and Makerspace). There are arts, sports, and Model United Nations offerings as part of the co-curricular program. A TEDx program and leadership opportunities are available within the co-curricular life. Industry partnerships connect student STEM work to real-world practice, and there are state-of-the-art facilities to support STEM learning.

Arts & Creative
The Creative Arts Curriculum Area covers Music, Theater and Visual Arts. In Grades 11-12, IB Visual Arts HL/SL and IB Theatre Arts SL/HL are offered, alongside AP options such as AP Drawing, AP 2-D Art and Design, AP 3-D Art and Design, and AP Music Theory. Music courses include a Music Studio and opportunities to perform in Choir, String Orchestra, and Concert Band.

Cultural & Language
ZIS offers a bilingual pathway with daily German and English instruction, guided by Lehrplan 21. Your child will have the option to participate in after-school activities in both English and German. Private mother-tongue language clubs are offered as additional activities. WorldFest is an annual celebration of international culture at ZIS.

Social & Hobbies
Co-curricular activities cover arts, sports, STEM and Model United Nations. Lower School co-curricular program is included in tuition and is organized by season. Private mother-tongue language clubs are available as additional activities. Weekend programs include basketball leagues and STEM Saturdays.

Community & Service
Service Learning is part of the graduation requirements and includes direct service within the school, the local community and abroad during Grades 9 and 10.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership opportunities exist within co-curricular activities and include the Pride of Lions sports leadership program. Professional skills development is integrated into student life through these leadership opportunities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is central to ZIS and the school supports character development. A Student Support Team provides targeted educational support and advisory services to foster a safe community. Before and after-school care, including Breakfast Club and After School Care, extends the day.
Languages

Language Provision
All students study a language other than English for at least two years. Languages offered include German, French and Spanish, with courses across Grades 9–12 at levels from A1/A2 to B2, and with IB and AP options in Grades 11–12. The World Language curriculum includes language acquisition tracks up to B2 and a fluent speaker track, with assessments spanning Ab Initio, SL, HL, and AP/IB offerings.

Bilingual Teaching
ZIS offers a Bilingual Pathway taught in English and German daily. From Grade 3 onward, core academic subjects are split equally between English and German. A bilingual homeroom teacher delivers core subjects in German (mathematics, reading, writing, social studies and science), while other subjects are taught by English- or German-speaking specialists. The pathway follows Lehrplan 21 and integrates the Swiss curriculum with ZIS's international program.

Immersion Programs
Language immersion is provided through the Bilingual Pathway, a language-immersion program in English and German. Daily lessons are conducted in one of the two languages, with equal emphasis from Grade 3 onward for all academic subjects. A bilingual homeroom teacher leads core subjects in German, while English is delivered by subject specialists in other learning spaces. The co-curricular program is included in tuition and offers activities in both English and German.
Reputation

Awards
John Mattern Award for Alumni Faculty — 2025: MaryAnn Canzanella Picone; CHF 1,500 prize; on-campus reception; speaks before students; featured in ZIS communications; attends alumni events.
John Mattern Award for Alumni Faculty — 2024: Carmenza Vásquez; CHF 1,500 prize; on-campus reception; speaks before students; featured in ZIS communications; attends alumni events.
John Mattern Award for Alumni Faculty — 2023: Tony Keys; CHF 1,500 prize; on-campus reception; speaks before students; featured in ZIS communications; attends alumni events.
John Mattern Award for Alumni Faculty — 2022: Joe Amato; CHF 1,500 prize; on-campus reception; speaks before students; featured in ZIS communications; attends alumni events.
John Mattern Award for Alumni Faculty — 2021: Rob Caramella; CHF 1,500 prize; on-campus reception; speaks before students; featured in ZIS communications; attends alumni events.

Accreditations
The International Baccalaureate
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Association for Music in International Schools
Admissions

Admissions
STEP 1: Complete the Online Application Form. To start the application, fill in the online application form, enter your payment details, and send it to ZIS. You will need to create an account; if you have already submitted an Inquiry Form, please use the same login. Our application fee is CHF 500 per child (plus credit card fees). This fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee admission.
STEP 2: Submit Your Documents. All Applicants: a general teacher recommendation form and a copy of the photo page of your child's passport. Lower or Middle School Applicants: the most recent report card or end-of-year report; Preschool and Kindergarten: send if available; an English teacher recommendation form if in Grades 6–8. Upper School Applicants: the most recent report cards from the last two years; an English teacher recommendation form; a Mathematics teacher recommendation form. All documents must be in English or accompanied by an English translation. If the child has a diagnosis or requires additional learning support, provide additional information including recent diagnostic reports and the student's IEP; reports should be in English and within the last three years. The school reserves the right to offer a conditional place pending receipt of all required documents.
STEP 3: Review. After documents are received, the Academic Review Team will evaluate the application. If the child has a diagnosed learning difference or receives learning support, processing may take longer. The school aims to respond within ten working days. A face-to-face meeting is not usually required, but the Principal may meet in person or via phone in some cases. If files are approved: the Enrollment Team will contact you to offer a place if available; you will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance upon payment of the full, non-refundable infrastructure contribution fee. If no places are available, the child will be placed in the “waiting pool” and you will be contacted as soon as a space opens up. The school may require subject-related tests after acceptance to ensure placement at the right level. Applications are only approved if all requested documentation is provided and the application fee is paid. You can contact the Enrollment Team for guidance at any time.

Waitlist
If no places are available, the child will be placed in the 'waiting pool' and you will be contacted as soon as a space opens up.
School Events
The school has not added events
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