Academia Bilingual School Winterthur vs International School Zurich North

	A Academia Bilingual School Winterthur Zug, Switzerland	I International School Zurich North Zug, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 25,200 - 27,240	Fees / year CHF 17,316 - 38,280
Age range	Age range 3 - 15 years	Age range 0 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Swiss Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 240
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language German, English	Instruction language English, German
Opened	Opened 2021	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location WIN4 Campus, Grüzefeldstrasse 34, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland	Location Industriestrasse 50, 8304 Wallisellen.
Stages	Stages Kindergarten to Year 8	Stages All-through school for ages 3 months to 18 years. English is the primary language of instruction; German is taught for all German levels up to G10 with an option to study to G12, and French is compulsory in the middle years with an option to study to G12. The leaving qualifications are iGCSEs and A-Levels.
School type	School type Private bilingual day school	School type International day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Pupil body represents over 30 nationalities; staff are multicultural.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Language booster lessons; smaller classes; differentiation; newcomer language support.	Additional learning support A strong wellbeing and learning support system is in place; a dedicated learning support team differentiates learning and intervenes to meet individual needs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Day school with daily midday meals at L'Arena on campus and after-school care with clubs.	School day structure School hours are 8:30–15:30 with Enhanced Care from 7:30–18:00.
Bus service details	Bus service details Bus connections; WIN4 campus well connected by bus; Winterthur-Grüze railway station within walking distance.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / registration fee - A one-time registration fee of CHF 600 is payable when enrolling a pupil. Tuition fees (annual, semester and monthly options) — current academic year - Tuition is charged by school year and may be paid as an annual amount, by semester instalments or by monthly instalments (10 months). All amounts are in Swiss francs (CHF). - Pre‑Kindergarten and Kindergarten (early years): - Annual tuition: CHF 25,200. - Semester instalments: CHF 12,600 (per semester). - Monthly instalments (10 months, incl. administrative surcharge of approx. 3%): CHF 2,595 (per month). - Primary (Grades 1 to 6): - Annual tuition: CHF 25,200. - Semester instalments: CHF 12,600 (per semester). - Monthly instalments (10 months, incl. administrative surcharge of approx. 3%): CHF 2,595 (per month). - Lower Secondary (Grades 7 to 9): - Annual tuition: CHF 27,240. - Semester instalments: CHF 13,620 (per semester). - Monthly instalments (10 months, incl. administrative surcharge of approx. 3%): CHF 2,805 (per month). Billing schedule and payment terms - School fees are invoiced in advance. If a pupil enters during the school year, fees are charged pro rata temporis. - Payment timing and instalments: - Fees may be paid as a single one‑off payment in advance or in instalments; instalment payment carries an administrative surcharge where stated. - The general time allowed for payment is 30 days unless otherwise specified on the invoice or in the price list. Specific items (for example lunch and short courses) may have shorter payment deadlines. - Deadlines and consequences: - Course/club fees are invoiced before the start of the programme and are due for payment within 10 days. Lunch invoices are due within 10 days. - If instalments are not paid on time, the school may exclude the pupil from the programme until outstanding amounts are settled; continued non‑payment may result in contract withdrawal and the imposition of administrative and cancellation fees. Interest on outstanding amounts may apply. - Registration fee / deposit timing: - Where a registration fee and deposit are required, these are due within 5 days after conclusion of the school contract; the deposit is refundable on leaving the school provided the notice periods and payment conditions are fulfilled. After‑school care, lunch and other additional charges - After‑school care: - After‑school care is billed based on actual use in 15‑minute intervals. - Hourly rate quoted: CHF 14 per hour (Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 16:00–18:30; Wed 14:00–18:30). - Lunch: - Lunch is invoiced for the whole school year in advance and the invoice is due for payment within 10 days; changes to lunch bookings are possible only at the beginning of the following month. - First and second semester (5 days per week): CHF 1,230 per semester for Primary and Secondary; CHF 1,100 per semester for Pre‑K and Kindergarten. - 1 day per week option: CHF 246 per semester (Primary/Secondary) and CHF 220 per semester (Pre‑K/Kindergarten). - Individual meal booking: CHF 15.40 (Primary/Secondary) and CHF 14.00 (Pre‑K/Kindergarten) per meal. - Clubs, trips, camps and excursions: - Costs for after‑school clubs, holiday clubs, school trips and camps are charged in addition to tuition according to the applicable price lists or actual expenditure; club/course fees are invoiced prior to the activity and must be paid within 10 days. Teaching materials and care from 07:15 until lessons start are included in the school fee; excursions, trips, school camps and some certificates are not included. Sibling discount - A 10% sibling discount is available on the youngest child's school fee for families who are self‑financing and have more than one child enrolled concurrently. Boarding fees - Boarding fees are not applicable. Academia Bilingual School Winterthur operates as a day school; there is no boarding provision or boarding charges. Other costs or fees (summary) - One‑time registration fee: CHF 600. - After‑school care: billed per 15‑minute intervals at CHF 14 per hour. - Lunch: annual/semester prepayment options and individual meal prices as detailed above. - Clubs, holiday clubs, trips and camps: additional charges; invoiced in advance for each activity. Teaching materials and early morning care (from 07:15) are included in the tuition. Refund and cancellation rules affecting fees - Refunds and cancellations: - If an entire course of study is definitely cancelled, fees already paid shall be refunded; reimbursement of further costs is excluded. - The deposit is refundable after the student leaves the school provided the notice of termination has been submitted within the prescribed notice period (not during the probationary period) and all tuition fees and additional charges have been settled. - If the student does not attend school despite a concluded school contract, the school is entitled to an administrative fee and a cancellation fee equal to three months' school fees. - Missed lessons do not release the payer from the payment obligation; there is no automatic right to reimbursement for missed lessons. - If lessons must be changed to distance learning or are affected by force majeure, lessons are deemed to have been held and there is no entitlement to fee reductions or refunds. - In the event of late payment, the school may withhold certificates and diplomas until outstanding amounts are paid and may charge collection and reminder fees; interest on overdue amounts may apply. Fee payment options (credit card / bank transfer / other) - The published price list and the school's general terms and conditions set out billing, instalment options and deadlines but do not specify accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, credit card, or other electronic payment providers). Therefore the specific payment methods accepted are not listed in the school's published fee documents. Notes for budgeting - All listed school fees and supplementary charges are quoted in Swiss francs (CHF). Teaching materials and early morning care (from 07:15) are included in the tuition; additional services such as clubs, trips and camps are invoiced separately. Instalment payments incur an administrative surcharge where indicated. If a student joins mid‑year fees are charged pro rata.	Fee details Application & registration fees - Registration / one‑time application fee (first year, new pupils): CHF 750. - Little IBEX (ISZN's early‑years day‑care) one‑time registration fee: CHF 1,000. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term) The ISZN academic year is organised into three terms (Autumn, Spring, Summer). Annual fees below are shown with the corresponding per‑term amount (annual divided by 3). Figures apply to the current academic year as published for 2025/2026. - Nursery 1 (Nurs.1) — Annual: CHF 24,480. Per term: CHF 8,160. - Nursery 2 (Nurs.2) — Annual: CHF 24,480. Per term: CHF 8,160. - Kindergarten 1 — Annual: CHF 24,480. Per term: CHF 8,160. - Kindergarten 2 — Annual: CHF 29,640. Per term: CHF 9,880. - Kindergarten 3 — Annual: CHF 31,344. Per term: CHF 10,448. - Grade 1 — Annual: CHF 31,620. Per term: CHF 10,540. - Grade 2 — Annual: CHF 31,620. Per term: CHF 10,540. - Grade 3 — Annual: CHF 31,620. Per term: CHF 10,540. - Grade 4 — Annual: CHF 31,620. Per term: CHF 10,540. - Grade 5 — Annual: CHF 31,620. Per term: CHF 10,540. - Grade 6 — Annual: CHF 34,872. Per term: CHF 11,624. - Grade 7 — Annual: CHF 34,872. Per term: CHF 11,624. - Grade 8 — Annual: CHF 34,872. Per term: CHF 11,624. - Grade 9 — Annual: CHF 35,136. Per term: CHF 11,712. - Grade 10 — Annual: CHF 35,136. Per term: CHF 11,712. - Grade 11 — Annual: CHF 35,136. Per term: CHF 11,712. - Grade 12 — Annual: CHF 35,136. Per term: CHF 11,712. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is set on an annual basis and is payable in advance; payment may be made half‑yearly or termly in advance. - Standard invoicing practice: the first half of the tuition is due within the targeted payment date and the second half on the date shown on the invoice. Quarterly payment arrangements are possible; monthly payment arrangements are available on request (monthly arrangements carry an annual surcharge of CHF 200). A late‑payment charge of 1% per month applies to overdue amounts. School records are withheld until outstanding balances are settled. - Little IBEX (early‑years) fees are billed monthly and payable by direct debit (other Little IBEX terms apply for extra days and notice period). Boarding - ISZN operates as a full‑day day school; there is no boarding provision. Other costs and typical additional fees - Co‑curricular activities (annual club fee example): CHF 260 per year for many after‑school clubs. - Exam and assessment fees: Cambridge/Edexcel examination fees and similar subject exam charges apply per subject (historical and published schedules list typical per‑subject exam charges). - EAL (English as an Additional Language) and targeted student support carry additional charges when required. - Lunch, student bus service, individual music lessons, overnight or international trips and some extra‑curricular services are charged in addition to tuition. After‑school care or homework‑club extras are charged separately (examples and hourly rates appear in the school's fee documentation). - Little IBEX: extra day / flexible drop‑in day fee CHF 150 per day (where applicable). Refunds, withdrawal and no‑show charges - Early‑withdrawal fee schedule (liability expressed as a percentage of the annual tuition depending on withdrawal date during the school year): examples published in the school's financial regulations include withdrawal liabilities such as 30%, 50%, 65%, 80% or 100% of the annual tuition depending on the month of withdrawal. A no‑show charge is specified where a confirmed place is not taken up. Specific percentages and deadlines are set out in the school's financial regulations and applied to the invoice. - The school issues a capital/funding fee at enrolment in some years; that fee is charged one‑time and is non‑refundable where it applies. Fee payment arrangements & administrative notes - The school issues invoices for the chosen payment cycle; payment must be made by the payer named on the invoice by the due date shown. Monthly direct debit is used for the Little IBEX provision. The school applies late‑payment penalties and may restrict access to records or attendance for unpaid accounts until balances are cleared. (End of overview)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Bilingual education for kindergarten, primary and secondary levels in an international environment; the school is private and recognized by the Canton of Zurich.	Curriculum details ISZN follows the British Curriculum from Early Years through to A-Levels. Early Years includes a Dual Language Programme in English and German. Primary School follows the British Curriculum with a German language component and enhanced provision in Mathematics and Literacy through White Rose Maths and Read, Write Inc. The Middle Years Programme leads to IGCSEs in Grades 9-10, followed by Cambridge and Edexcel International A-Levels in Grades 11-12. The school also offers Grade 11 with the Independent Project Qualification (IPQ) and supports a Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Graduation pathways include university study in Switzerland and internationally. English is the primary instruction, with a German curriculum for all German levels (compulsory to G10, with option to G12) and French in the middle years (compulsory with option to G12).
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Graduates go on to study at ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, the London School of Economics, and other leading universities worldwide, including institutions in Amsterdam, the USA, the UK and Australia.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Grade Challenge Programmes develop research and critical-thinking skills; the Independent Project Qualification (IPQ) is available after Grade 11; the Duke of Edinburgh's Award is offered to students.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Book a personal consultation and tour of the Winterthur campus. Academia Bilingual School Winterthur invites families to meet the team and learn about the bilingual Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary programs on the WIN4 campus. The visit includes a view of facilities and daily routines, including lunch at L'Arena and the after‑school care options. Contact the school to arrange your tour. 2. Admission is based on an interview, a recommendation from the current school, past report card, an entrance assessment and trial days where possible. When available, trial days are arranged to help both sides assess fit. This process helps us understand the applicant's readiness for bilingual instruction. 3. If a pupil does not yet speak German or English, booster lessons are provided to accelerate the acquisition of the second language. The booster lessons support both German and English language learners. These language supports are integrated with the school day to enable full participation in lessons. 4. New students can join at any time as long as there are free places. After admission, families select the schooling level (Kindergarten, Primary or Secondary) and the timetable, with options for before/after school care and lunch included in the day. The school day offers a comprehensive before and after school program from 7:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with on‑campus lunch and clubs. 5. Complete registration and costs: book the tour and follow the registration steps. Fees are invoiced in advance and include teaching materials and care from 7:15 a.m. until the start of lessons and during lunch. A one‑time registration fee is CHF 600. After‑school care and lunch are billed according to use; trips and camps are charged per the price list. The price list provides detailed fees for Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary levels.	Admissions ISZN has rolling admissions and flexible start dates that allow families to join year-round. 1. Enquire through our website, by phone, email, or in person. 2. Connect via a video call, a campus visit and a taster day to see our students and teachers in action and experience the school's ethos firsthand. 3. Apply by submitting your application through our website. 4. Join with quick, clear communication and a prompt response as we determine the best place for your child within our school community.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships IBEXEPTIONAL TALENT SCHOLARSHIP (Athletics) – Basketball. Financial assistance towards school fees, Nike performance kit, full access to facilities including the strength and conditioning centre, weekly conditioning sessions with the Head of Sport, and flexible timetabling to work around training. A commitment to communication between school and external coaches. Access to numerous competitions, including SGIS. How to apply: Students must meet the scholarship criteria; contact admissions@iszn.ch to receive the criteria. The application must include latest two school reports and an application letter and should be sent to admissions@iszn.ch until 12 April 2024.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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