École Française Internationale de Berne vs International School of Neuchatel

	É École Française Internationale de Berne Bern, Switzerland	I International School of Neuchatel Bern, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 12,350 - 23,200	Fees / year CHF 11,760 - 19,580
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 12 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum French Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum	Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 158
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language French	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 1986
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location Rue de Ste He9le8ne 50, 2000 Neuche2tel, Switzerland.
Stages	Stages —	Stages From 2 to 4; From 3 to 6; From 6 to 9; From 9 to 12.
School type	School type —	School type Montessori; bilingual Frencha0e2 English immersion.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 25 different nationalities.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Academic support staff available.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Member of Association Montessori (Switzerland).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure L53 Atelier (2 0d4 4): 8:00 012:00, Monday 0to Friday; minimum attendance two mornings. From 3 0to 6: 7:45 morning care; 8:00 012:00; lunch; 15:00 017:00 or 18:00 after-school; Wednesdays have optional afternoon activities. 6 0to 9: 8:00 015:00; after-school 15:00 017:00/18:00; Wednesdays finish at 12:00. 9 0to 12: 8:00 015:00; after-school study 15:00 017:00/18:00; Wednesdays finish at 12:00.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	Fee details Application / Registration fee - One-time registration and application fee: CHF 600 (paid once for the child's entire time at the school). A 10% reduction on the registration fee applies to the second and subsequent children from the same family. The registration fee validates and reserves the child's place and is not refundable once confirmation has been sent. Re-enrolment deposit - Re-enrolment procedure: re-enrolment is automatic unless a written cancellation is received by February 15. From February 15 a re-enrolment deposit of CHF 1,000 on the annual school fees is due; re-enrolment is final only after receipt of this amount by March 31. Tuition fees (by year group) — options shown per month, per quarter (4 instalments) and per year - Children's House — 3 years old only (Grade 0) — minimum attendance options and fees: - Option A (example lower-attendance option): Monthly CHF 1,000 / Quarterly CHF 3,000 / Yearly CHF 11,760. - Option B (mid option): Monthly CHF 1,080 / Quarterly CHF 3,240 / Yearly CHF 12,700. - Option C (full option): Monthly CHF 1,230 / Quarterly CHF 3,690 / Yearly CHF 14,465. - Morning snack is included for all Children's House options; outing costs CHF 100 per year. - Children's House — 3 to 6 years old (Grades 0 to 2) — standard full-time option (5 mornings + 4 afternoons, meal included): - Monthly CHF 1,390 / Quarterly CHF 4,170 / Yearly CHF 16,350. - Morning snack included; outing costs CHF 100 per year. - Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary — ages 6 to 12 (Grades 3 to 8) — standard full-time option (5 mornings + 4 afternoons, meal included): - Monthly CHF 1,665 / Quarterly CHF 4,995 / Yearly CHF 19,580. - Morning snack included; outing costs CHF 200 per year. Additional childcare, meal and ad‑hoc charges (extra hours / after-school / Wednesday care) - Ad-hoc and extras: - Cost of a meal eaten on an ad‑hoc basis: CHF 20. - Ad‑hoc afternoon stay: CHF 35. - Extra‑curricular activities or supervised study (ad‑hoc) until 17:00: CHF 35. - Extra‑curricular activities or supervised study plus activities until 18:00 (ad‑hoc): CHF 50. - Wednesday afternoon ad‑hoc (meal included) until 17:00: CHF 85; until 18:00: CHF 100. - Regular additional childcare (after 15:00), snack included — fees depend on number of days per week and end time; published examples: - Until 16:00 (snack included): monthly CHF 60 / 120 / 180 / 240 / 300 for 1–5 days per week; quarterly and yearly alternatives published accordingly (e.g., yearly CHF 705 / 1,410 / 2,115 / 2,820 / 3,525). - Until 17:00 (snack included): monthly CHF 85 / 170 / 255 / 340 / 425 for 1–5 days per week; yearly CHF 1,000 / 2,000 / 3,000 / 4,000 / 5,000 respectively. - Until 18:00 (snack included): monthly CHF 125 / 250 / 375 / 500 / 625 for 1–5 days per week; yearly CHF 1,470 / 2,940 / 4,410 / 5,880 / 7,350 respectively. - Outing cost for younger levels: CHF 100 per year (Children's House); for Elementary levels: CHF 200 per year. Sibling discount - A 10% discount applies to the tuition of the second and subsequent children from the same family. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoicing frequency options: annual (one instalment), quarterly (four instalments), or monthly (12 instalments). Parents choose preferred invoicing at enrolment. Payments must be made on the due date shown on invoices. - Quarter change and payment deadlines (changes are effective only from the next due date): - Quarter 1: changes possible until June 15; payment due by July 15. - Quarter 2: changes possible until September 15; payment due by October 15. - Quarter 3: changes possible until December 15; payment due by January 15. - Quarter 4: changes possible until March 15; payment due by April 15. - Late payment fees are charged after the second reminder; persistent non‑payment may lead to exclusion while fees remain due. Boarding / Internat - Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school and does not publish boarding or overnight accommodation fees. Other costs and optional charges - Occasional or optional charges can include extra‑curricular activity fees, supervised study charges, special outings or trips, and any ad‑hoc meals; published ad‑hoc rates are listed above. Specific optional services and their invoicing are charged separately. Morning snack is included in the published tuition. Refunds and cancellation policy (key points) - The registration fee is not refunded after confirmation of enrollment. Re‑enrolment deposit and registration fee are not refunded in many cases of cancellation; specific key deadlines are: - If cancellation occurs between sending confirmation and June 15: the registration fee or re‑enrolment deposit remain due and are not refunded. - If cancellation occurs between June 15 and July 15: the registration fee or re‑enrolment deposit remain due, and the first term of schooling is due. - If cancellation occurs between July 15 and August 15: the registration fee or re‑enrolment deposit remain due, as well as the first semester of schooling. - If cancellation occurs on or after August 15: the registration fee or re‑enrolment deposit remain due, and the total annual tuition is due in full. - In case of cancellation during the first week of the school year, the annual fee is due; cancellation after the second week the annual fee is due. Absences do not reduce fees. In case of early departure (transfer or dismissal) during the school year, the school fees for the interrupted year remain due in full. Fee payment options (invoicing and instructions) - Invoicing choices are yearly, quarterly or monthly; payments must be made by the due date shown on invoices. The school's invoices provide the payment instructions and accepted methods; parents follow the payment instructions printed on the invoice.
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 The school is a member of Association Montessori (Switzerland) and respects the fundamental criteria to use the Montessori name in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	Curriculum details Montessori education using the Maria Montessori method. The school teaches in French and English, with two teachers in each class to ensure bilingual immersion. Montessori classes start from age 3 and are designed so children own their learning, with a calm, structured environment and hands-on activities that develop concentration and independence. The school is a member of Association Montessori Switzerland and has 158 pupils from 25 nationalities (2023), with 112 families.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Two teachers per class
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning The school fosters mutual respect and a sense of social responsibility. It encourages natural curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Students are immersed in a bilingual French and English Montessori culture. The environment supports independence and collaborative learning.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has academic support staff. The Montessori environment is adapted to the size, rhythm and interests of the child from age 3.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language English is used as part of bilingual immersion. Instruction is conducted in French and English. There are two teachers in each class to ensure bilingualism by immersion.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding In case of a serious injury, the school will contact emergency services.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview ISN uses Montessori pedagogy in a bilingual French–English environment. The Atelier (From 2 to 4) uses specially designed classrooms organized by projects; the layout enables pupils to move freely and purposefully, guided by their interests. Forest walks are regularly organised to help pupils discover the natural world. The school has a very well-equipped gymnastics hall and a play area in front of the building.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The school has a very well-equipped gymnastics hall and a playground adjacent to the school, including a front-of-building play area.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities The elementary classes are bilingual French–English by immersion; two teachers and one assistant teach all subjects in French and English, with each language having a dedicated reference teacher. The curriculum covers Language, Mathematics, German, General Culture (History, Geography, Biology, Botany, Zoology), Art and Music, and Physical Education and Movement, and includes the Montessori program with PER.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The Atelier (From 2 to 4) offers bilingual Montessori activities in specially designed classrooms. After-school care provides supervised activities and enrichment, with daily options from 15:00 to 18:00 for under-6 and 17:00 to 18:00 for older students, including a snack and playtime; Wednesdays include lunchtime and additional activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History Opened on 14 April 1986. The school follows the Montessori method with classrooms designed so that children access activities freely and progress at their own pace. Maria Montessori's approach informs the school's philosophy, emphasising independence and learning through hands-on materials in a carefully prepared environment. The International School of Neuchâtel is a member of Association Montessori Switzerland. In 2023 the school had 158 pupils and 112 families, with 25 nationalities represented.
Community	Community —	Community Students are immersed in a bilingual French-English Montessori culture, with teachers in each class delivering instruction in both languages. The school embraces diversity and prepares children to become citizens of the world. Bilingual Montessori workshops, L'Atelier, run every morning for children from 2 years old as part of the school's community activities. The community is reflected by 158 pupils and 112 families in 2023, representing 25 nationalities.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The elementary section is bilingual French–English by immersion, with two teachers and an assistant teaching all subjects in both languages. Subjects include Language, Mathematics, and German, with General Culture covering History, Geography, Biology, Botany and Zoology, as well as Art and Music and Physical Education and Movement. The international Montessori program, aligned with PER, supports learning across languages and disciplines to help pupils integrate later into French or English-speaking schools. Progress is monitored throughout the academic year, and a supervised study period from 15:00 to 17:00 is available on weekdays (except Wednesdays) to support independent work.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Art and Music are taught, and musical education is an important part of the sensory development. Creative manual activities and outings complement the Atelier's activities, and children learn English by playing and are introduced to music and singing.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language All classes in the 3–6 programme are bilingual French–English by immersion. From the 2–4 Atelier, learning is bilingual French–English by immersion. The curriculum includes German from HarmoS grade 3, along with language and general culture, Art and Music, and Physical Education and Movement. Language learning is reinforced through group activities and exchanges with teachers and peers.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies Group activities enable children to learn how to work with others and develop respect for others. Recreational activities and after‑school care provide opportunities for social interaction, with after‑school care offered daily and Wednesday options for lunch and activities.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing Morning school care begins at 7:45, and after‑school care runs into the late afternoon, with Wednesday options for lunch and recreational activities. The school also offers forest walks and access to a well‑equipped gymnastics hall to support physical activity and outdoor exploration. The daily routine includes activities that promote autonomy, self‑confidence, and physical development, including hands‑on practical life exercises and guided play.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision French and English are the languages of instruction. English is the international language, and early exposure to a second language supports natural language acquisition.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school teaches in French and English within a Montessori framework. Each class has two teachers, with one teacher responsible for each language to ensure bilingualism by immersion.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs Immersion by two teachers per class ensures bilingualism in French and English. Each teacher acts as the language reference for their language.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations The International School of Neuchâtel is a Montessori school in Neuchâtel and is a member of Association Montessori Switzerland. It uses the Montessori name in French-speaking Switzerland. The school was opened on 14 April 1986 and had 158 pupils and 112 families in 2023, with 25 different nationalities represented. The contact details include Rue de Ste Hélène 50, 2000 Neuchâtel, +41 (0)32 721 43 88, and info@isneuchatel.com.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions A registration and application fee of CHF 600 is charged once for the entire school time. For families registering two or more children, the registration fee is reduced by 10% for the second and subsequent children. Payment confirms the registration; if payment is not received by the due date, the reserved space may be released and the registration placed on a waiting list, and the registration fee remains due. Confirmation of enrollment is sent upon receipt of the enrollment form, but no earlier than February 25 of each year. Students already enrolled have priority over new students; students who have been enrolled in the 'Children's House' have priority for 'Lower and Upper Elementary' classes, and students who began in L'Atelier have priority for Children's House. Admission during the year is possible if a class is not full and the place is reserved and paid for the whole school year; if the student does not show up on the confirmed admission date, tuition is due for the remaining term(s). Enrollment in Children's House begins at age 3 with minimum enrollment four mornings and two afternoons (toilet trained); Children must be 3 by July 31; from age 4, Children's House requires full-day attendance (except Wednesday afternoon); Lower Elementary begins at age 6. Re-enrollment is automatic unless cancellation is received by registered letter by February 15 of each year, with a deposit applicable and deadlines for payment.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waitlist may be used if a reserved space is not confirmed; specifically, if payment is not received by the due date, ISN may release the reserved space and place the registration on a waiting list.
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