ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel vs Saint Charles International School
ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel and Saint Charles International School are both in Basel, about 42 km apart. Both schools offer Swiss programmes. ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel also offers British, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels and EYFS, and Saint Charles International School also offers IB and Bespoke. Published annual fees are CHF 23,800 - 28,800 at ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel and CHF 15,300 - 74,500 at Saint Charles International School, which puts Saint Charles International School roughly 71% higher. ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel takes pupils from 0 to 16, and Saint Charles International School from 8 to 20. ELA Basel - The Swiss British School of Basel is the larger school, with around 360 pupils to Saint Charles International School's 259.
ELABasel is located in Basel, Switzerland, with two campuses in Basel's historic centre. The address Gartenstrasse 93, 4052 Basel is listed for the school. Basel is a family-friendly, well-connected and international city; the campuses are within walking distance or a short tram ride from Altstadt Grossbasel and other inner-city areas, and the Early Years site is near Basel SBB.
Location
Saint-Charles International School is in Porrentruy, Jura, Switzerland at Rue du 24-Septembre 1, 2900 Porrentruy. The campus is less than two hours from Zürich and about one hour from Basel, and is easy to reach by car or train. From Zürich Airport, trains to Zürich Main Station and then to Porrentruy take about 2 to 2.5 hours; from Basel Airport, direct trains to Porrentruy take just over an hour. On arrival in Porrentruy, the campus is minutes away from the train station, with a six-minute walk for travelers without luggage.
Stages
Stages
Early Years (3 months – 4 years); Primary School (Aged 4 – 12); Secondary School (Aged 12 – 16).
Stages
Swiss Programme from primary through middle school and high school (Maturité), with instruction in French, English, and German.
School type
School type
International Kita, Primary and Secondary school; not-for-profit association.
School type
The school is private and offers day schooling and boarding; boarding is available for students from age 10.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
360 pupils from 35 countries.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Inclusion programme removes barriers and provides personalised support using a graduated ‘waves' model. Wave 1: for all students and included in standard fees; high quality teaching and reasonable adjustments. Wave 2: for some students and included in standard fees; additional short-term support sessions in small groups by a Learning Support Teacher to accelerate progress in academics, language, social, emotional or physical skills. Wave 3: for a small number of students and included in standard fees; long-term targeted and personalised support in small groups or 1:1 by a Learning Support Teacher; collaborative team with teachers, Learning Support Teachers, external specialists and parents; Personalised Learning Plan and Pupil Passport. Wave 3+: additional fee; 1:1 support and external therapies through partnerships. Types of support include: Academic skills; Social and emotional; Speech and language; English as an additional language (EAL); Motor skills and Physical & Sensory; Talented and more able.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Country affiliation
Recognised by the Swiss Confederation and authorised to prepare students for the Maturité exams.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Christian; founded with Christian roots and supported by the Diocese of Basel.
School day structure
School day structure
ELABasel operates 50 weeks per year. After-school and enrichment programmes run from 15:30–18:00.
School day structure
The day includes standard classroom instruction with after-school Devoirs accompagnés (supervised study) available for students after class.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fees and deposits
- Early Years: no registration fee or deposit is required for Early Years families. - Primary (paid before the child's first day): Registration fee — CHF 500 per child (one-time, non-refundable). - One-time Development Fund donation at Primary contract signing: CHF 1,500 for the first child; CHF 1,000 for each additional child (one-time, non-refundable; tax deductible). - Association membership (verein) administrative fee: CHF 75 per member per year (annual, non-refundable).
Tuition fees — Early Years (applicable from August 2025)
- Full-time monthly fees (full-time = 100% enrolment): - Infants up to 18 months: CHF 3,750 per month. - Children 18 months to 4 years: CHF 2,800 per month. - Minimum attendance: 40% per week. Fees are calculated pro rata by enrolment percentage (example: 62% enrolment = CHF 2,800 x 62% = CHF 1,736). Specific example enrolment-percent fee bands are published (for example, 40% = CHF 1,120–CHF 1,500; 100% = CHF 2,800–CHF 3,750 depending on age). - Extra session rates (per session / per day when adding to contracted schedule): - Morning session (until 12:00): CHF 80 (children >18m) / CHF 105 (children ≤18m). - Morning + midday/lunch (until 14:00): CHF 110 / CHF 145. - Morning + midday + afternoon (until 16:00): CHF 130 / CHF 170. - Whole day (pick up by 18:30): CHF 160 / CHF 210. - Extra hours extending the day: CHF 20 / hour (children >18m) and CHF 22 / hour (children ≤18m). - What Early Years fees include: all meals and snacks (including infant powder milk formula where applicable), outings, curriculum materials, resources and hygiene products (wipes, nappies, etc.). The Basel-Stadt subsidy for city residents is deducted where applicable.
Tuition fees — Primary School (applicable August 2025 – July 2026)
- Registration and donation at contract signing: Registration fee CHF 500 per child; one-time Development Fund donation CHF 1,500 for first child and CHF 1,000 for each subsequent child. Association membership CHF 75 p.a. also applies. - Full-time Primary (5 days) tuition: Semester fee CHF 13,000 (CHF 26,000 per year). Quarterly fee CHF 6,640 (equivalent to CHF 26,560 per year when paid quarterly). Parents may choose catering (morning snack and hot lunch) on a semester basis at CHF 1,000 per semester for 5 days/week. - Family discounts (applied to contracted base fees): 10% discount on the second child's fees and 15% discount on the third child (and any further children) for families privately funding fees. No family discount is given where any portion of fees is invoiced directly to an employer or covered by Basel-Stadt. Discounts do not apply to lunch or after-school fees. - What Primary tuition covers: exercise books, laboratory practicals, school laptop, local transport (BVB) for class trips and excursions, weekly swimming lessons with qualified coaches, curriculum materials and the majority of curriculum-related excursions. What it does not cover: textbooks indicated in the book list, school lunch (if not enrolled in catering), after-school care, trips/camps that are charged separately, replacement cost for lost/damaged materials (including laptops).
Tuition fees — After School and Vacation Programmes (applicable August 2025 – July 2026)
- After School Programme (semester fees per day): - Basic (15:30–16:30 Mon–Thu): CHF 285 per semester (per day rate multiplied by number of days per week contracted). - Extended (16:30–18:00 Mon–Thu): CHF 380 per semester. - Enrichment 1 hour (15:30–16:30): CHF 500 per semester. - Enrichment 1.5 hours (15:30–17:00): CHF 625 per semester (care through 18:00 included). - Enrichment 2 hours (15:30–17:30): CHF 850 per semester (care through 18:00 included). - Instrument lessons (15:30–17:30 Mon–Thu), half-hour lessons charged at CHF 47 (individual) / CHF 42 (pair) / CHF 35 (group). - Friday programmes: CHF 850 (Friday full programme 14:00–16:00) and CHF 350 (Friday after-school 16:00–18:00) as applicable. The After School Programme fees include materials and an added afternoon snack. Semester-payment model applies; per-day rates scale simply for multiple contracted days (e.g., 3 days × CHF 285 = CHF 855). - Vacation Programme: fees vary by programme and are charged separately; programmes run Monday–Friday for primary-aged children (4–12) during most school holidays.
Tuition fees — Secondary School (note on available published schedules)
- The school publishes detailed year-group fee schedules covering Reception/Year 1, Years 2–7 (Primary) and Secondary (Years 8–9) for its 2026/2027 fee tables; the Primary and Early Years tuition figures above are those published for the current academic year (Aug 2025–Jul 2026) and the school's published year-group payment options and sibling discount frameworks apply as shown. For the published year-group breakdowns that the school provides for the forthcoming 2026/2027 cycle, monthly, quarterly, semester and annual instalment options and sibling discounts are set out in a separate year-group table.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard billing options and timing for tuition: payment is due per semester; for Primary a quarterly split is available for a small premium. For other levels the school offers a standard payment plan of 10 monthly instalments (August–May) with payments due on the 30th of each month. Early-payment discounts are offered: 5% for full annual payment by 31 May (Early Bird), 4% for full annual payment between 1 June and 30 August, 2% for semester payments (two instalments: 30 August and 30 January), and 1.5% for quarterly payments (four instalments: 30 August, 30 November, 28 February and 31 May). - If a newly enrolled student does not take up the confirmed place on the agreed start date, 25% of the annual tuition fee becomes immediately due and payable. Families requesting bespoke payment plans must sign a formal payment schedule agreement. Overdue balances may incur an annual interest charge of 5% plus collection fees.
Withdrawals and refunds
- Registration fees and the one-time Development Fund donation are non-refundable. - If a newly enrolled student does not take their confirmed place, 25% of the annual tuition fee is payable immediately. - Withdrawal during the school year requires notice equivalent to three months of tuition fees. The contract renews automatically for the following academic year unless written notice of termination (with signed withdrawal form) is received and confirmed before 31 March of the current academic year. Overdue balances may attract interest and collection fees.
Boarding
- Boarding is not provided; there are no boarding fees. ELABasel operates as day care, Early Years (Kita), Primary and Secondary day provision with two city campuses.
Other costs and charges
- School lunch / catering: optional catering (morning snack + hot lunch) is charged at CHF 1,000 per semester for full-time Primary (5 days/week). A separate school lunch payment option is published as CHF 1,050 payable in two instalments (August & January) for those who opt into the School Lunch programme. - Textbooks indicated on the book list, after-school care (if not contracted), certain trips, outings and camps, and replacement costs for lost, stolen or damaged school materials (including school laptops) are not included in tuition and are charged separately. Instrument lesson charges and after-school programme charges apply as noted above. - Uniform: no compulsory uniform fee is listed in the published fee schedule; uniform costs are not specified as a school-charge in the published fee material. Textbooks and some programme costs remain the family's responsibility.
Fee payment options (mechanics and conditions)
- Instalment options: semester payments, quarterly payments, and a 10-instalment monthly plan (August–May) are offered depending on the level and option chosen. Early-payment discounts apply for full-year, semester or quarterly pre-payments as above. Families requesting tailored payment plans sign a formal payment schedule. Overdue balances can incur 5% interest and collection fees. - Specific payment methods (for example, bank transfer or card) are not itemised in the published fee schedule; the school indicates alternative payment methods may be available and that invoicing and payment mechanics are arranged through the finance office. For detailed method options, invoices and payment instructions are provided with enrolment documentation.
Summary of key headline figures (CHF)
- Early Years (full-time monthly): Infants ≤18m CHF 3,750; children 18m–4y CHF 2,800. - Primary (full-time 5 days): Semester CHF 13,000 (CHF 26,000 per year); Quarterly CHF 6,640 (CHF 26,560 per year). Catering per semester CHF 1,000. Registration CHF 500 per child; Development Fund donation CHF 1,500 / CHF 1,000 thereafter. Family discounts: second child 10%, third+ 15% (private-pay families). Withdrawal: three months' tuition notice; failure to take a confirmed place: 25% of annual tuition payable. Overdue balances: possible 5% annual interest plus collection fees.
Fee details
Admission & Application Fees:
- Day students (day-school admission): CHF 500 (one-time, non-refundable). - Boarding students (boarding admission): CHF 3,000 (one-time, non-refundable).
Tuition fees (annual and per-term / per-semester equivalents):
Note: Tuition is quoted as an annual amount. Billing may be processed by semester on request; where a per-term amount is shown below it is the annual figure divided by two (per-semester).
- Primary School (Swiss curriculum): - Annual: CHF 6'600 (families in the Canton of Jura) / CHF 14'400 (outside the canton). - Per semester (billing-by-semester equivalent): CHF 3'300 / CHF 7'200.
- Middle School (Collège, Swiss curriculum): - Annual: CHF 7'200 (Jura) / CHF 18'000 (outside the canton). - Per semester: CHF 3'600 / CHF 9'000.
Boarding fees (packages, inclusions and exclusions):
- 5-day boarding package (board and school week activities): CHF 32'700 per year. Included elements listed for the package: full board during the week, the boarding programme, supervised homework, on-site extracurricular activities, day trips, certain sports outfit items, and some cultural/outings; certain items are excluded (residence permit fees, books and school supplies in some circumstances, certain exam and activity costs, travel, pocket money, occasional laundry, airport transfers and some camps/trips).
- 7-day boarding package (full weekly boarding including weekends): CHF 47'000 per year. The 7-day package includes weekend activities, laundry and additional weekend services; a number of items remain excluded (travel, some lessons/activities charged separately, pocket money, airport transfers, certain exam fees and specialist activities).
Other recurring fees and one-off academic/exam charges:
- General / annual fees (covers textbooks, school supplies, school outings, ski/green camp, graduation trips and administrative costs): billed in two instalments (at the start of the school year and at the start of the second semester). Amounts vary by programme: - Primary: CHF 1'000 per year. - Middle School (Collège): CHF 1'500 per year. - Swiss Lycée / Bilingual Lycée: CHF 1'500 per year. - International Section MYP levels: CHF 1'500 per year. - IB DP (final years): CHF 2'500 per year.
- Support / tutoring and extra academic services (examples): - Private 45-minute lessons: CHF 100 per lesson. - Semi-private (max 3 students) 45-minute: CHF 60 per lesson. - Group (4+ students) 45-minute: CHF 30 per lesson. - Language-exam preparation courses: approx. CHF 1'000 per semester (charged when organised). - Language examination fees: generally between CHF 400 and CHF 750. - IB DP examination fees: CHF 2'980.
- Extras commonly excluded from package fees and billed separately: specialist lessons (horse riding, music, golf, aviation), certain travel and airport transfers, replacement of lost/damaged books or licences, some medical or insurance costs beyond those listed, pocket money and occasional laundry/dry-cleaning.
Billing schedule and payment terms:
- Invoices are issued in advance and are payable within the stated payment term; billing may be processed by semester on request. Payments are to be made in Swiss francs (CHF). Payments in cash are not accepted. Late payments incur interest at 1% per month; administrative reminder fees apply (typical reminder fees: CHF 20 / CHF 50 / CHF 100 for successive reminders). No place reservation is processed before payment of the registration/admission fee; students may not attend classes until invoices are paid.
Cancellation, refunds and contractual penalties:
- For new applicants: if registration is cancelled before 30 June, a cancellation fee equal to two months of tuition (and boarding, where applicable) is charged; if cancelled after 30 June a cancellation fee equal to three months of tuition (and boarding where applicable) is charged.
- For current students: withdrawal before the end of the school year makes all expenses for the current trimester and the following one payable. Unless written notice is given by parents before the specified deadline for re-registration (28 February), students are automatically entered for the following school year; cancelling after that date creates a financial obligation (example: tuition for the first three months may be payable as compensation).
Uniform / clothing and included clothing items:
- No separate general uniform fee is listed. For boarding students a sports outfit (t-shirts, leggings or jogging pants) is listed among included items in the boarding packages; additional specialist sports or activity clothing or equipment may be charged separately.
Fee payment options:
- The school accepts international payments via Flywire (enables bank transfers and local payment methods in many currencies) and invoices are payable by bank transfer. Payments in cash are not accepted. Specific payment instructions and the school's Flywire payment portal are used for international transactions.
Summary of the key amounts at a glance (examples):
ELA Basel follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, adapted for its international character and Swiss affiliation. The Cambridge pathway is taught primarily in English and prepares students for entry to schools and universities worldwide. German is taught from Pre-School to Year 7 and French is introduced in Year 3. Families may also choose a bilingual Swiss stream that follows the Swiss Lehrplan 21, enabling direct transition into the Swiss system. In the bilingual pathway, pupils may progress to Year 11 after Year 10, with dual Swiss and international accreditation; the Cambridge stream progresses through IGCSE to A-Levels. Upper Primary covers English, Mathematics, Science, German, French, Geography, History, Music, Computing, Personal Social Health and Cultural Education, Design and Technology, Art and Design, and Physical Education (including weekly swimming).
Curriculum details
Saint-Charles offers two curriculum pathways: the Swiss Programme and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. The Swiss Programme covers primary through maturité and uses instruction in French, English and German; Primary is taught in English and French, and the Middle School is multilingual in English, French and German. The Swiss Maturité is bilingual French-English and is recognised by the Swiss Confederation, with the school authorised to prepare students for maturité examinations. The IB Programme is taught in English, offering the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme, with English as the language of instruction for all subjects and ESL support available. Immersion language teaching introduces English and German from early years through 'language islands' where other subjects are taught in additional languages, laying the foundation for bilingual Matura or the IB Diploma Programme.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
High adult-to-student ratio with class teachers supported by teaching assistants enabling personalised teaching.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
60% of children achieve above-average results in English, Maths and German on internationally benchmarked tests.
Exam results
IB Diploma Programme class of 2025 results: 17% entering a top 25 institution; 1 in 3 graduates joined a top 100 university; 30% were recognised for excellence in their subject areas.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Graduates transition to a variety of secondary schools in Basel and Germany; ELA Basel holds a Basel-Stadt Secondary Transition Agreement, allowing Year 7 reports to be accepted by public secondary schools without entrance tests. Destinations include Hüslimatt Sekundarschule Oberwil; Freies Gymnasium Basel; Sekundarschule Binningen-Bottmingen; Regionales Gymnasium Laufental-Thierstein; Freie Evangelische Schule Lörrach; Sekundarschule Allschwil; Holbein Sekundarschule (Basel-Stadt); Hans-Thoma Gymnasium Lörrach; Bezirksschule Möhlin; Sekundarschule Sandgruben; ISB, SIS, Minerva and Academia; Sevenoaks School (UK); Tanglin Trust School (Singapore).
Higher education progression
University preparation and guidance are core at Saint-Charles. A dedicated University Support Team helps identify universities and coordinate applications, with university talks and fairs accessible to students. From the Middle Years Programme, students take part in regular guidance lessons and receive tailored advice on IBDP subject selection in MYP5; in the Diploma Programme, guidance becomes more personalised with one-to-one meetings and university representation is facilitated by the school, supported by a University Library.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
Enrichment Programme provides more than 30 activities outside the standard curriculum; after-school and enrichment offerings include sports, crafts, STEM, music and language lessons, with structured activities designed to broaden knowledge and skills beyond the standard curriculum. Targeted 1:1 or small-group support for additional needs is available at additional cost.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Discover: ELABasel accepts applications year-round and processes them on a rolling basis as soon as they are received. Families relocating during the year can discuss details by calling Primary & Secondary School on +41 61 5000 653 or emailing. Applications should be submitted as early as possible to ensure timely processing.
2. Visit us: Come to visit ELABasel. A warm welcome awaits. Book a visit using the provided Calendly link. Early Years, Primary School, and Secondary School tours are available; you can also take a virtual tour of the campuses.
3. Apply: When you are ready to apply, click on the 'Apply now' button to be taken to the relevant application page. Applications are accepted year-round and are processed on a rolling basis as they are received. Read the admissions policy and related information on the page, and use the 'Apply here' link to start your application.
Admissions
Three steps are required for enrolment: schedule an appointment with the school headmistress; during an interview, all aspects of the curriculum and admissions are discussed, with the child present. The parents complete the enrolment application and send it to the secretariat and pay the enrolment fee, after which enrolment is confirmed. For primary school, motivation to learn in a multilingual environment is sought; for secondary school, candidates must pass entrance tests in French, Math, and German. Saint-Charles offers two high school streams, one in French and one bilingual French-English, both recognised by Swiss educational authorities. Appointments can be booked online or by contacting the school secretary. The admission process includes providing documents (school reports for the last two years, a letter of recommendation, and a color scan of the passport), an interview and admissions testing, and language assessments (IB Diploma: English Proficiency; Swiss Matura: English and French Proficiency) plus a Maths assessment. The Head of Admissions reviews applications and responds in roughly 10 days. Possible outcomes are admittance with a welcome package and visa procedures; provisional acceptance after a language-study period; waitlist; or non-acceptance.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
A scholarship fund for Jura-based students exists and allows residents of the canton to attend Saint-Charles. The school administration is available to answer questions in complete confidentiality.
Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
Waitlist: if there is no space in the desired program, a place on the waitlist may be offered until space becomes available.
