Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug vs SIS Swiss International School Männedorf-Zürich

	F Four Forest Bilingual International School Zug Zug, Switzerland	S SIS Swiss International School Männedorf-Zürich Zug, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 12,924 - 30,035	Fees / year CHF 25,860
Age range	Age range 3 - 15 years	Age range 3 - 12 years
Type	Type —	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Swiss Curriculum, British Curriculum	Curriculum Swiss Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 300	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 12	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language German, English	Instruction language German, English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2009
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Zug campus: Chollerstrasse 23, CH-6312 Zug-Steinhausen; Luzern campus: Maihofstrasse 95a, CH-6006 Luzern. The Zug campus is centrally located between Zug, Steinhausen, Cham and Hünenberg, with views of the central Swiss Alps.	Location Seestrasse 57, 8708 Männedorf, Switzerland; near Lake Zurich; easily reachable by public transport.
Stages	Stages Pre-School (from age 3), 1st Kindergarten, 2nd Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary (grades 7–10).	Stages Kindergarten and Primary School.
School type	School type Private day school; bilingual international school delivering a bidirectional German–English education; Swiss cantonal curricula with the British National Curriculum applied to English.	School type Private bilingual day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix More than twenty nationalities represented.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Small class sizes with targeted progression; additional support and support teaching when required; progress discussed with students and parents.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliated with Cognita (Cognita family of Schools).	Country affiliation Switzerland
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Morning supervision starts at 7:30am; lessons run during the day; after-school care available until 6:00pm; after-school club and Homework Club from Grade 1.	School day structure Full-day day school with supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; includes lunch, morning and afternoon supervision, homework support and flexible drop-off/pick-up times.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Overview — School Year 2026/27 This summary lists the school fees and related payment terms for Four Forest Bilingual International School for the School Year 2026/27. All amounts are shown in CHF and are presented as annual and per-term values (fees are billed in four equal instalments per academic year). Application / one-time enrolment fee - Enrolment fee (one-time, payable on confirmation of enrolment): CHF 2,500. Tuition fees — Four Forest Luzern (School Year 2026/27) - 1st Kindergarten (options): - 3 half days (mornings only): CHF 13,776 per year (CHF 3,444 per term). - 4 half days: CHF 14,796 per year (CHF 3,699 per term). - 5 half days: CHF 15,804 per year (CHF 3,951 per term). - 6 half days: CHF 17,376 per year (CHF 4,344 per term). - 7 half days: CHF 18,960 per year (CHF 4,740 per term). - 8 half days / Full-time: CHF 20,544 per year (CHF 5,136 per term). - Minimum programme: 3 mornings for 3-year-olds; 5 mornings for 4-year-olds. - 2nd Kindergarten: CHF 21,828 per year (CHF 5,457 per term). - Primary - Grades 1–4: CHF 23,088 per year (CHF 5,772 per term). - Grades 5–6: CHF 24,048 per year (CHF 6,012 per term). Tuition fees — Four Forest Zug (School Year 2026/27) — Canton resident / non-resident - 1st Kindergarten (options): - 3 half days: CHF 12,924 p.a. / CHF 14,379 p.a. (CHF 3,231 / CHF 3,594.75 per term). - 4 half days: CHF 14,496 p.a. / CHF 15,951 p.a. (CHF 3,624 / CHF 3,987.75 per term). - 5 half days: CHF 16,080 p.a. / CHF 17,535 p.a. (CHF 4,020 / CHF 4,383.75 per term). - 6 half days: CHF 17,664 p.a. / CHF 19,119 p.a. (CHF 4,416 / CHF 4,779.75 per term). - 7 half days: CHF 19,236 p.a. / CHF 20,691 p.a. (CHF 4,809 / CHF 5,172.75 per term). - 8 half days / Full-time: CHF 20,832 p.a. / CHF 22,287 p.a. (CHF 5,208 / CHF 5,571.75 per term). - Minimum programme: 3 mornings for 3-year-olds; 5 mornings for 4-year-olds. - 2nd Kindergarten: CHF 22,740 p.a. / CHF 24,195 p.a. (CHF 5,685 / CHF 6,048.75 per term). - Primary (Zug): - Grades 1–4: CHF 23,688 p.a. / CHF 25,143 p.a. (CHF 5,922 / CHF 6,285.75 per term). - Grades 5–6: CHF 25,896 p.a. / CHF 27,351 p.a. (CHF 6,474 / CHF 6,837.75 per term). - Secondary (Zug): - Lower Secondary Grades 1–3: CHF 27,540 p.a. / CHF 30,035 p.a. (CHF 6,885 / CHF 7,508.75 per term). Sibling discounts - Second child: 10% reduction on school fees (private payers). - Third child: 25% reduction on school fees (private payers). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition fees are invoiced in four equal instalments per academic year and are payable in advance on the following dates: 1 August, 1 November, 1 February and 1 May. Fees for an entry during the school year are invoiced from the first day of the month of entry. Late payment may incur interest, reminder and collection charges. - A place is only guaranteed once the Schulgeld (tuition) for the first quarter has been paid. If a reserved place is not taken or a registration is withdrawn prior to the contractual start, the school fee for the first quarter remains payable and is due within 10 days. - Annual “Schulgeldpauschale” (a general tuition package) is included in the tuition and covers many routine school costs (examples listed include excursions, camps, dental hygiene checks, theatre and museum visits). Optional or extra services such as the school club, language exams, individual music lessons and after‑school paid courses are charged separately and are payable in advance. Lunch catering is an additional cost when chosen and is invoiced together with the school fee invoices. Boarding - Four Forest operates as a day school; boarding is not provided. Other costs and typical additional fees - After-school clubs, extra-curricular activities and individual music lessons: charged separately; separate price lists apply. - Catered lunch (optional): charged in addition to tuition and invoiced with tuition invoices if used. Water is provided at school; sweetened drinks are not permitted. - One-off enrolment / material fee on first enrolment (amount covered above as the CHF 2,500 enrolment fee). - Incidental costs not covered by the tuition package (e.g., optional courses, private exams, certain external activities) are billed separately and must be paid in advance. Refunds and cancellation terms - Cancellation and notice: the school contract requires written notice and a four-month notice period that takes effect to the end of a semester (semester end dates: 31 January or 31 July). The date of receipt of the written notice determines the end of the payment obligation; outstanding fees and other obligations remain payable through the end of the notice period and are due within 10 working days after final billing. - Refunds: the first-quarter tuition payment is required to secure a place and remains due if a registration is withdrawn before the contractual start; other refunds are governed by the contract and the final settlement will follow the contract's closing invoice. Late-payment charges and collection fees may apply where payments are overdue. Fee payment instructions and methods - Tuition and additional charges are invoiced according to the billing schedule above and must be paid in advance. Invoices include payment terms and will state the required payment arrangements; late payment may incur interest and collection fees. Notes on adjustments - Tuition fees are set on an annual basis and the school reserves the right to amend the fees for new school years. Sibling discounts apply only to private payers as indicated.	Fee details Registration / Application Fee - One-time registration fee (non-refundable): CHF 600 for the first child; CHF 500 for each additional child. Payment of this fee secures the child's place. Tuition fees (2025/26 academic year) - Annual tuition (per student) for Kindergarten 1–2: CHF 12,930 per year. - Annual tuition (per student) for Primary Years 1–6: CHF 12,930 per year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing frequency: School fees are billed in advance per semester. - Payment options for timing: Fees may be paid either as a single payment at the beginning of the semester or as six monthly instalments. Choosing six monthly instalments carries a 2% surcharge (the instalment amount shown is the annual fee plus the surcharge divided across six payments). School fees for mid-term admissions are prorated. Sibling discount - A sibling discount of 10% of the school fees applies to the younger child(ren) when more than one child from the same family is enrolled. Optional additional costs - Lunch (optional): - Kindergarten and Primary 1: Full week (5 days) CHF 1,200 per semester; One day per week CHF 240 per semester; Single meal booking CHF 16 per meal. - Primary 2–6: Full week (5 days) CHF 1,350 per semester; One day per week CHF 270 per semester; Single meal booking CHF 16 per meal. - After-school care (optional, 16:00–18:00): Full week (5 days) CHF 2,400 per semester; One day per week CHF 480 per semester; Single booking CHF 18 per hour. - Clubs and extracurricular activities: costs vary by club; fees are charged separately – contact the school office for specific club prices. Boarding / Boarding fees - Boarding is not applicable: SIS Männedorf-Zürich operates as a private bilingual day school (kindergarten to Year 6) and does not offer boarding facilities. Refunds and adjustments - The registration fee is explicitly non-refundable. Tuition for students who join mid-term is charged on a prorated basis. No other refund policy details are listed with the fee schedule provided. Fee payment options (timing and instalment structure) - Timing options: one payment at the beginning of the semester, or six monthly instalments with a 2% surcharge. School fees are billed in advance per semester; mid-term admissions are prorated. Notes on additional potential costs - The published fees cover tuition only; additional costs that may apply separately include optional lunch, after-school care, clubs, and any personal items or externally supplied materials. Specific charges for school trips, special courses, uniforms (if required), textbooks, or specialist services are not listed in the fee schedule and are invoiced separately where applicable.
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 Swiss Curriculum 21 forms the basis for all subjects, with English instruction aligned to the British National Curriculum. The school immerses students in one language at a time, spending one week in English and the next in German. Preschool and 2nd Kindergarten introduce language through bilingual play, while Primary School (Grades 1-6) builds knowledge in Swiss Curriculum 21 with English taught under the British framework, alternating languages weekly. Secondary School (Grades 7-9) continues bilingual delivery, with each subject taught in its designated language. Graduation pathways include Swiss Gymnasium (grade-dependent), Swiss Secondary School, or an International Pathway from Grade 7.	Curriculum details Bilingual primary education is based on the cantonal curriculum and is gradually supplemented with elements of the British curriculum as well as with SIS-developed curricula. Continuity from Kindergarten to College.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates move on to Swiss Gymnasium (grade-dependent) or Swiss Secondary School; some follow an International Pathway from Grade 7.	Higher education progression Continuity from Kindergarten to College.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Talentia enrichment programme takes place on Thursday mornings at the Zug campus for highly gifted Primary students.	Gifted and talented —
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. Application for the appropriate programme: The application form lists programmes as 1st Kindergarten, 2nd Kindergarten, 1st Grade Primary, 2nd Grade Primary, 3rd Grade Primary, 4th Grade Primary, 5th Grade Primary, 6th Grade Primary, 1st Grade Secondary, 2nd Grade Secondary, and 3rd Grade Secondary. 2. Admission interview and class visit: Admission includes an interview; the School Management may contact the child's previous schools for academic details and behaviour. A visit to an existing class may be recommended to gauge the classroom environment. 3. Availability and trial days: Admission is subject to availability and possible trial days. 4. Written decision: The decision will be confirmed in writing. 5. Enrolment contract: By signing the School Contract, a binding enrolment is concluded; the completed application must be returned to School Management; this is a binding reservation of a place and the decision regarding admission and place remains reserved. 6. Enrolment fee and first trimester fees: If admitted, a one‑time enrolment fee is due and the school fees for the first trimester are payable within 10 days. 7. Fees and payment schedule: School fees are payable in three equal installments (in advance) on August 1, December 1, and April 1; the current price list is published before the end of March each year; if a child enters mid‑year, the school fee is invoiced for the entire month of entry. 8. Withdrawals/late entry: If enrolment is withdrawn or a child does not start, the enrolment fee and the first trimester fee are due as described. 9. Year‑round applications: Applications are accepted throughout the school year. 10.	Admissions Make the First Step: Get in touch with SIS Maennedorf-Zfcrich via our contact form, by email, or by phone. You may visit an Open House to learn about daily life and meet school leadership; we can provide further information and discuss the next suitable step for you and your child. Consultation: A personal consultation is arranged to answer questions, introduce the school and its educational concept, and, if possible, provide a tour of the building to offer insight into classroom life; virtual, phone, or email consultations are available. Trial Days: If the consultation is positive for both sides, one or more trial days are arranged to experience everyday school life; trial days are non-binding and can be substituted with an alternative solution if needed. Registration: If you decide to proceed after the consultations and trial days, you will receive the registration form (digital or printed); complete it in full and submit to the SIS school of your choice. The school will prepare the contract and send it with information about the enrolment fee; after the contract is signed and the enrolment fee is received, your child is officially registered and a place is reserved. Come and See: Open Houses are available to visit the school. FAQ highlights: Best time to enrol: Enrolments are accepted year-round if there is space; most children enroll in the spring (February to April) so they can start the school year in August. Age to enrol: Enrolment age varies by canton and location and is typically three or four years; please enquire at the school of your choice. Language: Enrollment is possible even if a child speaks only one or neither of the two school languages (German and English). Children learn both German and English by immersion, and German/English courses may be offered outside of class or as intensive courses depending on level. Entrance exam: For compulsory education, no entrance examination is required at SIS locations. Waiting lists: If a year group is full, SIS schools maintain waiting lists. Place securing: A place is reserved as soon as the enrolment fee has been received; the fee is listed on the respective school's price list.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist If a year group or class is already full, the SIS schools maintain waiting lists. To secure a place, enquire early, preferably in spring.
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