Institut Montana Switzerland vs International School of Schaffhausen

	I Institut Montana Switzerland Zug, Switzerland	I International School of Schaffhausen Zug, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 32,900 - 72,800	Fees / year CHF 26,750 - 70,640
Age range	Age range 6 - 19 years	Age range 0 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 280
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1926	Opened 1999
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Schönfels 5, 6300 Zug, Switzerland	Location Mühlentalstrasse 280, 8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Stages	Stages Primary School (Grades 1-6) – Bilingual Primary School; Secondary School (Grades 7-12) including Bilingual Secondary School (Grades 7-9), Swiss Gymnasium (Grades 7-12), International School (Grades 6-12)	Stages Childcare: ages 3 months to 3 years; Early Learning Centre: ages 3 to 6; Primary School: ages 6 to 11; Secondary School: ages 11 to 16. ISSH High School Diploma: ages 16 to 19, accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA); International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: ages 16 to 19.
School type	School type International day and boarding school	School type Private day and boarding school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Students come from all over the world, representing over 55 nationalities.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL) support; inclusive learning with the Learning Support Department; individualised learning plans for mild to moderate educational needs; EAL and Learning Support services may incur extra costs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland	Country affiliation Switzerland
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The school day begins at 8:15 and ends at 15:30. Wednesdays are early release days at 12:00 for Primary and up to Grade 10 for Secondary.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details ISSH operates a free shuttle service in the morning and at home time to/from the Schaffhausen main station, available to students from grade 1 onwards.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details One‑off enrolment / application fees - Admission / enrolment fee: CHF 5,500 (one‑time). This amount is payable on confirmation of enrolment. - Refundable deposit (paid on admission): Boarding students: CHF 5,000; Day students: CHF 3,000. The deposit is held against outstanding invoices and is normally refunded when the student leaves and accounts are settled. Annual tuition fees (by programme / year group) — fee per year and per semester - Boarding — Bilingual Elementary (BE5–BE6), Bilingual Secondary (BSS7–BSS9), Swiss Senior High School (SG1–SG6): CHF 70,400 per year → CHF 35,200 per semester. - Boarding — CEFY & International School (Grades 6–12): CHF 72,800 per year → CHF 36,400 per semester. - Day — Bilingual Elementary (BE1–BE4): CHF 32,900 per year → CHF 16,450 per semester. - Day — Bilingual Elementary (BE5–BE6), Bilingual Secondary (BSS7–BSS9), Swiss Senior High School (SG1–SG6): CHF 34,600 per year → CHF 17,300 per semester. - Day — CEFY & International School (Grades 6–12): CHF 36,800 per year → CHF 18,400 per semester. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition and boarding fees are billed semester by semester, in advance. Payment deadlines: 1st semester payment due by April 30 (before the school year begins); 2nd semester payment due by November 30 (during the school year). For new enrolments the first invoice includes the enrolment fee, the refundable deposit and 50% of the annual tuition/boarding fees; these items are due according to the invoice deadlines. In cases of late registration or late entry, fees for the current semester become due immediately. Personal expenses are billed monthly and are due within 30 days. Boarding fees and what they cover - Boarding rates are set by programme (see annual amounts above). Boarding fees include accommodation typically in a twin/double room, supervision and full board (five meals per day), class instruction for mandatory subjects, study hall supervision, use of the media centre and internet (copying up to a stated limit), participation in the activities programme and use of sports facilities. Flexi‑boarding (short or weekend boarding) is available on request; temporary boarding night rates for short stays are charged separately. Storage, damage or replacement charges (e.g., lost keys or ID) are additional. Other compulsory or common additional fees and typical optional charges - Personal expense account advance (held on account): Boarding students: CHF 5,000; Day students: CHF 1,000. Monthly personal expenses are billed against this account. - Programme / exam / curriculum fees: IGCSE programme fee (Grades 9–10): CHF 1,500 per programme; IB Diploma programme fee (Grades 11–12): CHF 5,000; additional IB subject fees (per semester) and per‑subject fees for HL/SL apply (document lists per‑subject charges). External exam fees (IGCSE, IB Diploma) are charged in addition and typically range approximately CHF 500–CHF 1,700 depending on the exam and subject selection. - Private music/instrument lessons: CHF 3,850 per year (CHF 1,925 per semester) for individual lessons. - Temporary boarding (double room, study and meals) when used by non‑boarders: CHF 180 per night. - Incidental charges: replacement Student ID CHF 20; lost room key CHF 100; charges for excessive damage are applied to the family account. Meals for special arrangements and some medical or travel costs may incur additional charges. Towels may be purchased from the Main Office. Refunds, cancellations and withdrawals - The refundable deposit is normally returned after the student leaves and all accounts are balanced; it may be retained if there are outstanding invoices. - For new enrolments, the one‑time admission/enrolment fee is non‑refundable. If a withdrawal occurs after specified cut‑off dates or after certain deadlines, the first instalment or other fees already paid may not be reimbursed. Fees already paid are generally not refunded for missed schooling, sickness, injury, suspension, expulsion or in the event the school must close for reasons beyond its control. The school may charge an administration fee in connection with certain contract terminations. Specific deadlines and conditions for refunds and cancellations are set out in the school's enrolment and financial conditions. Fee payment options and bank details - Payment by bank transfer is accepted; other payment methods accepted by the school may also be used. Bank account details provided for payments: Zuger Kantonalbank, CH‑6301 Zug; Account: 04‑720.377‑03; IBAN: CH32 0078 7000 4720 3770 3; SWIFT: KBZGH22. Personal expenses are billed monthly and must be paid within 30 days unless a different arrangement (for Swiss residents) is agreed with the Director. Summary notes (practical) - Tuition and boarding are billed semesterly in advance; where a yearly figure is shown above, divide by two to obtain the semester (per‑term) amount. Payments required on first invoice for new students typically include the one‑time admission fee, the refundable deposit and 50% of the annual fees. Programme‑specific and optional charges (exam fees, private music lessons, extra language support, temporary boarding, lost key/ID charges, etc.) are billed in addition to the base tuition and must be settled as invoiced.	Fee details Application & one-time fees - One-time enrolment fee for Day students (Grades 1–12): CHF 600. - One-time enrolment fee for Early Learning Centre/Childcare: CHF 200. - One-time capital building fund fee (day students, billed with first invoice): CHF 3,500 (not applicable for Early Learning Centre). Early Learning Centre & Childcare fees (ages 0–6) — fees charged per day - Age 0–3: Full day (07:45–18:00) CHF 138; Core time (07:45–15:45) CHF 118; Morning (07:45–12:30) CHF 87; Afternoon (12:30–18:00) CHF 92. - Age 3–4: Full day CHF 118; Core time CHF 102; Morning CHF 77; Afternoon CHF 87. - Age 4–6: Full day CHF 113; Core time CHF 97; Morning CHF 72; Afternoon CHF 72. Minimum booking rules apply by age group. Meals, diapers and hygiene items are included for babies; hot lunch for ELC pre-schoolers is optional and charged separately. Holiday-week refunds apply under specified conditions. Trial period and notice periods apply for cancellation. Day-school tuition (Grades 1–12) — quarterly and annual amounts - Grades 1–2: Quarterly CHF 6,690 \| Annual CHF 26,750. - Grades 3–5: Quarterly CHF 6,970 \| Annual CHF 27,870. (Grades 3, 4 & 5 shown at this rate). - Grades 6–8: Quarterly CHF 7,530 \| Annual CHF 30,090. (Grades 6, 7 & 8 shown at this rate). - Grades 9–10: Quarterly CHF 7,800 \| Annual CHF 31,200 (Grades 9 & 10 figures). - Grades 11–12 (High School / Diploma Programme): Quarterly CHF 8,330 \| Annual CHF 33,300. Note that IB examination fees are not included in the tuition for Diploma students. Boarding fees (full boarding; grades 9–12) — all-inclusive annual tuition & accommodation - One-time enrolment fee for boarding students: CHF 600; one-time capital building fund fee: CHF 3,500. Annual boarding tuition (includes tuition, accommodation, meals, supervision, most excursions and many boarding-house services): - Grades 9 & 10 (boarding): CHF 65,580 per year. - Grades 11 & 12 (IB Diploma / Pre-IB boarding): CHF 70,640 per year. Boarding fees exclude IB examination fees, private lessons, insurance and certain personal costs; boarding students from non-EU/non-EFTA countries must pay the yearly boarding fees in advance for visa documentation. Billing schedule, payment terms and instalments - Currency: All fees are payable in Swiss francs (CHF). Any exchange-rate losses are the family's responsibility. - Payment frequency options: families may choose quarterly payments in advance or a single annual payment in advance for Grades 1–12; the Early Learning Centre and Childcare are billed monthly. Quarterly bills may be paid by monthly instalments. Alternative payment arrangements may be granted only in exceptional circumstances and carry administrative conditions. - Payment dates (quarterly schedule): August 15, November 1, February 1 and May 1. Single annual payment due by August 15. The capital building fund fee is billed with the first invoice. Late payments may incur interest and recovery costs. Other costs and typical additional fees - English or German as an additional language: CHF 1,300 (listed fee). - Learning support (where applicable): CHF 1,300 (listed fee; reduced rates may be available via financial assistance). - Residential trips (approximate per-trip charges by grade): Grade 2 CHF 200; Grade 3 CHF 300; Grade 4 CHF 400; Grade 5 (Ski) CHF 950; Grades 6–8 CHF 800; Grades 9–12 CHF 950. - Diploma-related fees: IB registration and exam fees (DP2) approx. CHF 1,500; DP camp fees approx. CHF 800. IB exam fees are explicitly excluded from Diploma tuition. - Additional services: music lessons, specialist support and some extracurricular offerings are charged at the external teacher rate; lunch service, holiday camps, after-school clubs and other optional programmes may incur separate charges. Some shuttle-bus or transit services may be provided as described by the school. Refund, withdrawal and cancellation rules (key points) - The enrolment fee and the capital building fund fee are non‑refundable. - Early withdrawal charges (day students): - Withdrawals between July 1 and December 31 with notice given before October 31: 50% of the annual school fees will be charged. - Withdrawals between January 1 and March 31 with notice given before December 31 of the previous year: 75% of the annual school fees will be charged. - If notice is given after January 1, the full annual school fees will be charged. - Re-registration and no-show fees: withdrawal between April 30 and June 30 triggers an administrative charge of CHF 800; students who are registered and withdrawn after June 30 or who do not show up at the start of the school year will be billed 50% of the annual tuition (not applicable to ELC). - Early Learning Centre (ELC/Childcare) cancellations: a 4-week trial period applies; thereafter the contract may be cancelled with two months' notice at the end of a month. Holiday-week refunds for additional booked weeks: 50% refund if booked six weeks in advance (maximum of 12 additional weeks). No refunds for illness or other absences. - Force majeure: no refund of fees will be issued if part of the school must close for reasons beyond the school's control. Sibling discount & financial assistance - Sibling discount: second‑oldest child receives a 10% discount; each additional younger child receives a 5% discount (oldest child receives no discount). The discount is not available if other financial assistance has been granted and applies to families (not companies). Financial assistance is available for tuition only and is subject to annual reassessment and documentary verification. Accepted payment method(s) and invoicing - The school accepts tuition payments by bank transfer. Detailed payment instructions are provided on school invoices. Boarding students from certain countries must pay fees in full in advance for visa purposes. Invoices and billing correspondence are issued by the school's administration. Notes on inclusions and exclusions - Tuition and boarding fee descriptions indicate which items are included (regular tuition, course books and materials, many school-day activities; boarding also covers accommodation, three meals per day and supervision for the stated teaching weeks) and which are excluded (IB exam fees, private tuition/coaching, musical instrument lessons, liability/medical insurance, personal travel and personal expenses). Visa-related documentation requires proof of payment for boarding students when 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 Institut Montana offers four academic pathways for Grades 1–12: Bilingual Primary School Grades 1–6 follows the Swiss Lehrplan 21 and is taught in English and German. Bilingual Secondary School Grades 7–9 follows the Swiss curriculum with language and subject options in English and German, and offers intensive language courses with certificates in German, French and English (Goethe Institut, DELF, Cambridge). Swiss Gymnasium Grades 7–12 leads to the Swiss Matura, with monolingual German or bilingual pathways and language support in German, French and English (Goethe Institut, DELF, Cambridge). International School Grades 6–12 uses international programmes starting with Cambridge Lower Secondary/IGCSE, progressing to the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a High School Diploma; the main language of instruction is English and English language assessment is used with EAL support. The language/certification mix includes Cambridge, Goethe/DELF, and Cambridge IGCSE; the Swiss Matura provides direct access to ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of St. Gallen and EHL; the IB Diploma offers global university entry.	Curriculum details The school uses the International Baccalaureate framework across all divisions. The Primary Years Programme is offered from the Early Learning Centre through Primary for ages 3-12. The bespoken secondary curriculum brings the IB philosophy to life, with Grades 9-10 following a pre-IB programme and dedicated career guidance to prepare for the Diploma Programme. The Diploma Programme is a two-year programme for students aged 16-19 that prepares them for higher education and beyond.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Student/teacher ratio is 4:1. Average class size is 10.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results IB Diploma pass rate 99% (2025). The International School serves about 170 students with an average class size of 12 and students from around 45 nationalities. The IB Diploma program is a pathway within the International School, enabling admission to universities worldwide and in Switzerland.	Exam results The Diploma Programme has maintained a 100% pass rate for several consecutive years.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression IB Diploma graduates have access to universities worldwide and in Switzerland. The Swiss Matura path provides direct access to ETH Zurich, EPFL, University of St. Gallen and EHL.	Higher education progression The Diploma Programme prepares students for higher education and beyond.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented The admissions process is holistic and considers students' interests and talents. Co-curricular activities such as Model United Nations, Performing Arts, and Entrepreneurship Club provide outlets for talented 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 The admissions process is holistic and evaluates each application beyond academic performance to understand a child's potential, motivation to learn, interests and passions, and whether they will thrive in the international community. The process has six steps: 1. 2. Interview: Visit campus for a free trial day or arrange a video meeting if you cannot visit in person. 3. Academic assessment: CAT4 Ability Test and language placement tests assess academic and language levels; depending on year group, Heads of Programmes join for a short interview. 4. Admissions evaluation: The Admissions Team and Heads of Programmes evaluate the application and advise on needed support. 5. Offer letter: Includes class placement and any required support plans; the offer letter is valid for two weeks. 6. Enrolment confirmation: After accepting, the Admissions Team assists with final documents and shares information for a successful first day; visa applications are supported for boarders. Admissions are rolling throughout the year, with a recommendation to start at the beginning of a semester; the team will help determine the best entry point for each student.	Admissions 1. Begin your application via the online application form. The online application form is hosted on OpenApply, and our admissions team is available to support you from the first enquiry to the first day of school. From the first enquiry to the first day of school, our admissions team guides you through the process, answering questions to ensure that ISSH is the right fit for your child. For personalised support, you can reach the admissions team throughout the process. 2. If applying to the Early Learning Centre (ELC), the admissions process takes about two weeks. We have limited places available in the ELC Programme, so it is advisable to begin your application early and schedule a personalised tour of the ELC. You can schedule a tour and seek further information by contacting the admissions team. 3. For Primary School admissions (ages 6 to 11), after submitting the application documents you will be invited to visit ISSH and meet our admissions team in person. A trial day for your child is encouraged as part of the process. If relocation makes in-person visits difficult, we are happy to meet you online. 4. For Secondary School or High School Diploma programmes (ages 11 to 19), submit the completed application form along with supporting documents, including school reports and letters of recommendation. ISSH will arrange academic assessments in English and mathematics, followed by an interview with the admissions team. For local Schaffhausen applicants, a trial period at ISSH will also be organised to ensure a good fit with our community. 5. For the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), complete the application form and submit supporting documents. We will conduct an academic assessment to evaluate English and mathematics skills, then arrange a meeting with our academic team to discuss university aspirations. A trial day is encouraged to give your child a genuine taste of IB learning at ISSH. 6. For the Boarding Programme (ages 14 to 19), schedule an online meeting with our admissions team to guide you through submitting the boarding application and supporting documents. We will arrange assessments in English and mathematics, as well as interviews with both our academic team and Head of Boarding. You are welcome to visit the campus to experience daily life at ISSH.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships ISSH offers a financial assistance programme with reduced rates. Reduced rates may be available through the financial assistance programme, and eligibility details are described in the Financial Regulations. Cantonal childcare subsidies may be available for families registered in the Canton of Schaffhausen who are employed or unemployed; details are in the Financial Regulations.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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