Inter-Community School Zurich vs International School of Schaffhausen

	I Inter-Community School Zurich Zug, Switzerland	I International School of Schaffhausen Zug, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 12,600 - 39,700	Fees / year CHF 26,750 - 70,640
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 0 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 850	Pupils 280
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1960	Opened 1999
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Inter-Community School Zurich is located at Strubenacher 3, 8126 Zumikon, Switzerland. It is the oldest international school in the Greater Zurich Area. ICS is an English-language international school in Zurich, serving students aged 24 months to 18 years. ICS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme for Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Studies, with a bilingual diploma option.	Location Mühlentalstrasse 280, 8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Stages	Stages Preschool (Nursery to K2); Primary School (Grades 1-5); Middle School (Grades 6-8); Diploma Studies (Grades 11-12).	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 English-language international school offering the IB Programme across all levels (PYP, MYP, DP).	School type Private day and boarding school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix 50+ nationalities are represented; families come from 55 countries.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The Learning Support Department provides support for students with learning challenges, offering in-class and withdrawal services and developing individual support plans with input from parents and teachers to help each student access the curriculum.	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 —	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 ICS runs its own school bus service for students aged 4 and older, with drivers licensed for safety; registration is via the Parent Portal. Public transport access includes Bus 919 and the Forchbahn S18 to Waltikon, with a short 5–7 minute walk from the stops.	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 Application Fees - Application Fee: CHF 500 per student, one-time, non-refundable. Payment of the Application Fee is required before an application will be considered; it is paid online by credit card (MasterCard or VISA). Capital Fund Fee (one-time) - Nursery entrants: CHF 1,000, one-time, non-refundable. - Pre-Kindergarten or higher entrants: CHF 5,000, one-time, non-refundable. - Children moving from Nursery to Pre-Kindergarten are invoiced CHF 4,000 with the first tuition invoice (returning students pay the difference if applicable). Tuition Fees (annual and per-term breakdown) Note: Tuition is billed in two portions: 60% due at the start of the school year and 40% due in the winter term. The per-term amounts below show Term 1 = 60% and Term 2 = 40% of the annual fee. - Nursery – Half Days: Annual CHF 13,100. Term 1 (60%): CHF 7,860. Term 2 (40%): CHF 5,240. - Nursery – Full Days: Annual CHF 24,300. Term 1: CHF 14,580. Term 2: CHF 9,720. - Preschool (Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten 1) – Half Days: Annual CHF 17,100. Term 1: CHF 10,260. Term 2: CHF 6,840. - Preschool (Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten 1) – Full Days: Annual CHF 26,900. Term 1: CHF 16,140. Term 2: CHF 10,760. - Kindergarten 2: Annual CHF 33,000. Term 1: CHF 19,800. Term 2: CHF 13,200. - Primary School (Grades 1–5): Annual CHF 33,000. Term 1: CHF 19,800. Term 2: CHF 13,200. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): Annual CHF 37,100. Term 1: CHF 22,260. Term 2: CHF 14,840. - Senior School (Grades 9–10): Annual CHF 38,200. Term 1: CHF 22,920. Term 2: CHF 15,280. - Senior School (Grades 11–12): Annual CHF 39,900 (this amount includes IB/DP examination fees). Term 1: CHF 23,940. Term 2: CHF 15,960. (All tuition figures and the 60%/40% billing split are defined in the school Financial Regulations & Schedule of Fees.) Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing: First portion of tuition (60%) is due in August; second portion (40%) is due in January. An optional instalment plan is available subject to a 2% administration charge (arrangements must be made with the Finance Office). - Late payment charge: 2% per month applied to any past-due balance. The school may require immediate payment of the full amount if instalments are missed and may withhold access to classes, examinations, diplomas, reports or transcripts for unresolved arrears. - Administrative charge for withdrawal: CHF 2,000 if a student is withdrawn after confirming re-enrolment for the upcoming academic year (does not apply to Nursery). Nursery cancellations given less than two months before contract start incur a CHF 200 cancellation fee. - Late enrolment: Tuition is prorated monthly (11 months from the start to the end of the academic year) and includes an enrolment surcharge of 5% of the annual fee (not applicable to Nursery). - Early withdrawal: Written notice required with two months' notice to the end of the month; tuition will be prorated monthly and a 5% withdrawal surcharge of the annual fee applies (different notice terms apply for Nursery). Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed as an offered service or fee in the school's Schedule of Fees; no boarding fees are charged. Other costs and separately invoiced items - Items invoiced separately include (but are not limited to): school bus service; additional learning support beyond the included hours; after-school care; after-school clubs; lunch (except Nursery, which includes meals as noted); extra-curricular activities and associated transportation; hire of musical instruments; additional or replacement IT devices, textbooks or library books; athletics equipment; retaking or remarking of IB examinations; and other specific assessments or costs as notified. Refund information and fee remission - No refunds of fees are issued for absences due to family holidays, public holidays, illness, accident, or temporary closure of the school for reasons beyond the school's control. No refunds are granted in the event of permanent exclusion. - The school may grant a limited tuition fee remission in exceptional circumstances for one year only; remission requests can only be considered after completion of the student's first year at the school and must meet published deadlines for application. Fee payment options and bank details - Tuition payment method: Credit cards are not accepted for tuition fee payments. International bank transfer in Swiss Francs (CHF) is the recommended method for tuition payments; payor-borne bank charges apply. - Bank details on tuition payment instructions: - Account holder: Stiftung für die Inter-Community School Zurich - Bank: Zürcher Kantonalbank - IBAN: CH12 0070 0111 0014 6486 7 - BIC / SWIFT: ZKBKCHZZ80A - Application Fee payment method: The non-refundable application fee is paid online by credit card (MasterCard or VISA). Administrative and contractual notes (financial liabilities) - Parents/guardians are contractually responsible for all fees regardless of billing address. Charges for late payment, actions for debt recovery, and withholding of academic records for outstanding balances are applied in accordance with the Financial Regulations. The school requires parents to maintain health, accident and liability insurance for each enrolled child.	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 The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes for Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Studies. It is the only school in Zurich offering all three IB programmes. ICS teaches in English and offers a bilingual IB Diploma option. The school serves students from 24 months to 18 years across Early Childhood, Primary Years, Middle Years, and the Diploma Programme. The IB framework emphasizes an international mindset and inquiry-based learning. The ICS difference comes from developing the whole child and supporting community engagement through Round Square.	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 —
Exam results	Exam results ICS is an IB World School offering the Diploma Programme. All Diploma students are encouraged to take the IB Diploma exams. ICS Diploma students can qualify for the IB Bilingual Diploma. Diploma students on average earn significantly better scores than the worldwide average.	Exam results The Diploma Programme has maintained a 100% pass rate for several consecutive years.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Top university admission is supported by a rigorous university counselling programme that opens doors to universities around the world. In the IB Diploma Programme, students choose six courses to study, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level from the IB groups; the sixth subject can be from the Arts or a second subject in Sciences or Individuals and Societies.	Higher education progression The Diploma Programme prepares students for higher education and beyond.
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 —
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 ICS Inter-Community School Zurich accepts applications year-round via the online application portal. To apply, provide English school reports for the past two years, a recent photograph, a copy of the child's birth certificate or passport, any educational test results, a teacher's recommendation, a completed and signed financial regulations form, and a non-refundable application fee of 500 Swiss Francs for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Admissions Handbook explains the admission process and is available for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The school is an English-language international school located in Strubenacher 3, 8126 Zumikon, Switzerland. Processing begins once the completed documentation and the fee are received, and the school provides a timeline: in February, ICS invites current families to re-enrol; in March, applications from corporate partners are processed; in April, all applications are processed with priority to corporate-partner families with a child already enrolled, then corporate-partner families, then families with a child already enrolled, then alumni children, then international families, then local internationally mobile families; processing continues from April to August; the school year begins in August and new students may join during the school year where space permits.	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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