International School Basel vs ipso! International School
International School Basel and ipso! International School are both in Basel, about 15 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and ipso! International School also offers Swiss. Published annual fees are close, at CHF 14,270 - 37,680 for International School Basel and CHF 21,520 - 27,720 for ipso! International School. International School Basel takes pupils from 3 to 19, and ipso! International School from 1 to 16. International School Basel is the larger school, with around 1,200 pupils to ipso! International School's 140.
ISB operates on three campuses in the Basel region of Switzerland: Aesch Campus at Arlesheimerstrasse 7, 4147 Aesch; Fiechten Campus at Fiechtenweg 72, 4153 Reinach; Reinach Campus at Fleischbachstrasse 2, 4153 Reinach. The Aesch Campus is in the municipality of Aesch, while the Reinach Campuses are in Reinach, Basel-Landschaft. Public transportation is convenient via BLT tram line 11, with Arlesheimerstrasse stop for Aesch Campus, Reinach Süd stop for Fiechten Campus, and Reinach centre stop for Reinach Campus.
Location
The school is located in Rheinfelden, Switzerland, at Bahnhofstrasse 26, CH-4310 Rheinfelden, adjacent to the old town. It is within a few minutes' walk from the SBB train station or bus station, accessible via the quiet Schützenweg. It is in a convenient location with optimum connections to public transport services near the playground and sports field next to the Schützenmatt school building.
Stages
Stages
The school is divided into three levels: Junior School for ages 3–11, Middle School for ages 11–14, and Senior School for ages 14–18.
Stages
Early Childhood Center for ages 1.5–4; bilingual all-day school for ages 4–16, including Preschool, Primary School, and Secondary School. The school follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) at kindergarten and primary level; secondary level I offers bilingual tuition according to cantonal curriculum.
School type
School type
The school is not-for-profit, co-educational day school and an IB World School offering three IB programmes (PYP, MYP, Diploma) taught in English, with an English–German Dual Language Programme available in the Junior School.
School type
Bilingual ECCE and all-day school; IB World School.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
1200 students representing 60+ nationalities across three campuses.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided to support students not yet proficient in English. EAL specialists assist with reading, writing, listening and speaking, with three learning stages: Emerging, Developing and Consolidating. There are no additional fees payable for EAL support.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Country affiliation
Switzerland
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Opening hours are 07:45–18:00 during term. Drop-off is 07:45–08:20; classes run 08:20–15:50; pick-up is 15:50–18:00.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
Public transportation is available via BLT tram 11 (and related rail connections) to stops at Arlesheimerstrasse (Aesch Campus), Reinach Süd (Fiechten Campus), and Reinach centre (Reinach Campus); no dedicated school bus service is listed.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & admission fees
- Development Fee (one-time, payable when a place is offered): CHF 4,500. This fee is non-refundable and is not deducted from tuition.
- Waiting-list Deposit (when placed on a waiting list): CHF 1,000. Once a place is offered this deposit is offset against tuition; if no place is offered within eight months the deposit is refunded.
Annual tuition fees (by school level and EC1 flexible options)
- Early Childhood 1 (EC1) — flexible enrolment options (annual amounts): - 5 mornings (minimum): CHF 14,270. - 5 mornings + 1 full day: CHF 16,130. - 3 mornings + 2 full days: CHF 17,990. - 2 mornings + 3 full days: CHF 19,860. - 1 morning + 4 full days: CHF 21,720. - 5 full days: CHF 23,780. - Ad-hoc full day (until 15:00): CHF 100 per day.
- Early Childhood 2 (EC2): CHF 23,780 per year.
- Early Childhood 3 – Grade 5 (Primary Years Programme): CHF 27,970 per year.
- Middle School (Grades 6–8, Middle Years Programme): CHF 32,010 per year.
- Senior School (Grades 9–10): CHF 33,370 per year.
- Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12): CHF 37,680 per year.
Reductions and family discounts
- Second child from same family: CHF 1,000 discount per year. - Third child from same family: CHF 2,000 discount per year. - Fourth (and additional) child: CHF 4,000 discount per year.
Billing schedule and payment terms (how tuition is billed and typical payment plans)
- A tuition invoice is issued per household for the school year; invoices are sent electronically (paper copies available for a CHF 5 charge). ISB accepts payments in Swiss francs (CHF) only; any bank charges must be paid by the sender.
- Standard payment options for privately paid tuition (arranged annually with Finance Office): - Option 1: 100% of the annual tuition due before 15 July. - Option 2: 70% due before 15 July; remaining 30% due before the last day of school before the Fasnacht break or 15 February, whichever is earlier. - Option 3: 10 monthly instalments due on the 15th of each month from 15 July through 15 April; this option carries an administration surcharge of 2% per year.
- Company-paid tuition: 100% of annual tuition is due before 15 July.
- Late-enrolment and initial-payment rules for students starting mid-year (examples): - Enrolment from 1 June to 31 December: 100% of annual tuition is due; private payers also pay a minimum down payment of 20% at least two working days before the student starts. - Enrolment from 1 January to last day of Spring Break: 60% of annual tuition is due, plus a minimum down payment of 20% before the student starts; remainder invoiced within 30 days. - Enrolment after the first day of classes following Spring Break: 30% of annual tuition is due, plus a minimum down payment of 20% before the student starts; remainder invoiced within 30 days.
Withdrawal, re-enrolment and refund rules
- Development Fee is non-refundable in all circumstances. Waiting-list deposits are refunded if no place is offered within eight months.
- Re-enrolment withdrawals (examples of charges when a returning family confirms re-enrolment and then withdraws): - Withdrawal between the re-enrolment deadline and 31 March: no tuition fees due. - Withdrawal between 1 April and 31 May: late withdrawal fee of CHF 3,000 per student. - Withdrawal between 1 June and 15 July: late withdrawal fee of CHF 5,000 per student. - Withdrawal after 15 July: standard early-withdrawal rules apply (below).
- Early withdrawal from the school after the school year has started (tuition owed based on date of written notice): - Withdrawal between 15 July and 31 December (with at least two months' written notice): 55% of the annual tuition fee is due. - Withdrawal between 1 January and the last day of Spring Break (with at least two months' written notice): 85% of the annual tuition fee is due. - Withdrawal after the first day of classes following Spring Break: 100% of the annual tuition fee is due. - In Payment Option 3 (monthly instalments) partial annual tuition amounts are due 30 days before the date of withdrawal. ISB may withhold school records until outstanding balances are settled.
- No refund is provided for tuition in the event of school closure for force majeure events, for expulsion, or for leave of absence due to illness, accident or mental illness.
Late payment and collection
- Late payment charge: 2% per month on outstanding balances or an administration fee of CHF 50, whichever is greater. ISB may refuse entry to class, withhold records, and engage debt-collection third parties for unpaid invoices.
Other costs and fees (charged separately)
- Costs not included in tuition (examples that are invoiced separately): additional or replacement textbooks; damage or loss of school equipment; field trips, camps and excursions; external examinations (for example IB exam costs); IB DP online courses; psycho-educational evaluations; some therapies and evaluations; extra-curricular programme fees; 1:1 teacher assistant costs; and meals. Such items are invoiced separately and are subject to the payment terms on each invoice.
- After-school and holiday childcare (EC1–Grade 5): - Extended School Day (15:00–18:00) — Trimester registration: CHF 30 per day; Drop-in registration: CHF 60 per day. - Holiday Childcare (07:45–17:00 on selected holidays) — Pre-registration: CHF 90 per day; Drop-in registration: CHF 150 per day. Ad-hoc EC1 full-day rate (until 15:00): CHF 100 per day.
- Paper invoice fee (if paper invoices are requested): CHF 5 per invoice. Special billing or changes to payment frequency may incur administration fees (e.g., CHF 100 per change request or special billing).
Boarding / residential provision
- ISB operates as a co-educational day school for students aged 3–19; there is no boarding provision and no boarding fees.
Fee payment options and bank details
- Payments are accepted in Swiss francs (CHF) and may be made by bank transfer. Any bank charges are the responsibility of the payer. The school's bank details for CHF transfers are provided for tuition payment (Bank Cler AG, Basel; IBAN: CH79 0844 0697 0092 9000 0; SWIFT/BIC: BCLRCHBB). Parents should indicate family name and student names when making transfers.
Key administrative provisions
- Parents/guardians must maintain health, accident and liability insurance for each enrolled student. ISB reserves the right to invoice separately for any additional costs described above and to take action for overdue accounts as set out in the financial regulations.
Fee details
Application / registration fee
- Registration fee (non-recurring): CHF 600.00. The registration fee is due at the time of registration for all programmes.
Tuition fees (by programme / year group)
- Early Childhood Center (full-time place, ages 1.5–4 years): CHF 27,720.00 per year. - Two-instalment option (per term): CHF 13,880.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Twelve-instalment option (monthly): CHF 2,330.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Registration fee: CHF 600.00. Family discount: 10% on the lower invoice starting from enrolment of a second child. Annual fees are invoiced pro rata if a child starts during the year.
- Early Childhood Center (part‑time places, ages 1.5–4 years): - Minimum occupancy options and annual fees: - Five mornings per week: CHF 18,900.00 per year. - Two full days + one morning per week: CHF 16,380.00 per year. - Registration fee is due at registration; annual fees invoiced pro rata for mid‑year starts.
- Preschool (full‑time place, ages 4–6 years): CHF 21,520.00 per year. - Two-instalment option (per term): CHF 10,780.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Twelve-instalment option (monthly): CHF 1,813.35 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Registration fee: CHF 600.00. Family discount: 10% on the lower invoice from the second child. Limited reduced attendance reduces fees accordingly.
- Primary School (Years 1–6): CHF 23,520.00 per year. - Two-instalment option (per term): CHF 11,780.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Twelve-instalment option (monthly): CHF 1,980.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Ancillary costs: registration fee CHF 600.00; after‑school activities, longer trips and external examination fees are invoiced separately. Family discount: 10% on the lower invoice from the enrolment of a second child. Annual fees invoiced pro rata if a student starts during the year.
- Secondary School (Years 7–9 / Secondary Years SY1–SY3): CHF 24,520.00 per year. - Two-instalment option (per term): CHF 12,280.00 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Twelve-instalment option (monthly): CHF 2,063.35 (includes CHF 20.00 surcharge). - Ancillary costs: registration fee CHF 600.00; after‑school activities, trips and external examination fees are invoiced separately. - Optional programme add‑on: ipso! Booster (personal coaching) CHF 1,800.00 per school year (optional). - The programme requires students to provide their own laptop (BYOD). Family discount: 10% on the lower invoice from the enrolment of a second child. Annual fees invoiced pro rata if a student starts during the year.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The registration fee is due at the time of registration. Annual tuition fees are invoiced and, if a student starts during the school year, will be invoiced pro rata. - Instalment options are published for each programme (commonly 2 instalments per school year or 12 instalments per school year) with a small surcharge (CHF 20.00) applied to instalment plans. Amounts for the instalment options are shown next to each programme above. - Additional services (early drop‑off, after‑school care, clubs, private lessons) are billed separately according to the registration/additional‑services form; many of these items are payable at the beginning of the school year or on receipt of invoice if joining later, and are stated as non‑refundable on the additional‑services registration form.
Boarding fees
- No boarding provision is listed for ipso! International School; the school operates as a full‑day/part‑time bilingual day school and early childhood centre, so boarding fees are not applicable.
Other costs and typical ancillary fees
- After‑School Care (ASC) options and example prices (from the additional‑services registration form): - ASC semester/year examples (1 hour/week): CHF 170.00 per semester / CHF 340.00 per year; 1 hour/day options and multi‑day options are listed with semester and annual rates; single bookings are charged per hour. Private lesson example rates: CHF 85.00 per 45‑minute lesson for one child, with scaled prices for multiple children. ipso! Booster (Secondary): CHF 1,800.00 per school year. Early drop‑off (½ hr) example: CHF 90.00 per semester / CHF 180.00 per year for one day per week; single bookings per ½ hour CHF 7.50. Many club and ASC items are billed semester or yearly and are non‑refundable when payable at the start of the year. - Lunch: a sample lunch booking charge is CHF 10.00 (bookable by quarter) for preschool; lunches are arranged via the school's catering provider and are billed separately. - Excursions and multi‑day camps: day excursions are included in tuition; camps and excursions lasting several days are invoiced separately. External examination fees are not included in the listed school fees and are charged separately. - Uniform: no compulsory uniform fee or uniform charge is listed among the ancillary costs on the programme fee pages; ancillary costs listed on the programme pages explicitly include registration, after‑school activities and external examination fees but do not list uniform charges.
Refund information
- Annual fees will be invoiced pro rata if a student starts during the school year. The registration fee is charged at registration; additional‑services amounts (for example ASC, clubs, private lessons) that are payable at the start of the school year or on receipt of invoice are stated as non‑refundable on the registration/additional‑services form. Cancellation of automatic re‑enrolment must be submitted in writing and registered by the school's stated deadline (cancellation by 30 April for the following school year is referenced on the enrolment form). Specific tuition‑refund schedules for mid‑year withdrawal are not listed on the programme fee pages; the enrolment/contract documentation describes automatic re‑enrolment and the April deadline.
Fee payment options (invoicing, instalments and methods listed)
- The school issues invoices and offers instalment schedules for the published annual fees (commonly 2 instalments or 12 instalments with a CHF 20.00 surcharge for instalment plans). Amounts and instalment figures are shown above for each programme. - The programme pages and registration forms show invoices and instalment plans but do not list explicit payment method types (for example “credit card” or “bank transfer”) on the public fee pages; invoices and the school's registration documentation indicate amounts are payable on receipt of invoice or at the start of the school year. Parents should expect to receive formal invoices that set the payment terms.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
ISB offers the International Baccalaureate across three programmes: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–11; Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16; and the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–18. The school is English-language. The PYP is offered in English with German as a second language, and a Dual Language Programme (English and German) is available for younger students. The MYP provides an eight-subject-group framework and includes a co-curricular Z-Block for Grades 6–8. The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous university-preparatory course offered through ISB's Senior School, with ISB offering over 65 academic courses. ISB uses Continuums—subject guides that ensure a seamless educational experience across its three campuses.
Curriculum details
ipso! ISR is a bilingual ECC for children aged 1.5 to 4 years and a bilingual all-day school for children aged 4 to 16 years. The German-English early childhood support and education programme is unique in Switzerland and offers a combination of international and local curricula and a family atmosphere. It is state-approved and follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) at kindergarten and primary levels. In Secondary Level I, bilingual tuition is provided according to the cantonal curriculum. This arrangement allows a change to and from the state school system locally and internationally. The school is accredited as an IB World School and undergoes regular IB assessments.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
IB Diploma results show strong performance. In 2025, 158 students completed the IB Diploma Examinations. Of the 147 students who completed the full Diploma, ISB achieved a 96.6% pass rate and an average of 34.4 points (out of 45), with 17% achieving 40+ points. Diploma Programme Courses: For the 11 students who took Diploma Programme Courses, they completed 48 courses with an average of 4.1 points per course. MAP test results measure reading and mathematics progress for Grades 3–10; Fall 2025 results are posted.
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
ISB's Pathways to Swiss Universities explains that the IB Diploma earned at ISB is fully recognised by Swiss universities as equivalent to a Swiss Matura, provided it meets the required criteria. The Swiss admission framework includes six IB subject groups (first language, second language, humanities, natural science, mathematics, and an elective) and HL requirements for some universities (e.g., ETH Zürich and EPFL). Most bachelor programmes at Swiss universities are taught in German, French or Italian, with some courses in English; admission decisions are made by the individual universities. ISB provides a dedicated university counselling team to guide Swiss and international applications and hosts annual university fairs with representatives from universities worldwide.
Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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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. Explore: Learn about ISBasel's personalised approach to education and schedule an individual consultation in person or online to understand how ISBasel can support your child. The school outlines three levels—Junior School (ages 3–11), Middle School (ages 11–14), and Senior School (ages 14–18)—which you can discuss during this consult. This initial exploration helps families determine fit before moving to the next steps.
2. Visit: ISBasel's doors are open year‑round. Schedule a visit or call, and you will be welcomed for an individual tour at your convenience. During the visit you can explore the school in depth and meet key staff members. This visit is designed to give you a first‑hand sense of the school environment and community.
3. Register & Apply: The Admissions Team is here to assist you every step of the way. ISBasel enrols students throughout the year, dependent on space and fulfillment of entry requirements. They provide personalised support and guidance on documentation, application forms, and admission criteria. You can ask questions about the process and receive help with next steps as you prepare your dossier.
4. Documentation and join requirements: Complete all application forms; all documents must be in English or officially translated (submit both original and translation). Additional assessment outcomes may be required; the level of English proficiency and any student support needs will be reviewed. Availability of space in classes and option groups, sibling availability, and the Director's and Principal's discretion also influence admission decisions.
5. English proficiency and placement: Grade 6 and above require an online English test to determine proficiency, sometimes with an interview. Seniors may have a tailored curriculum if enrolled in external English programs, and they transition as language skills improve. ISB uses the CEFR framework to outline minimum English proficiency by grade: Grade 9 A2/B1; Grade 10 A2/B2; Grade 11 B1/B2; Grade 12 B1/B2 (Only for students currently in the IB Diploma Programme).
6. Student support: ISB provides tailored learning support for mild to moderate learning needs, with close collaboration with families to ensure proper placement and resources. Conditional enrolment may be offered with agreed services and extra costs. In rare cases where the school cannot meet a student's needs, a decision is explained and families are guided toward alternative options.
