International School of Berne vs International School of Neuchatel

	I International School of Berne Bern, Switzerland	I International School of Neuchatel Bern, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 14,420 - 39,215	Fees / year CHF 11,760 - 19,580
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 12 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Swiss Curriculum	Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 275	Pupils 158
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language French, English
Opened	Opened 1961	Opened 1986
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The International School of Berne is located in Gümligen, Switzerland, at Allmendingenweg 9, 3073 Gümligen. The campus is accessible by train, tram, or car from Bern and surrounding areas. It serves students from the Bern region and nearby towns.	Location Rue de Ste He9le8ne 50, 2000 Neuche2tel, Switzerland.
Stages	Stages Early Learning Centre (ages 3+); Kindergarten (from age 4); Primary (Grades 1-5); Middle (Grades 6-10); Upper School (Grades 11-12). A Grade 10 Bridging Year and ISBerne Online are available.	Stages From 2 to 4; From 3 to 6; From 6 to 9; From 9 to 12.
School type	School type Private day school	School type Montessori; bilingual Frencha0e2 English immersion.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 25 different nationalities.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support English as an Additional Language (EAL) support	Additional learning support Academic support staff available.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Switzerland	Country affiliation Member of Association Montessori (Switzerland).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure A full school day from 8:30 to 15:30, with After School Care available until 18:00	School day structure L53 Atelier (2 0d4 4): 8:00 012:00, Monday 0to Friday; minimum attendance two mornings. From 3 0to 6: 7:45 morning care; 8:00 012:00; lunch; 15:00 017:00 or 18:00 after-school; Wednesdays have optional afternoon activities. 6 0to 9: 8:00 015:00; after-school 15:00 017:00/18:00; Wednesdays finish at 12:00. 9 0to 12: 8:00 015:00; after-school study 15:00 017:00/18:00; Wednesdays finish at 12:00.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Overview (school type and academic year) - The International School of Berne is a private day school for ages 3–18. The following fees apply for the 2025–2026 school year. Tuition — annual amounts by year group - Early Learning Centre (ELC) — 5 mornings/week: CHF 14,420 per year. - Early Learning Centre — 5 mornings + 2 afternoons/week: CHF 17,570 per year. - Early Learning Centre — 5 mornings + 3 afternoons/week: CHF 19,375 per year. - Early Learning Centre — 5 full days/week: CHF 21,735 per year. - Kindergarten – Grade 1: CHF 29,660 per year. - Grades 2 – 5: CHF 30,540 per year. - Grades 6 – 8: CHF 35,515 per year. - Grades 9 – 10 (including Grade 10 Bridging Year): CHF 38,540 per year. - Grades 11 – 12: CHF 39,215 per year. Application, capital and re-enrolment fees - Application Fee (one-time, non-refundable) — ELC to Grade 12: CHF 250. - Capital Fund Fee (one-time, non-refundable) — ELC: CHF 500. - Capital Fund Fee (one-time, non-refundable) — Kindergarten (returning students): CHF 3,500. - Capital Fund Fee (one-time, non-refundable) — Kindergarten to Grade 12 (new entrants): CHF 4,000. - Re-Enrolment Fee (annual, non-refundable) — ELC to Grade 12: CHF 250. How tuition is billed and payment schedule / payment terms - Tuition is invoiced for the full academic year. The tuition fee for the school year must be paid in full two weeks prior to the start of the first term. - Early-payment discounts (for the 2025–2026 year): - Pay the full annual tuition by 1 June 2025 to receive a 1.5% discount on the full amount. - Pay the full annual tuition by 1 July 2025 to receive a 1.0% discount on the full amount. - Two-installment option (65% / 35%): If paying in two installments, 65% of the annual tuition is due two weeks prior to the start of the first term and the remaining 35% is due before 1 March of the following calendar year. This 65/35 option is available for full annual payments only and is not available if payment reminders were issued the previous year. - The school may agree other payment arrangements only if negotiated and approved in writing by the Business Manager; individual arrangements are not available if payment reminders were issued the previous year. Per-installment examples (using the school's supported two-installment option) - Example: For any annual tuition amount, the 65/35 split is calculated as: - First instalment (due two weeks before the first term): 65% of the annual tuition. - Second instalment (due before 1 March): 35% of the annual tuition. - The school does not publish a standard three-term split for tuition; annual billing and the 65/35 two-installment option are the published arrangements. Late payment charges and consequences - Late payments incur a penalty of 5% on the overdue amount and interest accrues from the due date until payment in full. An administration charge of CHF 50 is added for the second reminder and another CHF 50 for the third reminder; additional collection costs are charged as incurred. Families with outstanding debt will not receive academic reports, transcripts, or other school records until balances are cleared; continued non-payment can result in barring students from attendance. Withdrawals and refunds (tuition) - The school requires at minimum one term's written notice to withdraw a student. Fees for early withdrawal are prorated as follows: - Students withdrawing before 31 October: charged 50% of the annual tuition. - Students withdrawing between 1 November and 31 December: charged 65% of the annual tuition. - Students withdrawing on or after 1 January: charged the full annual tuition. - Application Fee and Capital Fund Fee are one-time and non-refundable. Other fees and typical additional costs (invoiced separately) - Book & Locker Deposit (Grades 6–12): CHF 300 (carried forward to following year and refunded on departure minus costs for lost/damaged items). Lost or damaged access badges invoiced at CHF 15 each. - IB examination fees and other external assessment fees (e.g., PSAT / SSAT) are charged separately. - Before- and After-School Care fees are charged separately. - Certain after-school activities and sports trips/tournaments are charged separately. - P.E. clothes and any optional curriculum-enriching trips are charged separately. - Laptop / device requirement: Students in Grades 6–11 are required to own a MacBook or an iPad with keyboard and Apple Pencil; these devices are not included in tuition and are the family's responsibility. Meal plans (prices and options) - Meal subscriptions are optional and invoiced separately; subscriptions for the full academic year or single semesters are available at preferential rates. ELC pre-booked served lunches are CHF 6.50 per meal. Meal plan examples for 2025–2026 (full year and semester options): - Meal Plan Small (Kindergarten to Grade 5), full year (160 meals): listed cost CHF 1,600; discounted price CHF 1,440; price per meal CHF 9.00. - Meal Plan Regular (Grades 6–12), full year (160 meals): listed cost CHF 2,560; discounted price CHF 2,304; price per meal CHF 14.40. - Semester options are available (e.g., Small or Regular for 80 meals per semester); semester prices and per-meal prices are published in the school's meal plan form. An administrative cancellation charge equal to 50% of the discount may apply to meal-plan refunds (medical exceptions with certificate noted). Insurance responsibility - Parents must maintain health, accident and liability insurance for their children; personal belongings are not insured by the school. Boarding - The International School of Berne is a day school; boarding is not provided and no boarding fees apply. Fee payment options and bank details - The school publishes bank transfer details for payments. Payments should be made by bank transfer to the school's Credit Suisse account using the following details as published: - Account holder: International School of Berne AG. - Account Number: 1833443-31-1. - Clearing/Routing: 4835. - S.W.I.F.T.: CRESCHZZ80A. - IBAN: CH60 0483 5183 3443 31001. - No alternative payment methods (for example, credit card acceptance) are published in the school's Financial Regulations; other arrangements must be agreed in writing with the Business Manager. Refunds and deposits - Application Fee, Capital Fund Fee and Re-Enrolment Fee are non-refundable. Book & Locker Deposit (CHF 300 for Grades 6–12) is refundable when the student leaves, subject to deductions for lost or damaged items. The school's withdrawal refund schedule (50% / 65% / 100% depending on date) applies to tuition as noted above. Meal plan refunds may incur an administrative charge (see Meal Plans). Force majeure or circumstances beyond the school's control do not entitle families to a refund of fees. Summary (key points to note) - Annual tuition is published by grade and must be paid in full two weeks before the first term unless the family uses the published 65/35 two-installment option. Application, Capital Fund and Re-Enrolment fees are one-time or annual and non-refundable. Additional costs such as meal plans, exam fees, device purchases, deposits, after-school care and some trips are invoiced separately. Payment is handled by bank transfer to the school's Credit Suisse account; any alternative arrangements require written approval.	Fee details Application / Registration fee - One-time registration and application fee: CHF 600 (paid once for the child's entire time at the school). A 10% reduction on the registration fee applies to the second and subsequent children from the same family. The registration fee validates and reserves the child's place and is not refundable once confirmation has been sent. Re-enrolment deposit - Re-enrolment procedure: re-enrolment is automatic unless a written cancellation is received by February 15. From February 15 a re-enrolment deposit of CHF 1,000 on the annual school fees is due; re-enrolment is final only after receipt of this amount by March 31. Tuition fees (by year group) — options shown per month, per quarter (4 instalments) and per year - Children's House — 3 years old only (Grade 0) — minimum attendance options and fees: - Option A (example lower-attendance option): Monthly CHF 1,000 / Quarterly CHF 3,000 / Yearly CHF 11,760. - Option B (mid option): Monthly CHF 1,080 / Quarterly CHF 3,240 / Yearly CHF 12,700. - Option C (full option): Monthly CHF 1,230 / Quarterly CHF 3,690 / Yearly CHF 14,465. - Morning snack is included for all Children's House options; outing costs CHF 100 per year. - Children's House — 3 to 6 years old (Grades 0 to 2) — standard full-time option (5 mornings + 4 afternoons, meal included): - Monthly CHF 1,390 / Quarterly CHF 4,170 / Yearly CHF 16,350. - Morning snack included; outing costs CHF 100 per year. - Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary — ages 6 to 12 (Grades 3 to 8) — standard full-time option (5 mornings + 4 afternoons, meal included): - Monthly CHF 1,665 / Quarterly CHF 4,995 / Yearly CHF 19,580. - Morning snack included; outing costs CHF 200 per year. Additional childcare, meal and ad‑hoc charges (extra hours / after-school / Wednesday care) - Ad-hoc and extras: - Cost of a meal eaten on an ad‑hoc basis: CHF 20. - Ad‑hoc afternoon stay: CHF 35. - Extra‑curricular activities or supervised study (ad‑hoc) until 17:00: CHF 35. - Extra‑curricular activities or supervised study plus activities until 18:00 (ad‑hoc): CHF 50. - Wednesday afternoon ad‑hoc (meal included) until 17:00: CHF 85; until 18:00: CHF 100. - Regular additional childcare (after 15:00), snack included — fees depend on number of days per week and end time; published examples: - Until 16:00 (snack included): monthly CHF 60 / 120 / 180 / 240 / 300 for 1–5 days per week; quarterly and yearly alternatives published accordingly (e.g., yearly CHF 705 / 1,410 / 2,115 / 2,820 / 3,525). - Until 17:00 (snack included): monthly CHF 85 / 170 / 255 / 340 / 425 for 1–5 days per week; yearly CHF 1,000 / 2,000 / 3,000 / 4,000 / 5,000 respectively. - Until 18:00 (snack included): monthly CHF 125 / 250 / 375 / 500 / 625 for 1–5 days per week; yearly CHF 1,470 / 2,940 / 4,410 / 5,880 / 7,350 respectively. - Outing cost for younger levels: CHF 100 per year (Children's House); for Elementary levels: CHF 200 per year. Sibling discount - A 10% discount applies to the tuition of the second and subsequent children from the same family. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoicing frequency options: annual (one instalment), quarterly (four instalments), or monthly (12 instalments). Parents choose preferred invoicing at enrolment. Payments must be made on the due date shown on invoices. - Quarter change and payment deadlines (changes are effective only from the next due date): - Quarter 1: changes possible until June 15; payment due by July 15. - Quarter 2: changes possible until September 15; payment due by October 15. - Quarter 3: changes possible until December 15; payment due by January 15. - Quarter 4: changes possible until March 15; payment due by April 15. - Late payment fees are charged after the second reminder; persistent non‑payment may lead to exclusion while fees remain due. Boarding / Internat - Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school and does not publish boarding or overnight accommodation fees. Other costs and optional charges - Occasional or optional charges can include extra‑curricular activity fees, supervised study charges, special outings or trips, and any ad‑hoc meals; published ad‑hoc rates are listed above. Specific optional services and their invoicing are charged separately. Morning snack is included in the published tuition. Refunds and cancellation policy (key points) - The registration fee is not refunded after confirmation of enrollment. Re‑enrolment deposit and registration fee are not refunded in many cases of cancellation; specific key deadlines are: - If cancellation occurs between sending confirmation and June 15: the registration fee or re‑enrolment deposit remain due and are not refunded. - If cancellation occurs between June 15 and July 15: the registration fee or re‑enrolment deposit remain due, and the first term of schooling is due. - If cancellation occurs between July 15 and August 15: the registration fee or re‑enrolment deposit remain due, as well as the first semester of schooling. - If cancellation occurs on or after August 15: the registration fee or re‑enrolment deposit remain due, and the total annual tuition is due in full. - In case of cancellation during the first week of the school year, the annual fee is due; cancellation after the second week the annual fee is due. Absences do not reduce fees. In case of early departure (transfer or dismissal) during the school year, the school fees for the interrupted year remain due in full. Fee payment options (invoicing and instructions) - Invoicing choices are yearly, quarterly or monthly; payments must be made by the due date shown on invoices. The school's invoices provide the payment instructions and accepted methods; parents follow the payment instructions printed on the invoice.
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 ISBerne offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme as an IB World School. English is the primary language of instruction. In Primary School, students can follow the new German Lehrplan 21 pathway or continue in the established English-language IB pathway. In Upper School, students can pursue the US High School Diploma, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), or the Bilingual IBDP. A Grade 10 Bridging Year is available for students who have completed obligatory Swiss schooling. ISBerne serves students aged 3 to 18.	Curriculum details Montessori education using the Maria Montessori method. The school teaches in French and English, with two teachers in each class to ensure bilingual immersion. Montessori classes start from age 3 and are designed so children own their learning, with a calm, structured environment and hands-on activities that develop concentration and independence. The school is a member of Association Montessori Switzerland and has 158 pupils from 25 nationalities (2023), with 112 families.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio 275 students are taught by 50 full- and part-time teaching faculty, giving an approximate student-to-teacher ratio of 5.5 to 1.	Student teacher ratio Two teachers per class
Exam results	Exam results IB Diploma Exams (May 2024): cohort 29; average 33; global average 30.3; six bilingual diplomas awarded. ISBerne students consistently perform well above world averages.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Approximately 25 Grade 12 students graduate each year. About 90% of ISBerne graduates continue their education at colleges or universities worldwide. Graduates are admitted to universities in Switzerland and abroad, including institutions such as the University of Bern and UK universities such as King's College London and the University of Edinburgh.	Higher education progression —
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 1. Inquire. ISBerne welcomes inquiries about space and programmes. Contact the admissions team by email, phone, or fill out the inquiry form; they respond promptly. Enrollment is open to international students new to Switzerland, subject to space being available. 2. Schedule your Personal Consultation or In-Person Tour. Families can meet the Admissions Team via a personal visit or video conference; the team will explain the programmes and answer questions. To arrange your consultation, schedule a tour online or contact by phone or email. 3. Submit your Application. To apply, download the appropriate application packet for the division: Early Learning Centre (ELC), Primary Years Programme (PYP): Kindergarten – Grade 5, Middle Years Programme (MYP): Grades 6–10, or Diploma Programme (DP): Grades 11–12. 4. Apply for Financial Aid. The International School of Berne Foundation provides scholarships based on the academic promise of the student and the financial need of the family. Applications for financial aid are filed no later than March 31 of the respective school year. 5. Check your Mailbox. After submitting, a confirmation of receipt is sent within 48 hours. If you don't receive any communication within 48 hours, contact the school. Applications are evaluated by the Divisional Principal and School Director, and you will receive an email notifying you of acceptance. 6. Start Dates. ISBerne operates on rolling admissions with no fixed application deadlines. New students are welcomed throughout the school year up to Grade 10. Grade 11 may start until the October Break, and Grade 12 may transfer if course selections are compatible with the IB programme.	Admissions A registration and application fee of CHF 600 is charged once for the entire school time. For families registering two or more children, the registration fee is reduced by 10% for the second and subsequent children. Payment confirms the registration; if payment is not received by the due date, the reserved space may be released and the registration placed on a waiting list, and the registration fee remains due. Confirmation of enrollment is sent upon receipt of the enrollment form, but no earlier than February 25 of each year. Students already enrolled have priority over new students; students who have been enrolled in the 'Children's House' have priority for 'Lower and Upper Elementary' classes, and students who began in L'Atelier have priority for Children's House. Admission during the year is possible if a class is not full and the place is reserved and paid for the whole school year; if the student does not show up on the confirmed admission date, tuition is due for the remaining term(s). Enrollment in Children's House begins at age 3 with minimum enrollment four mornings and two afternoons (toilet trained); Children must be 3 by July 31; from age 4, Children's House requires full-day attendance (except Wednesday afternoon); Lower Elementary begins at age 6. Re-enrollment is automatic unless cancellation is received by registered letter by February 15 of each year, with a deposit applicable and deadlines for payment.
Scholarships	Scholarships The International School of Berne Foundation provides scholarships. Awards are based on the academic promise of the student and the financial need of the family. Applications for financial aid must be filed no later than March 31 of the respective school year.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waitlist may be used if a reserved space is not confirmed; specifically, if payment is not received by the due date, ISN may release the reserved space and place the registration on a waiting list.
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