International School of Switzerland vs International School of Ticino

	I International School of Switzerland Lugano, Switzerland	I International School of Ticino Lugano, Switzerland
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CHF 16,000 - 22,000	Fees / year CHF 18,120 - 25,950
Age range	Age range 5 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Pupils	Pupils 40	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Italian	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Located in Lugano, Switzerland. Address: Corso Enrico Pestalozzi 9, Lugano 6900. The campus is in Lugano, in the southern Ticino region.	Location Via Ponteggia 23, 6814 Cadempino, Switzerland. Located in the Ticino canton near Lugano. Accessible by local transport and road links.
Stages	Stages Primary School, Middle School, and High School.	Stages Ages 3-18/19; IB continuum from Early Years to High School, including the Career-related Programme (CP).
School type	School type IB World School	School type Private international day school; IB World School (IB continuum); part of the Inspired group of schools.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 30 different nationalities represented.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning Support: Our Super Powers Program provides learning support with a three-step process: assessment to understand strengths and needs; personalized learning programs; ongoing support and growth guided by coaches.	Additional learning support Inclusion Policy and Inclusion Program in place. Referral procedures identify students with additional learning needs and develop an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). Inclusive assessment arrangements can be made where appropriate. Reviews of ILPs and progress occur regularly, including a six‑week review cycle; support may involve external agencies as required.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation Switzerland
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and acceptance fees - Enrolment deposit: CHF 3,000 per family. This deposit is non‑refundable and applies to new enrolling families. - The final admission paperwork must be completed and returned with the deposit within four weeks of an offer. Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑term equivalents) - Grade 1 (age 5–6): CHF 16,000 per year. Per term (three‑term division): CHF 5,333.33 per term. - Grades 2–5 (age 7–10): CHF 18,000 per year. Per term (three‑term division): CHF 6,000.00 per term. - Grades 6–9 (age 11–14): CHF 20,000 per year. Per term (three‑term division): CHF 6,666.67 per term. - Grades 10–12 (age 15–17): CHF 22,000 per year. Per term (three‑term division): CHF 7,333.33 per term. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment method for fees is by bank transfer using the school's Swiss account or IBAN/BIC for international transfers; the reference format required by the school is the student's first name and as much of the surname as possible (for example: ISSjohnsmith). - Computer & Book Levy: CHF 1,000 per student, per year. This levy is due by 1 September or may be included in the initial invoice. - Lunch payments can be made either termly or in full for the year. - Compulsory camps (Summer and Winter) and excursions are invoiced in advance; additional or optional activities that incur charges are invoiced separately and communicated in advance. - Full tuition payment terms and the school's terms & conditions are provided at enrolment. Boarding fees - Boarding: Not applicable — the school does not list a boarding programme or boarding fees. Other costs and compulsory extras - Computer & Book Levy: CHF 1,000 per student per year (see above). - Compulsory camps: Two camps per year (Summer and Winter); invoiced in advance. - Excursions: All curriculum excursions are compulsory and invoiced separately as required. - Diploma Programme (Grades 10–12): An additional levy applies for any extra Pamoja courses taken beyond the standard programme; these additional costs are invoiced separately. - Co‑curricular / Discovery programme: Most clubs and activities are included in fees; certain specialist programmes may carry additional charges that will be invoiced separately. - Local travel pass: Families are encouraged to obtain a yearly local travel pass for children; subsidies may be available from the local municipality. Refund information - The enrolment deposit (CHF 3,000) is explicitly non‑refundable. - Other refund or cancellation terms for tuition, levies, camps or other charges are governed by the school's full terms & conditions provided at enrolment. Fee payment options and banking details - Accepted payment method (as stated for fee payments): bank transfer to the school's UBS account for Swiss transfers or the listed IBAN/BIC for international transfers. The school asks that the payment reference include ISS plus the student's first name and as much of the surname as possible. - Swiss bank transfer details: UBS, Account No: 0247 00251043.02K (use the school's requested reference). - International bank transfer details: UBS, IBAN: CH42 0024 7247 2510 4302 K; BIC: UBSWCHZH80A (use the school's requested reference). Scholarships and financial assistance - Scholarship opportunities and financial assistance programmes are available for qualifying students; details are handled through the school's admissions/financial assistance process.	Fee details Application and admission fees - Student Admission Fee (one‑time, payable at initial enrolment): CHF 3,000. - Registration Fee (payable annually): CHF 1,950. Tuition fees by year group (annual and scheduled payments for 2026–2027) Each line below shows: Annual tuition — 1st payment (due 17 Feb 2026) — 2nd payment (due 23 Aug 2026) — 3rd payment (due 1 Dec 2026). - Kindergarten — CHF 20,735 — CHF 5,184 — CHF 10,368 — CHF 5,184. - Kindergarten (Half Day) — CHF 12,300 — CHF 3,075 — CHF 6,150 — CHF 3,075. - Transition — CHF 20,735 — CHF 5,184 — CHF 10,368 — CHF 5,184. - Grade 1 — CHF 23,640 — CHF 5,910 — CHF 11,820 — CHF 5,910. - Grade 2 — CHF 24,840 — CHF 6,210 — CHF 12,420 — CHF 6,210. - Grade 3 — CHF 24,940 — CHF 6,235 — CHF 12,470 — CHF 6,235. - Grade 4 — CHF 24,940 — CHF 6,235 — CHF 12,470 — CHF 6,235. - Grade 5 — CHF 25,190 — CHF 6,297 — CHF 12,595 — CHF 6,297. - Grade 6 — CHF 26,410 — CHF 6,602 — CHF 13,205 — CHF 6,602. - Grade 7 — CHF 26,410 — CHF 6,602 — CHF 13,205 — CHF 6,602. - Grade 8 — CHF 26,410 — CHF 6,602 — CHF 13,205 — CHF 6,602. - Grade 9 — CHF 26,410 — CHF 6,602 — CHF 13,205 — CHF 6,602. - Grade 10 — CHF 27,435 — CHF 6,859 — CHF 13,718 — CHF 6,859. - Grade 11 — CHF 27,435 — CHF 6,859 — CHF 13,718 — CHF 6,859. - Grade 12 — CHF 29,185 — CHF 7,296 — CHF 14,593 — CHF 7,296. - Grade 13 — CHF 29,185 — CHF 7,296 — CHF 14,593 — CHF 7,296. Additional fee items: - Lunches (annual): CHF 2,600 — billed as CHF 1,300 at the 2nd payment and CHF 1,300 at the 3rd payment (no amount at 1st payment). - EAL / Additional Inclusion Support (annual): CHF 4,200 (no instalment amounts shown). Billing schedule and payment terms - 1st Payment: due by 17 February 2026 — includes NSAF + Registration Fee + 25% of the tuition fee. - 2nd Payment: due by 23 August 2026 — includes 50% of lunches + 50% of the tuition fee. - 3rd Payment: due by 1 December 2026 — includes 50% of lunches + 25% of the tuition fee. - The fee schedule states: "Fees must be paid by the dates indicated." Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed in the school fee schedule; there are no boarding fees shown. Other costs and what tuition does not cover - Tuition fees do not include bus service, daily school trips, field trips, laptop, school uniforms, and external exams. - For Grades 12–13, textbooks are listed separately (not included in tuition). - The Registration Fee is stated to include stationery and educational resources. Refund information - The published school fee schedule does not specify a refund policy or refund conditions in the fee document. Fee payment options and bank details - Payment method accepted: bank transfer only (credit card payments are not indicated). - Bank details provided for payments: - Bank: UBS SA - Beneficiary: INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF TICINO SA - IBAN: CH25 0023 6236 1115 0901 A - BIC / SWIFT: UBSWCHZH80A.
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 curriculum is guided by the K.I.N.D. framework: Kindness, Innovation, Navigation, and Discovery. It combines strong academic foundations with opportunities to develop practical skills and explore interests through the Masterclass Program and the Discovery Program. The Masterclass Program provides workshops and topics led by educators and professionals. The Discovery Program offers time for creativity, sports, and hands-on learning in robotics, design, and the arts. The Language Program centers on English as the primary language of instruction, with Italian and German taught at varying levels and CEFR-based placement. Starting in Grade 10, students follow a dual-pathway to either Advanced Levels (A-Levels) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB Diploma Programme), with the IB Diploma Programme currently a Candidate School; the Bridge Program supports language fluency and transition to IB, A-Levels, or Liceo.	Curriculum details IS Ticino is an IB Continuum school offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The language of instruction is English, with an Italian Programme that provides a bilingual structure for Grades 2–10 to meet Ticino Canton requirements. The Early Years curriculum uses a trans-disciplinary inquiry approach inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and provides full immersion in an English language context. The Primary Years Programme focuses on inquiry-based learning through PYP themes, while the Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme follow IB frameworks across eight subject areas and core components. The school aligns with IB standards and is part of Inspired Education Group.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes due to a small student population.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression Career and higher education counselling is provided by university counsellors to advise on tertiary education pathways. University destinations include the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United States, Switzerland, and elsewhere, with more than 50% of graduates going to UK universities.
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 Stage One: Inquiry. An enquiry is the first stage of the admission process. After you contact us, you will be invited to an information evening (virtual options are available), a Taster Day, and an individual visit to tour the school and meet the principal. Stage Two: Apply Online. Applications for 2024 entry are being accepted, and 2025 entry is open for the Diploma Programme. The admissions portal provides access to all required documents and allows you to create an account to complete and submit the application online. Documents can be uploaded digitally and the portal centralizes submission. Stage Three: Assessments. All pupils sit papers in Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning, alongside a short interview. If travel to the campus is not possible, exams can be sat externally. For Senior School entry in 2025, students must sit and pass the Common Entrance (CE) exam. English as an Additional Language (EAL) considerations may apply; EAL guidelines are based on CEFR levels, with Year 9 intake minimum at the lower end of B2, and three years to reach upper-intermediate. Stage Four: Offer and Acceptance. Offers are made on the basis of performance in the entry assessment. The final forms must be completed online and returned within four weeks with the deposit. An enrolment deposit of CHF 3,000 per family applies to new enrolling families and is non-refundable.	Admissions IS Ticino accepts applications via an online form. After submission the admissions team will contact families to discuss the application process. IS Ticino admits international children arriving or leaving in the middle of the academic year. For Early Years and Elementary, IS Ticino provides an international education with English as the main language of instruction and operates a non-discriminatory admission policy. IS Ticino will accept children with no previous experience of speaking English. Although not all families are fluent in English, all communication with the school is primarily in English, and at least one parent should be able to speak English, communicate with staff in English, discuss English-language activities with the child, and read teacher notes and converse with teachers in English. Admission is by the Principal when it is evident the student can benefit from the programme and the school has sufficient staffing and programme capacity; placement for a different grade requires the Principal's recommendation. Priority for entry is given to families with siblings already enrolled and to international families whose children are fluent in English; all other applications are processed in strict chronological order and in compliance with the Admissions Procedure. Submit an application via the contact form (Apply Now). The language of instruction is English and applicants are assessed for English proficiency before a decision is made, including language assessments for PYP and DP where appropriate. Enrollment requires documents such as student and parent passports, Swiss permit if non-Swiss, birth certificate, vaccination record and Swiss health insurance.
Scholarships	Scholarships Scholarships and Financial Assistance: We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Scholarship opportunities and financial assistance programs will be available to qualifying students.	Scholarships Nsouli Scholars Programme: The Nsouli Scholars Programme provides full scholarships to 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend Inspired schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education. The endowment honours Nadim Nsouli, and several scholarships are awarded to individuals of Lebanese origin.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Waiting lists: If a class is fully subscribed, successful applicants are invited to place their name on a waiting list. Priority is given to siblings of current IST students, children of ex-IST students, applicants from the international community, and applicants who are proficient in English or transferring from English-medium schools.
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