International School Zurich North vs SIS Swiss International School Zürich
International School Zurich North and SIS Swiss International School Zürich are both in Zug, about 1 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes. International School Zurich North also offers Cambridge (Primary), EYFS and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, and SIS Swiss International School Zürich also offers IB, Bespoke and Swiss. Published annual fees are close, at CHF 17,316 - 38,280 for International School Zurich North and CHF 23,460 - 30,340 for SIS Swiss International School Zürich. International School Zurich North takes pupils from 0 to 18, and SIS Swiss International School Zürich from 4 to 18. SIS Swiss International School Zürich is the larger school, with around 327 pupils to International School Zurich North's 240. Typical class sizes are 15 at International School Zurich North and 20 at SIS Swiss International School Zürich.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
Curriculum
IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
240
Pupils
327
Typical class size
Typical class size
15
Typical class size
20
Instruction language
Instruction language
English, German
Instruction language
German, English
Opened
Opened
—
Opened
2005
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Industriestrasse 50, 8304 Wallisellen.
Location
Zurich, Switzerland. The school building is easily accessible by public transport. It is located in an up-and-coming industrial zone, and borders an idyllic local recreational area.
Stages
Stages
All-through school for ages 3 months to 18 years. English is the primary language of instruction; German is taught for all German levels up to G10 with an option to study to G12, and French is compulsory in the middle years with an option to study to G12. The leaving qualifications are iGCSEs and A-Levels.
Stages
Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, SIS Bilingual College, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
School type
School type
International day school.
School type
Private bilingual day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil body represents over 30 nationalities; staff are multicultural.
Pupil nationality mix
327 enrolled students; 40+ nationalities.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
A strong wellbeing and learning support system is in place; a dedicated learning support team differentiates learning and intervenes to meet individual needs.
Additional learning support
—
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
—
Country affiliation
Switzerland.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
—
School day structure
School day structure
School hours are 8:30–15:30 with Enhanced Care from 7:30–18:00.
School day structure
Lunch, homework supervision, before- and after-school care, and flexible drop-off and pickup times.
The ISZN academic year is organised into three terms (Autumn, Spring, Summer). Annual fees below are shown with the corresponding per‑term amount (annual divided by 3). Figures apply to the current academic year as published for 2025/2026.
- Tuition is set on an annual basis and is payable in advance; payment may be made half‑yearly or termly in advance. - Standard invoicing practice: the first half of the tuition is due within the targeted payment date and the second half on the date shown on the invoice. Quarterly payment arrangements are possible; monthly payment arrangements are available on request (monthly arrangements carry an annual surcharge of CHF 200). A late‑payment charge of 1% per month applies to overdue amounts. School records are withheld until outstanding balances are settled. - Little IBEX (early‑years) fees are billed monthly and payable by direct debit (other Little IBEX terms apply for extra days and notice period).
Boarding
- ISZN operates as a full‑day day school; there is no boarding provision.
Other costs and typical additional fees
- Co‑curricular activities (annual club fee example): CHF 260 per year for many after‑school clubs. - Exam and assessment fees: Cambridge/Edexcel examination fees and similar subject exam charges apply per subject (historical and published schedules list typical per‑subject exam charges). - EAL (English as an Additional Language) and targeted student support carry additional charges when required. - Lunch, student bus service, individual music lessons, overnight or international trips and some extra‑curricular services are charged in addition to tuition. After‑school care or homework‑club extras are charged separately (examples and hourly rates appear in the school's fee documentation). - Little IBEX: extra day / flexible drop‑in day fee CHF 150 per day (where applicable).
Refunds, withdrawal and no‑show charges
- Early‑withdrawal fee schedule (liability expressed as a percentage of the annual tuition depending on withdrawal date during the school year): examples published in the school's financial regulations include withdrawal liabilities such as 30%, 50%, 65%, 80% or 100% of the annual tuition depending on the month of withdrawal. A no‑show charge is specified where a confirmed place is not taken up. Specific percentages and deadlines are set out in the school's financial regulations and applied to the invoice. - The school issues a capital/funding fee at enrolment in some years; that fee is charged one‑time and is non‑refundable where it applies.
Fee payment arrangements & administrative notes
- The school issues invoices for the chosen payment cycle; payment must be made by the payer named on the invoice by the due date shown. Monthly direct debit is used for the Little IBEX provision. The school applies late‑payment penalties and may restrict access to records or attendance for unpaid accounts until balances are cleared.
(End of overview)
Fee details
Registration fee - One-time, non-refundable registration fee per family: CHF 600 for the first child; CHF 500 for each additional child.
Tuition fees (per semester) and equivalent per academic year - Kindergarten 1 and 2: CHF 12,930 per semester — CHF 25,860 per year. (6-month instalment option: CHF 2,198 per month; 2% surcharge applies). - Primary (Grades 1–6): CHF 12,930 per semester — CHF 25,860 per year. (6-month instalment option: CHF 2,198 per month; 2% surcharge applies). - Secondary 1 and 2: CHF 13,220 per semester — CHF 26,440 per year. (6-month instalment option: CHF 2,247 per month; 2% surcharge applies). - Secondary 3: CHF 14,140 per semester — CHF 28,280 per year. (6-month instalment option: CHF 2,404 per month; 2% surcharge applies). - Precollege 1 and 2: CHF 13,220 per semester — CHF 26,440 per year. (6-month instalment option: CHF 2,247 per month; 2% surcharge applies). - College 1 and 2: CHF 14,140 per semester — CHF 28,280 per year. (6-month instalment option: CHF 2,404 per month; 2% surcharge applies). - College 3 and 4: CHF 15,170 per semester — CHF 30,340 per year. (6-month instalment option: CHF 2,579 per month; 2% surcharge applies). - International Baccalaureate (IB) Years 1 and 2: CHF 11,730 per semester — CHF 23,460 per year. (6-month instalment option: CHF 1,994 per month; 2% surcharge applies).
Billing schedule and payment terms - School fees are billed in advance per semester. On request, arrangements can be made to pay the school fees in monthly instalments; a 6-month instalment plan is available with a 2% surcharge (monthly amounts shown above). School fees for mid-term admissions are prorated.
Sibling discount - A sibling discount of 10% of the school fees is granted for the second, third, etc. child; the reduction applies to the school fees of the younger child(ren).
Before- and after-school care (optional) - Morning care (7:00–7:30 a.m.): CHF 700 for full week (5 days), CHF 140 for one day per week, or CHF 18 per single booking hour. - After-school care (4:00–6:00 p.m.): CHF 2,400 for full week (5 days), CHF 480 for one day per week, or CHF 18 per single booking hour.
Clubs and extracurricular costs - Clubs are optional and billed separately; details and fees for specific clubs are provided by the school office.
Boarding - SIS Zürich is a bilingual day school; boarding is not offered at this campus.
Refund information - The registration (enrolment) fee is non-refundable. School fees for mid-term admissions are prorated. No other refund schedule is listed on the school's published fee overview.
Fee payment options (invoicing / instalments / administration) - Fees are invoiced per semester in advance. A 6-month instalment plan (with a 2% surcharge) is published as an available instalment option; the school notes that monthly instalment arrangements can be made on request. Specific accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer, direct debit or credit card) are handled through the school's administration and are provided on the enrolment/invoice documentation. Parents should arrange payment according to the invoice and the school's billing instructions.
Other notes on additional costs - The published tuition figures cover the levels listed above; optional services (after-school care, clubs, and any other optional services) are charged in addition to tuition. The published fee overview lists the main optional care charges; costs for items such as uniforms, specific trips, or elective extras are handled and billed separately when applicable.
(End of fee overview.)
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
ISZN follows the British Curriculum from Early Years through to A-Levels. Early Years includes a Dual Language Programme in English and German. Primary School follows the British Curriculum with a German language component and enhanced provision in Mathematics and Literacy through White Rose Maths and Read, Write Inc. The Middle Years Programme leads to IGCSEs in Grades 9-10, followed by Cambridge and Edexcel International A-Levels in Grades 11-12. The school also offers Grade 11 with the Independent Project Qualification (IPQ) and supports a Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Graduation pathways include university study in Switzerland and internationally. English is the primary instruction, with a German curriculum for all German levels (compulsory to G10, with option to G12) and French in the middle years (compulsory with option to G12).
Curriculum details
SIS Zürich offers bilingual, immersive education from Kindergarten through to College. The Academic Offer includes Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, SIS Bilingual College and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). In the bilingual primary school, teaching is based on the cantonal curriculum, supplemented with elements of the British curriculum and curricula developed by SIS. Language acquisition begins early and is guided by experts in a natural environment, leading to lifelong competence. The classrooms and special-purpose rooms are equipped with contemporary infrastructure and advanced teaching technology, supporting learning across the school. The programme emphasizes continuity from Kindergarten to College, and the school provides a large outdoor area with a sports field, playground and rooftop terrace to complement lessons.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
—
Student teacher ratio
—
Exam results
Exam results
—
Exam results
—
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Graduates go on to study at ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, the London School of Economics, and other leading universities worldwide, including institutions in Amsterdam, the USA, the UK and Australia.
Higher education progression
—
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
Grade Challenge Programmes develop research and critical-thinking skills; the Independent Project Qualification (IPQ) is available after Grade 11; the Duke of Edinburgh's Award is offered to students.
Gifted and talented
—
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
—
Academic calendar
—
Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
—
Social & emotional learning
—
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
—
English as an additional language
—
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
—
Mental wellbeing
—
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
—
Safeguarding
—
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
—
Safeguarding policy
—
Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
—
Facilities overview
—
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
—
Sports facilities
—
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
—
Academic facilities
—
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
—
Extra curricular facilities
—
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
—
History
—
Community
Community
—
Community
—
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
—
Parent teacher association
—
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
—
Academic & intellectual
—
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
—
Arts & creative
—
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
—
Cultural & language
—
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
—
Social & hobbies
—
Community & service
Community & service
—
Community & service
—
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
—
Leadership & professional
—
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
—
Lifestyle & wellbeing
—
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
—
Language provision
—
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
—
Bilingual teaching
—
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
—
Immersion programs
—
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
—
Awards
—
Accreditations
Accreditations
—
Accreditations
—
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
ISZN has rolling admissions and flexible start dates that allow families to join year-round. 1. Enquire through our website, by phone, email, or in person. 2. Connect via a video call, a campus visit and a taster day to see our students and teachers in action and experience the school's ethos firsthand. 3. Apply by submitting your application through our website. 4. Join with quick, clear communication and a prompt response as we determine the best place for your child within our school community.
Admissions
Getting in touch. The first step is very straightforward: simply get in touch with us via our contact form, by email, or by phone. You are also welcome to visit an Open House to get an impression of everyday school life and meet the school leadership in an informal setting. We send you further information, answer your questions, and discuss together what the next suitable step might be for you and your child.
Consultation. We arrange a personal consultation to get to know each other and to introduce you to our school and educational concept. If possible, we will show you around our school building and give you a brief insight into classroom life. If an on-site visit is not possible, we offer virtual, phone, or email consultations.
Trial Days. If it feels right for both sides, we arrange one or more trial days so your child can experience everyday school life. Trial days are an important and non-binding step in our shared journey and usually take place after the consultation. If trial days are not possible for you at the moment, we will gladly look for an alternative solution together.
Registration. If you decide in favour after the consultations and trial days, we will provide you with the registration form — either digitally or in printed form. You complete the form in full and submit it to the SIS school of your choice. We are, of course, happy to support you if you have any questions.
School Contract. Once we have received your registration, we will prepare the school contract and send it to you together with information about the enrolment fee. After the contract has been signed and the enrolment fee has been received, your child is officially registered at SIS Switzerland and their place at the school is reserved. The enrolment fee details are included with the contract.
Scholarships
Scholarships
IBEXEPTIONAL TALENT SCHOLARSHIP (Athletics) – Basketball. Financial assistance towards school fees, Nike performance kit, full access to facilities including the strength and conditioning centre, weekly conditioning sessions with the Head of Sport, and flexible timetabling to work around training. A commitment to communication between school and external coaches. Access to numerous competitions, including SGIS. How to apply: Students must meet the scholarship criteria; contact admissions@iszn.ch to receive the criteria. The application must include latest two school reports and an application letter and should be sent to admissions@iszn.ch until 12 April 2024.
Scholarships
—
Waitlist
Waitlist
—
Waitlist
Does SIS have waiting lists? If a year group or class is full, the SIS schools maintain waiting lists. To secure a place for your child, enquire about capacity early, preferably in the spring.