Lakeside School - Kusnacht vs SIS Swiss International School Zürich-Wollishofen
Lakeside School - Kusnacht and SIS Swiss International School Zürich-Wollishofen are both in Zug, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer Bespoke and Swiss programmes, and SIS Swiss International School Zürich-Wollishofen also offers British. Published annual fees are close, at CHF 20,400 - 27,600 for Lakeside School - Kusnacht and CHF 25,860 for SIS Swiss International School Zürich-Wollishofen. Lakeside School - Kusnacht takes pupils from 3 to 12, and SIS Swiss International School Zürich-Wollishofen from 4 to 12.
Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
200
Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
18
Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English, German
Instruction language
English, German
Opened
Opened
1996
Opened
2000
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Küsnacht, canton of Zürich, Switzerland. The campus is located in Küsnacht with a magnificent view of Lake Zurich. Getting to school is convenient by public transport: a ten-minute walk from the Küsnacht-Goldbach or Zollikon train stations. A school bus runs from the Tiefenbrunnen or Küsnacht train stations at no extra cost, and door-to-door service can be arranged depending on location. Bus routes are established each June for the next academic year.
Location
Located between the city and Lake Zürich, SIS Zürich-Wollishofen sits in a charming garden complex where two buildings are combined. The bilingual kindergarten is housed in the historic building, while the bilingual primary school, library and cafeteria are in the modern building. The school is easily accessible by public transport and offers a central, green location with views of Landiwiese park and Lake Zürich.
In-house language and learning support rooms for small-group instruction
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
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
School bus from Tiefenbrunnen or Küsnacht train stations at no extra cost; door-to-door service possible depending on location; routes set each June for the next academic year
Bus service details
A school bus is available.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application & Entrance Fees
- Registration (Anmeldegebühr): CHF 500.- (non-refundable). - Deposit (security deposit payable when the contract is signed): CHF 3,500.- for the 1st child / CHF 2,500.- for the 2nd child / CHF 1,500.- for each further child. The deposit is retained if the school contract is terminated less than 16 weeks before the child's agreed start date; otherwise the deposit is refunded on exit after settlement of any outstanding amounts. - For Pre‑Kindergarten programmes a school fund (Schulfond) charge applies: CHF 1,000.-. Sibling deposit scale shown on Pre‑K information: 1st child CHF 2,000.- / 2nd child CHF 1,000.- / from 3rd child CHF 500.- (specific Pre‑K registration/deposit information is published with the Pre‑K programme).
Tuition fees by programme and year group (month / annual equivalents where published)
- Pre‑Kindergarten (full programme; Wednesday afternoon free): CHF 2,050.- per month (annual equivalent CHF 24,600.-). - Pre‑Kindergarten (five mornings per week): CHF 1,310.- per month (annual equivalent CHF 15,720.-). Additional morning: CHF 260.- per month (annual equivalent CHF 3,120.-). Additional afternoon: CHF 210.- per month (annual equivalent CHF 2,520.-). - Kindergarten (full programme; Wednesday afternoon free): CHF 2,310.- per month (annual equivalent CHF 27,720.-). Options with an additional free afternoon shown at CHF 2,150.- or CHF 2,200.- per month (annual equivalents CHF 25,800.- and CHF 26,400.- respectively). - Primary school (1st – 6th grade; full programme; Wednesday morning only): CHF 2,310.- per month (annual equivalent CHF 27,720.-).
Additional day‑care, lunch and extra-curricular charges
- Day Care (sample rates published): morning care (07:30–08:45, five days) CHF 307.- per month (annual CHF 3,684.-). After‑school care options (15:45–17:30) CHF 429.- per month (annual CHF 5,148.-); (15:45–18:30) CHF 678.- per month (annual CHF 8,136.-). Single sessions and Wednesday‑afternoon options also listed with published per‑session rates. - Hot Lunch (catered lunch; VAT excluded): Monday–Friday (including Wednesday) CHF 250.- per month (annual CHF 3,000.-); Monday–Friday (excluding Wednesday) CHF 200.- per month (annual CHF 2,400.-); Tuesday & Thursday option CHF 100.- per month (annual CHF 1,200.-). - Holiday care and semester leisure courses are charged separately; published materials note guaranteed minimum holiday‑care weeks and that some leisure courses incur additional fees. - School bus: a guaranteed spot on the school shuttle from the nearby Tiefenbrunnen or Küsnacht train stations is provided without additional cost; door‑to‑door pickup may be organised depending on routing (published routing is established each June). Specific door‑to‑door provisions and routes are handled by the school.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Regular tuition and service charges are stated as monthly amounts and are payable in advance at the start of each month. Published materials show monthly amounts and annual equivalents. Price changes are reserved by the school. A sibling discount applies: 5% for the second child and 10% from the third child.
Boarding
- Lakeside School Küsnacht operates as a day school (day programmes, day care, after‑school provision). No boarding fees apply.
Other costs and typical extras
- School fund (Schulfond) charge associated with Pre‑K registration: CHF 1,000.-. - Enrollment or programme administrative charges for sport, excursions, specialised courses and some extracurricular programmes may be invoiced separately when offered; holiday‑care weeks and some leisure courses are charged in addition to base fees. Hot lunch, day‑care and single‑session charges are itemised as above. - Uniforms are not listed among mandatory fees in the published programme and pricing materials for the Küsnacht campus. Specific activity‑related equipment or course materials, if required, are invoiced or communicated per programme.
Refunds and cancellations (entrance fees / deposit rules)
- The registration fee CHF 500.- is not refundable. - The deposit is due at contract signature and is refundable on exit after settlement of any outstanding charges, subject to published notice and forfeiture rules (for example a deduction/forfeiture if the contract is terminated within the published notice period before the agreed start date). Specific published deposit amounts and notice conditions are stated in the entrance‑fees documentation.
Fee payment options
- The school accepts electronic and card‑based payment channels through supported payment providers listed in the school's payment and privacy information; published payment options include PostFinance, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay, Stripe and Klarna (as well as the school's invoicing/accounting platforms). Payment is typically handled by bank transfer or the school's accepted electronic payment methods.
Summary statement
- Monthly tuition amounts and the corresponding annual equivalents are published for Pre‑K, Kindergarten and Primary (1–6) and for day‑care and hot‑lunch options; fees are billed monthly in advance and are subject to the school's published deposit, registration and refund rules.
Fee details
Registration / Application fee - One-time registration fee, non-refundable. Payment of this fee guarantees a school place. - First child: CHF 600. - Each additional child from the same family: CHF 500.
Tuition fees (per semester) and annual equivalents - Billing schedule: school fees are billed in advance per semester. On request, arrangements can be made to pay the school fees in monthly instalments (see instalment line below). School fees for mid-term admissions are prorated.
- Kindergarten 1 and 2: - Per semester (one payment at the beginning of the semester): CHF 12,930. - Instalment option: CHF 2,198 per month for 6 months (6 monthly instalments; 2% surcharge). - Per academic year (two semesters): CHF 25,860 if paid by semester; instalment total per semester is CHF 13,188 (CHF 2,198 × 6), equivalent to CHF 26,376 per academic year when using the instalment option.
- Primary (Primary 1 to Primary 6): - Per semester (one payment at the beginning of the semester): CHF 12,930. - Instalment option: CHF 2,198 per month for 6 months (6 monthly instalments; 2% surcharge). - Per academic year (two semesters): CHF 25,860 if paid by semester; instalment total per semester is CHF 13,188 (CHF 2,198 × 6), equivalent to CHF 26,376 per academic year when using the instalment option.
Sibling discount - A sibling discount of 10% on the school fees is applied for the second, third, etc. child from the same family while multiple children are enrolled. The reduction applies to the younger child(ren).
Before- and after-school care (optional) - Morning care (7:00–7:30 a.m.): - Full week (5 days): CHF 700. - One day per week: CHF 140. - Single booking, per hour: CHF 18. - Afternoon care (4:00–6:00 p.m.): - Full week (5 days): CHF 2,400. - One day per week: CHF 480. - Single booking, per hour: CHF 18.
School bus (optional) - School transport is offered on defined routes; places are limited and routes may change. - Zone fares (listed as one-way ride and round-trip): - Zone I (Zürich city limit to Kilchberg): CHF 9.50 one-way / CHF 19.00 round-trip. - Zone II (to Adliswil and Rüschlikon): CHF 11.50 one-way / CHF 23.00 round-trip. - Zone III (to Thalwil): CHF 13.50 one-way / CHF 27.00 round-trip. - Zone IV (to Horgen) — afternoon only: CHF 18.00 one-way / CHF 36.00 round-trip.
Clubs and extracurricular costs - Clubs and extracurricular activities are offered; specific costs for clubs are available from the school office on request.
Boarding / residential provision - The school operates as a day school and does not offer boarding accommodation.
Refunds and prorating - The registration fee is explicitly non-refundable. - School fees for mid-term admissions are prorated to reflect the shortened period of attendance.
Billing schedule and payment terms (summary) - Fees are invoiced in advance per semester. On request, a six-month monthly instalment plan is available for a 2% surcharge on the instalment total. Mid-term admissions are billed on a prorated basis.
Fee payment options - Fees are issued by invoice according to the billing schedule above; the school provides instalment arrangements on request. Specific accepted payment methods are indicated on invoicing documentation.
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
Primary School runs from Grade 1 to 6 and provides a bilingual foundation. Bilingual Matura offers upper-school options up to the Swiss Matura.
Curriculum details
Teaching follows the cantonal curriculum and is gradually supplemented with elements of the British curriculum and curricula developed by SIS. In the bilingual primary school, a German-speaking and an English-speaking teacher work with students, using their native languages to communicate. Language acquisition begins early and is guided by experts in a natural environment, leading to lifelong competence.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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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
Registration is online; you can register your child online for Lakeside School Küsnacht or contact us if you have any further questions. Fees and registration are managed via the Fees & Registration page, where offers and prices are calculated dynamically as you build an individual program. The Küsnacht campus offers Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Primary School; additional services include Day School, Day Care, Hot Lunch, School Bus Küsnacht, After School Clubs, and Holiday Care.
Admissions
1. Getting in Touch: The first step is to get in touch via the contact form, by email, or by phone. You are welcome to visit an Open House to experience daily school life and meet the school leadership. Further information is provided, initial questions are answered, and the next suitable step for your child is discussed.
2. Consultation: A personal consultation is arranged to get to know each other. Questions are answered and the school and its educational concept are introduced, with a possible building tour to give a brief insight into classroom life. If an on-site visit is not possible, consultations can be conducted virtually, by phone, or via email.
3. Trial Days: If it feels right for both sides, one or more trial days are arranged. Trial days let your child experience everyday school life and determine comfort in the environment, and the process is non-binding. If trial days aren't possible, an alternative solution is explored.
4. Registration: You receive the registration form—digital or printed. If you decide in favour after consultations and trial days, complete the form in full and submit it to the SIS school of your choice. Support is available if you have questions.
5. School Contract: The school contract is prepared after registration, with information about the enrolment fee. After the contract is signed and the enrolment fee is received, the child is officially registered at SIS Switzerland and their place at the school is reserved.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
If a year group or class is full, SIS schools maintain waiting lists. To secure a place, inquire about capacity early, preferably in the spring.