SIS Swiss International School Zürich vs Tandem International Multilingual School
SIS Swiss International School Zürich and Tandem International Multilingual School are both in Zug, about 6 km apart. Both schools offer IB, Bespoke, British and Swiss programmes. Published annual fees are CHF 23,460 - 30,340 at SIS Swiss International School Zürich and CHF 25,320 - 33,600 at Tandem International Multilingual School, which puts Tandem International Multilingual School roughly 10% higher. SIS Swiss International School Zürich takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Tandem International Multilingual School from 0.5 to 18. The two are similar in size, at around 327 and 350 pupils. Typical class sizes are 20 at SIS Swiss International School Zürich and 22 at Tandem International Multilingual School.
IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Curriculum
IB (PYP), Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
327
Pupils
350
Typical class size
Typical class size
20
Typical class size
22
Instruction language
Instruction language
German, English
Instruction language
German, English, French
Opened
Opened
2005
Opened
2004
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
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.
Location
Zurich region, Switzerland, with campuses in Erlenbach, Küsnacht, Zollikon and Zürich (Seefeldstrasse 111, CH-8008).
Stages
Stages
Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, SIS Bilingual College, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Stages
Early Years & Pre-School; Kindergarten; Primary School; Gymnasium (upper secondary leading to the Swiss Matura).
School type
School type
Private bilingual day school.
School type
Day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
327 enrolled students; 40+ nationalities.
Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Switzerland.
Country affiliation
Switzerland and United Kingdom (Zurich canton curriculum Lehrplan 21; UK National Curriculum).
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
Lunch, homework supervision, before- and after-school care, and flexible drop-off and pickup times.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
Bus transfer from Erlenbach to Zurich connecting campuses with pick-up locations along the lake; 07:50 pickups in Erlenbach, Küsnacht and Zollikon; 08:20 pickup in Zürich Seefeld.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
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.)
Fee details
Application & one-off (first-time) fees - Assessment (application) fee: CHF 300. - Registration / enrolment fee (one-off, charged after contractual offer): CHF 550. - Capital fund (one-off, charged at first enrolment for Gymnasium pupils): Progymnasium CHF 3'000; Kurzgymnasium CHF 2'000.
Tuition fees — Early Years, Pre‑School (day care hours shown) - Early Years (0–3 years) — tuition per month (09:00–16:00): 2 days CHF 1'268; 3 days CHF 1'902; 4 days CHF 2'536; 5 days CHF 3'170. - Pre‑School (3–4 years) — tuition per month (09:00–16:00): 3 days CHF 1'902; 4 days CHF 2'536; 5 days CHF 3'170.
Tuition fees — Kindergarten (4–6 years) - Annual tuition (08:50–15:40): 3.5 days CHF 25'320; 4 days CHF 27'960. - Optional French Fridays programme (includes lunch and day care): CHF 7'524 per year.
Tuition fees — Primary School (6–12 years) - Annual tuition (08:30–15:55): 4.5 days CHF 28'380; 5 days CHF 30'360. (With 4.5 days, Wednesday morning ends at 12:30 and excludes lunch; 5 days includes Wednesday afternoon French in Zurich.)
Optional / additional fees and typical extras - Kurzgymnasium afternoon preparation course (Aug–Mar) for Grade 8: CHF 2'500 (optional). - Additional language support (German/English/French), charged per semester: CHF 1'000 (optional). - DELF / Cambridge exam preparation, project weeks, external internships, multi‑day trips and other externally billed activities: charged individually when they occur. - Schoolbooks: personal schoolbooks are charged individually; routine school materials (except personal books) are included in the tuition. - After‑school clubs and extra‑curricular sessions: fees vary by activity, duration and provider; these are charged separately. - Holiday‑care / Holiday‑camp options: separate booking is possible; typical daily holiday‑care fee (separate booking) is CHF 160 per day per child (includes breakfast, snacks, lunch and materials). Holiday camp weeks have published per‑week fees and specific cancellation deadlines; cancelled bookings after the deadline are subject to full charge. Registration fees for some extra‑curricular camps may be non‑refundable. - School bus service is available (day‑time transfer between campuses and local pick‑up points); bus usage is an additional service with separate charges.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition is calculated on a yearly basis and is presented as a single annual amount. For billing simplicity the annual fee is divided into 12 equal monthly amounts. These monthly amounts are invoiced on a quarterly basis (three months per invoice). Invoices for each quarter are due before the start of that quarter. Optional charges are invoiced separately (arrears invoice). One‑off fees for new pupils are due before the start and are non‑refundable.
Refund, cancellation and discount rules - One‑off fees charged at first enrolment (assessment, enrolment fee, capital fund) are non‑refundable. - Holiday camp cancellations: if a booking is cancelled after the stated deadline, the full camp fee is due; no refunds are given for missed sessions or illness in normal circumstances. If a camp is cancelled by the school for government‑mandated reasons, fees will not be charged. Registration fees for extra‑curricular activities may be non‑refundable. - Sibling discount: while multiple children from the same private‑paying family attend the school, each child receives a 5% reduction on the tuition (optional fees excluded). The enrolment fee for a second child is reduced by 50%. These discounts apply only when fees are paid by a private individual (not a company).
Boarding - Tandem IMS is a day school; boarding is not offered.
Fee payment options and invoicing - Tuition and additional charges are issued by invoice (quarterly for the 12‑month split; optional fees billed separately). Payment instructions and the required payment details are provided on each invoice. Optional fees and one‑off fees are due as stated on their respective invoices.
Important notes about optional charges and variability - The published figures above cover the core tuition and commonly referenced optional items. Project weeks, residential trips, specialised exam fees, some extra‑curricular providers and certain consumables are charged on an individual basis when they occur. After‑school club and holiday camp fees vary by programme and are set per offering. Capital fund and one‑time enrolment charges apply at first enrolment for relevant programmes.
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
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.
Curriculum details
The core curriculum is Zurich Lehrplan 21 and the UK National Curriculum, with additional elements from the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Translanguaging and enquiry-based learning are integral parts of the Tandem IMS curriculum. It is designed to prepare pupils for the Swiss Gymnasium or other upper-level schools. It follows a twelve-month span with monthly and weekly planning to tailor activities to each class and language development. It aligns Swiss and international curricula and supports multilingual education across languages.
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
Gymnasium pass rate: 100%. DELF Prim pass rate: 100%.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
Prepares pupils for the Swiss Matura and direct access to Swiss universities. Progymi, Kurzgymi, and Matura are offered in bilingual and monolingual tracks. Starting in 2026/27, a 10th Grade Gymnasium Preparation bridge year supports ZAP/TAP readiness and pathways toward Gymnasium and related design/engineering tracks.
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
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.
Admissions
Prospective families are invited to learn about the school's philosophy and curriculum; to enquire about space, fill out the Enquiry Form. International applicants will receive information and support from office staff to assist with a smooth transition for the entire family. The Admissions section also provides access to Tuition and Fees and School Holidays.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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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.
