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Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction
GIS Lugano is a bilingual international school in Lugano, Switzerland, offering a multilingual curriculum for ages 3 to 18. English and Italian are the primary languages of instruction, with intensive Italian for local culture and native-speaking teachers supporting linguistic diversity. The school follows the International Baccalaureate framework and is pursuing authorization for the IB Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme, while also delivering a bespoke curriculum that blends inquiry-based learning with a student-centered approach. The campus includes Early Years learning spaces such as Digital Atelier, Clay Atelier, Colour Atelier, The Piazza, Psychomotor Space, and Nature Corner, with a strong emphasis on safety and hands-on exploration. Technology is integrated across learning, including BYOD in upper years and access to interactive whiteboards and coding programs. GIS Lugano supports global perspectives through international exchanges with partner schools in Brazil and Italy, weekly electives, and a 100 Languages Philosophy that celebrates linguistic diversity.
GIS The International School of Lugano has instruction in English, Italian.
Location
GIS Lugano is located in Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland, at Via Senago 42E, 6912 Lugano, in the Pazzallo neighbourhood. It is easily accessible by public transport, with travel times: about 12 minutes from Lugano city centre, 20 minutes from Mendrisio, 28 minutes from Bellinzona, and 30 minutes from Chiasso.
Stages
GIS Lugano offers education from Early Years (preschool) through secondary school. The secondary section is divided between Middle School (ages 11–14) and Liceo (ages 15–18) and the Liceo is planned to be introduced in a second development phase.
Type
International school
Country affiliation
Switzerland
School day structure
Day arrival and dismissal are age-specific: Early Years arrive 8:15–9:00 (flexible) and are dismissed at 15:45; Elementary arrive 8:15–8:30 (lessons begin 8:30) and are dismissed at 15:50; Middle School arrives 8:10 (lessons begin 8:15) and is dismissed at 15:55. After-School Enrichment starts at 16:00.
Fees
Annual tuition at GIS The International School of Lugano ranges from CHF 11,200 to CHF 22,500 for 2026/27.
Tuition fees by year group (annual and instalments)
The school publishes annual tuition by year group and the three-instalment breakdown (25% / 50% / 25%). Payment deadlines shown are those published for the 2025/2026 schedule and the instalment percentages apply as indicated below. Amounts and instalment splits:
- Annual lunches charge: CHF 2,200.00. - Lunch payments are split: 50% of lunches invoiced with the 2nd instalment and 50% with the 3rd instalment (no lunches charge on the 1st instalment).
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Instalment schedule as published for the 2025/2026 fees: - 1st payment (25% of tuition) + Registration Fee + Admission Fee — due by 31/01/2025. - 2nd payment (50% of tuition) + 50% of lunch fees — due by 31/07/2025. - 3rd payment (25% of tuition) + 50% of lunch fees — due by 15/12/2025. - Fees must be paid by the dates indicated in the billing schedule.
Discounts and what the tuition includes
- Sibling discounts on tuition: 10% for the second child, 20% for the third child, 25% for the fourth child. - Upfront payment discount: 5% on tuition if the total tuition amount is paid upfront by the stated upfront-payment deadline (published example: payment by 31/01/2025). - Tuition includes books and stationery and tablets for school use. Any items not explicitly listed as included are charged extra.
Boarding fees
- The published fee schedule lists no boarding fees. No boarding charge is included in the published annual tuition schedule.
Other costs and typical additional fees
- Uniform: Wearing the school uniform is compulsory. Uniform items are supplied by CoccoBaby and ordered through the designated uniform platform (myunif.com); uniform items are an additional cost and are not included in the tuition line items. - Items explicitly not included: any items not listed under the tuition inclusions (books, stationery, tablets) will be charged extra; parents should expect additional costs for personal supplies, certain school trips, specialised materials, optional activities and external exam/assessment fees where applicable.
Refund information
- The published annual fee schedule provides the chargeable items, instalment amounts and payment deadlines but does not set out a detailed refund or cancellation schedule within the same fee document. The fees schedule does identify the Admission Fee as a fee charged for new enrolments. For clarity about refunds of specific fees (for example enrolment cancellation, withdrawals, or refunds of payments), the school's formal refund/cancellation terms are not included in the single-page fee schedule and should be confirmed with the school's admissions or finance office.
Fee payment options
- The published fee documents and fee summary do not list specific accepted payment methods (for example bank transfer or card) in the fee schedule itself. Payment method details and invoicing instructions are handled through the school's admissions/finance processes. Confirm available payment channels and any transfer instructions with the admissions/finance office.
Brief note on gaps in the published fee schedule (concise)
- The one-page published annual fee schedule provides amounts, instalment splits, payment deadlines, discounts and what tuition covers, but it does not publish a full refund/cancellation policy or specify accepted payment methods on that same fee sheet. Financial and contractual details such as refund timelines, the treatment of mid-year withdrawals, and the school's accepted payment channels are handled separately by the school's admissions/finance team.
Academics
GIS The International School of Lugano teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
GIS The International School of Lugano offers a multilingual, bilingual curriculum with English and Italian instruction. The program emphasizes a student-centered approach, inquiry-based learning, and multilingualism. It aligns with the principles of the Swiss Federal Constitution and is a candidate school for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), pursuing IB World School authorization. The curriculum focuses on nurturing ethical, creative, and intellectual growth, and developing global citizens. English and Italian sound throughout the halls, reflecting a bilingual environment guided by native-speaking teachers who celebrate linguistic diversity and the 100 Languages Philosophy.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Pastoral care is provided with counseling and support services to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and confident in their learning journey. Social-emotional learning is embedded through dedicated programs, including antibullying and cyberbullying initiatives that teach empathy, resilience, and conflict resolution. The school emphasizes a holistic approach to education, integrating social and emotional development with academics. The learning culture supports students through small class sizes and individualized guidance to nurture personal growth and well-being. Students are encouraged to engage with their communities, reflect on personal strengths and attitudes, and develop self-regulation as lifelong learners.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The curriculum provides a bilingual approach with English as the primary medium of instruction and Italian taught intensively to connect with local culture. Our bilingual program integrates with the International Baccalaureate framework. Some lessons, such as History, Geography, Mathematics and Science, may be conducted in Italian depending on the pathway; Middle School students may take the Terza Media exam if they choose that pathway; all students who continue to High School study these subjects in English.
Mental Wellbeing
Pastoral care and counseling are provided to support student wellbeing. Social-emotional learning includes antibullying and cyberbullying programs, teaching empathy, resilience, and conflict resolution. The school emphasizes holistic development with wellbeing integrated into daily practice and learning experiences.
Safeguarding
Pastoral care and safeguarding measures support student safety and wellbeing. Anti-bullying and cyberbullying programs help protect students from harm. Campus safety includes secure entrances, supervised outdoor areas, and regular safety drills. Transportation services support safe commuting to and from school.
Admissions
Admissions
The school offers a bilingual education in English and Italian for students from preschool through secondary school. GIS Lugano is part of the GIS Group of International Schools Suisse and follows the IB curriculum merged with the Swiss cantonal standards. Enrollment is open throughout the year following the Admissions Policy, with class placements based on age. Fees information and payment options are available, and documents publish details such as an Admission Fee of CHF 2,500 and a Registration Fee of CHF 1,500 for 2025/2026. Prospective families can book a personalized visit.
FAQs
What curriculum does GIS The International School of Lugano offer?
GIS The International School of Lugano offers IB, AP, International Baccalaureate curriculums. GIS The International School of Lugano offers a multilingual, bilingual curriculum with English and Italian instruction. The program emphasizes a student-centered approach, inquiry-based learning, and multilingualism.
What age range does GIS The International School of Lugano cater for?
GIS The International School of Lugano accepts students from age 3 to 18. GIS Lugano offers education from Early Years (preschool) through secondary school.
What are the fees at GIS The International School of Lugano?
Annual fees at GIS The International School of Lugano range from approximately 17,400 to 26,200. **Application & Registration Fees** - Admission fee (one-time, new enrolments only): CHF 2,500.00. - Registration fee (annual): CHF 1,500.00. **Tuition fees by year group (annual and instalments)** The school publishes annual tuition by year group and the three-instalment breakdown (25% / 50% / 25%).
Where is GIS The International School of Lugano located?
GIS The International School of Lugano is located in Switzerland. GIS Lugano is located in Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland, at Via Senago 42E, 6912 Lugano, in the Pazzallo neighbourhood.
Is GIS The International School of Lugano co-educational?
GIS The International School of Lugano is a co-educational school. International school.
How do I apply to GIS The International School of Lugano?
The admissions process at GIS The International School of Lugano: The school offers a bilingual education in English and Italian for students from preschool through secondary school. GIS Lugano is part of the GIS Group of International Schools Suisse and follows the IB curriculum merged with the Swiss cantonal standards.
Does GIS The International School of Lugano offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support?
The curriculum provides a bilingual approach with English as the primary medium of instruction and Italian taught intensively to connect with local culture. Our bilingual program integrates with the International Baccalaureate framework.
What facilities does GIS The International School of Lugano have?
GIS Lugano is located in Lugano, offering a bilingual English-Italian program integrated with the International Baccalaureate framework. The Early Years Learning Environment includes Digital Atelier, Clay Atelier, Colour Atelier, The Piazza, Psychomotor Space, and Nature Corner. The campus emphasize Sports facilities include: Sports are offered including swimming, soccer, and basketball. Our facilities are designed to support both individual sports and team-based activities.
What extra-curricular activities are available at GIS The International School of Lugano?
GIS The International School of Lugano offers a range of extra-curricular activities. Drama, Visual Art, and Music are core arts disciplines offered at GIS Lugano.
What languages are taught at GIS The International School of Lugano?
The school offers a bilingual curriculum in English and Italian, seamlessly integrated with the IB framework.
Who is the head of GIS The International School of Lugano?
The head of school at GIS The International School of Lugano is Graeme Wallbank.
How many students attend GIS The International School of Lugano?
GIS The International School of Lugano has approximately 100 students. The school serves students from age 3 to 18.
When was GIS The International School of Lugano founded?
GIS The International School of Lugano was founded in 2025. The holding named Group of International Schools Suisse (GIS), based on the founders' solid experience in international education, aims to establish and develop a group of international schools designed to offer premium education which inspires 21st
Does GIS The International School of Lugano have a uniform policy?
Uniform is compulsory across all GIS Lugano campuses and year groups. Uniforms are supplied by CoccoBaby; orders are placed online via myunif.com.
What is the parent community like at GIS The International School of Lugano?
GIS Lugano's community is anchored in a shared mission across GIS campuses.
