Switzerland, Lucerne
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· Reviewed by Giulia Ceccon · Chief Marketing Officer
International School Altdorf is a private international boarding and day school for students aged 13 to 18, set on a hillside campus with mountain views. The school offers a rigorous mix of Cambridge IGCSE (14–16) and the IB Middle Years Programme for junior years, along with the IB Diploma Programme (16–19) and the IB Career-related Programme supported by BVIS and UNWTO Academy Switzerland with OTHM accreditation. Language development is a clear focus, with IGCSE languages (English, German, French, Chinese) and targeted English support for non-native speakers. The campus features athletics facilities (soccer, basketball, tennis; summer beach volleyball and outdoor pool) and a fitness club, plus outdoor activities such as hiking, rowing, mountain biking and skiing. A distinctive feature is the on-campus animal shelter run by students, linking campus life with service. Modern classrooms, a well-equipped library, and tutoring and exam-prep services support personalised learning. The school welcomes international families worldwide.
St. Josefsweg 15, 6460 Altdorf, Switzerland
International School Altdorf has 100 pupils, typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.
St. Josefsweg 15, 6460 Altdorf UR, Switzerland. The campus is located in Altdorf, in the canton of Uri, central Switzerland. The campus includes on-campus housing for students.
Middle Years: Cambridge IGCSE (ages 14-16) and Middle Years International Program (IBMYP) candidate. Senior Years: International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16-19.
International private boarding and day school with on-campus residences for students.
Academic Support includes tutoring, mentoring, exam preparation, and language support for English as a first or second language; guidance counselors support university applications.
Annual tuition at International School Altdorf ranges from CHF 25,000 to CHF 70,000 for 2026/27.
International School Altdorf teaches IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (MYP) for students aged 13 to 19.
Cambridge IGCSE is a two-year program offered for students typically aged 14–16. The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum includes Languages (English First Language; English Second Language; German Second Language; French Second Language; Chinese First Language), Humanities (Economics, Business Studies, History), Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Combined Sciences), and Mathematics (International Mathematics; Additional Mathematics). The IB Diploma Programme is offered for students aged 16–19, with six subject groups and core components including Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service. The IB Career-related Programme blends at least two IB Diploma Programme courses with career-related studies (Languages, Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, International Tourism Management), includes a Reflective Project and mandatory language development, and is supported by BVIS and UNWTO Academy Switzerland with OTHM accreditation. The Middle Years Programme is an IB program being pursued as an IB World School center for the junior years (ages 14–16), organized around eight subject groups with Personal Project and Service as Action, and with sports integrated into the curriculum. Academic support is provided, including tutoring and exam preparation for IGCSE and IB, and language development for non-native English speakers.
All graduates have continued their studies at universities and institutions around the world. An in-house career and university counsellor team guides students toward their future decisions and helps develop independent learners prepared for university or college. Offers have been extended to top universities worldwide, including Imperial College London, University College London, University of St Andrews, University of Edinburgh and King's College London in the UK; the University of Toronto in Canada; the University of California system in the United States; and EPFL in Switzerland.
The Admissions Team assists prospective families through the admission process. Enquiries can be made via Enquire now or Register now, and prospective families may arrange a campus visit, an online or in-person meeting, and receive personal advice tailored to their needs. School visits are encouraged but not mandatory; prospective students may spend up to two trial days (one overnight) free of charge, subject to availability in the boarding houses. The admission and assessment of new students hoping to join International School Altdorf depends on past school performance, current assessments, and personal impressions; applications are reviewed, and qualifying candidates are invited to attend an interview and take an admissions test either during a campus visit or online via Teams. Successful candidates will be offered a place and will receive an enrolment confirmation with a deposit invoice; space is secured upon payment and signed school contract. Entry is ideally at the start of the school year, but mid-year entries can be considered on an individual basis and early registration (at least six months before the start of the school year) is encouraged to allow time for student visa processing where applicable. Scholarships are partial and merit-based; full scholarships are not available. Scholarship applicants should upload certificates, awards, and other documentation showcasing academic and non-academic talents; selected applicants are invited to a scholarship interview with the Head of School.
International School Altdorf awards partial, merit-based scholarships; full scholarships are not available. Scholarship applicants should upload certificates, awards, and other documentation showcasing academic and non-academic talents; selected applicants are invited to a scholarship interview with the Head of School.
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