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Strengths Languages, Outdoor Education, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Early Years, Primary School
Introduction
International School of Neuchâtel (ISN) offers a Montessori-based education for children aged 2 to 12 in a bilingual French–English environment. The programme combines Montessori pedagogy with elements of the Swiss curriculum and emphasizes independent, self-directed learning within calm, structured environments. Montessori classes begin around age 3, while the Atelier for ages 2–4 uses project-oriented spaces that encourage exploration. In the elementary years, two teachers and an assistant deliver all subjects in both languages, with dedicated language mentors and a curriculum that covers Language, Mathematics, German, General Culture, Art and Music, and Physical Education, supplemented by PER. The school operates within a well-equipped gymnasium, a front-facing play area, and regular forest walks. ISN has 158 pupils from 25 nationalities (2023) and 112 families, and is a member of Association Montessori Switzerland. After-school care and rich arts, cultural, and language offerings complement daily learning. The school fosters independence, curiosity, and global citizenship.
Rue de Sainte-Hélène 50, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
The Essentials
International School of Neuchatel has 158 pupils, instruction in French, English.
Location
Rue de Ste He9le8ne 50, 2000 Neuche2tel, Switzerland.
Stages
From 2 to 4; From 3 to 6; From 6 to 9; From 9 to 12.
Type
Montessori; bilingual Frencha0e2 English immersion.
Pupil Nationality Mix
25 different nationalities.
Additional learning support
Academic support staff available.
Country affiliation
Member of Association Montessori (Switzerland).
School day structure
L53 Atelier (2 0d4 4): 8:00 012:00, Monday 0to Friday; minimum attendance two mornings. From 3 0to 6: 7:45 morning care; 8:00 012:00; lunch; 15:00 017:00 or 18:00 after-school; Wednesdays have optional afternoon activities. 6 0to 9: 8:00 015:00; after-school 15:00 017:00/18:00; Wednesdays finish at 12:00. 9 0to 12: 8:00 015:00; after-school study 15:00 017:00/18:00; Wednesdays finish at 12:00.
Fees
Annual tuition at International School of Neuchatel ranges from CHF 11,760 to CHF 19,580 for 2026/27.
Application / Registration fee
- One-time registration and application fee: CHF 600 (paid once for the child's entire time at the school). A 10% reduction on the registration fee applies to the second and subsequent children from the same family. The registration fee validates and reserves the child's place and is not refundable once confirmation has been sent.
Re-enrolment deposit
- Re-enrolment procedure: re-enrolment is automatic unless a written cancellation is received by February 15. From February 15 a re-enrolment deposit of CHF 1,000 on the annual school fees is due; re-enrolment is final only after receipt of this amount by March 31.
Tuition fees (by year group) — options shown per month, per quarter (4 instalments) and per year
- Children's House — 3 years old only (Grade 0) — minimum attendance options and fees: - Option A (example lower-attendance option): Monthly CHF 1,000 / Quarterly CHF 3,000 / Yearly CHF 11,760. - Option B (mid option): Monthly CHF 1,080 / Quarterly CHF 3,240 / Yearly CHF 12,700. - Option C (full option): Monthly CHF 1,230 / Quarterly CHF 3,690 / Yearly CHF 14,465. - Morning snack is included for all Children's House options; outing costs CHF 100 per year.
- Children's House — 3 to 6 years old (Grades 0 to 2) — standard full-time option (5 mornings + 4 afternoons, meal included): - Monthly CHF 1,390 / Quarterly CHF 4,170 / Yearly CHF 16,350. - Morning snack included; outing costs CHF 100 per year.
- Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary — ages 6 to 12 (Grades 3 to 8) — standard full-time option (5 mornings + 4 afternoons, meal included): - Monthly CHF 1,665 / Quarterly CHF 4,995 / Yearly CHF 19,580. - Morning snack included; outing costs CHF 200 per year.
- Ad-hoc and extras: - Cost of a meal eaten on an ad‑hoc basis: CHF 20. - Ad‑hoc afternoon stay: CHF 35. - Extra‑curricular activities or supervised study (ad‑hoc) until 17:00: CHF 35. - Extra‑curricular activities or supervised study plus activities until 18:00 (ad‑hoc): CHF 50. - Wednesday afternoon ad‑hoc (meal included) until 17:00: CHF 85; until 18:00: CHF 100. - Regular additional childcare (after 15:00), snack included — fees depend on number of days per week and end time; published examples: - Until 16:00 (snack included): monthly CHF 60 / 120 / 180 / 240 / 300 for 1–5 days per week; quarterly and yearly alternatives published accordingly (e.g., yearly CHF 705 / 1,410 / 2,115 / 2,820 / 3,525). - Until 17:00 (snack included): monthly CHF 85 / 170 / 255 / 340 / 425 for 1–5 days per week; yearly CHF 1,000 / 2,000 / 3,000 / 4,000 / 5,000 respectively. - Until 18:00 (snack included): monthly CHF 125 / 250 / 375 / 500 / 625 for 1–5 days per week; yearly CHF 1,470 / 2,940 / 4,410 / 5,880 / 7,350 respectively. - Outing cost for younger levels: CHF 100 per year (Children's House); for Elementary levels: CHF 200 per year.
Sibling discount
- A 10% discount applies to the tuition of the second and subsequent children from the same family.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Invoicing frequency options: annual (one instalment), quarterly (four instalments), or monthly (12 instalments). Parents choose preferred invoicing at enrolment. Payments must be made on the due date shown on invoices. - Quarter change and payment deadlines (changes are effective only from the next due date): - Quarter 1: changes possible until June 15; payment due by July 15. - Quarter 2: changes possible until September 15; payment due by October 15. - Quarter 3: changes possible until December 15; payment due by January 15. - Quarter 4: changes possible until March 15; payment due by April 15. - Late payment fees are charged after the second reminder; persistent non‑payment may lead to exclusion while fees remain due.
Boarding / Internat
- Boarding is not applicable. The school operates as a day school and does not publish boarding or overnight accommodation fees.
Other costs and optional charges
- Occasional or optional charges can include extra‑curricular activity fees, supervised study charges, special outings or trips, and any ad‑hoc meals; published ad‑hoc rates are listed above. Specific optional services and their invoicing are charged separately. Morning snack is included in the published tuition.
Refunds and cancellation policy (key points)
- The registration fee is not refunded after confirmation of enrollment. Re‑enrolment deposit and registration fee are not refunded in many cases of cancellation; specific key deadlines are: - If cancellation occurs between sending confirmation and June 15: the registration fee or re‑enrolment deposit remain due and are not refunded. - If cancellation occurs between June 15 and July 15: the registration fee or re‑enrolment deposit remain due, and the first term of schooling is due. - If cancellation occurs between July 15 and August 15: the registration fee or re‑enrolment deposit remain due, as well as the first semester of schooling. - If cancellation occurs on or after August 15: the registration fee or re‑enrolment deposit remain due, and the total annual tuition is due in full. - In case of cancellation during the first week of the school year, the annual fee is due; cancellation after the second week the annual fee is due. Absences do not reduce fees. In case of early departure (transfer or dismissal) during the school year, the school fees for the interrupted year remain due in full.
Fee payment options (invoicing and instructions)
- Invoicing choices are yearly, quarterly or monthly; payments must be made by the due date shown on invoices. The school's invoices provide the payment instructions and accepted methods; parents follow the payment instructions printed on the invoice.
Academics
International School of Neuchatel teaches Montessori Curriculum, Swiss Curriculum for students aged 2 to 12.
Curriculum
Montessori education using the Maria Montessori method. The school teaches in French and English, with two teachers in each class to ensure bilingual immersion. Montessori classes start from age 3 and are designed so children own their learning, with a calm, structured environment and hands-on activities that develop concentration and independence. The school is a member of Association Montessori Switzerland and has 158 pupils from 25 nationalities (2023), with 112 families.
Student Teacher Ratio
Two teachers per class
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school fosters mutual respect and a sense of social responsibility. It encourages natural curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Students are immersed in a bilingual French and English Montessori culture. The environment supports independence and collaborative learning.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has academic support staff. The Montessori environment is adapted to the size, rhythm and interests of the child from age 3.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is used as part of bilingual immersion. Instruction is conducted in French and English. There are two teachers in each class to ensure bilingualism by immersion.
Safeguarding
In case of a serious injury, the school will contact emergency services.
Admissions
Admissions
A registration and application fee of CHF 600 is charged once for the entire school time. For families registering two or more children, the registration fee is reduced by 10% for the second and subsequent children. Payment confirms the registration; if payment is not received by the due date, the reserved space may be released and the registration placed on a waiting list, and the registration fee remains due. Confirmation of enrollment is sent upon receipt of the enrollment form, but no earlier than February 25 of each year. Students already enrolled have priority over new students; students who have been enrolled in the 'Children's House' have priority for 'Lower and Upper Elementary' classes, and students who began in L'Atelier have priority for Children's House. Admission during the year is possible if a class is not full and the place is reserved and paid for the whole school year; if the student does not show up on the confirmed admission date, tuition is due for the remaining term(s). Enrollment in Children's House begins at age 3 with minimum enrollment four mornings and two afternoons (toilet trained); Children must be 3 by July 31; from age 4, Children's House requires full-day attendance (except Wednesday afternoon); Lower Elementary begins at age 6. Re-enrollment is automatic unless cancellation is received by registered letter by February 15 of each year, with a deposit applicable and deadlines for payment.
Waitlist
Waitlist may be used if a reserved space is not confirmed; specifically, if payment is not received by the due date, ISN may release the reserved space and place the registration on a waiting list.
FAQs
What curriculum does International School of Neuchatel offer?
International School of Neuchatel offers French, Montessori curriculums. Montessori education using the Maria Montessori method. The school teaches in French and English, with two teachers in each class to ensure bilingual immersion.
What age range does International School of Neuchatel cater for?
International School of Neuchatel accepts students from age 2 to 12. From 2 to 4; From 3 to 6; From 6 to 9; From 9 to 12.
What are the fees at International School of Neuchatel?
**Application / Registration fee** - One-time registration and application fee: CHF 600 (paid once for the child's entire time at the school). A 10% reduction on the registration fee applies to the second and subsequent children from the same family.
Where is International School of Neuchatel located?
International School of Neuchatel is located in Switzerland. Rue de Ste He9le8ne 50, 2000 Neuche2tel, Switzerland.
Is International School of Neuchatel co-educational?
International School of Neuchatel is a co-educational school. Montessori; bilingual Frencha0e2 English immersion.
How do I apply to International School of Neuchatel?
The admissions process at International School of Neuchatel: A registration and application fee of CHF 600 is charged once for the entire school time. For families registering two or more children, the registration fee is reduced by 10% for the second and subsequent children.
What learning support does International School of Neuchatel provide?
International School of Neuchatel provides learning support services. The school has academic support staff. The Montessori environment is adapted to the size, rhythm and interests of the child from age 3. Academic support staff available.
Does International School of Neuchatel offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support?
English is used as part of bilingual immersion. Instruction is conducted in French and English. There are two teachers in each class to ensure bilingualism by immersion.
What facilities does International School of Neuchatel have?
ISN uses Montessori pedagogy in a bilingual French–English environment. The Atelier (From 2 to 4) uses specially designed classrooms organized by projects; the layout enables pupils to move freely and purposefully, guided by their interests. Forest walks are regularly organised to help pupils discov Sports facilities include: The school has a very well-equipped gymnastics hall and a playground adjacent to the school, including a front-of-building play area.
What extra-curricular activities are available at International School of Neuchatel?
International School of Neuchatel offers a range of extra-curricular activities. Art and Music are taught, and musical education is an important part of the sensory development. Creative manual activities and outings complement the Atelier's activities, and children learn English by playing and are introduced to music and singing.
What languages are taught at International School of Neuchatel?
French and English are the languages of instruction. English is the international language, and early exposure to a second language supports natural language acquisition. The school teaches in French and English within a Montessori framework.
Who is the head of International School of Neuchatel?
The head of school at International School of Neuchatel is Christelle Audebrand.
How many students attend International School of Neuchatel?
International School of Neuchatel has approximately 158 students. The school serves students from age 2 to 12.
When was International School of Neuchatel founded?
International School of Neuchatel was founded in 1986. Opened on 14 April 1986. The school follows the Montessori method with classrooms designed so that children access activities freely and progress at their own pace.
What accreditations does International School of Neuchatel hold?
The International School of Neuchâtel is a Montessori school in Neuchâtel and is a member of Association Montessori Switzerland. It uses the Montessori name in French-speaking Switzerland.
What is the parent community like at International School of Neuchatel?
Students are immersed in a bilingual French-English Montessori culture, with teachers in each class delivering instruction in both languages.
