Switzerland, Lugano
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ISS uses a House System to build a vibrant community where students form lifelong friendships, develop leadership, and work in teams, anchored in the values of Kindness, Innovation, Navigation, and Discovery. The school's vision is to build great people who are future-ready global citizens. The mission delivers a comprehensive local and multilingual curriculum that holistically prepares learners to shape the future as global citizens, guided by the K.I.N.D. principles and immersive learning experiences in a technology-driven environment. ISS integrates deeply with the Lugano community, enabling students to engage in local and international projects to foster connections and broaden perspectives.
The International School of Switzerland is a day school for students aged 6–18 that offers the IB Middle Years Programme, the IB Diploma Programme, and Cambridge A Levels. It operates as an IB World School guided by the K.I.N.D. framework—Kindness, Innovation, Navigation, and Discovery—to shape both academics and co‑curricular life. Instruction is in English, with Italian and German taught at varying levels and CEFR‑based placement. From Grade 10, students can pursue a dual pathway to Advanced Levels or the IB Diploma Programme; the IB Diploma Programme is currently a Candidate School, and the Bridge Program supports language fluency and transitions to IB, A‑Levels, or Liceo. Facilities include modern classrooms with interactive touchscreens and Microsoft tools, a STEAM Center with robotics labs and a makerspace, and Switzerland's first Microsoft Dream Space for AI, VR, and coding projects. Arts spaces include Visual Arts Studios, a professional Performing Arts Theater, and Music Rooms, with on‑campus sports facilities. Co‑curriculars feature the Discovery Program, Masterclasses, and the Immersion Program, which offer diverse activities, masterclasses, cultural excursions, and industry visits.