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Switzerland, Lugano
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IS Ticino accepts applications via an online form. After submission the admissions team will contact families to discuss the application process. IS Ticino admits international children arriving or leaving in the middle of the academic year. For Early Years and Elementary, IS Ticino provides an international education with English as the main language of instruction and operates a non-discriminatory admission policy. IS Ticino will accept children with no previous experience of speaking English. Although not all families are fluent in English, all communication with the school is primarily in English, and at least one parent should be able to speak English, communicate with staff in English, discuss English-language activities with the child, and read teacher notes and converse with teachers in English. Admission is by the Principal when it is evident the student can benefit from the programme and the school has sufficient staffing and programme capacity; placement for a different grade requires the Principal's recommendation. Priority for entry is given to families with siblings already enrolled and to international families whose children are fluent in English; all other applications are processed in strict chronological order and in compliance with the Admissions Procedure. Submit an application via the contact form (Apply Now). The language of instruction is English and applicants are assessed for English proficiency before a decision is made, including language assessments for PYP and DP where appropriate. Enrollment requires documents such as student and parent passports, Swiss permit if non-Swiss, birth certificate, vaccination record and Swiss health insurance.
Waiting lists: If a class is fully subscribed, successful applicants are invited to place their name on a waiting list. Priority is given to siblings of current IST students, children of ex-IST students, applicants from the international community, and applicants who are proficient in English or transferring from English-medium schools.
Nsouli Scholars Programme: The Nsouli Scholars Programme provides full scholarships to 50 extraordinary students at any one time to attend Inspired schools on a full scholarship for the duration of their education. The endowment honours Nadim Nsouli, and several scholarships are awarded to individuals of Lebanese origin.
International School of Ticino (IST) is a private international day school in Ticino, Switzerland, offering the IB continuum: PYP, MYP, DP, and the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP). The school serves ages 3 to 18. The language of instruction is English, with an Italian bilingual programme for Grades 2–10 to meet Ticino cantonal requirements. IST opened as a kindergarten in 2014 and expanded to serve international and local families; in 2017 it joined Inspired Education Group. Facilities include bright, well-resourced classrooms with up-to-date technology, an early years learning zone, a first-floor learning hub, a gymnasium for football, basketball, and volleyball, and expansive outdoor spaces for play. The curriculum follows IB standards with inquiry-based learning in the PYP and across eight subject areas in the MYP and DP, plus CP options with seven career-related pathways. IST is a signatory to the Global Schools Program and supports Sustainable Development Goals.
