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All schools in the Zurich International School group
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), Swiss Curriculum
Taught languages German, Spanish, French
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, STEM, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction
Zurich International School (ZIS) is a non-profit, co-educational day school in the Greater Zurich area, serving ages 3 to 18. Founded in 1963, it operates as a non-profit foundation governed by a Board of Trustees. Two campuses host Primary and Secondary programs. The school offers a bilingual pathway with daily German and English instruction, guided by Lehrplan 21, and pathways to the IB Diploma Programme or AP courses in the Upper School, plus a ZIS Diploma with Honors. Diploma requirements include 23 credits across core areas, three AP or IB HL courses in at least two subjects, a 3.0 GPA, and no final-year grade below C. ZIS uses learning technology to support inquiry-driven learning and a co-curricular program (ATAC) with over 40 activities, including STEM clubs, performing arts, and Model United Nations. Distinctive features include a Design Lab, WorldFest, Service Learning, and links to local and international communities.
Zurich International School - Primary Campus has 400 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English, German.
Location
Steinacherstrasse 140, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland. The school is in the Greater Zurich area and accessible by road and public transport. It operates across two age-appropriate campuses: Primary Campus (Early Childhood and Lower School) and Secondary Campus (Middle and Upper School).
Stages
Lower School (ages 3-11); Middle School (ages 11-14); Upper School (ages 14-18).
Type
Inclusive non-profit day school; bilingual and international education; co-educational.
Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 400 students from over 50 nations.
Additional learning support
English language learner support; academic and behavioural support; social and emotional support; Individualised Learning Support (ILP); speech and language support in English; counseling.
Country affiliation
Switzerland
School day structure
School Day: Before school care from 07:00; morning supervision from 08:00-08:20; classes run from 08:30 to 15:20 (Wednesday 14:20); after-school activities until 16:20 (15:20 on Wednesdays); after-school care until 18:00; hot meals available in the cafeteria.
Bus service
School bus service covering parts of Greater Zurich and Zug areas.
Diving Deeper
The school has not added this information
Fees
Annual tuition at Zurich International School - Primary Campus ranges from CHF 27,750 to CHF 32,800 for 2026/27.
Application / Registration Fees - Application fee (per student): CHF 500. A CHF 25 credit-card surcharge applies when a card payment is used for the application. This fee is non-refundable and covers the application process; it also covers registration if the child is enrolling directly into Preschool. - Re-application fee (if applicable, valid for one admission cycle): CHF 500 (+ CHF 25 credit-card surcharge where applicable). - Infrastructure contribution (one-off, invoiced from Kindergarten 1): CHF 5,000. This infrastructure contribution is non-refundable.
Tuition fees by year group (annual and normal instalment split for the 2025/26 academic year) Note: the standard billing for full-day year groups is in two instalments (60% / 40%). Preschool tuition is billed quarterly (see below). The amounts shown are annual tuition totals followed by the normal instalment breakdown where applicable.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard instalment schedule for full-day year groups: first instalment (60% of annual tuition) is due on the first day of classes in August; second instalment (40%) is due on the first day of classes in January. - Preschool tuition (PS0–PS5) is billed quarterly in the months September, November, February and April; if a child is enrolled or withdrawn mid-quarter, billing is adjusted on a monthly basis or as specified for a full month. - Alternative payment arrangements may be granted only in exceptional circumstances, for one year at a time, subject to written application and approval by the Finance Department; approved alternative plans incur a CHF 300 administrative charge per student and school year (waived where a tuition reduction has been granted). The final instalment under any approved plan must be paid by the end of the following March at the latest. - Interest may be charged on overdue balances; a student may be barred from attendance and official records withheld until outstanding balances are settled. The signatory(ies) on the Financial Regulations are jointly and severally responsible for payment.
Boarding fees - Zurich International School operates as a non-profit day school; there is no boarding provision and therefore no boarding fees.
Other costs and charges (examples of items charged in addition to tuition) - External examination fees (SAT, PSAT, AP, IB, etc.). - Occupational and speech therapy where required (these are not included in standard tuition). - Tutoring (including English tuition beyond the included English-as-an-additional-language support). - After-school care and optional curriculum-enriching trips, sports trips and tournaments. - School bus / shuttle charges and lunch service costs. - Yearbook, PE clothing, outdoor gear (e.g., rain trousers, boots, jackets), and replacement or damage charges for laptops and other IT devices where applicable. - Replacement or additional charges for lost, stolen or damaged textbooks and library books.
Refunds, late enrolment and early withdrawal (refund/charge rules) - No refund of application or infrastructure contribution fees. - Late enrolment: where a student is enrolled after the normal start of the school year, the payable portion of annual tuition is determined by the date of enrolment (examples: enrolment Aug 1–Oct 31 = 100% of annual tuition; Nov 1–Dec 31 = 75%; Jan 1–Jan 31 = 55%; Feb 1–Mar 31 = 45%; Apr 1–Apr 30 = 35%; May 1–end of year = 20%). For Preschool late enrolment is calculated monthly for remaining months. - Early withdrawal by currently enrolled students: the school charges a percentage of the annual tuition depending on withdrawal date (examples: withdrawal between first day of classes and Oct 31 = 45% of annual tuition; Nov 1–Jan 31 = 60%; Feb 1–Mar 31 = 75%; Apr 1–end of school year = 100%). Preschool early withdrawal is calculated monthly for preceding months. No fees already due or for services already rendered will be waived for closures beyond the school's control.
Fee payment methods and invoicing - Fees and other charges are payable by bank transfer or by any alternative payment method accepted by the school. Application and re-application payments may be made by credit card subject to the stated CHF 25 card surcharge per application payment. Employers may be invoiced directly for tuition, infrastructure contribution or other contracted fees when agreed in writing.
Notes on compulsory items commonly paid separately - The annual tuition figures include items explicitly listed as covered (books, access to a device for Preschool–Grade 8, EAL and learning support and mandatory curriculum trips) but do not include the additional items listed above under "Other costs." Payment responsibility for extra services (therapy, tutoring, after-school care, external exams, bus, lunch, trips, etc.) lies with the parent/guardian unless otherwise agreed in writing with the school or employer invoicing arrangement.
Academics
Zurich International School - Primary Campus teaches IB (PYP), Swiss Curriculum for students aged 3 to 11.
Curriculum
ZIS is an inclusive, non-profit day school in the Greater Zurich area that delivers comprehensive bilingual and international educational programs for local and foreign national students aged 3 to 18. The Upper School provides a flexible, rigorous English-language curriculum with pathways to the IB Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including a Grade 11-12 pathway to a ZIS Diploma with AP courses, and a separate IB Diploma pathway. The ZIS Diploma with Honors is awarded to a student who completes the ZIS diploma requirements, including three AP or IB Higher Level courses in at least two subject areas, maintains a 3.0 GPA across the final four semesters, and has no final-year grade lower than C. Course credits total 23 and must cover English, World Languages, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Creative Arts, Physical Education and Health, plus Electives; IB Diploma candidates must also satisfy IB requirements. External examinations may be taken for AP or IB courses, with exam fees varying by type and number. Availability of courses depends on student interest, staffing and scheduling.
Exam Results
IB Diploma Results: The IB Diploma Programme is scored 0-45. IB Diploma Score Distribution: 40–45 points: ZIS 21% | World 9%; 35–39 points: ZIS 36% | World 21%; 30–34 points: ZIS 29% | World 28%; 25–29 points: ZIS 13% | World 28%. IB Diploma Highlights: 40% of students earned a bilingual IB Diploma. 92 students were IB Diploma candidates. 98% of candidates successfully passed the IB Diploma. The average IB Diploma score was 35 points. IB Results by Subject: Studies in Language and Literature (ZIS 5.47 vs World 4.90), Language Acquisition (ZIS 5.79 vs World 5.20), Individuals and Societies (ZIS 5.67 vs World 4.80), Experimental Sciences (ZIS 5.31 vs World 4.50), Mathematics (ZIS 5.59 vs World 4.40), Arts (ZIS 5.00 vs World 4.30).
Higher Education Progression
98% of ZIS graduates go on to attend university in Switzerland or internationally.
Gifted and Talented
Honors Diploma is awarded to students who complete the ZIS high school diploma requirements, including three AP or IB Higher Level courses in at least two subject areas, maintain a 3.0 GPA across the final four semesters, and have no final-year grade lower than a C.
Wellbeing
The school has not added this information
Parent Experience
The school has not added this information
Facilities
The school has not added this information
Extra-Curricular Activities
The school has not added this information
Languages
The school has not added this information
Reputation
The school has not added this information
Admissions
Admissions
STEP 1: Complete the Online Application Form. To start the application, fill in the online application form, enter your payment details, and send it to ZIS. You will need to create an account; if you have already submitted an Inquiry Form, please use the same login. Our application fee is CHF 500 per child (plus credit card fees). This fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee admission. STEP 2: Submit Your Documents. All Applicants: a general teacher recommendation form and a copy of the photo page of your child's passport. Lower or Middle School Applicants: the most recent report card or end-of-year report; Preschool and Kindergarten: send if available; an English teacher recommendation form if in Grades 6–8. Upper School Applicants: the most recent report cards from the last two years; an English teacher recommendation form; a Mathematics teacher recommendation form. All documents must be in English or accompanied by an English translation. If the child has a diagnosis or requires additional learning support, provide additional information including recent diagnostic reports and the student's IEP; reports should be in English and within the last three years. The school reserves the right to offer a conditional place pending receipt of all required documents. STEP 3: Review. After documents are received, the Academic Review Team will evaluate the application. If the child has a diagnosed learning difference or receives learning support, processing may take longer. The school aims to respond within ten working days. A face-to-face meeting is not usually required, but the Principal may meet in person or via phone in some cases. If files are approved: the Enrollment Team will contact you to offer a place if available; you will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance upon payment of the full, non-refundable infrastructure contribution fee. If no places are available, the child will be placed in the “waiting pool” and you will be contacted as soon as a space opens up. The school may require subject-related tests after acceptance to ensure placement at the right level. Applications are only approved if all requested documentation is provided and the application fee is paid. You can contact the Enrollment Team for guidance at any time.
Waitlist
If no places are available, the child will be placed in the 'waiting pool' and you will be contacted as soon as a space opens up.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
What curriculum does Zurich International School offer?
Zurich International School offers IB, AP curriculums. ZIS is an inclusive, non-profit day school in the Greater Zurich area that delivers comprehensive bilingual and international educational programs for local and foreign national students aged 3 to 18.
What age range does Zurich International School cater for?
Zurich International School accepts students from age 3 to 18. Lower School (ages 3-11); Middle School (ages 11-14); Upper School (ages 14-18).
What are the fees at Zurich International School?
Annual fees at Zurich International School range from approximately 16,800 to 77,800. **Application / Registration Fees** - Application fee (per student): CHF 500. A CHF 25 credit-card surcharge applies when a card payment is used for the application. This fee is non-refundable and covers the application process; it also covers registration if the child is enrolling directly into Preschool.
Where is Zurich International School located?
Zurich International School is located in Switzerland. Steinacherstrasse 140, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland. The school is in the Greater Zurich area and accessible by road and public transport. It operates across two age-appropriate campuses: Primary Campus (Early Childhood and Lower School) and Secondary Campus (Middle and Upper School).
Is Zurich International School co-educational?
Zurich International School is a co-educational school. Inclusive non-profit day school; bilingual and international education; co-educational.
How do I apply to Zurich International School?
The admissions process at Zurich International School: STEP 1: Complete the Online Application Form. To start the application, fill in the online application form, enter your payment details, and send it to ZIS. You will need to create an account; if you have already submitted an Inquiry Form, please use the same login.
Does Zurich International School offer boarding?
The school is a day school; boarding is not offered.
What learning support does Zurich International School provide?
Zurich International School provides learning support services. ZIS provides a range of Student Support Services including English as an Additional Language (EAL), Counseling, Learning Support, and Individualized Learning Provisions.
Does Zurich International School offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support?
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is offered to support students from diverse nationalities and languages. Proficiency in English is crucial to maximize learning, and new applicants to the Middle and Upper Schools may be asked to complete a placement assessment to gauge language level.
What facilities does Zurich International School have?
Two campuses serve the school: a Primary Campus for Early Childhood and Lower School, and a Secondary Campus for Middle and Upper School. Lower School is a purpose-built facility with age-appropriate playgrounds, a dedicated Design Lab, and classrooms designed for German, Music, Visual and Performin Sports facilities include: Lower School has a gym for Physical Education; outdoor spaces include a sports field and forest access.
What extra-curricular activities are available at Zurich International School?
Zurich International School offers a range of extra-curricular activities. The Creative Arts Curriculum Area covers Music, Theater and Visual Arts. In Grades 11-12, IB Visual Arts HL/SL and IB Theatre Arts SL/HL are offered, alongside AP options such as AP Drawing, AP 2-D Art and Design, AP 3-D Art and Design, and AP Music Theory.
What languages are taught at Zurich International School?
All students study a language other than English for at least two years. Languages offered include German, French and Spanish, with courses across Grades 9–12 at levels from A1/A2 to B2, and with IB and AP options in Grades 11–12.
Who is the head of Zurich International School?
The head of school at Zurich International School is Elsa Hernández-Donohue.
How many students attend Zurich International School?
Zurich International School has approximately 1280 students. The school serves students from age 3 to 18.
When was Zurich International School founded?
Zurich International School was founded in 1963. The school was founded in 1963. It was previously known as the American International School of Zurich (AISZ) and the International Primary School of Zurich (IPSZ).
What accreditations does Zurich International School hold?
The International Baccalaureate The New England Association of Schools and Colleges Association for Music in International Schools.
Where do graduates of Zurich International School go to university?
98% of ZIS graduates go on to attend university in Switzerland or internationally.
Does Zurich International School have a uniform policy?
There was a strict uniform in the early years; students wore a full suit. Since 1988 the dress code has been guidance rather than a code.
What is the parent community like at Zurich International School?
ZIS has a global community with students representing more than 55 countries. The school serves about 1,300 students across two campuses. The Parents' Association organizes community-building events a The Parents' Association brings ZIS families together and partners with the school.
