Zurich International School - Primary Campus

ZIS operates a multi-level support model that centers on social and emotional development and student agency. Level One Instruction ensures all learners are supported by teachers who reflect on best practices and collaborate with English as an Additional Language teachers, Learning Support staff, counselors, and Instructional Coaches. Level Two Instruction provides short- to medium-term interventions to enhance academic skills or guide social and emotional development, with families involved in planning. Level Three Instruction offers longer-term services for language acquisition and academic support for students with diagnoses or limited English proficiency. Counseling supports students with academic, social and emotional issues and helps them develop well-being, happiness and learning.

ZIS provides a range of Student Support Services including English as an Additional Language (EAL), Counseling, Learning Support, and Individualized Learning Provisions. Students with a diagnosed learning, attention, mental health disorder, or physical/medical disability are eligible for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), with a case manager coordinating accommodations and services. Bespoke Learning Support Programming offers a deeply personalized experience designed around each learner's strengths and needs, with guidance from a multidisciplinary team. External assessments and services such as neuropsychological, developmental and educational evaluations, Occupational Therapy, and Social and Emotional Support are available at additional cost.

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. In the Lower School, EAL teachers collaborate with classroom teachers to create a support plan for beginner and intermediate language learners. In the secondary level, separate EAL classes are available if required, which can replace or supplement mainstream English classes.

Counseling services support students with academic, social and emotional issues and help them develop the skills they need to optimize well-being, happiness and learning. The school uses a multi-level approach to support social-emotional growth, with additional interventions when needed. Staff include EAL teachers, Learning Support teachers, counselors and instructional coaches who collaborate with families to support student well-being.

ZIS Saf safeguarding and Child Protection Policy endorses the Convention on the Rights of the Child and commits to safeguarding and protecting children and to preventing abuse in any form. The policy defines safeguarding and child protection and applies to all employees, including teaching and non-teaching staff, support staff, peripatetic personnel, volunteers and any adults working at the School, including when education takes place off-site. The policy and Code of Conduct outline safeguarding responsibilities and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of students across all settings.