The Best International Schools in Zurich

Choosing the right school is a big decision with any move, and if you are moving to Zurich you are not short on choice. A city known for its finance and tech sectors, unsurprisingly it offers top-notch education choices. Surrounded by stunning countryside, and bisected by Lake Zurich, it is a beautiful city. One that makes other cities in Switzerland look downmarket by comparison. Many families naturally ask: What are the best schools in Zurich? International schools offer programmes like the IB, A Level and IGCSE, often blended with bi-lingual learning. With its safe, welcoming, and diverse environment, Zurich is a place where students from around the world can thrive. Here we try to bring you everything you need to help make the right choice for your family.

Summary

How do families choose the best Zurich school for their child?

Zurich offers a wide variety of international curricula, including the IB, bilingual Swiss-German/English programs, British IGCSE and A-Levels, and the American-based AP programmes. Schools provide strong academics, personalised learning, and rich extracurricular opportunities, preparing students for global universities and careers. 

Factors like language, curriculum, class size, extracurricular offerings, and school culture are more important than the glossy publicity materials. This is why visiting schools and experiencing their environment personally can help families find a setting where children thrive academically and socially. We 100% recommend doing a taster day in your top choice school before making any decision.

Whereas local school should be considered as an option for expats relocating for the long term, there are potential downsides. In families where both parents work, it’s worth noting that school hours can create childcare issues for younger children. Often they go home for lunch and finish school early, and school based after school care is not always on offer.

Practical considerations for choosing a school in Zurich

Studying in Zurich offers a choice of top schools, though tuition and living costs are high. The city’s status as a global financial and innovation centre, supported by multinational companies, makes it a dynamic centre for both learning and career opportunities.

We recommend choosing the school first, and then searching for housing. Many international schools are spread around the city and two of the biggest ICSZ and ZIS are on opposite sides of the lake. Rush-hour traffic can be heavy and you don’t want to be driving from one side of the lake to the other. Commuting is generally manageable thanks to the city’s efficient trams, buses, and trains. Peak hours can still be crowded, especially for those traveling from farther areas or through busy transit stations. This is why many parents prefer schools close to home.

If you are thinking of going local, keep in mind that your child will learn Swiss German, and although they will be in a special class to accelerate their acquisition of the language, it is a dialect that will be hardly understood outside of Switzerland, even by “high-German” speakers.  Public schools follow the German-speaking Swiss curriculum, Lehrplan 21.

Zurich is also unique because entry to gymnasium or high school such as Kantonsschule Zürich depends on an entrance exam. In contrast, most cantons rely on grades and teacher recommendations. Many students choose apprenticeships, a respected path leading to professional schools or universities. Apprenticeships offer strong career prospects, competitive salaries, and job security, with some graduates earning as much, or more than, university graduates.

This guide to Zurich schools helps families find the best fit for their child. It also includes our articles on Zurich expat life which hopefully make the decision and transition just a little bit easier and more informed. 

Schools

Articles

This section features a collection of articles covering education and life in Zurich. From guidance on the best schools to daily life tips in the biggest city in Switzerland, it offers practical advice and expert insights for families and newcomers alike.