The Best International Schools in Zurich

In this guide, Zurich refers to the city and canton, while schools in Zug and Schwyz are listed separately as options within the wider commuting region. We’ve made this distinction to help you compare schools located within the canton of Zurich, Switzerland without confusing other nearby institutions. Whether you’re planning a short international assignment or settling in Switzerland for longer, this guide explains the main curricula, language models, age ranges and costs to compare.International Schools in Zurich at a Glance

The table below compares the main options in Zurich city and canton. Fees refer to published 2026 to 2027 tuition where available, but additional charges can apply.

Published fees don’t always include registration, capital contributions, examinations, meals, transport, care or learning support. Contact each admissions team for a complete estimate and check whether mandatory activities are included. 

The Best Zurich International Schools

Each school has a different academic and language model. The profiles below focus on the distinctions that are likely to matter during a move.

Zurich International School

ZIS stands out for the range of qualification pathways available to older students, including the IB Diploma, Advanced Placement courses and the school’s own diploma. This flexibility can help relocating students continue towards qualifications that align with their previous schooling and university plans. English and German bilingual options are also available, although coverage varies by grade and campus. Check the relevant campus, language pathway and transition points carefully, particularly if you want siblings of different ages to attend the same school.

Inter Community School Zurich

ICS is the only school in the Zurich region offering the full IB continuum on one campus, allowing students to progress from the Primary Years Programme through to the IB Diploma without changing schools. This continuity can be particularly helpful for internationally mobile families already following an IB education. A paid bus service covers selected areas, which may make the daily journey easier for some households. When comparing costs, remember to include application fees, capital fund contributions and transport alongside the annual tuition fees.

Tandem International Multilingual School

Tandem combines the Swiss Lehrplan 21 with elements of the UK National Curriculum and an inquiry-based teaching approach. Its multilingual model includes German, English and French, although the balance between these languages varies according to the student’s age and stage of education. This combination offers international learning while maintaining a connection to the Swiss system. As students may move between campuses as they progress, check the location, transport arrangements and language model for each relevant year group before applying.

Hull’s School Zurich

Hull’s focuses on teenagers continuing a British education, offering  Pearson Edexcel IGCSE and A Levels. Its programme is aimed towards British secondary qualifications, making it particularly relevant for students with future university plans linked to the UK or another country that recognises this pathway. As the school only covers the later secondary years, it doesn’t offer continuity from primary education. Compare subject availability, entry points and previous coursework carefully, especially when a student is joining partway through a qualification.

Academia International School Zurich

Academia International School Zurich offers small classes, personal mentoring and flexible subject choices within a compact secondary school environment. This structure can be helpful for relocating students who need individual guidance while adjusting to a new curriculum or planning their qualification pathway. At this campus, students pursue preparation for IGCSE and International A Levels. Check the qualification route and subject combination before applying, particularly if future university plans are already taking shape. The school is associated with Terra Nova Bilingual School in Küsnacht which offers bilingual Kindergarten and Primary School education. 

International School Zurich North

ISZN offers a continuous British pathway from the early years through to secondary qualifications rather than an IB education. This can reduce curriculum disruption for students arriving from another British or international school that follows a similar programme. The early years programme is bilingual, while the language model changes as pupils move through the school, so check the approach at each stage. Nursery, extended care and holiday care follow separate fee arrangements, and these additional costs need to be included when comparing the overall family budget.

SIS Swiss International School Campuses

The SIS campuses offer bilingual immersion at different stages of education, combining international learning with links to the Swiss system. The Wallisellen campus continues through to upper secondary qualifications, while other campuses cover different age ranges, making campus choice important for long term continuity. Before and after-school care, clubs and holiday programmes are available at some locations, although arrangements and fees vary. Check whether a later campus transfer will be necessary and confirm which additional services are included in the published tuition fees.

Terra Nova Bilingual School

Terra Nova offers a bilingual programme based on Lehrplan 21 and Cambridge standards, preparing pupils for Swiss secondary school or Gymnasium. This combination can help relocating students maintain an international perspective while developing the knowledge and language skills needed for the Swiss education system. Pupils interested in following a British pathway may also continue to Academia International School Zurich without an entrance examination, subject to the group’s admissions arrangements. As this pathway involves moving to a different school, check the transition process, qualification options and location well before the end of primary education.

The best Zurich international schools offer a range of curricula and language pathways, giving families several strong options across the city and canton.

Schools Near Zurich

Several schools outside the canton also appear in searches for Zurich, although they are part of the wider commuting region rather than Zurich itself.

Four Forest Bilingual International School has campuses in Zug and Lucerne. The Zug campus offers German and English education from preschool through lower secondary. It is more practical for families living near Zug than for children travelling daily from central Zurich.

Institut Montana is a day and boarding school on the Zugerberg for students aged 6 to 19, with boarding from age 10. Its pathways include the Swiss Matura, IB Diploma and High School Diploma. Boarding changes the location calculation, but day families still need to assess the journey carefully.

SIS Pfäffikon Schwyz is in Pfäffikon in the canton of Schwyz. It provides bilingual German and English education from kindergarten through college, with Swiss Matura and IB options. It is better placed for households around Pfäffikon, Freienbach or Rapperswil than central Zurich.

Make sure to check journey times from your home address during school hours before applying, as traffic and public transport connections can significantly affect the daily commute. 

Types of International and Private Schools in Zurich

Zurich has several types of international and private schools, each with different curricula, teaching languages and qualification pathways. 

IB International Schools

The IB can make curriculum continuity easier for those families who frequently relocate. ICS offers the full continuum, while ZIS offers the Diploma in the final years. SIS Zürich has Swiss and IB routes. Check whether Zurich IB schools offer the full continuum or only the Diploma.

British International Schools

British education progresses towards IGCSEs and A Levels. Hull’s concentrates on later secondary, ISZN offers a longer pathway, and Academia leads to International A Levels. Compare the student’s current year, subjects and university plans.

American Curriculum Schools

Zurich has few schools following a fully American curriculum. ZIS offers Advanced Placement courses alongside the IB Diploma and its own graduation route, but AP courses alone don’t make a school American. Confirm diploma, credit and assessment requirements with admissions.

Bilingual English and German Schools

A bilingual school uses both languages to teach curriculum content. SIS, Terra Nova and parts of Tandem use German and English in this way. ISZN has dual language in its early years, but its later route is primarily English medium. So when looking for bilingual international schools in Zurich, do investigate which exact model is used and for which age groups.

Private Schools in Zurich

Private schools in Zurich aren’t automatically international, often simply encompassing a particular learning philosophy or religious affiliation for local families with the advantage of smaller class sizes or other benefits. Some follow the cantonal curriculum in two languages, while others offer the IB or A Levels. Always remember to compare the exact curriculum, language balance, qualifications and age coverage.

International Versus Public Schools in Zurich

Public schools belong to the cantonal system and compulsory education is generally free for resident children and of excellent quality. Teaching follows Lehrplan 21 in German, with language support available for some new pupils. Placement normally depends on the home address. International schools, on the other hand, offer other curricula and more options taught in English, but charge tuition.

As school labels often overlap, check exactly what each school offers at every stage of your child’s education. 

How to Choose and Compare International Schools in Zurich

Once you have created a shortlist, compare the practical details that could shape your child’s daily school experience and influence their future education options.

Curriculum and Future Education Plans

Consider how your child’s current programme connects with their likely education pathway after leaving Zurich. Check the subjects available in the final years too, since schools offering the same qualification can have different choices.

Language of Instruction and Bilingual Education

Ask which subjects are taught in each language and how the balance changes year by year. Also check support for children who are new to English or German.

Age Range and Continuity

Confirm the future pathway and campus changes before enrolling. For example, Hull’s begins in secondary education, while Terra Nova finishes after primary, and SIS has campuses all over the canton for different age groups.

School Size, Learning Support and Pastoral Care

Compare class size, subject choice, counselling and learning support. Ask how needs are assessed and whether additional help costs extra.

Location, Transport and the Daily Commute

Zumikon, Adliswil, Wallisellen, Küsnacht and Männedorf sit in different parts of the canton. Test the route during school hours and check school bus fees.

Tuition Fees and Additional Costs

Compare tuition with application charges, deposits, examinations, meals, transport, care and support. Ask whether mandatory activities are included in the 2026 to 2027 fee.

Admissions, Availability and Required Documents

Availability depends on the year group. Schools commonly request passports and reports, while some require recommendations, interviews or assessments. Confirm the process with admissions.

Taking time to compare these factors will help you identify a school that supports your child’s current needs and future education plans.

Academic Support When Moving to a New School in Zurich

A curriculum or language change can create temporary gaps, even for strong students, particularly when they move between school systems, change the teaching language, join IB, IGCSE or A Level courses partway through, or adapt to unfamiliar topics and assessments. TutorsPlus offers online and in person support across several international curricula, helping students settle into their new programme without adding unnecessary work. Contact our team to discuss the right academic support for your child’s move.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best international schools in Zurich?

Popular options include ZIS, ICS, ISZN, Hull’s, Academia and SIS. Compare age range, curriculum, language, future plans and commute.

Are public schools in Zurich free for international students?

Public education is generally free for resident children. Teaching is mainly in German, with language support available for some new students.

How much do private schools in Zurich cost?

Annual day school fees range from below CHF 20,000 to around CHF 40,000. Registration, meals, transport, activities and support may cost extra.

Is it difficult to get a school place in Zurich?

Availability varies by school, year group and start date. Contact admissions early to check vacancies, requirements and waiting lists.

What is the language of instruction at schools in Zurich?

International schools often teach in English, bilingual schools use German and English, and public schools teach mainly in German.

Which curriculum is best for international families?

The IB supports international continuity, British qualifications allow earlier specialisation, and Swiss pathways support local progression. Consider your child’s previous education and future plans.

When should parents apply?

Contact schools once your location, moving date and preferred start term are known. Applying early may give you more options.

Which international schools in Zurich teach in English?

ZIS, ICS, Hull’s, Academia and ISZN teach mainly in English, although their German and bilingual options vary.

Which Zurich schools offer the IB?

ICS offers the full IB continuum, ZIS offers the IB Diploma, and SIS Zürich has an optional IB route alongside the Swiss Matura.

Are there British curriculum schools in Zurich?

Yes. ISZN, Hull’s and Academia offer pathways leading to IGCSEs and A Levels.

Are there bilingual international schools in Zurich?

Yes. SIS, Terra Nova and Tandem teach in German and English, although the language balance varies by school and age.

Are there international schools near Zurich outside the city?

Yes. Several are elsewhere in the canton, while schools in Zug and Schwyz belong to the wider commuting region.

What should parents compare when choosing a school?

Compare curriculum, language, qualifications, age range, support, location, admissions and the complete annual cost.

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.

Why Zurich is a great place to live, work and educate your children

Zurich International School announce new state-of-the-art Middle School

Moving to Zurich with family

Meet the Director of Zurich International School: Elsa Hernández-Donohue