Zurich's large expat population means it boasts a good selection of international schools. These are great for expats who only plan to be in the country for a short time and want their children to continue studying the national curriculum of their home country. Competition for places is stiff, fees are exorbitant and waiting lists are long. Most schools teach the International Baccalaureate curriculum, but some follow American, Cambridge IGCSE or Japanese curricula.

Inter Community School Zurich

Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.icsz.ch

International School Zurich North

Curriculum: International Baccalaureate, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels
Gender: Co-educational
Age: 3 to 18
Website: www.iszn.ch

Japanese School Zurich

Curriculum: Japanese
Gender: Co-educational
Age: 5 to 18
Website: www.jszurich.ch

Swiss International School

Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and Swiss
Gender: Co-educational
Age: 4 to 18
Website: www.swissinternationalschool.ch

Tandem International Multilingual School

Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and Swiss
Gender: Co-educational
Age: 1 to 12
Website: www.tandem-ims.ch

Zurich International School

Curriculum: International Baccalaureate, Swiss and American (AP)
Gender: Co-educational
Age: 3 to 18
Website: www.zis.ch

Further reading

►For more on schooling, see Education and Schools in Switzerland

Expat Interviews

"My main advice is that if you intend to send your kids to a local Swiss school, get them as much exposure to German as possible, especially playdates with Swiss friends and German TV, music, and books. I’ve been told that kids learn language best through experience, by being in situations where they have to speak and understand German, where their native tongue isn’t an option. It’s tempting to stick with your English-speaking friends because it’s easy and fun. But I wish I had done more of this to help my kids develop stronger German earlier." 

Learn more about schools and family life in Zurich in our interview with American expat Tanya. 

Are you an expat living in Zurich?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Zurich. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

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