Prospectus 2026/27
FUTURE READY GLOBAL CITIZENS
Your kindness is your greatness THE FIRST MICROSOFT SCHOOL IN SWITZERLAND
IB CONTINUUM + A LEVELS PATHWAYS
In the heart of Lugano
ISSWITZERLAND.CH
Our graduates are
FUTURE READY GLOBAL CITIZENS
Corso Enrico Pestalozzi 9 Lugano, Switzerland 6900 admin@isswitzerland.ch www.isswitzerland.ch
Your Journey
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THROUGH
At ISSwitzerland, learning is more than academic achievement. It is a journey of becoming: of discovering who you are, what you love and the difference you can make to the world. This is your journey through K.I.N.D.
Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. - JOHN DEWEY
K
KINDNESS To yourself and others PAGES 06-11
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INNOVATION Through technology and creative thinking PAGES 12-19
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NAVIGATION By building knowledge and skills PAGES 20-29
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DISCOVERY Of yourself and the world PAGES 30-33
IN THE HEART OF LUGANO. CONNECTED TO THE WORLD.
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JOIN US Admissions, Fees and Key Information
VISIT US Come and see who you could become
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WELCOME Welcome to your journey at the International School of Switzerland (ISSwitzerland). On behalf of our entire school community, I extend a warm welcome to you and your family. ISSwitzerland is located in one of the most beautiful locations in the world: Lugano. With its rich Italian, German, and French influence, we enjoy a crossroads of culture that rivals none. I personally love living in Lugano as a place to raise my family. In your child's journey at the International School of Switzerland, we aspire to nurture their greatness, facilitate the discovery of their passions and unique personalities, and embark on adventures to explore their potential in the world through various offcampus immersion experiences.
However, amidst our pursuit of greatness, it's vital to remember that our true greatness lies in our willingness to extend kindness to others. That is why one of our school mottos is: "your kindness is your greatness." I believe that the International School of Switzerland is the perfect place for your child to reach their full potential. Our centrally located facilities, rigorous curriculum, supportive community and unrivalled cocurricular program will help your child achieve great success in their studies and extracurricular pursuits. We are deeply committed to your child's success, and we eagerly anticipate collaborating with you to achieve your child's educational aspirations. Together, we will inspire and guide them toward a future where they are future-ready global-citizens.
Rebecca Hauch EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL
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WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE ISSWITZERLAND Families choose ISSwitzerland because they are looking for more than a school. They are looking for a place their child will be known, challenged and prepared for a meaningful future.
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A SCHOOL WHERE EVERY CHILD IS KNOWN In a close school community, every student is known deeply, guided personally and encouraged to move forward with courage, ambition and purpose.
FUTURE-READY LEARNING We do not simply talk about preparing students for the future; they practise it through public speaking, leadership, entrepreneurship, AI literacy and real-world problem solving.
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A COMPLETE INTERNATIONAL PATHWAY With the full IB Continuum and A Levels in the High School pathway, students have a rigorous, globally recognised route toward the future they want.
DISCOVERY EVERY DAY Students are given time every day of the school year to explore passions, build skills and grow through arts, sport, clubs and leadership.
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LUGANO IS OUR CAMPUS The lake, mountains, galleries, streets, languages and culture of Lugano turn everyday learning into something real, memorable and connected to the world.
EQ as well as IQ Through the K.I.N.D. Framework, students grow not only in knowledge, but in confidence, empathy, resilience and the emotional intelligence to lead meaningful lives.
We don’t just prepare students for the future. We help them create it.
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Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; the third is to be kind. Henry James
KINDNESS Your kindness is your greatness
OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY At The International School of Switzerland, we believe in creating a vibrant community where every individual finds their place. For students, it's a journey of discovering kindred spirits, exploring passions, and making memories that last a lifetime. As for parents, our school community offers a haven of like-minded individuals, a place to connect, share experiences, and celebrate achievements, forming bonds that extend beyond school years. At the heart of our ethos lies the belief that everyone deserves a place to belong and where
our greatness is our kindness. Every smile, every story, and every individual contributes to a rich tapestry of togetherness.
The International School of Switzerland is a place where we belong.
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WELLBEING & PASTORAL CARE At the International School of Switzerland, we firmly believe that every child's happiness is everyone's responsibility. To nurture the holistic development of our students and create a supportive and caring environment, we have prioritized pastoral care and implemented a comprehensive wellbeing program. Our goal is to empower each student with the tools, skills, and support necessary to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. This program underscores our commitment to fostering a school community where every child matters.
Our Wellbeing Programme Includes
Personal Development Coaching for every student Social and emotional learning embedded across the curriculum Mindfulness, reflection and positive psychology practices Pastoral teams trained to support every stage of growth Restorative practices and peer support initiatives Wellbeing workshops for students, staff and families A Community That Cares
“The International School of Switzerland is not just about learning, but also about thriving”
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We celebrate every student’s uniqueness, support them through challenges and encourage them to become kind, courageous and compassionate global citizens.
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EVERY STUDENT IS GUIDED
Five minutes with a PDC At ISSwitzerland, we guide every student — the quiet ones, the high achievers, the dreamers, the disorganised ones, the confident ones, the ones still finding themselves; guidance is personal. Through Personal Development Coaching, students are helped to set goals, reflect honestly, build confidence and take ownership of who they are becoming.
The impact of a PDC is that students learn to lead themselves. They are guided through the ups and downs of school and life, building the habits, resilience and confidence they need to become successful. — Peter Hauch, CEO
What does a Personal Development Coach actually do? A lot of it starts with noticing and listening. As PDCs, we help students build habits, confidence and selfunderstanding. Sometimes the conversation is about organisation or study routines. Sometimes it is about friendships, choices or wellbeing. But underneath it all, the goal is the same: to help each student understand who they are becoming and how to move forward with purpose. What do students need most? They need someone who knows them well enough to ask the right question. Not every student needs the same thing. Some need encouragement. Some need structure. Some need to be challenged a little more. But nearly all of them need help slowing down, reflecting and seeing that they can grow. What makes this different at ISSwitzerland? Because it is not separate from the rest of school life. The K.I.N.D. Framework gives us a shared language, but the real work happens in ordinary moments: after class, during a check-in, before a presentation, after a difficult day, or when a student suddenly realises, “I can do this.”
KINDNESS
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SMALL STEPS, STRONG CHARACTER The KIND Growth Diary The KIND Growth Diary is a physical A5 diary designed to help students build habits, reflect with intention and grow character through small daily actions. Grounded in the four pillars of Kindness, Innovation, Navigation and Discovery (K.I.N.D.), this diary turns values into action and action into growth.
Small steps, repeated daily, shape who students become.
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A COMMUNITY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY We educate students. We support families. We grow together. At ISSwitzerland, we believe education is a partnership. When families and school walk together, children thrive. That is why we create spaces, conversations and opportunities for the whole family to belong, connect and grow.
Welcoming New Families For families new to Lugano, Switzerland or international school life, we help make the transition feel warm, personal and supported from the beginning.
Shared Moments Celebrations, performances, sports days and community events create memories and deepen belonging.
Parent Partnership We work closely with parents through open communication, shared goals and honest conversations about each child’s learning, wellbeing and growth.
Learning Together Parent workshops on wellbeing, technology, the International Baccalaureate and learning help strengthen the whole community.
Parents & Friends (P&F) Our P&F community provides opportunities to contribute, connect and make a positive impact together.
A Community Shaped by Kindness Families join a community built on kindness, respect and the shared belief that children grow best when the adults around them walk together.
KINDNESS
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INNOVATION Through technology and creative thinking
PG. 4 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SWITZERLAND PROSPECTUS 2024-5
I love that we get the opportunity to see where our education could take us one day. Emi Demercan
This school cared about me. They had the tools to help me. They understood me. That is why I know who I am and who I am becoming. Stella Timm
21st CENTURY LEARNING DESIGN Skills for a world that keeps changing At ISSwitzerland, we prepare students for more than exams and qualifications. We help them build the essential skills they need to thrive at school, university, work and in life. That’s why we use the internationally recognised 21st Century Learning Design (21CLD) framework to guide teaching and learning across our school. It ensures students develop the six key capabilities they need to think deeply, communicate clearly, collaborate effectively and make a positive impact in a world that keeps changing.
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THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION
If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.
At The International School of Switzerland, we recognize the importance of innovative tools in education. Microsoft Copilot and other AIpowered tools offer opportunities to enhance learning when used thoughtfully, ethically and creatively.
for e-learning, and furniture specifically designed to allow for flexible lesson arrangements and dynamic learning. Every student is equipped with a Microsoft device to enhance their learning experience.
All of our classrooms have been transformed into 21st Century Classrooms, featuring interactive ultra-wide digital whiteboards
– John Dewey
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2025
MICROSOFT SHOWCASE SCHOOL
We are proud to be the first and only international Microsoft Showcase School in Switzerland!
In 2025/26, the International School of Switzerland was awarded the title of “Microsoft Showcase School,” recognizing our efforts in utilizing Microsoft tools for education. This title affirms our commitment to leveraging technology to positively impact student learning.
Our teachers are actively developing their expertise as Microsoft Innovative Educators, aiming to provide the best teaching solutions to prepare our students for the demands of the 21st Century. INNOVATION
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FUTURE SKILLS IN ACTION Here are 12 ways we are teaching real future skills at ISSwitzerland. At ISSwitzerland, future-ready learning is not just a phrase on a prospectus page. It is built into what students actually do: they speak in front of audiences, publish real work, build projects, interview adults, debate global issues, learn how money works, use AI responsibly, create businesses, reflect on their habits and practise the confidence they will need beyond school. These are not “extra activities.” They are deliberately designed experiences that help students become capable, articulate, adaptable and ready for the world they are walking into.
We don’t get to choose the world we graduate into; but we do get to choose how we frame our circumstances. – Sundar Pichai CEO of Google
ProjectX
Robotics and Coding
ProjectX is where students take an idea and make it real. They work through the full project cycle: research, planning, collaboration, production, presentation and reflection.
Students learn that technology is not just something they consume. It is something they can build with.
Instead of learning only inside separate subjects, students connect knowledge across disciplines and create something with a visible outcome. This may include business ideas, media projects, social impact concepts, school improvement proposals, campaigns, exhibitions and student-led showcases.
Through robotics and coding challenges, students work with physical robots, programming tasks and digital design projects. They build, code, test, fail, troubleshoot and try again, developing logic, patience and technical confidence along the way.
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“We do not want students who only know the answer. We want students who know what to do when there is no answer yet.” Rebecca Hauch Executive Principal
Think Digitally. Act Wisely.
AI Literacy and Digital Citizenship
Growth Mindset Classes
Students learn how to use AI and digital tools with judgement. They explore how artificial intelligence can support research, creativity, planning and problem-solving to achieve higher levels of learning.
Growth Mindset is not just a poster on the wall. Students are explicitly taught how effort, mistakes, feedback and habits shape progress.
Digital citizenship runs alongside this. Students learn to question sources, recognise bias, protect privacy, communicate respectfully online and understand when technology helps — and when human judgement matters more.
Through reflection, goal setting and the K.I.N.D. Growth Diary, students learn to notice unhelpful thinking, navigate obstacles and take the next small step forward. Confidence grows when students realise they can face something hard and grow through it.
Financial Intelligence In the Middle Years Programme, students study Money, Markets and Enterprise. They learn how budgeting, saving, investing, risk, markets and entrepreneurship work in real life, then apply this through experiences such as the Young Entrepreneurs Studio, Stock Market Challenge and School Investment Club. Students learn what it is to take risks, create budgets, track markets, build business ideas and discuss real financial decisions, giving them practical confidence for a world where money, opportunity and responsibility are part of everyday life. INNOVATION
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“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” — John F. Kennedy
Speak. Lead. Influence.
Model United Nations
Masterclass
Through MUN, students are assigned countries, research international issues, write position papers, prepare speeches, negotiate with other delegates and debate resolutions. This connects to international conference experiences such as BIMUN in Barcelona in March.
The Masterclass Program brings people from the real world into the student experience. Students meet professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders, creatives, athletes, scientists and experts who open windows into different industries, pathways and ways of thinking.
Students learn to speak formally, think globally and represent perspectives beyond their own, developing the confidence to enter complex conversations with respect and purpose.
Students prepare questions, listen closely, interview guests and reflect on what they heard. The aim is simple: to help young people see possibilities they may not have imagined yet.
TEDx and Public Speaking Public speaking is taught through the Discovery Program, where students learn how to shape a message, tell a story, manage nerves and speak with clarity. This builds toward real speaking opportunities, including TEDx planned for April next year (2027). Students prepare talks, rehearse, refine their ideas and stand in front of others with something meaningful to say — building confidence that carries into interviews, leadership, university and life.
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“Creativity is as important in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status.” — Sir Ken Robinson
Publish. Create. Enterprise.
Podcast — In Good Company Through the school podcast, In Good Company, students plan episodes, research guests, write questions, host conversations, record audio and publish to a real audience on Spotify. Students learn the art of conversation: how to listen, ask better questions, follow an idea, respond thoughtfully and create something others want to hear.
Digital Newspaper
Entrepreneurship
Through the school digital newspaper, students become writers, reporters, editors and publishers. They write articles, conduct interviews, report on school life, edit copy, select images and publish for the school community.
Entrepreneurship gives students the chance to identify problems, spot opportunities, understand customers, test concepts, build simple business plans and pitch ideas.
This gives writing a real purpose and a real audience. Students learn that communication is not just about expression; it is also about accuracy, responsibility, clarity and voice.
Students may develop business ideas, social enterprise concepts, product ideas or service models. The important part is the process: notice a need, create an idea, test it, improve it and have the courage to present it to others.
INNOVATION
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We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. — Proverb
NAVIGATION Using skills and knowledge to navigate the world
PG. 4 | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SWITZERLAND PROSPECTUS 2024-5
Every journey needs more than a destination. For centuries, ships crossed unknown waters by reading the stars, studying the map and learning the skills needed to stay on course. A destination mattered, but it was not enough. Sailors also needed judgement, discipline, courage and the ability to adjust when the weather changed. At ISSwitzerland, Navigation means helping students do the same. They build strong academic knowledge, develop the skills to think clearly, learn the habits to manage themselves and receive the guidance they need to make wise choices. We want students to understand where they are, where they are going and what their next step should be.
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THE ISSWITZERLAND LEARNING PATHWAY A complete international journey from primary to senior school At ISSwitzerland, we offer a world-class education through an international pathway that empowers students to thrive academically, grow personally and shape a meaningful future. Our students follow a coherent learning journey through the IB Continuum, with the option to complete A Levels in the Senior School.
FUTURE READY GLOBAL CITIZENS Our pathway prepares students with knowledge, skills and character to succeed at university and in life.
One school. Multiple pathways. Limitless potential.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL
SENIOR SCHOOL
GRADES 1 - 5
GRADES 6 - 10
GRADES 11 - 12
CHOOSE YOUR PATHWAY
DISCOVER. INQUIRE. GROW. Students build strong foundations through inquiry, creativity and care. They develop a love of learning and understanding of themselves and the world around them.
CONNECT. CHALLENGE. ACHIEVE. Students develop academic rigour, critical thinking and independence. They make connections across subjects and the real world.
IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
(PEARSON EDEXCEL)
A globally recognised qualification that develops academic excellence, research, creativity and global mindedness.
A flexible and respected qualification that allows students to specialise in subjects they are passionate about.
A LEVELS
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PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME Grades 1 - 5 Curious minds. Kind hearts. Strong foundations for life. Our Primary Years Programme (PYP) nurtures the whole child through inquiry, play, creativity and care. Children become confident, independent learners who ask questions, think deeply and take action - in their learning and in the world around them. Students build strong foundations in English, Mathematics, Italian and other subject areas, supported by specialist teaching, rich experiences and a caring community. At ISSwitzerland, learning is joyful, meaningful and future-ready from the very beginning. UNIT OF INQUIRY Students explore big ideas and ask meaningful questions that connect all their subjects including Science, History & Geography. LITERACY Strong language skills in English, Italian and beyond. NUMERACY Confident mathematicians with real-world understanding.
Children are born inquisitive so we give them the right environment, support and space to explore, wonder and grow into their best. Debbie Telles Primary Teacher
CREATIVITY Art, music, drama and design spark self-expression. K.I.N.D. Kindness, empathy, resilience and a growth mindset. GLOBAL AWARENESS Students connect with the world and learn to make a difference.
NAVIGATION
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MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME Grades 6 - 10 Growing independence. Deeper thinking. A strong pathway forward. The Middle Years Programme helps students move from strong foundations into deeper, more independent learning. Across a broad range of subjects, students are challenged to think critically, connect ideas, communicate clearly and take increasing ownership of their progress. At ISSwitzerland, the MYP is strengthened by future-ready learning, personal guidance and opportunities for leadership, service and discovery.
INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING Students connect ideas across subjects and apply learning in meaningful ways. SUBJECT DEPTH Specialist teaching helps students build confidence and strength across the curriculum. GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES Learning encourages curiosity, empathy and understanding of the wider world.
INDEPENDENCE Students learn to organise themselves, reflect on progress and take greater ownership of learning. LEADERSHIP & SERVICE Students grow in responsibility through contribution, initiative and action beyond themselves. FUTURE SKILLS Public speaking, innovation, design and problem solving become part of everyday school life.
This is the age where students can drift — or be guided. At ISSwitzerland, we help them find direction and identity before the future starts asking bigger questions. A Pathway to Senior Success The MYP prepares students for the challenge and opportunity of Grade 11-12 pathways, including the IB Diploma Programme and A Levels through Pearson Edexcel. With strong academic preparation, personal mentorship and a global outlook, students are ready to thrive in their next chapter and beyond.
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SENIOR SCHOOL PATHWAYS Grades 11 - 12 Two respected pathways. One personalised future. In Grades 11 and 12, students at ISSwitzerland choose the pathway that best matches their strengths, goals and future ambitions. They can choose between two internationally recognised programs; the IB Diploma Programme and Pearson Edexcel A Levels. With expert personal guidance, we help each student select the route that best prepares them for university and for life beyond school.
A LEVELS The IB Diploma is a rigorous and internationally respected pathway that develops breadth, depth and independence. Students study across six subject groups and complete the Core through Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service.
Ideal for students who enjoy academic challenge, interdisciplinary thinking and a globally minded education.
PERSONALISED GUIDANCE Expert advisors work closely with each student to match their pathway to their strengths, interests and ambition.
A Levels allow students to specialise more deeply in selected subjects. Students build subject expertise, analytical strength and strong examination preparation within a flexible senior pathway. This pathway is ideal for students who want focused academic study and clear preparation for university entry in the UK and beyond. Ideal for students who want to deepen expertise in subjects they love and aim for top universities worldwide.
UNIVERSITY PREPARATION Both pathways open doors to leading universities around the world and build the skills to thrive there.
READY FOR WHAT COMES NEXT Students graduate with confidence, curiosity and the character to make a positive impact.
A senior school education at the International School of Switzerland is about more than earning a qualification. It is about building the skills, confidence and direction students need to step into their future. NAVIGATION
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OUR SCHOOL DAY: A DAY DESIGNED FOR LEARNING & GROWTH In the heart of Lugano, every day blends academic rigour, personal growth and discovery. 8:30
Morning: Academic Learning Focused, engaging lessons in small classes. Students collaborate, think critically and build deep understanding in their core subjects, growth mindset training, masterclasses, AI targeted tutoring and dedicated reading periods. PDC & Personal Development Guided reflection, goal setting and mentoring. Building mindset, character and strong habits for life.
12:00 Lunchtime in the City: Manora We head to Manora in Lugano’s centre for lunch together - great food and good conversations in the real world. Discovery Program Hands-on, interdisciplinary learning including arts, entrepreneurship, sport, technology, community service and more. (13:15-14:15 for PYP & 14:30-16:00 for MYP & DP) 16:00 After School Activities & Enrichment Continue to explore passions, build confidence and belong. Including sport, arts, clubs and wellbeing.
LUGANO IS OUR CAMPUS We learn in the heart of the city. Lugano is not just our location - it’s part of how we learn, connect and grow.
I love that my child’s learning is not contained to four walls, but that their learning is connected to real life.
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LANGUAGES AT ISSWITZERLAND Many languages One personalised future. In a multilingual country like Switzerland, language is more than communication - it is connection, identity and opportunity. At ISSwitzerland, we help students become confident, curious and capable in the languages that matter most for their future.
Learning another language is not just learning words. It is opening doors to people, places and possibilities.
ENGLISH
ITALIAN
GERMAN
FRENCH
MOTHER TONGUE
English is the main language of instruction. Students develop strong communication, academic literacy and critical thinking skills across all subjects.
Living in Ticino gives students the chance to learn Italian in authentic, meaningful ways - in class and in the community.
German is offered at multiple levels, supporting students in becoming confident communicators with a global outlook.
French expands cultural understanding and global opportunity, opening doors in education, travel and business.
Where possible, we support mother tongue development to help students stay connected to their heritage.
Supported Every Step of the Way
NAVIGATION
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PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE More than grades. A living portfolio of who students are becoming. At ISSwitzerland, students are more than a report card. The Portrait of a Graduate is a student-owned digital E-Portfolio that captures academic achievement, personal growth, projects, leadership, creativity, service and future-ready skills over time. Students build it themselves, learning to reflect on their progress, showcase their strengths and tell the story of who they are becoming. 01. ACADEMIC EVIDENCE Exam results, teacher assessments and academic progress are captured alongside evidence of learning, reflection and growth. 02. PROJECTS & INNOVATION Students showcase meaningful work from ProjectX, Design, Robotics, Coding, AI Literacy, Entrepreneurship and Discovery.
04. SERVICE & LEADERSHIP Students document volunteering, community involvement, leadership roles, Model United Nations, school initiatives and moments where they contribute beyond themselves.
03. SKILLS & STRENGTHS The portfolio records the futureready skills students are developing, including collaboration, creativity, public speaking, problem-solving, digital fluency and oracy.
05. PASSIONS & PATHWAYS Students collect evidence of their interests, co-curricular experiences, work experience, creative achievements and emerging future pathways.
06. REFLECTION & GROWTH Through regular reflection, students learn to recognise progress, set goals, understand themselves and take ownership of their next steps.
Grades show part of the story. The Portrait of a Graduate shows the whole student.
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UNIVERSITY & FUTURE PATHWAYS Preparing students not only for where they can go next, but for who they are becoming.
PERSONALISED GUIDANCE Every student receives one-to-one support from our experienced University & Careers Counsellors to explore strengths, make informed subject choices, research universities and plan each step of their application journey. TWO SENIOR PATHWAYS In Grades 11-12 students can choose the pathway that best suits their goals and learning style: the IB Diploma Programme or A Levels. Both pathways are academically rigorous and respected by universities worldwide. BUILDING A STRONG PROFILE Students develop a distinctive profile through experiences that go beyond the classroom: public speaking, MUN, Masterclass, leadership, service, projects, podcasting and enterprise. These are documented in their E-Portfolio, known as a Portrait of a Graduate. READY FOR THE NEXT STEP We support every stage of the application process from university shortlisting, personal statements and interviews to scholarship application - while preparing students for life beyond school with independence, resilience and purpose. NAVIGATION
START UNIVERSITY BEFORE LEAVING SCHOOL! At ISSwitzerland, students have the opportunity to begin university-level study before they graduate. Through selected university subject options, students can experience the academic level of higher education, explore potential fields of interest and gain credits that may support future university pathways. This gives students a meaningful advantage. They can test whether a chosen subject truly suits them, understand the expectations of university study and strengthen their applications with evidence of ambition, independence and academic readiness.
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"My teacher’s passion goes beyond the classroom—every lesson is an adventure, and their love for learning inspires me every day at The International School of Switzerland."
DISCOVERY To draw out inner potential and abilities
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Education at The International School of Switzerland is an exhilarating journey that knows no boundaries. Our beyondthe-classroom experiences are purposefully designed to ignite passions and foster skills beyond the ordinary. Our Discovery co-curricular program empowers students to explore diverse interests, enhancing their capabilities and sense of purpose. Immersion and residential programs nurture global citizens, while ski and summer camps infuse adventure into learning. These cocurricular programs are the driving force behind developing well-rounded and inspired learners.
With so many clubs and activities it is easy to make new friends and get better acquainted with old ones.
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FASHION DESIGN
THEATRE CLUB
ART CLUB
FOOTBALL JUNIORS
MILITARY FITNESS
GO KARTING
CLUBS & ACTIVITIES Explore our Co-Curricular Discovery Program, rich with 50+ clubs and activities. Thanks to partnerships with many of the incredible local clubs and centres, we are able to offer students a vast array of opportunities to express their individuality, find friendships, belonging, purpose and passions.
RUGBY
ROBOTICS CLUB
“Through the MINDFULNESS program, I have been able to find focus and balance.”
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GLOBAL IMMERSION Immersive learning opportunities are central to our teaching and learning philosophy at The International School of Switzerland. Through camps, excursions and international experiences, students are given opportunities to step beyond the classroom and engage with the wider world.
BIMUN helped me see that young people can have a voice in solving real world problems.
These experiences are designed to build independence, confidence, resilience and cultural understanding. Whether students are exploring new landscapes, skiing in the Swiss Alps, attending international conferences, or working alongside peers from around the world, they are encouraged to think deeply, communicate clearly and grow as future-ready global citizens.
BIMUN Students in Barcelona 2026
CAMPS & EXCURSIONS Our camps and excursions extend learning into real-world settings. By engaging with different cultures, landscapes, histories and communities, students develop curiosity, responsibility, teamwork and a deeper understanding of the world around them. These experiences are not simply trips away from school. They are carefully designed learning opportunities that help students discover more about themselves, others and the world they are preparing to enter.
APRIL: Barcelona International Model United Nations — BIMUN ESADE, Barcelona, Spain Students represent countries in UN-style committees, debate current global challenges, negotiate resolutions and respond to crisis situations while developing confidence, diplomacy, leadership and public speaking skills. They also spend time as a team exploring the wonderful city of Barcelona.
SEPTEMBER: Summer Camp — Finale Ligure, Italy A residential outdoor learning experience focused on teamwork, independence, nature, wellbeing and personal growth. MARCH: Ski Camp — Laax, Switzerland A winter mountain experience where students develop resilience, confidence, physical skill and an appreciation for the alpine environment. DISCOVERY
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APPLICATIONS FOR 2026/27 Application Process We understand that choosing a new school can sometimes be a daunting task, but the admissions team is here to guide and help you in any way they can. This page and our online guide are designed to assist you with the process, but please do contact us with any further questions you may have, we will be delighted to assist.
Age Requirements Grade 1 (Primary Years Programme Year 1)
5 turning 6 in 2026 (born in 2020)
Grade 2 (PYP Year 2)
6 turning 7 in 2026 (born in 2019)
Grade 3 (PYP Year 3)
7 turning 8 in 2026 (born in 2018)
Grade 4 (PYP Year 4)
8 turning 9 in 2026 (born in 2017)
Grade 5 (PYP Year 5)
9 turning 10 in 2026 (born in 2016)
Grade 6 (Middle Years Programme Year 1)
10 turning 11 in 2026 (born in 2015)
Grade 7 (MYP Year 2)
Stage Two: Apply Online Scan the QR Code above and you will be directed to our admissions portal, where you can create an account and gain access to all the necessary documents for the application process, which you can conveniently complete and submit online.
11 turning 12 in 2026 (born in 2014)
Grade 8 (MYP Year 3)
12 turning 13 in 2026 (born in 2013)
Grade 9 (MYP Year 4)
13 turning 14 in 2026 (born in 2012)
Stage Three: Assessments All pupils will sit papers in Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning, alongside a short interview. We naturally do all we can to make the entry assessments as friendly and good-natured as possible - for children and their parents! These papers are designed to look for potential.
Grade 10 (Diploma 14 turning 15 in 2026 Programme Foundation (born in 2011) Course)
Stage Four: Offer and Acceptance Students will then be offered places at the school on the basis of their performance in the entry assessment. The final forms will then need to be completed online and returned within four weeks with the deposit.
Grade 11 (Diploma Program Year 1)
15 turning 16 in 2026 (born in 2010)
Grade 12 (Diploma Program Year 2)
16 turning 17 in 2026 (born in 2009)
Stage One: Enquiry An enquiry to us is the first stage of the admission process. Following your call or email, we will invite you to: 1. An information evening (virtual options also available) 2. A Taster Day, which is a fun, informal day for children to get to know staff and other pupils. 3. An individual visit, to tour the school and meet the principal.
For further information regarding admission please email admin@isswitzerland.ch
Wish you were here! COME AND VISIT US IN LUGANO
Enrol today at ISSWITZERLAND.CH