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Bilingual

Lower School student smiling a fellow students during class
The world is full of opportunity

At ZIS, we provide your child with a space in which they belong, so they can explore their role in their community, and beyond

ZIS Kindergarten child standing over a table and sorting through materials
We’ll give your child the structure to learn, and the freedom to explore

ZIS offers a transferable, transformative education which is open to everyone, but designed around your child

Who is the ZIS Bilingual Pathway for?

The ZIS Bilingual Pathway is an exciting addition to our Lower School community. It is for students aged 3 - 10 and will grow over the coming years up to Grade 9, the end of compusory schooling in Switzerland.

ZIS Bilingual is a unique pathway catering to:

  • Families that have Swiss roots, and a global outlook or aspiration for their child
  • For local and international families alike, that wish to make Switzerland their home, but also keep the door open for an international move
  • For families wanting to provide a local and global university opportunity for their child at graduation

ZIS Bilingual is unique in how it focuses on German during the early years and up to Grade 2. From Grade 3 and up academic subjects are taught equally in English and German.

ZIS Teacher working with two ZIS students

Overview

  • We are now accepting applications for Preschool, Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, and Grade 4 (children aged 3-10) for August 2024.  Applications can be accepted throughout the year.
  • Due to capacity constraints in Kindergarten, Grade 3 and Grade 4 starting in August 2024, please contact a member of the Admissions Team at admissions@zis.ch for further information on grade-level availability before formally applying.
  • The program will grow to include students aged up to 14 in the coming years.
  • Fully accredited and approved Swiss curriculum (Lehrplan 21) combined with the high-quality pedagogy and curriculum of our international program
  • Our program has a strong emphasis on both social and academic German from PreSchool through Grade 2, moving to equal academic focus on both German and English from Grade 3 onwards

How to Apply

Why ZIS Bilingual

This is an exciting opportunity for your child to benefit from a strong academic program in both German and English in an international environment, which offers local connections as well as a global outlook. 

We aim to develop true global citizens who recognize the value of their local community. Your child will be open to different cultures, backgrounds and perspectives. They will understand the importance of inclusion and equity.

Your questions answered

When considering applying for a bilingual program, many parents ask similar questions around bilingual education and learning languages in general. 

Dr. Eowyn Crisfield, PhD Applied Linguists, an independent consultant unpacks some of the common misperceptions about bilingual education and suggests practical strategies for families to define their own map to multilingualism.

Bilingual Education and Language Learning

00:16: What is the difference between a bilingual education and learning a second language?

00:38: What are the common myths you come across about learning multiple languages?

01:06: When is the best time for a child to start a bilingual program?

01:34 How can parents support bilingual learning outside school?

Is the Bilingual Pathway right for my child?

00:06: What factors should parents take into account when considering applying to the ZIS Bilingual Pathway?

00:36: What level of German and English should a child have?

01:06: Is a child suitable for the Bilingual Pathway if they have a home language other than German or English?

01:28: What is the difference between learning German and learning in German?

01:51: What level of German and English proficiency can one expect after 9 years in the ZIS Bilingual Pathway?

02:31: What level of German can my child expect to achieve in the ZIS International Pathway?

 

What our parents say

ZIS Experience

Two boys reading a book together in the Library
Lower School Parent

My son is simply thriving at ZIS. He loves school, he loves his after school activities, his teacher motivates him … he has great friends. All of the support team are great! Quite frankly it makes me want to have a ‘do over’ – I want to go to ZIS myself!

Three Lower Schoo students standing at the door waiting to go out to break, smiling
Lower School Parent

This is a wonderful school. I can't believe how happy my boys are. Since they started at ZIS, there has not been one morning they have not woken up excited to go to school. And every day they come home with 'stars in their eyes' because something great has happened, or a teacher said something really nice to them.

New Kindergarten student on her way to school
New Early Childhood Parent

From day 1, it was clear that our daughter felt welcomed and supported. We love seeing her confidence grow and can’t wait to see how her curiosity and resilience will be nurtured further.

Upper School students in class, one student working on a laptop looks and smiles at the camera
New Upper School Parent

The school welcomed us very warmly and we feel delighted to be a part of the ZIS community and fully trust that the school will continue successfully managing the COVID situation professionally and efficiently.

ZIS Experience

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Lower School Assistant Principal welcomes a family to the Lower School

Schedule a 1:1

We're Here For You!

Our admissions team would be delighted to meet with you via Zoom or a phone call to answer any questions you may have about ZIS Bilingual. 

Please complete the sort registration of interest form and we will get in touch with you.