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
Bilingual
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 program for?
The ZIS bilingual program is a new additional pathway for students aged 4 - 6.
If you want your child to:
- have Swiss roots and a global outlook. We offer a strong academic program in both German and English in an international environment;
- stay in Switzerland in the long-term or be open to an international move;
- go to a German language university.
The ZIS Bilingual Program is available to families who want their child to develop both German and English as an academic language.
Overview
- Starts with Kindergarten 1 and 2 (children aged 4 to 6) from August 2021 and is part of the Lower School in Wädenswil.
- The program grows with your child and will be expanded every year, to include students aged up to 12 in the coming years.
- Follows the Swiss curriculum (Lehrplan 21)
- Is taught approximately 60% German and 40% English (moving to 50/50 at the end of Grade 2)
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.
![Two ZIS students concentrating on their work]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1611144738/zurich/h81o6fjcxyn5gr53i1jm/ms_grid_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1611144738/zurich/h81o6fjcxyn5gr53i1jm/ms_grid_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1611144738/zurich/h81o6fjcxyn5gr53i1jm/ms_grid_1.jpg","width":560}])
Outstanding and experienced educators who challenge and support each student based on their abilities and interests. Learning in English and German every day.
![ZIS Kindergarten children stretching their hands up in the air to answer a question]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1611145524/zurich/xhjixz10wgi7ujrrcwbz/ms_grid_2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1611145524/zurich/xhjixz10wgi7ujrrcwbz/ms_grid_2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1611145524/zurich/xhjixz10wgi7ujrrcwbz/ms_grid_2.jpg","width":560}])
Where digital learning is integrated and new skills are learned every day. A comprehensive and well-supported online learning program when needed.
![ZIS Teacher welcomes parents into the classroom and they laugh together]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1611656693/zurich/ozb8jz8zsez8qbto6w4j/ms_grid_3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1611656693/zurich/ozb8jz8zsez8qbto6w4j/ms_grid_3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1611656693/zurich/ozb8jz8zsez8qbto6w4j/ms_grid_3.jpg","width":560}])
An international and welcoming community where students interact with and learn from children from all over the world and where parents are treated as partners.
![ZIS student playing the violin, her teacher helps to guide her bow]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1611145888/zurich/gczj4pcceps1sntcipb1/ms_grid_4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1611145888/zurich/gczj4pcceps1sntcipb1/ms_grid_4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1611145888/zurich/gczj4pcceps1sntcipb1/ms_grid_4.jpg","width":560}])
Our extensive after school activities give every child the opportunity to follow their passion or find a new one. And it’s all included in our tuition fees.
![Well-resourced, purpose-built facilities]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1611146052/zurich/vqszdpanszwrztjsy8gv/ms_grid_5.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1611146052/zurich/vqszdpanszwrztjsy8gv/ms_grid_5.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1611146052/zurich/vqszdpanszwrztjsy8gv/ms_grid_5.jpg","width":560}])
Sate-of-the-art facilities such as performance rooms, classrooms and makerspaces; and access to sports fields, play spaces, and a forest.
![Two kindergarten sitting on top of the climbing frame smiling and looking down]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1612442855/zurich/ern0bzqg3xojztjtqj6q/lp_practical_day.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1612442855/zurich/ern0bzqg3xojztjtqj6q/lp_practical_day.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1612442855/zurich/ern0bzqg3xojztjtqj6q/lp_practical_day.jpg","width":560}])
Before and after school care (extending the day from 07:00 to 18:00 every day including Wednesday), lunch service, bus service, weekend and vacation programs.
Thursday, April 15 - 10:30 to 11:30
Find out more about the Lower School and ZIS Bilingual
Join us for our Virtual Open House
- Introduction to ZIS from Director Lisa Lyle and to the Lower School from Principal Catherine Jolly
- Learn about our new Bilingual Pathway for Kindergarten children, starting in August 2021
- Overview of our curriculum
- Virtual tour of our campus to see our outstanding facilities and an overview of our after school activities
- Small group discussions with Lower School teachers and admissions representatives who will answer your individual questions
The event will take place online and you will be sent a link to join. Please complete the short online registration form.
What our parents say
![Two boys reading a book together in the Library]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1613401084/zurich/m0b729zn1fgqnnoxisgq/ls_parent_quote_2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1613401084/zurich/m0b729zn1fgqnnoxisgq/ls_parent_quote_2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1613401084/zurich/m0b729zn1fgqnnoxisgq/ls_parent_quote_2.jpg","width":600}])
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]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1613401023/zurich/xy6dafnlzw4poo88glum/ls_parent_quote_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1613401023/zurich/xy6dafnlzw4poo88glum/ls_parent_quote_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1613401023/zurich/xy6dafnlzw4poo88glum/ls_parent_quote_1.jpg","width":600}])
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]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1612883144/zurich/xoz8spycny46aovxbd0p/new_kg_student.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1612883144/zurich/xoz8spycny46aovxbd0p/new_kg_student.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1612883144/zurich/xoz8spycny46aovxbd0p/new_kg_student.jpg","width":571}])
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]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1613400968/zurich/il9rbgkbdab64fjlzjvb/us_parent_quote.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1613400968/zurich/il9rbgkbdab64fjlzjvb/us_parent_quote.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1613400968/zurich/il9rbgkbdab64fjlzjvb/us_parent_quote.jpg","width":600}])
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
![Kindergarten student Emmerson about why she loves her forest classroom - Voices article]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1611579889/zurich/okccyzyt0qzxyqys5nuu/Emerson_posts.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1611579889/zurich/okccyzyt0qzxyqys5nuu/Emerson_posts.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1611579889/zurich/okccyzyt0qzxyqys5nuu/Emerson_posts.jpg","width":600}])
Emerson loves Kindergarten and says her favourite time is when the class get to explore the forest.
![Kindergarten Teacher, Allen Dee]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1614069962/zurich/rmvti5egcdgvrjo8ewvj/Allen-dee.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1614069962/zurich/rmvti5egcdgvrjo8ewvj/Allen-dee.jpg","width":480}])
Kindergarten teacher Allan Dee wants learning to be fun and fulfilling – whichever side of the desk he’s sitting on.
![Henrik, Grade 6, Voices article about his love of public speaking]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1611578408/zurich/iwufnugdccehvymmqjtt/Henrik_posts.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1611578408/zurich/iwufnugdccehvymmqjtt/Henrik_posts.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1611578408/zurich/iwufnugdccehvymmqjtt/Henrik_posts.jpg","width":600}])
Henrik says before the MMUN conference, the biggest crowd he had spoken in front of was a school assembly.
![Valerie, Grade 12. Voices article about Valerie's love of languages]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1611579450/zurich/tgpeqndr0eemrymcj6pz/ValerieMonticone_posts.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1611579450/zurich/tgpeqndr0eemrymcj6pz/ValerieMonticone_posts.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1611579450/zurich/tgpeqndr0eemrymcj6pz/ValerieMonticone_posts.jpg","width":600}])
Multilingual Valerie grew up speaking English and French, is now loving her German studies – and hopes to learn Italian in the future.
![Leo, Grade 4. Voices article about Leo's love of writing]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1611580265/zurich/oywychjtg1dyikeci3g3/leo_billante_posts.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1611580265/zurich/oywychjtg1dyikeci3g3/leo_billante_posts.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1611580265/zurich/oywychjtg1dyikeci3g3/leo_billante_posts.jpg","width":600}])
With a sci-fi novel under his belt, Leo can't get enough of the written word
![Max Class of 2012, article about his ZIS Experience, Voices magazine summer 2019]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1611581119/zurich/dzhujwwyov95hyebs3eg/max_posts.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1611581119/zurich/dzhujwwyov95hyebs3eg/max_posts.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1611581119/zurich/dzhujwwyov95hyebs3eg/max_posts.jpg","width":600}])
Max remembers lessons at ZIS as “amazing, relevant and relatable, being brought to life vividly”.
![Michael Johnson Class of 1988 on his dream job as a video games tester, Voices article Winter 2016]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1611581726/zurich/jamrumqvxu6sygfeek06/Michael_posts.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1611581726/zurich/jamrumqvxu6sygfeek06/Michael_posts.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1611581726/zurich/jamrumqvxu6sygfeek06/Michael_posts.jpg","width":600}])
“ The international experience I’d got from AISZ meant it was easy for me to put myself in the shoes of people from other cultures"
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.