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Bilingual

Two young students reading books together in the library at Zurich International School, exploring stories in a supportive bilingual learning environment.”
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

Teacher supporting a young student during a classroom activity at Zurich International School, encouraging learning and exploration in a bilingual environment.
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

Bilingual Pathway at Zurich International School

The ZIS Bilingual Pathway a transitional immersive program and an exciting addition to our School community. It is for students aged 3 - 12 and will grow over the coming years up to Grade 9, the end of compulsory schooling in Switzerland.

Designed to cater to our international school context, 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.

Teacher guiding two young students during a classroom writing activity at Zurich International School, supporting learning in an engaging bilinguall environment.

Overview

  • We are now accepting applications for Preschool, Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5 and Grade 6 (children aged 3-12) for August 2026.  Applications can be accepted throughout the year.
  • 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 Choose a Bilingual International School in Zurich?

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. 

Through our Bilingual Pathway we cultivate a challenging and motivating multilingual journey, setting high expectations for our students' learning and offering them nuturing support and guidance.

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.

How Our Bilingual Pathway Supports Multilingual Learners

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 and expert for bilingual education 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?

 

Lower School In-person Open House
Sunday, May 10, from 10:30 to 12:00

Join us at our Wädenswil campus to explore the ZIS Lower School and learn more about our approach to education.

Discover our International and Bilingual Pathways, tour our campus and facilities, and hear directly from our school leadership about what makes the ZIS experience distinctive.

During your visit, you will:

  • Take a guided tour with a member of our Enrollment Team
  • Hear from ZIS Director Elsa Hernandez-Donohue and Lower School Principal Junlah Madalinski
  • Gain insight into our learning philosophy and student experience

As a community event will be taking place on campus, you are warmly invited to stay afterwards for a BBQ lunch—an opportunity to connect with families and experience the ZIS community in a relaxed setting.

Register Here

If you have any questions, please contact the Enrollment Team at enrollment@zis.ch.

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!

Read More about Lower School Parent
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.

Read More about Lower School Parent

ZIS Experience

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Young children playing joyfully on an outdoor slide at Zurich International School, enjoying active learning and play in a safe bilingual school environment.

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.