ZIS 2030: Forward Together
At Zurich International School, we believe that clarity of purpose drives excellence. That’s why we’ve launched a strategic planning process to guide the next chapter of our school’s growth—one that honors our community’s voice and leads us boldly into the future.
Our Mission
We surface and inspire each learner's curiosity, critical thinking, and high expectations for their learning so that they positively impact their family, community and the world.
Our new mission was shaped through deep listening and reflection across our community. It now serves as the foundation for our ongoing commitment—guiding how we teach, support, and grow every learner.
Our Two Non-Negotiables
Out of this data, two core commitments emerged—clear, bold, and non-negotiable. These will anchor every decision and strategy moving forward:
Non-Negotiable 1
A Hub for Exceptional Teaching, Learning, and Leading
We will be a hub for exceptional teaching, learning and leading. We will become known as a place others turn to for inspiration and learning.
Non-Negotiable 2
A Cohesive EC-12 Learning Journey
At ZIS each student will benefit from a clear arc of experience resulting in a powerfully cohesive learning path from EC-12.
These themes reflect our community’s desire for aspirational excellence and greater organizational coherence.
The Five Strategic Priorities
High Expectations: We will set high expectations for all students, ensuring differentiated experiences stretch and inspire all of them both in and outside the classroom. We support and mentor because we believe in our learners.
Exceptional educators and leaders: We will increase our investment in exceptional educators and leaders who center their pedagogy in relevant, purposeful, engaging, and relational experiences.
Elevated Language Program: We will elevate and refine our Language Program to be an example for the rest of Europe, sustaining and building on the successful experience of the Bilingual Pathway.
Being Good Neighbors: We will build relationships so that students benefit from and contribute meaningfully to our school, local, and global communities, thus learning the vital importance of being good neighbors.
ZIS 2030: Forward Together
Our Strategic Planning Journey
Between August 2024 and March 2025, we engaged in a comprehensive, inclusive process to understand who we are today and what we aspire to become.
Our Process Included:
- 90-Day Entry Report of Director Elsa Hernández-Donohue : Over 70 individual conversations across stakeholder groups identified key themes: excellence, cohesion, aspiration, and well-being.
- Community Conversations with our consultant Ross Peters: Confidential listening sessions brought emotional nuance and uncovered shared hopes and concerns.
- NEASC Re-accreditation Input: External validation through working groups and surveys surfaced alignment around clarity of mission and consistency of experience.
- Strategic Input Data Deck: More than 500 coded data points from student and employee surveys revealed patterns guiding our future priorities.
