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Adliswil Campus (ages 11-18)

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Upper School students at Zurich International School collaborating in a science class.

Character that stays with you

We’ll teach you about the part you can play in making a better community and a better world, and give you hands-on experience in how to make it happen.

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Grades 6-12

The Adliswil Campus provides a supportive and inspiring learning environment for students in Grades 6–12, guiding them through the important years of early adolescence, personal growth, academic development, and preparation for life beyond ZIS.

A smiling woman with glasses and a tan sweater stands in front of a glass wall with the word %22GAME%22 visible.

Maggie Wollner
Adliswil Campus Principal

We encourage our students to be curious, think critically and hold higher expectations for their learning. In addition, we strongly believe in the importance of good character, care for others and thinking about creating positive impact on their families, the community and the world. 

We believe that all students are unique, with their own strenghts, interests, and sense of purpose. That's why we work with every one of you to chart your own learning journey so you can make the most of the wide variety of academic and co-curricluar options available at ZIS.

We cannot wait to be on this journey with you. 


With a focus on strong relationships, curiosity, independence, and academic excellence, students benefit from a flexible international curriculum, a wide range of learning opportunities, and a community where they are encouraged to discover their strengths and pursue their interests.

Highlights of the Adliswil Campus

  • Approximately 880 students in Grades 6–12
  • Individual learning technology provided for all students
  • Inquiry-based and technology-integrated curriculum
  • Flexible course choices and internationally recognised pathways
  • International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement options
  • Distinctive co-curricular activities, clubs, and enrichment opportunities
  • Dedicated career counselling and university application support
  • Modern facilities, including a media centre, Design Lab, theater, music, and performance spaces
  • Convenient access to public transportation

The Good Schools Guide International

"Families looking for academic rigor and choice, with a good dose of healthy competition, will enjoy their time at this school."

Read the full review

School Day

  • For Grades 6-10, Classes start at 08:40 and end at 15:45 (Wednesdays classes start at 09:30)
  • For Grade 11-12 students doing AP and IB Higher Level courses there are extended school days where classes start at 08:30 (Wednesdays 09:30)

We serve hot food, available for purchase in the cafeteria, or your child can bring a packed lunch.

A learning experience designed for every stage

Grades 6–8: Building confidence and independence

Students in the early years of adolescence experience a supportive, relationship-focused learning environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and academic growth. A wide range of subject choices, inquiry-based learning, and co-curricular opportunities help students develop confidence and independence.

Academic Challenge

As every child gets older, they’ll be expected to learn more, and to a deeper level. But we want them to embrace it as an opportunity, not a chore. Every lesson that they learn should feel powerful, exciting and resonant to them. Because, if we achieve that, we give them a lifelong appetite for learning, which will make them more adaptable, inspired and curious.

Your child will be challenged and supported so they can achieve more than they thought possible. This happens through:

  • A well-rounded curriculum
  • Engaging local and international field trips 
  • A wide range of co-curricular experiences
  • Provided personal technology (laptop)
  • German instruction

We also make sure that each student gets the unique support they need. That might be:

  • Language support for English language learners
  • Learning support for students with mild to moderate learning challenges

Curriculum Grades 6-8

Grades 9–12: Preparing for future pathways

As students progress through the last chapter of school, they engage in a rigorous international programme designed to challenge and inspire them. Flexible curriculum pathways, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement courses, prepare students for universities and future opportunities worldwide.

Academic Challenge

At ZIS, we allow you the freedom to choose your learning path. Our rigorous curriculum is respected by the world’s top universities, but the details are up to you. You can choose International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, or one of our ZIS-developed courses. We give you the opportunity to choose how to make yourself shine brightest.

We develop our Grade 9 and 10 courses to align with international benchmarks. In Grades 11 and 12 you can choose from: 

  • International Baccalaureate courses including the diploma and bilingual diploma
  • Advanced Placement courses
  • ZIS-developed courses

We also make sure that each student gets the unique support they need. That might be:

  • Language support for English language learners
  • Learning support for students with mild to moderate learning challenges

Curriculum Grades 9-12

ZIS Upper Student student enjoying playing the violin with a big smile on his face

Grow your Passions

The classroom isn’t the only place that learning happens. Our distinctive co-curricular program means you can test out new interests, or practice your passions. There is a lot to choose from with more than 60 activities spanning academics, service learning, STEM, performing arts and athletics.

All of our activities work alongside what you learn in the classroom and prepare you to be a courageous leader by helping you build skills to meet real-world challenges.

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ZIS Upper School teacher and student in the music studio

Purpose-built Facilities

Our Upper School has all the things you need to delve into your subjects, apply your skills, and participate in your co-curricular pursuits. 

Whether creating in our Design Lab and studios, getting physical in our athletic facilities, performing in our theater or eating our prepared food in the cafeteria with your friends – we pride ourselves on setting the scene for you to become whoever you want to be.

Easy access with public transport or our shuttle from Thalwil train station.

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Upper School University & Careers Counselor helping students with university choices

Future Pathways

What about life after ZIS? 98% of ZIS graduates go on to attend university in Switzerland or internationally. Our Future Pathway Advisors work to guide you and your parents through the application process.

And if university isn’t your next step, our advisors will work with you to find options that best fit your abilities, interests and ambitions. ZIS will help you get ahead no matter what you decide.

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ZIS Upper School students working together on computer

Internship Program

Every employer is looking for candidates with prior work experience. That’s why we designed our thriving Internship Program to help set you up for success. 

In Grade 11 you will get training to write a CV and hone your interview skills. Then you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a summer internship with one of our employer partners in Switzerland.

Learn More

 

AP Results: Zurich International School Compared with World Averages

Advanced Placement (AP) exams are scored on a scale from 1.0 to 5.0, with 5.0 representing the highest possible score.

Bar chart comparing average AP exam scores at Zurich International School with world averages across English, World Languages, Social Sciences, Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts. ZIS scores are higher in all subjects.

Zurich International School students consistently achieve AP scores above world averages across all subject areas, reflecting high academic expectations and exceptional teaching.

  • English: ZIS 3.49 | World 3.22
  • World Languages: ZIS 4.30 | World 3.51
  • Social Sciences: ZIS 4.01 | World 3.21
  • Sciences: ZIS 3.69 | World 3.18
  • Mathematics: ZIS 3.87 | World 3.24
  • Arts: ZIS 4.00 | World 3.34

Advanced Placement Results at Zurich International School

Advanced Placement (AP) exams are scored on a scale from 1.0 to 5.0, with 5.0 representing the highest possible score.

Infographic highlighting Advanced Placement results at Zurich International School, showing 17 percent of exams scored 5.0, 44 percent scored 4.0 or higher, 71 percent scored 3.0 or higher, with 562 AP exams sat in total.
  • 17% of AP exams received the highest score of 5.0.
  • 44% of AP exams received a score of 4.0 or higher.
  • 71% of AP exams received a score of 3.0 or higher.
  • ZIS students sat a total of 562 AP examinations.

These outcomes place Zurich International School among the high-performing international schools in Switzerland, particularly in preparing students for rigorous university pathways.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Results at Zurich International School

The IB Diploma Programme is scored on a scale from 0 to 45 points, with 45 representing the highest possible score.

Infographic comparing IB Diploma results at Zurich International School with world averages, showing score distributions across the 40–45, 35–39, 30–34, and 25–29 point ranges, plus highlights including bilingual diplomas, pass rate, and average score.

IB Diploma Score Distribution

  • 40–45 points: ZIS 21% | World 9%
  • 35–39 points: ZIS 36% | World 21%
  • 30–34 points: ZIS 29% | World 28%
  • 25–29 points: ZIS 13% | World 28%

IB Diploma Highlights

  • 40% of students earned a bilingual IB Diploma.
  • 92 students were IB Diploma candidates.
  • 98% of candidates successfully passed the IB Diploma.
  • The average IB Diploma score was 35 points.

IB Results by Subject at Zurich International School

This chart compares average IB subject scores achieved by Zurich International School students with world averages, with 7.0 being the highest possible score. 

An infographic showing an overview fo the IB results by subject area for 2024/25
  • Studies in Language and Literature: ZIS 5.47 | World 4.90
  • Language Acquisition: ZIS 5.79 | World 5.20
  • Individuals and Societies: ZIS 5.67 | World 4.80
  • Experimental Sciences: ZIS 5.31 | World 4.50
  • Mathematics: ZIS 5.59 | World 4.40
  • Arts: ZIS 5.00 | World 4.30

Across all six IB subject groups, Zurich International School students consistently outperform world averages. Particularly strong results in Language Acquisition and Mathematics reflect ZIS’s commitment to an elevated language programme and high expectations across academic disciplines.