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Welcome to Zurich International School

Where Belonging Shapes Learning

Get to know us at our upcoming Open Houses.

Elsa Hernandez-Donohue

Elsa Hernández-Donohue
Director

Shared Hopes, Shared Purpose

As a parent, I understand the quiet hope we all carry—that our children will grow into kind, grounded people who chase their questions and live with purpose. At ZIS, we hold those hopes with you.

Inspiring Every Learner

Every day, we nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning—so students grow into changemakers in their families, their communities, and the world.

An International Community

ZIS welcomes students from more than 60 nationalities. We are deeply rooted in Switzerland, proudly international, and committed to ensuring every student knows who they are, what they care about, and what they can achieve.

More Than Academics

Learning at ZIS includes character, wellbeing, and the confidence to navigate a complex world. We challenge students to grow, support them to thrive, and invite them to fail forward—because learning is a lifelong pursuit, not a checklist.

Prepared for a Changing World

We don’t just prepare students for what’s next—we prepare them for a future we can’t fully imagine. One that demands empathy, adaptability, and bold thinking.

A School That Reinvests in Students

As a not-for-profit school, every resource goes back into what matters most: student learning and wellbeing. We believe education works best in partnership—with families, with community, and with purpose.

Experience ZIS

Visit us. Feel the spirit. Meet the young people who are becoming thoughtful, purposeful leaders—and the educators who believe deeply in what school can be.

Warmly,

Elsa Hernández-Donohue

A Community that feels like home

Families describe ZIS as welcoming, supportive and inclusive — a place where relationships flourish and students feel seen, known and loved.

"The community is welcoming and friendly, staff are well trained and committed, and the quality, purpose-built facilities support a healthy learning environment."
- The Good Schools Guide

Read the full review

Read article from NZZ am Sonntag

Our alumni are making an impact

Meeting Students Where They Are

Small, close-knit communities are important for learning success. Our three age groups on two campuses allow our 1,300+ students to have an intimate, personalized learning experience at each stage of their journey

Lower School boy sitting at a table in class with learning materials in he background, he is smiling

Lower School (ages 3-11)

A nurturing foundation for early learning, play-based exploration, international and bilingual pathways and inquiry-driven primary education.

Size: 400 students
Grades: Preschool to Grade 5

  • Personalized learning pathways at each stage of development with individual learning technology provided
  • Bilingual Pathway in English/German from ages 3-11, expanding to Grade 9.
  • Distinctive co-curricular activities and clubs after school
  • Purpose-built facility with age appropriate playgrounds
  • School bus service and access to public transport

Learn More

ZIS Middle School student showing teacher their work in science

Middle School (ages 11-14)

Supportive, relationship-focused learning designed for early adolescence, encouraging curiosity, independence and academic growth.

Size: 340 students
Grades: 6 to 8

  • Inquiry-based curriculum with the choice from a wide variety of classes
  • Individual learning technology provided
  • Distinctive co-curricular activities and after school clubs
  • Brand new facility opened in August 2022 including a media center, Design Lab, and theater, music and performance areas
  • Access to public transport
     

Learn More

ZIS Upper School student and teacher

Upper School (ages 14-18)

A rigorous international programme culminating in pathways such as the IB Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement, preparing students for universities worldwide.

Size: 540 students
Grades: 9 to 12

Learn More

Discover Zurich International School

Visit our Zurich international school campuses and discover why ZIS is the preferred choice for bilingual primary and secondary education in Switzerland.

Inquire about our international school in Zurich

ZIS female student talking with a male student over a book

Inquire about joining our international school in Zurich. Our Admissions Team will guide you through programmes, campuses and next steps..

Explore Our Zurich Campuses - Virtual Tour for Families

Two ZIS Lower School student in the playground

Experience the ZIS learning environment from anywhere. Take a virtual tour of our campuses and discover what makes our international school unique.

Joining Zurich International School

Three ZIS students studying together with books and computers

Begin your ZIS journey today. Learn about our bilingual and international pathways and how we support families relocating to Zurich.