Choosing a school in Switzerland can feel like the most stressful part of moving with children. Websites seldom reveal what everyday life is truly like, and each family has different priorities. This guide centers on practical considerations and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families planning a move to Zurich.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, set your non-negotiables. Many decision errors occur when families compare too much at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: daily driving time matters more than you may realize.
- Curriculum: British, American, IB, or local options.
- Language environment: what your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Select Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Zurich, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily hassle.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Make a one-page checklist and score each school after a visit. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you handle heat/indoor/outdoor time in hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Unloved Side)
Choosing a school isn’t only about tuition. Include the complete daily cost:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school typically matches your family’s genuine rhythm: where it is, the level of support, and everyday ease for your child — not the one that boasts the most eye-catching marketing.
If you’d like assistance weighing priorities for Zurich (commute, routines, what questions to pose), get in touch — or call +41 44 555 0123.