Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Winterthur
Summary: If you''re moving to Winterthur with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you''ll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Winterthur
Winterthur, is a city known for its rich cultural tapestry and high quality of life. While it may not be as large as Zurich, it offers a number of educational options for expat and digital nomad families. There are a handful of international and bilingual schools in and around Winterthur, ensuring that expat children can continue their education in a familiar language and curriculum. Among the most popular are the Zurich International School and the International School Winterthur, both of which are known for their comprehensive programs and diverse student bodies.
Zurich International School (ZIS)
Grades: Age 3 through Grade 12
Location(s): Several campuses in the Zurich area
Website: www.zis.ch
Zurich International School is a leading non-profit day school offering a comprehensive educational program for students from Early Childhood to Grade 12. With a curriculum based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, ZIS focuses on developing students' intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a diverse community with over 55 nationalities represented.
International School Winterthur (ISW)
Grades: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Winterthur
Website: www.iswinterthur.ch
International School Winterthur is dedicated to providing a high-quality international education to students from the local and expatriate communities. The school offers the IB Primary Years Programme and is a candidate school for the Middle Years Programme, ensuring a seamless transition for students who have been in IB schools previously. ISW prides itself on its small class sizes, individual attention to students, and a wide array of extracurricular activities, including arts, sports, and clubs.
Inter-Community School Zurich (ICS)
Grades: Age 3 through Grade 12
Location(s): Zumikon, Zurich
Website: www.icsz.ch
The Inter-Community School Zurich is an accredited international school that offers the full IB continuum of programmes. ICS provides a personalized education in an inclusive and supportive environment. With modern facilities, including a new Design Technology Lab and a Performing Arts Centre, ICS is committed to fostering creativity and innovation. The school's diverse community includes students from over 50 countries, creating a rich multicultural learning environment.
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz
Grades: Grades 7 through 12
Location(s): Zuoz, near St. Moritz
Website: www.lyceum-alpinum.ch
Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is an international boarding school located in the beautiful Swiss Alps. While it is a bit further from Winterthur, it is an excellent option for families considering a boarding experience. The school offers both the IB Diploma Programme and the Swiss Matura, catering to a diverse student body. With a focus on holistic education, students at Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz benefit from a wide range of sports, arts, and cultural activities in addition to their academic studies.
Swiss International School (SIS)
Grades: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12
Location(s): Multiple campuses in the Zurich area
Website: www.swissinternationalschool.ch
The Swiss International School operates several campuses in the Zurich area, offering bilingual education in English and German. SIS provides an international curriculum alongside the Swiss curriculum, allowing students to benefit from a global perspective while maintaining local relevance. The school emphasizes language development, cultural awareness, and the promotion of values such as respect and social responsibility.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information: