The Zurich school landscape
The flagship international schools are Zurich International School (ZIS), founded in 1963, and Inter-Community School (ICS Zurich). SIS Swiss International School operates several bilingual campuses. The British Lower School in Zurich serves UK-curriculum primary families. Many expat families also choose Switzerland's high-quality public schools (free) and supplement with weekend mother-tongue language classes.
Switzerland's public schools are free, multilingual and highly regarded. The trade-off is German-language instruction (Swiss German varies by canton) and the early "Sek" tracking at age 12-13. Many expat families switch to international schools at this point if they plan to leave Switzerland.
Switzerland public school vs international school?
The free Swiss public system is excellent but tracks early in German. Our guide compares public, bilingual SIS and full international options.
Most popular neighbourhoods for families
Zollikon, Küsnacht and Erlenbach on the Goldküste (Gold Coast) are the heart of expat family life with ZIS Lower and Upper School nearby. Wädenswil and Horgen on the lake's left shore appeal to families seeking village living. Zumikon hosts ZIS Upper. Zurich City (8001-8008) appeals to families wanting urban living near ICS Zurich. For a premium Gold Coast lakeside base, read our guide to living in Zollikon with international schools. For a lakeside left shore quarter close to the city, read our guide to living in Enge with international schools. For a green, elevated hillside district on the city's eastern edge, read our guide to living in Witikon with international schools. For a Gold Coast lakeside village, read our guide to living in Kusnacht with international schools. For an upscale lakeside district just east of the centre, read our guide to living in Seefeld with international schools. For a green hillside in District 7 near the Inter-Community School, read our guide to living in Zürichberg with international schools. For a lakeside town on the left shore with a bilingual day school, read our guide to living in Horgen with international schools.
