Barry Dequanne
School Director
We are an independent, non-profit school serving the international community of Central Switzerland. We provide a comprehensive education from Early Years to university preparation, from ages 3 to 18.
By offering an exceptional educational experience we build a connected, inclusive, inspiring environment for our students, parents, faculty and staff. ISZL is a vibrant, multicultural and caring community that fosters a deep sense of wellbeing.
As an International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School, ISZL is authorised by the IB Organisation to offer the Primary Years, Middle Years, and IB Diploma programmes. In addition, students in Grades 11 and 12 have the option of taking Advanced Placement® (AP) courses and exams which are audited by the College Board.
The school has been accredited by the prestigious and highly respected Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
The ISZL school in Switzerland is supervised by the educational authority of the Canton of Zug, a member of the Swiss Group of International Schools and the Educational Collaborative for International Schools.
| Number of students |
1225 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
65 |
| Most common nationality |
British |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
1% of students are Swiss |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
English as an Additional Language (EAL) |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Students have access to German classes, with French, Spanish or First Language (home, heritage or culturally significant) options. |
| Max. number of students per class |
Early years - max 14 students per class
|
| Average number of students per class |
The average class size throughout the school is 17 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes, from Early Years to Grade 1. Specialist teachers are also employed. |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Zug Campus: iPads available for student use, Smartboards in every classroom, 3D printers Riverside Campus: Bring Your Own Device Programme, Smartboards in every classroom, 3D printers, dedicated technology laboratories |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes. Our Continuity of Learning Plan is put into effect if teaching and learning need to continue at home due to closure of the school campuses. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No. We are a non-denominational school. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), BTEC in Creative Media Production. |
| Results in these examinations |
AP average: 4
IB average: 38
|
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
For Primary School student, there is only a recommendation for home learning. Homework is assigned in a structured way from Grade 6 and up. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Our Student Support Services Team is able to offer support to students with diagnosed mild to moderate learning needs. |
| Learning support offered |
All ISZL campuses provide support for students with recognised mild to moderate learning support needs. The school provides in-class or small-group instruction for students with identified learning needs. The amount and type of support are outlined in the Student Support Plan. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
ISZL supports students of different abilities and educational background through a programme of differentiated teaching and learning methods delivered by our expert teachers. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Our Student Support Services Team have connections to local educational psychologists and they can connect families when needed. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
ISZL does not require students to take a formal entrance exam. However, students applying to Grade 8 and above (and Grade 7 for January-June admission) and whose first language is not English are required to take an English assessment. |
| Waiting list |
We accept applications throughout the year. By the summer, many of our grade levels become full and we open waiting lists. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
There is no deadline, as ISZL has a rolling admissions policy. ISZL strongly suggests, however, that applications be completed by February of the year of entry in order to avoid waiting lists. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
Primary and Middle School Students: 8:50
|
| School finish time |
Primary and Middle School Students: 15:30
|
| Supervised care before/after school |
We offer an additional paid extended school day from Early Years 1 to Grade 8.
|
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
We offer daily specials, which always include a vegetarian option. All meals are made without any artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup, MSG, nitrates or nitrites. |
| Uniform required |
No |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Our after-school Activities and Clubs Programme is designed to enhance student learning and personal development. We offer our grade 1-12 students a broad and diverse range of opportunities. We offer four categories of activities to cover a range of over 30 different clubs each for primary, middle and high school students: Visual & Performing Arts - for example: Drama, sewing, guitar band, manga art, photography, theatre production, wind or jazz band, movers & shakers etc.
|
| Sports activities included |
Students up until Grade 10 have PE lessons as part of the curriculum. Swimming is in the curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 5. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
ISZL plays the following competitive tournaments: EISSR - European International Schools Ski Race
|
| Facilities at the school |
Early Years - Forest learning, library, state-of-the-art theatre
|
| Sports facilities at the school |
Zug Campus: fully equipped outdoor playgrounds, all-weather sports field and two indoor sports halls, climbing wall. Riverside Campus: Triple gyms, fitness centre, dance studio, climbing wall, football field, basketball courts and access to nearby local swimming pools, golf course, tennis courts and athletics tracks. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
ISZL is an award-winning co-educational day school in Central Switzerland.
|
| Teaching approach of the school |
Founded in 1961 in Switzerland, ISZL offers a comprehensive, rigorous academic programme that connects students to the world around them. We help students turn their learning into action, creating the opportunity to stretch themselves further and achieve more than they believe possible. Our vibrant, multicultural and caring community fosters a deep sense of well-being. |
ISZL is a fully accredited, International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School providing education for students aged 3 to 18.
We offer three IB programmes: Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme. Our curriculum gives students a coherence of programmes and a sustainable learning experience whether they continue their studies at ISZL or elsewhere. We also provide Advanced Placement®, BTEC and ISZL courses to ensure all students have the opportunity to create a programme that best supports their learning.
Deep and personalised learning is at the heart of an education at the International School of Zug and Luzern. Our students learn to think critically, collaborate with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds and use creativity to solve unique challenges as they discover their passion and purpose in school.
Students at ISZL are offered many exciting and diverse extended learning opportunities beyond the core academic programme.
We offer our grade 1-12 students a broad and diverse range of opportunities to:
•Learn new skills or enhance existing skills and interests
•Work with students from other classes and grades to make new friends
•Learn about the importance of commitment and become more resilient
•Develop creativity, independence, communication, and leadership skills through a variety of visual and performing arts, academic enrichment and service learning activities
•Develop empathy and advocate for others through service learning projects
•Work with peers and teachers to create an environmentally friendly school
•Develop an understanding and appreciation of living a balanced, healthy lifestyle
•Step out of their comfort zone and pursue a passion
Located in an idyllic rural setting on the outskirts of Baar, this campus hosts Early Years, the Primary School and the Middle School. The main building, Wettinger House, was constructed in the 17th century and is surrounded by modern buildings. There are 800 students on this campus ages 3 - 14.
The campus grounds also include fully equipped outdoor playgrounds, an all-weather sports field and two indoor sports halls.
The Zug Campus is a short distance (17km) from the Riverside Campus in Hünenberg.
Check out the facilities in this interactive virtual tour.
Located in Hünenberg this campus hosts the ISZL High School.
This modern campus comprises the main building with over 20 classrooms, state-of-the-art science labs, library, art atelier and music rooms, the triple gym, and additional learning and office space in the neighbouring Seeblick and Alpenblick buildings.
There are 400 students aged 14 to 18.
Check out the facilities in this interactive virtual tour.
Thank you for your interest in our school. We would be delighted to connect with you and learn more about your child and the school environment you are looking for. To arrange a meeting with a member of the team, please fill out the request form below.
We’re looking forward to answering all of your questions and welcoming your family to our school.
