There are over 240 faculty working at ZIS, more than half of whom have a Master‘s or Doctorate degree. Most faculty have taught at other international schools around the world and spend an average of six years at ZIS. Like the school's student population, faculty and staff come from many different countries.

English as a Additional Language Program is designed to provide academic and social support for non-native speakers of English. The program's primary purpose is to ensure that students become proficient in English and achieve academic success.

German, French, Spanish. In addition there are mother-tongue language classes offered as part of After School Program. At present in this growing program at ZIS, the language offerings are: Dutch, French, Spanish and Swedish.

20 in the Lower School, 18 in the Middle and Upper School

20 students in the Lower School, 18 students in the Middle School and 16 students in the Upper School

In the Early Childhood and the lower grades of the Lower School we employ assistants.

Students and faculty have access to a technology-rich learning environment at all campuses. Responsible use is a focus as students employ technology and faculty promote the development of digital citizenship across the curriculum.

- Students in Early Childhood Center and Lower Schools participate in the iPads & Learning Initiative.

- Each student in Grades 1 to 5 has access to his or her own iPad for use in the classroom, authentically integrating technology and research skills into the curriculum to complement the units of inquiry.

- Students in Grades 6 to 12 participate in a one to one tablet PC program that enables students to develop critical skills while seamlessly integrating information technology into the curriculum.

- A comprehensive e-learning platform complements classroom instruction providing learning opportunities anytime and anywhere.

We have a Continuous Learning Program through which online learning can happen.

IB Diploma
AP exams
SAT

Please check our website for the latest results

98%

ZIS provides support for students with moderate learning and / or emotional/social difficulties through Learning Support Team.

Learning Support Team has professionals with expertise in a range of aspects of learning including learning disabilities/dyslexia, developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, language acquisition and literacy, speech language/communication problems, sensory integration, motor and physical disorders, and exceptionality in the area of mathematics.

All learning support faculty are specialized and work closely with classroom teachers. The school's faculty members are becoming skilled in differentiation and are open to co-teaching approaches. A full spectrum of learning support is provided:

Small group and 1:1 instruction
Mainstream support
Differentiated assessments
Individualized Education Plans
Academic Assistance Programs
Enrichment programs
Tutorial Support
Speech & Language Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Individualized Learning Program

The Learning Support Team works with gifted, able and talented students.

Yes

In certain grades there are waiting lists.

Students are accepted to ZIS on a space available basis throughout the present school year. ZIS cannot accept applications two years in advance of the expected date of entry.

Yes

08:30 or 08:35

Between 15:30 and 15:50

ZIS offers a Before and After School Care Program for children at the Early Childhood Center and Lower School.
Before-school care is from 07:00 and after-school care operates between the hours of 15:30 and 18:00. With the exception of Wednesdays operates from 14:20 to 18:00.

Yes

Yes. Hot meals and sandwiches are available for purchase on each campus.

Students do not have a school uniform but are required to dress appropriately for school. Students do have a PE uniform.

ZIS offers after school activities throughout the school year. A wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs are available to suit each student's interests. Students can participate in a wide variety of sports, music and art offerings, improve their fluency in a foreign language or join different charity groups. Every division offers age appropriate clubs, sports and after school activities.

Cross country running, soccer, volleyball, tennis, swimming, track and field, softball

We have a variety of competitive sports teams from the Lower School up to the Upper School who complete locally and internationally against other international schools. Competitive sports include: Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Swimming, Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Gymnastics, Track and Field, Cross Country running, Rugby, Softball. Recreational sporting activities are also available for those students who do not wish to compete competitively.

There is a well-stocked Library and Multi-Purpose room/theatre, as well as a Design Lab at each campus as well as dedicated music and art rooms .
The Secondary Campus also has dedicated Science Labs.

Wadenswil Campus: All weather pitch, hard court area with climbing wall, large outdoor play areas with variety of play apparatus, gym, multi sport hall, ballet and dance studio.
Secondary Campus: rugby/soccer field, all weather tennis/basketball court, triple gym, climbing wall, weights training center.

Zurich International School is a leading, non-profit day school offering a comprehensive education program for students aged 3 to 18 in the greater Zurich area.

ZIS is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Organisation World School and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on International Education. ZIS is also officially approved by the Department of Education of the Canton of Zurich. In August 2021 a bilingual program that follows the Swiss curriculum was launched in the Lower School.

The ZIS Mission and Philosophy underpins our curriculum and its design, review, development and delivery. Learn, Care, Challenge, Lead – these give ZIS the parameters to question what it teaches and how it teaches in a complex and ever-changing global environment.
ZIS wants its students to be:

- active, not passive, learners who are critical and compassionate thinkers.
- inspired and challenged to develop a love of learning, and have this stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Therefore:

- ZIS curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all ZIS learners.
- it is relevant, challenging and engaging, allowing students to fully develop their potential in terms of the skills, attitudes, values and knowledge required to meet their current and future needs.
- inquiry, problem solving, opportunity for creativity and team-working are key features.
- learning opportunities are not restricted to the classroom.
- information technology is fully integrated and utilized across all divisions.