Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
Number of students |
1220 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
Over 70 |
Most common nationality |
Currently 20% of ZIS students come from the USA, 14% from the UK, and 14% from Switzerland. The remainder come from countries around the world. |
Ratio of local students to international students |
14% of local students to 86% of international students |
Max. number of students per class |
20 in the Lower School, 18 in the Middle and Upper School |
Average number of students per class |
20 students in the Lower School, 18 students in the Middle School and 16 students in the Upper School |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
In the Early Childhood and the lower grades of the Lower School we employ assistants. |
Native English and German speaking teachers |
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. |
Language support for students not fluent in English and German |
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. |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
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. |
Use of technology in the classroom |
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. |
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) |
We have a Continuous Learning Program through which online learning can happen. |
Uniform required |
Students do not have a school uniform but are required to dress appropriately for school. Students do have a PE uniform. |
Waiting list |
In certain grades there are waiting lists. |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
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. |
Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
95% |
External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma
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Results in these examinations |
Please check our website for the latest results |
School bus service available |
Yes |
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
ZIS provides support for students with moderate learning and / or emotional/social difficulties through Learning Support Team. |
Learning support offered |
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
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The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
The Learning Support Team works with gifted, able and talented students. |
Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
School start time |
8:30 am or 8:50 am |
School finish time |
Between 3:30 pm and 3:50 pm. |
Supervised care before/after school |
ZIS offers an After School Care Program for children at the Early Childhood Center and Lower School.
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Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
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. |
School provided lunches |
Yes. Hot meals and sandwiches are available for purchase on each campus. |
Sports activities included |
Cross country running, soccer, volleyball, tennis, swimming, track and field, softball |
Sports facilities at the school |
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. Kilchberg Campus: play area, purpose built sports area for team sports, tennis/volleyball and basketball courts. Adliswil campus: rugby/soccer field, all weather tennis/basketball court, triple gym, climbing wall, weights training center. |
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
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. |
Other facilities at the school |
There is a well-stocked Library and Multi-Purpose room/theatre at each campus. |
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
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 it will launch a bilingual program that follows the Swiss curriculum. ZIS is committed to excellence in education and the personal growth of every student. Our students learn in a multicultural community where each person is respected regardless of nationality, race, or religion. Students discover the world, its people, and its cultures through direct experience. Through play, study, and the relationships they form, students at ZIS learn to appreciate their own strengths and to respect differences rather than fear them. Combined with academic rigor, this experience extends outside the classroom and equips students for success and global citizenship beyond school. |
Teaching approach of the 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.
- active, not passive, learners who are critical and compassionate thinkers.
Therefore: - ZIS curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all ZIS learners.
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