When families in Switzerland think about private schooling, one of their biggest decisions is whether to choose an English-language international school or a bilingual programme. At Four Forest Bilingual International School, we combine Swiss Curriculum 21 (Lehrplan 21) with immersive bilingual learning in German and English. The result is a pathway grounded in local standards and open to global opportunity.

“Parents tell us they want their children to feel at home in Switzerland yet still be ready for opportunities abroad,” says Kim Friedrich, Head of Admissions at Four Forest. “That balance is exactly what our bilingual model delivers.”

In many English-language international schools, German is taught for just a few hours each week. At Four Forest, bilingualism is the foundation of the timetable.

In Preschool and 1st Kindergarten, teaching alternates between English and Swiss German days. From 2nd Kindergarten through Grade 6, students spend one full week being taught in High German, followed by a full week learning in English – each week led by a native-speaking teacher or teacher fluent in that language (Truly Bilingual Learning – Four Forest).

This alternating rhythm ensures that children aren’t just having German lessons — they are immersed in the language as they learn Maths, Science, or Art. Families sometimes ask whether switching each week might confuse their child. In practice, the routine quickly becomes second nature, and pupils gain the confidence to move naturally between both languages.

Rooted in Switzerland, Open to the World

As a Swiss-registered school, Four Forest integrates Swiss traditions and community life into the calendar. Children look forward to Fasnacht, welcome Samichlaus & Schmutzli each December, and learn practical life skills from the local police — whether it’s crossing the road safely in Preschool or cycling confidently in Grade 3.

With around 45 % of our families having Swiss or German roots, these celebrations feel authentic and widely shared. At the same time, our international families contribute their own festivals, so pupils might experience both Fasnacht and Diwali in the same year. This balance helps children feel part of Swiss society while appreciating the richness of global cultures.

Small Classes, Creative Teaching

Our average class size of 15 students is intentional: it gives teachers the ability to notice, for example, when a child has understood a Maths concept in English but struggles to explain it in German — and to provide targeted support right away.

Lessons follow Swiss Curriculum 21 in all subjects, with English taught in line with the British National Curriculum (Academic Approach). Teachers are encouraged to make learning engaging and memorable. A Maths problem might be solved outdoors in chalk on the playground; vocabulary might be practised by writing directly on desks with washable markers. These methods connect concepts with hands-on experience, helping children internalise what they learn.

To support families, Four Forest offers wrap-around care — before-school, lunch, and after-school — as well as a Homework Club from Grade 1 onwards, providing direct access to teachers for extra guidance.

Flexible Pathways for Future Choices

Four Forest graduates leave with options. Some continue into Swiss Gymnasiums or Secondary Schools, fully prepared thanks to their grounding in Curriculum 21. Others transition into international schools in Switzerland or abroad — often with a strong advantage in German.

“Because our students are already comfortable navigating two languages and two educational frameworks, their move into different systems is often smoother,” explains Kim. “They carry with them strong foundations in both German and English.”

Assessment That Supports Growth

From Grade 1 onwards, students take part in regular classroom assessments. These checkpoints are designed to guide teaching and ensure steady progress — not to add pressure. Parents receive regular updates, helping them support learning at home. When children need extra help, Homework Club sessions provide direct access to teachers who can reinforce tricky concepts or answer questions. This steady rhythm of assessment and support helps ensure every child can thrive.

Values in Action: Community, Curiosity, Integrity

The values of Community, Curiosity, and Integrity are part of everyday life at Four Forest. Weekly assemblies bring the school together to celebrate achievements and strengthen bonds.

The Young Interpreters Programme is one example of values in action. Older students take on the role of guiding newcomers who arrive with little or no German or English. This builds confidence for the new arrivals and develops empathy and leadership in the interpreters themselves.

Who Chooses Four Forest?

Families who join Four Forest come from many backgrounds, but they share a desire for high-quality education in a warm, close-knit environment.

“Parents consistently tell us they appreciate the close-knit environment and the partnership between families and teachers,” says Kim. “That sense of trust is one of the things that makes Four Forest special.”