Picking a school in Switzerland can seem like the most daunting aspect of moving with children. Online resources often miss what everyday life is actually like, and families have varied priorities. This guide centers on practical considerations and a straightforward decision method — particularly for families preparing to relocate to Zurich.
First Step: Clarify what “good” looks like for your family
Before comparing options, identify your non-negotiables. Many choices go wrong when families weigh everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how long you spend driving each day is more impactful than it seems.
- Curriculum: British, American, IB, or local programs.
- Language environment: the language your child is immersed in throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and student well-being services.
- Culture fit: school structure, discipline, and communication approach.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical approach that suits expatriate families well:
A straightforward method
- Shortlist by location first. In Zurich, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily ordeal.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about what the classroom is actually like. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Schedule one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust what you observe more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a single-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It prevents the “everything feels the same” issue.
Important questions to ask schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you integrate students who join mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you assist children who are anxious or adapting to a new country?
- What is your policy on language support (ESL) if required?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hot months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School decisions are never just tuition. Factor in the full routine cost:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
Key Takeaway
The ideal school typically aligns with your family’s actual day-to-day life: its location, the support available, and the everyday ease for your child — rather than the school with the most eye-catching advertising.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Zurich (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or give us a call at +41 44 123 45 67.