Selecting a school in Switzerland can seem like the most anxiety-inducing part of moving with children. Online resources rarely describe everyday life accurately, and each family has its own priorities. This guide emphasizes practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families planning a move to Zurich.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, identify your non-negotiables. Most decision mistakes occur because families compare everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: daily driving time matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local programs.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A pragmatic method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Zurich, traffic can turn a solid school into a daily challenge.
- Check availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, and how communication works.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Visit once (or take a virtual tour) per finalist. Rely more on your observations than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions Worth Asking About Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you manage new students 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 support children who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you handle heat and indoor/outdoor time in hotter 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 day-to-day 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.
In Summary
The ideal school is typically the one that matches your family’s actual schedule: where it is, the support you receive, and everyday comfort for your child — not the school with the most flashy advertising.
If you’d like assistance clarifying priorities for Zurich (commute, routines, questions to ask), get in touch — or call +41 44 123 45 67.